The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has debunked claims that its office is hosting the Renewed Hope Agenda signage, banners and other materials.
However, the electoral umpire admitted the Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, shares the same perimeter fence with the building hosting the Renewed Hope Agenda Movement in Port Harcourt.
The source reports that the social media space has been awash in the last couple of days with reports that a significant number of materials linked to the Movement dedicated to promotion of the policies and political interests of President Bola Tinubu were spotted at some strategic points at the INEC’s Rivers state Headquarters, a development which some people have perceived as part of the alleged dalliance between the electoral body and the, All Progressive Congress, APC-led Federal Government.
Instructively, the development came amidst widespread allegations of partisanship and bias against Professor Joash Amupitan, the electoral umpire’s Chairman, stemming from his past pro-Tinubu online tweets.
It is also coming at a time when the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, clamouring for the resignation of Amupitan over his alleged partisan interpretation of a Court of Appeal verdict on the leadership tussle within the party, leading to the shocking withdrawal of recognition for the Senator David Mark-led faction of opposition Coalition.
In a statement on Friday, April 17, 2026, from its Rivers State Administrative Secretary, Dr Angela Ebhodaghe, INEC described the reports of the massive presence of the Renewed Hope Agenda signage and materials in its office as false and misleading.
The electoral body expressed regret that people are confusing the INEC with the RSIEC that is sharing fence with the Movement’s office in the state.
“Our attention has been drawn to a report circulating on the social media alleging that the picture of a building hosting the signpost ,and banner of the Renewed Hope Agenda Movement is INEC Rivers State’s office.
“This is both false and misleading ,and the Commission categorically rejects these claims.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the said building does not belong to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Rivers State, nor does our office have such signage on any part of its premises.
“It is clear the generators of the false information confused the Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, which shares a fence with the said building with our office.
“The spread of false information is harmful to national unity and public trust. We, therefore, urge members of the public to verify claims through credible and official channels before sharing or publishing”, INEC stated.
Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has rained curses on those he believes are responsible for terrorism in Nigeria.
Gumi, described as one of the sympathisers of bandits, condemned the rising wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, invoking divine punishment on those responsible for the crisis while calling for a new approach to tackle insecurity.
Gumi made the remarks in reaction to the abduction of a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, whose ordeal has drawn widespread attention after a video of him being subjected to inhuman treatment in captivity surfaced online.
The Cleric, in a Facebook post, pointed out that those behind kidnappings and the wider insecurity in the country had “lost their humanity.”
He also criticised what he described as the over-reliance on military force in dealing with armed groups.
John Arum, a student of the University of Jos, was reportedly abducted by gunmen while travelling to Kaduna. His captors are said to be demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.
A video showing Arum in captivity has gone viral on social media, sparking public anger and concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping across the country.
In the footage, the student appeared distressed, highlighting the harsh conditions under which victims are often held.
The video has renewed calls for urgent action to address insecurity, especially on major highways and in northern Nigeria.
Reacting to the incident, Gumi issued a strong warning and curse against those he believes are responsible for the situation.
“May Allah destroy any person who helped in creating this situation or participated in any form, or neglected his or her duty in saving the situation, or is even happy about it,” he said.
The cleric stressed that the threat posed by kidnappers and other armed groups is real and can affect anyone.
“The danger is real and anybody can be a victim tomorrow,” he warned.
He urged Nigerians to avoid what he described as unnecessary arguments, emotional reactions, and conspiracy theories, and instead focus on finding practical solutions to the crisis.
A major part of Gumi’s message was his call for a shift from purely military solutions, often referred to as “kinetic” approaches, insisting that violence alone cannot solve the problem and may even make it worse.
According to him, security experts have suggested that only about 25 per cent of counter-insurgency efforts should involve the use of force, while the remaining 75 per cent should focus on non-violent strategies.
These include dialogue, mediation, and efforts to change the mindset of those involved in criminal activities.
“Violence only hardens them; in fact, it is what created them in the first place,” Gumi asserted.
He added that attempts to introduce empathy and proper religious teachings to armed groups could help reduce violence, although he admitted that such efforts have not always succeeded.
Gumi also criticised what he described as the slow response of government institutions to the growing security challenges.
He warned that delays in action have allowed criminal groups to gain strength and influence.
According to him, the lack of timely and effective intervention has created a situation where non-state actors now have the power to threaten and blackmail communities.
The cleric stated that Nigeria’s security system has focused too much on military action, while neglecting other important tools that could help address the root causes of insecurity.
Yobe State Command of Nigeria Correctional Service, (NCoS) has intensified a manhunt for an inmate that escaped while being conveyed from Potiskum to Damaturu, the State capital.
The inmate reportedly escaped following a road accident involving a correctional transport van along the Potiskum–Damaturu highway.
A vehicle operated by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Yobe State Command, was conveying inmates from the Potiskum Medium Security Custodial Centre to the state capital, Damaturu.
According to official report, the vehicle was involved in a crash which caused confusion and panic at the scene.
Amid rescue efforts by officials and bystanders, one of the inmates, identified as Dahiru Mohammed, seized the moment to escape.
Authorities say he slipped away unnoticed during the chaotic aftermath, taking advantage of the disarray as emergency responders worked to assist the injured.
The spokesperson for the NCoS in Yobe State, Abdullahi Adamu, confirmed the development in a statement, describing the escape as a serious breach and assured the public that efforts were underway to apprehend the fugitive.
Dahiru Mohammed is described as a 30-year-old male from Askiwari village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.
He had been in custody since November 29, 2024, and is registered under inmate number J/1539/24.
Authorities have issued a strong warning to residents across Yobe State and neighboring communities to remain vigilant.
Dahiru Mohammed is considered dangerous, and members of the public are advised not to attempt to confront or engage him under any circumstances.
The Correctional Service emphasized that harboring or assisting an escaped inmate is a serious criminal offense under Nigerian law, punishable by severe penalties.
The tense political situation in Oyo state ignited by allegations of planned impeachment of Governor Seyi Makinde seems to have abated
Parties involved in the rumoured impeachment plot have sheathed their swords, following the intervention of Governor Makinde.
The Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja, wife of the former Governor of the state, Florence Ajimobi and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, were reportedly all involved in the alleged mobilization for the impeachment.
As this was ongoing, members of the State House of Assembly rallied to remove the Speaker following his alleged involvement in the Governor’s removal plot.
Governor Makinde’s intervention came during a meeting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus of the assembly at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, after lawmakers were said to have earlier met to finalize plans for the Speaker’s removal.
Speaker Ogundoyin was billed for impeachment last Thursday, but escaped, following the intervention of the state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, after the rumoured plan to impeach the governor.
Sources at the meeting with the governor revealed that the members had heated arguments, while some of them believed that the Speaker had dragged the Assembly in the mud and should be relieved of the post.
However, after the members present at the meeting presented their positions, with some of them expressing disappointment at Ogundoyin, the governor was said to have calmed them and pleaded on his behalf.
The Source noted that much consideration was given to the interest of the State and that of the ruling party in shelving the idea of impeaching the Speaker.
However, Makinde’s intervention appears to have drawn a firm line that has now put an end to the crisis as he directed all members of the Assembly to close ranks with the existing House leadership under the Speaker.
The Governor reportedly emphasised the need for unity, discipline, and stability within both the legislature and the party.
The directive, it was gathered, effectively shut down any ongoing moves toward impeachment, with lawmakers said to have agreed to abide by the governor’s position.
The source said, “It (the impeachment saga) has been resolved in the interest of the state, yes, the Speaker was advised to step aside, but with the intervention of the governor, we have to take so many things into consideration and shelve the idea.
“We are going into election period and the state is more important than any person, so that idea was put aside in the interest of the state and for unity and peace in the house because we would not want the opposition to take advantage of the situation on ground.
“The governor has invited him to meet with some Ibadan leaders to plead for him.”
A former Governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi, has alleged that he was forced out of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, in 2014, by former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience. He also said he was chased out of the All Progressives Congress, APC to which he defected when he left the PDP.
Responding to a question on his peripatetic political antecedents spanning three parties in less than a decade on a Channels Television Interview, Amaechi stated that he moved when it was obvious that he was no longer wanted in his previous political nests. He disclosed that the structures of the Party were taken away from him and given to another. What he did not say, however, was that he was already working against both the Presidency and the Party by the time he said he was forced out of the Party.
The source reports that Amaechi one of the prominent progenitors of the new-look opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, exited the Peoples Democratic party PDP, ahead of the 2015 general elections to join forces with the All Progressive Congress APC.
He was to later serve as the Director-General of the Buhari/Osibanjo Presidential Campaign Organization in 2015.
However, he was, also, to quit the APC almost immediately after losing the Party’s presidential ticket to President Bola Tinubu at the 2022 National Convention of the party in Abuja.
He resurfaced after a lull in July 2025, for the midwifing of the ADC, together with others including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar , Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Attorney General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami , former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and others.
“I was literally chased out of the PDP. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife chased me out and handed over the structure of the party to other people.
“My offence was that as the Chairman of the Governors Forum, I chose to move with the Governors.
“Yes, I left PDP, but the entire country knew what happened. I was chased out of the PDP. Or do you want me to remind you that I was chased out of PDP.
“President Goodluck Jonathan with his wife took over the political structure in Rivers state and chased me out”, Amaechi stated.
The ADC’s Presidential hopeful noted that a similar scenario played out in the APC where some people felt uncomfortable with his presence after the party’s presidential primaries.
“The same happened. I was chased out of APC. Thereafter, I joined ADC. In all, the major issue was that I disagreed with some of the policies pursued by political actors. And I left after we could not resolve them”, he added.
According to him, before leaving the PDP, he held several trouble-shooting meetings with former President Jonathan.
“In the same vein,the first day they said President Tinubu won the primary, I told him that I don’t agree with him,” Amaechi stated.
Amaechi explained that he finds it difficult to remain silent in the face of injustice, adding that he will rather quit than compromise certain principles.
The Anglican Diocese of Ado Ekiti, Church of Nigeria, has welcomed international collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s security capacity.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the third Session of its 20th Synod alongside its 60th anniversary celebrations held in Ado Ekiti.
The communiqué signed by the President of the Synod, His Lordship, The Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatubosun, and the Secretary, The Ven. Emmanuel Feranmi Ojo, expressed concern over insecurity, particularly violent attacks and kidnappings, urging the government to strengthen its response to criminal activities.
The Synod advised Nigerians to consider lawful means of self-defence in the light of prevailing security challenges, while also calling on the President to intensify efforts against banditry, especially in Northern Nigeria.
The Synod commended the Federal Government’s anti-corruption efforts but urged greater transparency and fairness, stressing the need for proper reinvestment of funds saved from fuel subsidy removal to ease the economic burden on citizens.
The Church further urged government at all levels to prioritize job creation, promote industrialization, and shift the economy from consumption to production, stressing that tackling unemployment would significantly improve both security and economic stability
Addressing Nigeria’s electoral process, the Synod underscored the importance of electronic transmission of results in ensuring credible elections ahead of the 2027 general polls and called on anti-corruption agencies to tackle vote-buying, stressing the need for electoral bodies and security agencies to act impartially.
On the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election in June 2026, the Synod appealed for peaceful conduct and a level playing field for all political actors, encouraging citizens to participate responsibly.
Concluding, the Synod called on Nigerians to remain patriotic, uphold moral values, and work collectively towards national unity and development.
The Synod emphasized its theme, “Children Are the Heritage of God” (Psalm 127:3), describing it as timely in the face of increasing moral challenges affecting young people.
Participants stressed that raising Godly children remains both a spiritual and societal duty, highlighting discipline, intentional Christian teaching, and mentorship as key approaches.
The Federal Government has reacted to threats by Airline Operators to increase airfare over rising cost of aviation fuel.
The federal government appealed to the airline operators to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares or suspension of air operations.
In a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, it said it was aware of the “sudden hike” in Jet A1 fuel from ₦900 per liter as at February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300 per liter as of April 16, 2026, representing a 300 per cent increase.
The Government stated that while the prevailing cost mounts pressure on private air operations, any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the travelling public, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for a broad segment of Nigerians.
“Secondly, I appeal for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector,” Kayamo said in the letter.
He, however, disclosed that a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting had been scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution.
The Minister noted that the venue and time would be communicated in due course.
While commending the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of air operator in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions, he reiterated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance.
“In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.
“You will also acknowledge that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators.
“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government, and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues,” the minister added.
Airline operators had warned that airlines across the country might suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over what they described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” rise in the price of Jet A1 fuel.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, to major energies marketers, the operators, under the AON, said the cost of aviation fuel has surged from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre — an increase of over 300 per cent within weeks.
According to the body, the spike is “artificial” and far exceeds global trends, noting that international crude oil prices have risen by only about 30 per cent within the same period.
“Airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the letter stated, adding that the situation has deteriorated to the point where continued operations are no longer viable.
The group warned that the actions of fuel marketers are “decimating the aviation industry” and pose broader risks to Nigeria’s economy, safety, and national security.
The AON revealed that the impact of the price surge is already being felt across the sector, disclosing that one airline had grounded all operations since March 13, 2026, due to the rising cost of fuel.
Honour and Electoral Integrity: Professor Joash Amupitan should have resigned a few days ago. Is the chairman of the Independent National Election Commission waiting to be sacked? One expected that as a matter of honour and electoral integrity, the chief electoral umpire should have called a world press conference and read a two- paragraph mea culpa. A solemn admission of guilt and a dignified apology is what is left for the Professor of Law, to reclaim a bit of his honour and integrity. If he had wise advisers, this is the route they would press him to follow without further ado.
But his dubious masters would have told him to hang in there and sit it out. They would tell him that it would soon blow over and in any case, resignation would expose their roguery and perhaps, upend their plans for the 2027 general elections.
But Amupitan has been damaged beyond repairs already. He has lost every iota of honour and integrity required of the holder of that esteemed office. He cannot in good conscience continue to act as an umpire with what the world now knows about him. He is tainted and therefore, has lost the moral authority to conduct a credible election. It would rub more poorly on him as a professional and a law teacher if he lingers and has to be sacked or forced out via civil protestations. That would portend a further damage of integrity.
SMOKING GUN: This column had previously noted on a couple of occasions that Professor Amupitan wasn’t the right fit for the pristine job of the number one electoral officer in the land. Before the current scandal which exposed him as being deeply sympathetic (if not a card-carrying member) of the ruling APC, one had noted the telling flaws and the baggage orbiting the persona of Amupitan like a dark comet.
Author: Steve Osuji
For instance, this column had pointed out gaps in his CV at the point of his screening last October. There are also some inexplicable moments in his career trajectory. Beyond these, one didn’t need a psychologist to tell that Amupitan bears a burden. His visage presents a man under the weight of serious internal contradictions and dissonances. Broken down further, Amupitan simply lacks the requisite gravitas that is imbued by years of impeccable life of integrity and character.
Now, he has finally been caught out! The internet is a bitch. It never forgets as they say. It can neither be obliterated, destroyed or disguised as Amupitan has tried to do with his 2022 X account where his true colours as an APC man have been exposed.
If Amupitan doesn’t resign quickly enough, he stands at the brink of further damaging himself beyond repairs. He is already perjuring unpardonably. He is concocting lies to cover his already disgraceful lies.
First he tried to clean out the indicting tweet. When that didn’t work, he cleverly tweaked the handle’s name to seem to make light of his post. Then his media aid tells the world it’s fake news. But all verification procedures proved otherwise. All these only help sink our chairman deeper into the muck.
He is further debased and presented as a fraudulent character. To what end. Only a dignified exit will redeem our sinking professor.
VAULTING AMUPITAN: He should never have taken the job in the first place. But apparently, he is a man of vaulting ambition – considering his leaping career trajectory. Mother used to say that if you are comfortable in the company of rogues, you would never be able to absolve yourself from thievery.
Amupitan knows the company he keeps in the APC roguish clan: from top to bottom, roguery is their fare. No man of true integrity would take a job from them. Not such a sensitive job which requires utmost moral rectitude and a character without taint.
Any right-thinking adult knows that President Tinubu would never appoint an electoral umpire who would not be bonded to do his will. Tinubu has a long history of ‘winning’ elections by any ‘means possible.’
Who doesn’t know that Tinubu would move both heaven and hell to get his results at the polls: the entire military, the police, the judiciary and of course, the electoral body. Not forgetting the street urchins better known as ‘Area boys.’ Everyone, every institution and everything is suborned to steal election mandates. We have witnessed this since 1999.
When therefore, Nigerians accuse Amupitan of acceding to a pre-signed resignation letter, one is not surprised. It’s in the character of the APC leadership. What would be baffling is that a professor of Law would accept such criminal conditions. Perhaps it’s in character too?
THE COMPANY YOU KEEP: This column had also pointed out that Amupitan is soulmates to some APC chieftains and die-hard Tinubu loyalists. They include Babatunde Ogalla (san), Legal Adviser to APC, who actually head-hunted Amupitan and spruced up his CV for the job. There’s also Abiodun Faleke, a kinsman of Amupitan in the Ojumu LGA of Kogi State. Faleke is Tinubu’s man Friday and devoted servant.
All this points to the fact that Amupitan is not and cannot be an impartial arbiter in any Nigerian election. He seems like a man on a mission: he could have been appointed to deliver APC in the 2027 elections. Unfortunately for him and his paymasters, he showed his hands too early. But that’s good fortune for Nigeria and her democracy.
Amupitan’s recent handling of the orchestrated fraction in the opposition ADC was a dead giveaway. In disregard of logic and common sense he ran a bad errand fit only for bonded slaves.
*RESIGN NOW!* This column urges Prof Amupitan to resign pronto! He has been damaged. He has lost credibility and no matter how much he may try, nobody believes him anymore.
LASTLINE: WORLD BANK SAYS NIGERIA IS BLEEDING TO DEATH
In other climes where the legislature is alive, President Tinubu would have been impeached many times over. But on this instance of nearly 50% revenue loss, Nigerians must rise in fiery indignation.
The World Bank has lamented the humongous revenue flight happening under the Tinubu administration.
According to the global bank, about 41% of Nigeria’s earnings are under reported and indeed diverted.
Revenue collecting agencies like the internal revenue services and the Customs have become conduit pipes for siphoning revenues.
In this instance, these special agencies are allowed to earn incremental bonuses as revenues increase. For instance, in the last three years, Nigeria reportedly recorded a revenue surge of N81 trillion but in the same vein, about N38 trillion is passed through the sluiceway of graft and official corruption.
It is remarkable that in the face of no subsidy, high taxes and numerous levies; on the back of huge revenues, capital budgets are not being released adequately since 2024. Debt is rising and debt service is crippling the economy.
You would wonder why it’s the World Bank that is making this revelation.
Where’s the CBN? Where’s the National Bureau of Statistics and more worrisome, where is the National Assembly?
Despite the controversy surrounding his University certificate which led to his shameful exit from the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu, immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has thrown his hat into the gubernatorial ring of Enugu State with a declaration to serve only one term if elected .
At an interactive session with supporters, stakeholders and political mobilisers from across the State, Nnaji insisted that four years is enough time for him to achieve his blueprint for sustainable growth and development of Enugu state.
The Source reports that Nnaji was, late 2025, forced to resign his appointment as a Minister in President Tinubu’s administration, following heated controversies surrounding his University of Nigeria, Nsukka certificate .
Although the University authorities have maintained that the former Minister could not finish his programme of studies to earn a certificate, he however, insisted otherwise, blaming persecution and witch-hunt for the controversy.
Not a few have tended to impugn political motives , particularly the bitter struggle for the control of the Enugu State seat of power as the driving force behind the certificate impasse.
Nnaji has been locked in a political feud since 2023 with the incumbent State Governor, Peter Mbah, both of whom are from the same Enugu East Senatorial District where the Governorship seat is presently zoned to according to the Enugu state informal power sharing formula since 1999.
Referencing the remarkable achievements of the Government of Senator Jim Nwobodo in the old Anambra State, the former Minister insisted that impactful governance does not necessarily need long period in office .
“Look at what Senator Jim Nwobodo achieved between 1979 and 1983. In just four years, he executed projects that many administrations could not accomplish in 20 years.
“That clearly shows that transformational leadership is not about how long you stay in office but what you are able to do with the time you have..” Nnaji stated.
Nnaji explained that his decision to serve for only one term is borne out of his deep respect for the State’s power zoning arrangement.
“I want to state this clearly and without any ambiguity, I will serve only one term of four years if elected as the Governor in 2027.
Gov Peter Mbah
“This decision is deliberate. It is based on my deep respect for the zoning structure in Enugu State which has helped to maintain political balance, fairness and unity among our people over the years.
” I am 100 % committed to this arrangement. By 2031, Enugu West Senatorial District should produce the Governor ,and I have no intention whatsoever to disrupt that process.
” Leadership should not be driven by personal ambition but by fairness, equity, and the long-term stability of our state ” he added.
Dwelling on his ability to deliver results, Nnaji expressed the optimism that his rich entrepreneurship and political trajectories are a huge assets to his quest to meaningfully transform Enugu state within the short timeline available to him .
He emphasized that his extensive background in business, spanning a period of over three decades, stands him in good stead to deliver meaningful results within a short time.
“As an entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, I do not need more than four years to reposition Enugu , economically.
“I have spent decades building businesses, creating jobs ,and developing industries. The experience has prepared me adequately to deliver transformative leadership within a short time frame .
“Four years is enough to lay a solid foundation that will turn Enugu into an economic and industrial powerhouse capable of generating sustainable wealth for both indigenes and non-indigenes”,Nnaji assured.
A foundation member of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Enugu State, the former Minister is expected to come face to face with Governor Mbah who was widely perceived to be, allegedly behind the travails of Nnaji in the Tinubu’s executive council.
Nnaji’s alleged unwillingness to allow Governor Mbah’s initial defection moves to the APC was said to have been the root cause of his problems with the system ,and eventual exit from the Government.
The removal of the Traditional Ruler of Mushere Chiefdom, The Mishkakam Mushere, Julius K. Diblang, by the Governor Caleb Mutfwang led- Plateau State Government has led to massive protest.
The protesters, who are women from the Mushere community of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, took an unprecedented step by staging a nude protest over his sack.
The removal of the Monarch in Bokkos LG was announced by the Ministry for Chieftaincy Affairs which had linked the ongoing insecurity in the Chiefdom to the Monarch.
It was also alleged by the Plateau State Government that he was involved in some conflicts in the community, and his failure to address violent attacks led to his removal.
It was also alleged that the Monarch was a sellout among residents.
Interestingly, contrary to the allegations leveled against the Monarch by the Government, his people and indigenes of the Chiefdom have risen in his defence.
The indigenes and residents alleged that the dethronement of the Traditional Ruler was a witch-hunt by mischief makers.
It was gathered from residents that the Monarch had worked assiduously to restore peace and return displaced people to their homes.
Supporters of the Monarch also claim that the Government’s action was a misplaced priority during an active security crisis.
The dethronement has led to several groups in the community storming the Government Office in Jos, and within the Community, staging pockets of protests demanding his immediate reinstatement.
The Mother of All the protests was the naked demonstration by community women who stormed the Council Secretariat carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “Bring Back Julius Our Chief,” calling on the Government as a matter of urgency to immediately reinstate their Monarch.
They insisted that his removal since early April has destabilised the community.
A video footage of the protest that circulated widely on social media, saw a group of nude elderly women marching through the community, chanting solidarity songs and expressing their grievances.
Some of the leaders who spoke to the media, anonymously, said that the women stripped themselves naked to tell Governor Mutfwang that he had erred in removing the Monarch, insisting that the dethroned Monarch had done a lot to restore peace in the chiefdom.
“We had to remove our clothes to protest and demand that our paramount ruler, Mishkakam Mushere, Julius K. Diblang, who was unjustly removed from office must be reinstated immediately.
“This is a message from us to Governor Caleb Mutfwang that he should return Mishkakam Julius Diblang immediately or a big calamity will befall him. The world has seen our nakedness, and those who understand these things will know that you don’t take a woman’s nakedness for granted.
“Governor Mutfwang should better listen to us and bring back Mishkakam Mushere before it’s too late,” one of the protesting Women said as tears cascaded her eyes.
Since the nude demonstration by the Women, the Plateau State Government is yet to issue a statement on this development.
