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Benue Attack On Obi: Tambuwal Says ‘Nigeria Belongs To All Of Us’

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi
Peter Obi

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives has condemned the attack on the Presidential candidate of National Democratic Congress, NDC,  Peter Obi in Benue state, saying the act constiture an infringement on the candidate’s democratic rights.

According to him, Obi is a bobafide citizen ofthe country who has the right tomove toany party ofNigeria, so long whatever he’s doing is legal, particularly at this time when the campaign for the 2027 general election has kicked off.

He said the attack on Obi, a former governor of Anmabra state is unacceptable, condenable and must be investigated with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to justice, calling on the Inspector General of Police toarest the irate youths who blocked the NDC presidetial candidate.

The former Speaker made the remarkin a statement issuedby his media office on Tuesday, following reports that the NDC presidential hopeful was baclked from gaining Yelwata by some irate youths who blocked his convoy.

 

Former Sokoto Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has condemned the reported obstruction of the movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, by some youths in Makurdi, Benue.

 

Tambuwal described the development as “unacceptable and undemocratic,” warning that political differences should not be allowed to undermine citizens’ rights or democratic participation.

Tambuwal said the action of the youths hampers free movement,guaranteed by the Nigerians constitution,saying politicians should be allowed to travel during the campaign period,to any part ofthe country, without intimidation, obstruction or harrassment.

He explained that political difference shoulsnot be allowed to degerate into violence and brigandage and intimidation,adding that nobody has the power to restrict the movement of Nigerians whereever they chose togo.

According tohim, every candidate must be allowed to travel freely across Nigeria, meet with citizens, canvass for support and conduct legitimate political activities without fear.

“Political differences must never become an excuse for intimidation, violence or brigandage. We must compete on the strength of our ideas, programmes and policies and, ultimately, allow Nigerians to make their choices freely at the ballot box,” he said.

He added, “This kind of rascality must not be tolerated, irrespective of who is involved or which political party is affected. Today, it may be Peter Obi; tomorrow, it could be another candidate.

 

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every Nigerian must be free to move and participate in our democratic process without fear or intimidation.”

Meanwhile,the Benue state government has responded to the incident, saying Obi was only trying to seek political capital, that he was not attacked,contrary to his claim.

The Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration describe Obi’s claim as a ”manufactured lie” in a statement issued yesterday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary,  Tersoo Kula.

’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the allegation as a “manufactured lie” in a statement issued on Tuesday in Makur

NIMASA To Review Seafarers Curriculum

By
James Orji
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Dayo Mobereola - NIMASA DG

The Governing Board of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, led by its Chairman, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, paid a working visit to the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, at the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Lagos.

 

The Director General NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, in his speech noted that effective collaboration between MAN, Oron and NIMASA is key to the development of training of seafarers in Nigeria.

 

The DG announce that the Agency is working on a review of the curriculum of the Standard Training Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW) 2017, for Maritime Training Institutions in Nigeria.

 

In his words, “For over 32 years Nigerian training institutions have been operating with obsolete curricula, NIMASA is determined to review the curriculum and benchmark against the very best globally acceptable standard. This is in a quest to ensure that seafarer’s certification in Nigeria enjoys global recognition.

 

The DG further reiterated NIMASA’s commitment to supporting the successful training and promotion of Nigerian seafarers through MAN, Oron, while noting that human capital remains one of the most critical components for the development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

 

In his response the Chairman of the Governing Board, Engr. Kehinde Olayinka Akinola stated that the Academy is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and remains one of the leading maritime training institutions in Africa.

 

While appreciating the management of NIMASA for its continued support to the Academy, the Chairman disclosed that MAN, Oron, has developed a five-year development plan, which includes the acquisition of a training vessel to further enhance practical training for cadets.

 

He further revealed that the Liberian Maritime Administration and a Liberian maritime training institute, which recently visited the Academy, have expressed interest in collaborating with MAN, Oron, to facilitate opportunities for Nigerian seafarers to undertake sea-time training onboard Liberian-flagged vessels.

 

The proposed collaboration, he noted, would provide Nigerian cadets with additional opportunities to gain practical experience and strengthen their competitiveness in the global maritime labour market.

 

 

 

CBN Makes Fresh Moves To Block Terrorism Financing

By
James Orji
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has stepped up its monitoring of banks and other financial institutions,OFI, to ensure that they are not instruments in the hands of terrorism financiers.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Sidi Wakama,  the bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Department, CBN disclosed that  efforts have been intensified to ensure that the nation’s financial system is not been used to finance terrorism, saying more attention is now being focused on monitoring transactions, with the aim of exposing suspicious transactions in the financial sector, and applying sactions where necessary.

The development, is coming barely two months after the CBN directed commercial banks and OFIs to freeze the accounts and assets of some individuals and companies it designated as terrorism financiers.

The apex bank had said  then that it took the action against those individuals and organisations after they were designated by the Nigerian government and the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control as suspected terrorism enablers.

The apex bank said in its latest statement stated that it has now elevated its regulatory role to identifying and managing transactions that could be linked to the financing of terrorism as part of  its efforts to protecting the nation’s financial sector.

The bank stressed that its action is also part of the efforts to upports Nigeria’s ongoing domestic and international cooperation on counter-terrorism financing, counter-proliferation financing, financial integrity, and the protection of the financial system, in accordance with international best practices, adding that it will continue to apply a risk-based supervisory approach, including on-site and off-site engagement, for effective control and supervision ofthe nation’s financialsystem.

The bank said it ”has elevated terrorism financing supervision to a current supervisory priority, as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting the Nigerian financial system from abuse by illicit actors.

Adding that “The bank will continue to apply a risk-based supervisory approach, including on-site and off-site engagement, to support effective AML/CFT/CPF controls across the financial sector in line with existing legal and regulatory obligations.

“This supervisory focus also supports Nigeria’s ongoing domestic and international cooperation on counter-terrorism financing, counter-proliferation financing, financial integrity, and the protection of the financial system.”

 

Security Agents Unaware Of Obi’s Visit To Benue, Gov Alia Distances Self From Attack

By
Ayodele Oni
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Hyacinth Alia
Gov Hyacinth Alia

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Benue State Government has reacted to claims by the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. PeterObi that he was blocked by thugs working for the state government from accessing Yelewata to console with families of 2025 attacks.

 

Government rejected the allegation describing it as unfounded and desperate attempt to drag Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue people into what may be an internal political matter within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

 

A statement by Tersoo Kula,

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that “We wish to emphatically deny that the government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has an idea of what Mr. Obi is talking about.

 

“Based on his antecedents of making untrue statements against the state, we have every reason to doubt whether he visited Makurdi, the state capital today.

 

“Let it be known that Mr. Peter Obi is not a threat to Governor Alia in any way. Even if he actually visited the state, and we realized that he is a threat to anyone, the security agencies are there to handle the issue, not thugs.

 

“Governor Alia is a peace-loving Reverend gentleman. He is averse to the promotion of thuggery. In fact, his administration does not engage, patronize, or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.

 

“He is consistently committed to the rule of law and relies on recognized security agencies to maintain peace and order across the state.

 

“It is therefore curious that an individual presenting himself as a presidential candidate could arrive in a state without the relevant security authorities being formally informed of his movement.

 

“Ordinarily, such a visit would attract the attention and necessary security coordination involving the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies.

 

“We really find it difficult to understand the basis for Mr. Obi’s attempt to connect every fabrication with the Benue State Government, and Governor Hyacinth Alia in the first instance.

 

“If Mr. Obi is confronted with disagreements or internal political challenges within his party structure in Benue State, those issues should be resolved within the party rather than being conveniently transferred to the State Government.

 

“The Alia administration will not be distracted by attempts to manufacture political controversies where none exists.

 

“Its attention remains firmly focused on delivering good governance, strengthening security and improving the welfare of the people of Benue State.

 

“We therefore urge the public to disregard the allegations linking the State Government to any incident that happened around the NDC Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

 

“Benue remains open to legitimate visitors, political actors and all Nigerians who come in peace.”

INEC Announces Dates For By Election In Bauchi, Delta, Kano

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to conduct five elections in some parts of the country before next year’s general elections.

 

The elections will hold  at Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe, while the state constituencies shall take place at Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies in Bauchi State; Udu and Dawakin Kudu in Delta and Kano State Constituencies respectively.

 

Already, the commission has fixed Sept. 19 for the conduct of the five by-elections in four states; Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta.

 

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr Dayo Oketola, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja. Oketola said that the by-elections comprised of one federal and four state constituencies.

 

This year alone, INEX has conducted major elections in Ekiti in June and tge recently governorship poll in Osun.

Amnesty Says Blockage Of Obi From Entering Benue Amounts To Political Harassment

By
James Orji
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0
Peter Obi attacked in Benue

By Ayodele Oni

 

Amnesty International has described the alleged use of political thugs to obstruct Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), from entering Benue State, as a serious concern ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

The human rights organisation in a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Tuesday alleged that heavily armed youths blocked Gboko Road in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, in what it described as a coordinated action that put Obi’s entourage at risk.

 

Amnesty International said the Benue State government has questions to answer over the alleged incident, stressing that Nigerians have the right to travel freely to any part of the country.

 

The organisation expressed concern over what it described as increasing political repression, intolerance and intimidation of opposition politicians and supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Amnesty International alleged that the obstruction of Obi’s movement was part of a wider pattern of political harassment, adding that the use of armed vigilante groups or political thugs against rival candidates was unlawful.

 

It said the alleged incident undermined the principle of a level playing field for political parties and candidates participating in the electoral process.

 

Amnesty International also criticised what it described as the failure of relevant authorities to adequately investigate alleged cases of political violence and bring suspected perpetrators to justice.

 

The organisation said it had been documenting cases of alleged political repression since last year, including claims involving political meetings, opposition activities and alleged attacks on political actors.

 

It expressed concern that insufficient action by authorities could encourage further political violence and intimidation as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gov. Okpebholo  Gives Edo Queens N50 Million For Winning NWFL, WAFU League

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Okpebholo Gives Edo Queens N50 Million For Winning NWFL

By Ayodele Oni

 

Victorious Edo Queens have cause to rejoice as Governor Monday Okpebholo showered cash gift of N50 million for their outstanding performances and historic double triumph on the domestic and regional stages.

 

Okpebholo announced the cash reward on Tuesday while receiving the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) trophy and the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title from the team at the Government House, Benin City.

 

The governor described the team’s achievements as a moment of immense pride for Edo State, commending the players and their officials for putting the state on the map through their discipline, hard work and commitment to excellence.

 

He particularly praised the team for courage, resilience and unwavering determination, highlighting their impressive victory over a Ghanaian side.

 

According to Okpebholo, the N50 million reward demonstrates his administration’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by the players and officials, while also serving as an incentive for them to continue raising the bar in women’s football.

 

It will be recalled that Edo Queens played a 2-2 draw against Ghanaian side, Ampem Darkoa Ladies, after regulation time before Edo Queens prevailed 4-1 in the decisive penalty shootout.

 

The governor described the victory as significant to Edo people and the country, adding that the players displayed resilience and determination throughout the competition.

 

According to him, he was confident that the team would win the penalty shootout after observing the goalkeeper’s composure and strategy.

 

Okpebholo pointed out that the goalkeeper’s movements and efforts to distract the Ghanaian penalty takers gave him confidence that the team would prevail.

 

He said he was particularly impressed by the goalkeeper’s saves during the shootout, describing them as crucial to the team’s victory.

 

The governor also commended the coach and other members of the technical crew for their contributions to the success.

 

“For me, this cup matters to Edo people and it matters to the country.

 

“I must commend the players for their doggedness. I also want to thank the coaching crew and other officials.

 

“I want to reward the team with the sum of N50 million,” Okpebholo said.

 

The governor also commended the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for televising the match live, saying the coverage enabled more Nigerians to watch and celebrate the team’s achievement.

 

Earlier, Amadin Enabulele, Chairman of the Edo Sports Commission, commended Edo Queens’ resilience throughout the tournament, saying that they had done the state proud.

 

“Our girls have truly done us proud. To win the Nigeria Women’s Football League and the WAFU-B championship in the same season is no small feat.

 

“It requires grit, unity, discipline, resilience and an unshakeable belief in oneself.

 

“I am particularly proud of the new management for not only keeping the flame burning but also raising the standard even higher,” he said.

 

Enabulele also commended the Edo Queens coaches, technical crew and management team for their sacrifices, adding that they carried the hopes and aspirations of Edo people on their shoulders.

NBA, NPF Seek End To Clashes Among Lawyers, Policemen

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya and IGP Tunji Disu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA) and the Nigeria Police are exploiting areas of possible synergy to enhance their professional duties.

 

The two bodies want professional collaboration, improved communication and greater mutual respect in advancing justice and public safety.

 

Discussions were held between the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, when they met in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

Speaking during the visit, the NBA President emphasised the need for closer synergy between the Police and the legal profession, particularly through specialised training for lawyers and improved engagement between Police lawyers and members of the wider Bar.

 

She noted that the NBA has a responsibility to remain responsive to the needs of its members across the country and advocated for an end to recurring clashes between lawyers and Police officers, stressing that both professions have complementary responsibilities within the justice system.

 

The NBA President further highlighted a UNICEF-supported initiative on children’s access to justice, under which the NBA is proposing the presence of a Police lawyer at every Police station to provide appropriate legal support to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.

 

The proposal, she noted, underscores the importance of ensuring that vulnerable children are adequately supported and protected throughout the justice process.

 

Responding, the IGP congratulated Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her emergence as President of the NBA and described the engagement as an opportunity to build a stronger and more structured relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the legal profession.

 

He stressed that respect for every individual, office and profession must remain fundamental to professional interactions, noting that while lawyers are principally concerned with protecting citizens’ rights and the Police with protecting lives and property, the responsibilities of both institutions converge in the administration of justice.

 

The IGP also called for greater professionalism and responsibility in the recording and dissemination of encounters involving Police officers.

 

He stressed that personnel should not be subjected to ridicule or have the demanding circumstances of their duties trivialised for social media entertainment, particularly when officers operate under challenging conditions in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities to protect lives and property.

 

As part of efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation, the IGP identified improved professional engagement, measures to reduce delays in criminal trials and the establishment of a dedicated NPF/NBA mechanism for seamless and open communication as key areas requiring sustained collaboration.

 

He noted that such a mechanism would provide a structured channel for addressing professional concerns, improving coordination and resolving issues before they escalate into unnecessary confrontations.

 

The IGP reaffirmed that the Police and the legal profession are partners in the pursuit of justice and acknowledged that disagreements may arise in the course of their respective duties.

 

He, however, stressed that such differences must be managed professionally, respectfully and with civility, while expressing his readiness to work with the new NBA leadership towards a stronger and more productive partnership.

 

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association and other justice-sector stakeholders towards protecting fundamental rights, improving access to justice, promoting professionalism and building a more effective, responsive and trusted criminal justice system.”

How Benue Youths Fight The Wrong Battle — Run From Bandits, But Fight Harmless Peter Obi

By
The Source
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0
Ike Abonyi
Ike Abonyi

By Ike Abonyi

 

What a tragic irony Nigeria has become: young men who run for their lives when bandits enter their villages suddenly discover courage when Peter Obi comes to mourn those the bandits have killed. When the killers arrived, they disappeared. When their people were being slaughtered and maimed, they fled. But when an unarmed presidential candidate came—not to campaign, not to fight, but to commiserate with grieving families—they were suddenly mobilised to become political thugs by a government headed by an ordained Catholic priest, Rev father Hyacinth Alia. What a shame. What exactly are we defending? And whom are we defending it against? If these young men had mobilised with the same determination against the bandits, perhaps some of the victims whose graves they now mourn would still be alive. If they had shown half the courage against insecurity that they displayed against a fellow Nigerian offering condolences, their communities might be safer today. This is the tragedy of political manipulation: a generation whose future is being stolen by insecurity is being recruited to protect the very political interests that have failed to secure that future.

Peter Obi did not come to challenge anybody’s authority. He came to stand with Nigerians in their darkest hour. He came because the dead were Nigerians, the wounded were Nigerians, and the grieving families were Nigerians.

Peter Obi attacked in Benue

 

Yet some youths were apparently made to believe that stopping him was more important than asking why their communities remain vulnerable to armed criminals. This is how politics destroys a people—when the victim begins to see the sympathiser as the enemy and the real enemy is allowed to remain invisible. Let our youths wake up. The bandit does not care whether you are APC, PDP, NDC, LP, Muslim or Christian. The bandit sees a vulnerable Nigerian. The bullet does not check your party membership before it kills. So why should a young Nigerian allow himself to be used against another Nigerian simply because of politics? If you have courage, use it to demand security.

If you have strength, use it to defend your community. If you have a voice, use it to demand accountability. And if you have a PVC, use it to choose leaders who will secure your future. Do not allow anyone to turn you into a political weapon today and leave you unemployed, insecure and abandoned tomorrow.

A governor who can mobilise youths for politics but cannot mobilise them to defend their people should be ashamed of himself. Nigeria’s youths must graduate from being foot soldiers for politicians to becoming owners of their political destiny. The real battle is not Peter Obi versus Nigerian youths. The real battle is Nigerians versus insecurity, poverty, corruption, unemployment, and the political culture that keeps exploiting young people while their future burns around them. And perhaps the most painful question of all is this: How can you run from the people who came to kill you but stand boldly before the person who came to mourn with you? That is not courage. That is a tragedy of misplaced loyalty.

 ■Ike Abonyi is Editor @Large.

NDC Condemns Attack And Obstruction Of Peter Obi In Benue State

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi attacked in Benue

The Nigeria Democratic Congress ,NDC strongly condemns the shameful attack and obstruction of our Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, by suspected hired thugs in Benue State on Tuesday.

 

According to reports, the group was allegedly led by an aide to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Armed with dangerous weapons, they blocked Mr. Obi’s convoy and prevented him from gaining entry into Yelwata community, where over 270 people were reportedly massacred.

 

In his own words, Mr. Obi stated:

“I arrived in Benue this morning at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting the victims and families affected by the horrific killings in Yelwata. Unfortunately, we were stopped from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back.’”

 

The NDC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said it finds it deeply troubling and condemnable that a visit intended solely to mourn with grieving families, offer solidarity, and listen to victims about how to prevent future tragedies was obstructed in this manner.

 

Mr. Obi further stated:

“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain. At a time when our nation should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life, we must avoid actions that deepen divisions.”

 

According to the NDC, “Benue and all Nigerians deserve to live, sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear. Above all, they deserve a government that prioritizes the protection of human life above every other consideration.

 

“Although access to the community was denied today, the hearts and prayers of the NDC and our Presidential Candidate remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community.

 

“We will not be deterred. The NDC will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life.

 

“We call on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and guarantee the safety of all citizens and leaders who seek to show solidarity in times of grief.”

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