Home Blog Page 135

Kidnapped Army Officer, Civilian Rescued After 20 Days In Captivity

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Kidnapped Army Officer Rescuded

By Ayodele Oni

 

A joint operation by security agents has led to the rescue of abducted senior military officer, Lt.-Col. Ofor Amobi, from his abductors in Enugu State.

 

Men of the Nigerian Army led the rescue team of the military officer alongside a civilian, Mr Ikechukwu Onwuanra, in the early hours of Friday.

 

They were freed after a 10-day joint search-and-rescue operation.

 

This was revealed in a military operational report obtained in Abuja on Saturday.

 

The military said the victims were rescued in the early hours of Friday, following sustained pressure on their abductors.

 

The military said troops of Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, comprising personnel of the 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion (Reinforced), the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and the 197 Special Forces Battalion, carried out the operation.

 

According to the report, the Commander of the 82 Division Garrison led the troops and conducted intensive searches across Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests and communities in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

 

Troops, it was learnt, received intelligence from the Divisional Police Officer of Inyi Division at about 2:00 a.m. on Friday on the whereabouts of the victims.

CRPP: Edo Gov Okphebolor’s Visit To UK Mere Jamboree

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Governor Monday Okpebholo
Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has observed that the ongoing trip by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to the United Kingdom (UK) raises serious questions about the administration’s spending priorities.

 

The coalition described the trip as a mere jamboree, noting that it will not bring any tangible results to the people of the state.

 

Edo State Governor and some of his commissioners and aides are currently on a visit to the UK over what the state said is to interact with the Edos in the Diaspora

 

But in a statement by the national chairman of CRPP, Dr. Samson Isibor and the national secretary, Hon. Nkama Waribe, the body alleged that the delegation is largely composed of people who have no tangible contributions to the trip.

 

Isibor and Waribe challenged the state government to publicly disclose the total cost of the trip, the identities and official capacities of all members of the delegation, the source of funding, the specific investment opportunities being pursued and the expected timelines for delivering any agreement or commitment arising from the visit.

 

The chairman and the scribe maintained that Edo people deserved to know the objectives of the mission, the anticipated outcomes and the measurable benefits expected to accrue to the state from the investment event the governor attended yesterday.

 

The statement added: “Foreign investment missions should not become ceremonial exercises financed with public funds but should be driven by clearly defined economic goals, transparent deliverables and verifiable outcomes capable of improving the lives of the people.

 

“The composition of the delegation reflected poor planning. Individuals with no apparent relevance to the investment mission were included, while some commissioners overseeing ministries central to the state’s economic and investment agenda were initially left behind.”

 

CRPP recalled what it described as Governor Okpebholo’s investment mission to Glasgow, Scotland last year, alleging that the trip ended in controversy after a widely publicized $250 million investment proposal failed to translate into tangible results for the state.

 

It noted that the experience underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in government-sponsored foreign engagements.

 

CRPP stated that Edo people deserve governance anchored on fiscal responsibility, transparency and measurable development outcomes rather than public expenditure that, in their views, lacked immediate value to the citizens.

 

It urged the governor to demonstrate that the visit will produce concrete investments, jobs and economic opportunities capable of justifying the expenditure of public funds

 

It maintained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent admonition to state governors on prudent management of public funds should serve as a timely reminder to governments enjoying increased federal allocations and improved internally generated revenue to prioritize the welfare of the people.

 

The group further noted that President Tinubu’s call on state governments to be cautious on the indiscriminate building of flyovers has vindicated CRPP’s stand, adding that the advice is particularly relevant to the Edo State Government at a time when thousands of residents are grappling with economic hardship, unemployment, poor infrastructure and declining purchasing power.

 

CRPP added: “The president has spoken. He has vindicated us for objecting to the indiscriminate rush by state governments to build flyovers.”

 

However, reacting to the criticisms, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua defended the trip, stating that over 90 percent of the personnel on the trip was self-sponsored and that the London Professional Training Centre organized the engagement to brief the diaspora on state developments.

 

He said the visit served as a sensitization and interactive forum with Edo indigenes in the Diaspora regarding progress back home

 

According to the Commissioner: “More than 90% of those who travelled sponsored themselves to the UK.

 

“Maybe those who are saying the trip to cost N2bn saw it in their dreams. They should know that Governor Monday Okpebholo does not waste money on things like this.

 

“He told people that those who wanted to go should go but they should not rely on government funding.

 

“The visit is to interact with the Edos in the Diaspora, to bring them up to speed with what is happening back home. The whole idea is for sensitisation.

 

“Do not forget national election is coming and lots of those in diaspora do make remittances back home. If they know that the government is working, they will be able to tell their relations back home to support the APC,” Afegbua explained

2027 Elections: “Tinubu Wants To Stay In Power By All Means, Will Of People Will Not Count” – Cardinal Onaiyekan

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Cardinal John Onaiyekan
Cardinal John Onaiyekan

By Ayodele Oni

 

President Bola Tinubu has been accused of deploying every available means at his disposal to ensure his victory in 2027  general election.

 

According to the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Tinubu is not ready for free or fair election, culminating in his desperation to remain in power.

 

Speaking on an Arise News interview the Cardinal stated that the Government possesses extensive means, and is actively deploying them in ways that would render the will of the people irrelevant, even under conditions of a free and fair poll.

 

The remarks come few days after a Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria delegation, including Onaiyekan, met Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

 

The Bishops expressed deep concern over  widespread insecurity, poverty, and what they described as shrinking political space with a clear risk of the nation drifting toward a one-party system.

 

They insisted on the need for free, fair and credible elections in 2027. Tinubu responded by declaring that he will not make it easy for the opposition to unseat him in the 2027 general election, describing the coming political contest as a wrestle to the end.

 

The Religious Leader warned that Tinubu is determined to secure victory in the 2027 elections through every available resource.

 

Onaiyekan further noted that those surrounding the President often present an overly positive picture of national conditions that do not match the reality of ordinary citizens.

 

The Cardinal’s intervention adds significant weight to growing calls for genuine democratic safeguards ahead of the next general elections.

2027: Christian Elders Back Southern Presidency

By
James Orji
-
0
President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

The National Christian Elders Forum, NCEF has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to abandon his plans to seek re-election in 2027, urging him instead to devote the remainder of his tenure to restructuring Nigeria and laying the foundation for a new constitutional order.
In a communiqué issued after its July 2026 meeting, and signed by Samuel Danjuma Gani the Forum said the Tinubu administration has failed to meet Nigerians’ expectations in critical areas, particularly security, economic management and public welfare. 


The Christian elders argued that the administration has not fulfilled its constitutional responsibility under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which identifies the security and welfare of citizens as the primary purpose of government.
According to the Forum, the country’s current trajectory has generated growing anxiety rather than confidence, making it imperative for the President to reconsider his political future.
Rather than pursuing a second term, the group urged Tinubu to focus on reforms that would strengthen national unity, restructure the federation and facilitate the emergence of a new constitution capable of addressing Nigeria’s long-standing governance challenges.
The NCEF also renewed its opposition to the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing it as insensitive to Nigeria’s religious diversity and the prevailing security situation. It maintained that the decision has continued to fuel concerns about inclusiveness and national cohesion, particularly among Christian communities affected by violence and insecurity.
Beyond the presidency, the Forum called on ethnic nationalities, socio-cultural organisations and civil society groups to intensify efforts toward the adoption of a new constitution before the 2027 general elections.
The elders further urged the judiciary to remain impartial in resolving electoral disputes and cautioned against actions that could undermine public confidence in the democratic process. They also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to uphold its independence by conducting elections that are free, fair and credible.
While noting that the principle of North-South power rotation is not expressly provided for in the Constitution, the Forum argued that it has helped promote equity, inclusion and political stability. It therefore appealed to Nigerians to support the continuation of power in the South in 2027 to complete what it described as the region’s remaining four-year tenure.

Obasanjo Laments: Atiku Was My Biggest Mistake

By
James Orji
-
0
Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered one of his strongest public criticisms of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing his decision to choose him as running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the greatest mistake of his presidency.
Obasanjo made the remark on Friday during a fireside conversation with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at the public presentation of Charly Boy’s foundation and memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, in Lagos.
Reflecting on his years in office, the former president said that while every leader makes mistakes, selecting Atiku as his deputy remains the one decision he most regrets.
According to Obasanjo, the knowledge he later acquired about Atiku would have completely changed his choice.
“The man I picked as my running mate, my number two. If I had known him as I came to know him later, I would not have picked him,” he said.
When Charly Boy asked if he was referring to Atiku, Obasanjo responded without hesitation: “My vice president. I don’t know what name you want to give him, but my vice president, I mean that.”
Despite the scathing assessment, Obasanjo insisted he harbours no personal bitterness toward his former deputy, saying both men acted according to their convictions and that God ensured his administration remained focused on Nigeria’s development.
“There’s no bitterness because he did what he believed he should do, and God did what God had to do, which enabled me to achieve what I was able to achieve,” he added.

2027: Northern Group Accuses Tinubu of Dismantling Buhari’s Political Structure

By
James Orji
-
0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

A political support group backing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar 2027 presidential bid, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of systematically dismantling the political structure established during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that the move has alienated key Northern political stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Friday  by Bashir Kwama, under the banner of the “Atiku Is For The People” movement, the group claimed that since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has steadily replaced associates of Buhari with individuals considered to be his loyalists.
According to the group, several prominent members of the former administration have either exited government, failed to secure appointments in the current administration, or become subjects of investigations and legal proceedings. It cited former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Information Minister Lai Mohammed, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Labour Minister Chris Ngige, former Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari and former Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva among those it described as key figures no longer at the centre of government.
The group argued that the developments represent a deliberate shift away from the political coalition that brought the All Progressives Congress (APC) to power in 2015 and sustained it through the 2019 elections.
It further alleged that many Northern political stakeholders now feel sidelined under the Tinubu administration, claiming that the government is increasingly driven by a new circle of political allies and technocrats.
The pro-Atiku movement also claimed that political consultations are gathering momentum across parts of Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with growing interest in supporting Atiku Abubakar, whom it described as offering solutions to the country’s security and economic challenges.
The statement concluded by asserting that while President Tinubu is entitled to reshape his administration, voters are equally entitled to express their verdict at the ballot box in 2027.

South East Votes Alone Cannot Make You President… Umahi Tells Obi

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Dave Umahi and Peter Obi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Just smarting from the deafening controversy arising from  the unfortunate death of Mary Habila, at his Uburu, Ohaozara Local Council of Ebonyi State country home, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, on Friday, insisted that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, should abandon his ambition, and rather queue behind President Bola Tinubu.

 

Umahi characteristically remained adamant that the former Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate may be on another wild goose chase as the South East region votes alone can not make him president.

 

On an inspection tour of the Ebonyi State section of the Cross River/Abuja Super Highway, the Minister emphasized that Obi, no matter what he thinks, needs the support of other regions to become the president of Nigeria.

 

This is as he urged South Easterners, including political leaders, to quickly subscribe to what he described as “strategic politics” which demands that the region aligns with others for the purpose of maximizing benefits.

 

According to him, the South East, as one and indivisible political bloc alone, cannot determine who occupies the presidency.

 

Umahi appealed to the region’s leaders, stakeholders and electorate not to waste their votes in 2027, but to strategically align with President Tinubu so as to sustain the tempo of the ongoing infrastructural development in South East.

 

“Our brother, Peter Obi, is contesting for the presidency of the entire country, not the presidency of the South East .

 

“The votes of the South East alone cannot produce a president. We must be strategic. We should not insult people because they hold contrary opinions” he admonished.

 

The Works Minister insisted that the South East should show appreciation for the unprecedented federal presence being enjoyed under the present Federal Government , noting that this is the first time, in many years, that the region is witnessing massive infrastructural facilities, including roads.

 

Umahi is of the firm belief that the president Tinubu-led administration has been more than fair to, and accommodating of, the South East region in terms of the siting of visible development projects.

 

He maintained that both completed and ongoing projects have served to stimulate meaningful economic activities and engender growth and development.

 

The Minister claimed that several thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities have been created in the region due to ongoing massive development projects .

 

Umahi who stoutly defended the Federal Government’s much criticized borrowing culture insisted that the funds are being used to drive infrastructural development that will serve future generations.

Gov Makinde Sets Up Panel To Investigate Orirre School Children Abduction

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Seyi Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the abduction of the Orirre School children as one of  the darkest moments in both the history of Oyo State and that of his almost eight-year old  administration.

 

This is as he insisted that his call for an independent and international inquest into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident was not borne out of the desire to undermine the operations of Nigeria security agencies ,but to establish some basic facts about the abduction.

 

Governor Makinde who spoke on Friday July 31, 2026, on the occasion of the formal inauguration of a probe panel into the school children kidnap said he is desirous of conclusively establishing the actual circumstances surrounding the abduction of the about 39 school  children and their seven  teachers.

 

The Source reports that the Governor’s call for the United Nations to launch an investigation into the kidnap saga which occurred on May 15 ,2026, had triggered mixed reactions with the All Progressive Congress APC-led Federal Government accusing him of undermining both the integrity of the Nigeria and its security agencies.

 

However, speaking at the inauguration of the panel of Inquiry which held at  the Executive Chamber of the Oyo Government House , Governor Makinde emphasized that the probe is primarily aimed at resolving some unanswered questions about the school children kidnap.

 

According to him, while the efforts of security agencies in securing the release of the victims are appreciated, the Governor insisted that their freedom and that of their teachers should not stop the efforts to establish conclusively what actually happened for the purpose of preventing a similar occurrence in the future.

 

“My call for an independent international examination of the incident was not intended to undermine the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies whose sacrifices we acknowledge and appreciate.

 

“The objective was to ensure that every lesson from this unfortunate incident is learnt ,and every question deserving an answer receives one”, Makinde stated.

 

He maintained that the attack represents a very dark moment in the history of the State, describing it as not only targeted at the affected communities, but also an assault on the children’s right to and quest for education in a conducive environment.

 

He expressed the confidence that the probe panel will get to the root of the abduction saga, noting that the move represents his administration’s unflinching commitment to uncovering the truth, identifying institutional or operational shortcomings, as well as making recommendations on how to adequately protect schools and communities across the state.

 

“Rescue brings relief ,but truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence.

 

:Justice is not only about punishing wrongdoing; it is about learning enough to ensure that the innocent are never again placed in harm’s way”, Makinde noted.

 

The Panel which has a retired Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Mojid Adekunle as Chairman, has four weeks to conclude and submit its findings.

 

The Governor, however, assured that the timeframe could be reviewed upward should the need arises .

FG Remains Committed To Payment Of Electricity Subsidy – Minister Of Power, Tegbe

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Joseph Tegbe
Joseph Tegbe

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe hss clarified that the Federal Government has not removed the subsidy on electricity in Nigeria, contrary to public speculation.

 

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos on Friday, Tegbe declared“I did not say the subsidy is gone. We are addressing the issue, and by next year we will begin implementing measures to resolve it.”

 

Tegbe explained that improving electricity generation alone will not resolve the nation’s power challenges, stressing that reforms must address the entire electricity value chain to deliver reliable supply.

 

He stated that electricity must be generated, transmitted, distributed, and paid for efficiently for Nigerians to enjoy stable and sustainable power supply.

 

The Minister revealed that the federal government’s “Resetting the Sector” initiative was designed to strengthen the electricity value chain, improve service delivery, restore investor confidence and make the market financially sustainable.

 

According to him, the reform programme will include a nationwide technical audit of the transmission network to identify ageing infrastructure, overloaded substations, weak transmission corridors and other operational bottlenecks.

 

He added that the ministry would work with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and state electricity regulators to harmonise electricity regulation, eliminate regulatory overlaps and provide greater certainty for investors.

 

Tegbe assured that government remained committed to improving power supply, accelerating metering, strengthening the national grid and maintaining current electricity tariffs.

 

“Our goal is simple: make electricity more available, make the grid more reliable, make the market financially sustainable and ensure power becomes a driver of economic growth rather than a constraint.”

 

The minister disclosed that procurement challenges that previously slowed meter deployment had largely been resolved, paving the way for faster installation of prepaid meters nationwide.

 

Tegbe added that Nigeria had consistently generated about 5,000 megawatts of electricity over the past two weeks due to improved coordination among market operators and increased availability of power plants.

 

According to him, the government is advancing the Power Sector Bond Initiative to clear legacy debts owed to generation companies, gas suppliers and other market participants, a move he described as critical to restoring liquidity and investor confidence.

 

Tegbe said strategic investments under the Grid Stabilisation Programme would target key transmission corridors in Lagos, Enugu-Port Harcourt and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, while the proposed Super Grid Programme would strengthen the national transmission backbone, improve grid resilience and support industrialisatiaon.

 

The minister also highlighted the increasing adoption of renewable energy, noting that many factories, offices and commercial facilities now generate more electricity than they consume through solar installations.

 

Tegbe, therefore, assured Nigerians that vulnerable consumers would continue to enjoy government support as reforms progressed, while solar energy would remain central to expanding electricity access in rural and underserved communities.

 

Tegbe further disclosed that the government had reconciled outstanding debts owed to power generation companies, reducing disputed claims from about N6 trillion to an agreed N3.3 trillion as of March 2025.

 

He said N501.3 billion had already been paid, while another N700 billion was being processed, bringing total payments to about N1.2 trillion.

 

Tegbe expressed optimism that Nigerians would begin to experience noticeable improvements in electricity supply within the next few months, while a more stable and resilient national grid would emerge over the next two to three years.

 

He urged electricity market operators, investors, development partners, state governments, organised labour, consumer groups, and the media to support the federal government’s reform agenda aimed at delivering stable, affordable and sustainable electricity nationwide.

Gov. Oborevwori Announces Resettlement Packages For Delta Returnees From South Africa

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Governor Sherrif Oborevwori

By Ayodele Oni

 

Indigenes of Delta state that returned from South Africa following the recent xenophobic attacks, have cause to smile. The state government has doled out a ₦2 million grant for each affected family to support their reintegration.

 

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who announced this on Friday approved a comprehensive welfare package with each individual returnee receiving a monthly welfare stipend of ₦200,000, while every affected family will receive ₦300,000 monthly, effective from August 2026 until the end of the governor’s tenure on May 29, 2027.

 

Speaking during the reception of the returnees at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, condemned the xenophobic attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human dignity.

 

He said no individual should be subjected to violence, intimidation or discrimination on account of nationality and expressed sympathy with the victims over the physical, emotional and financial losses they suffered.

 

The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt intervention, which he said facilitated the safe evacuation of the affected Nigerians from South Africa.

 

As part of measures to cushion the effects of their ordeal, Oborevwori announced that the state government would provide free medical screening for all returnees at government-owned health facilities.

 

He also directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Services to provide trauma counselling and psychosocial support for the victims and their families.

 

Urging Deltans to receive the returnees with compassion, solidarity and kindness, the governor said such values reflected the true Delta spirit, assuring the victims that the unfortunate experience would not define their future.

 

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for all citizens while calling for sustained protection of the rights and dignity of Nigerians living abroad.

 

Earlier, the Commissioner in charge of the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure, assured the returnees of the state government’s commitment to helping them rebuild their lives, describing their safe return as a testament to compassionate leadership and effective collaboration between the federal and state governments.

 

He recalled that the reports of the attacks, which claimed lives, destroyed property and livelihoods and left many victims traumatised, were received with deep shock and sadness.

 

Etacherure thanked God for preserving the lives of the victims and commended Governor Oborevwori for his swift intervention and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the returnees.

 

He disclosed that the governor personally directed that every returning Deltan be properly identified, documented and received with dignity, while relevant agencies were mandated to provide the assistance required for their reintegration into society.

 

Welcoming them home, Etacherure encouraged the returnees to take advantage of the numerous economic and empowerment opportunities available in the state, expressing confidence that Delta remained a land of opportunities under Governor Oborevwori’s administration.

 

Responding on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Jacob Agbada expressed profound appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for approving the ₦2 million grant and the monthly stipend, describing the gesture as timely and life-changing.

 

He said they were deeply grateful to the governor for his compassion, generosity and unwavering support during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

1...134135136...3,154Page 135 of 3,154