Ned Nwoko Says Okowa Did Not Allow Him Perform, Faults APC Primary Elections

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May 21, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ned Nwoko, a Barrister-at-Law, who represents Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has alleged that former Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, did not allow him to freely perform as a Senator. At the time Okowa was in PDP, and so was Nwoko.

Nwoko was the first to defect to the APC before Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori joined. Their defection to APC increased Nwoko’s problems, he said. He had no free hand.

In his monumental loss to Okowa for his reelection to the Senate Primaries, Woko also alleged that

aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Delta State were

denied the opportunity to freely participate in the exercise.

According to him, the whole process was influenced by the state government to favour selected aspirants.

A report by Arise News quoted Nwoko as saying that the process was designed in a way that weakened internal party democracy and created advantages for preferred candidates during the exercise.

He maintained that the conduct of the primaries did not reflect a level playing field for all participants involved in the senatorial contest.

The lawmaker described the exercise as one that raised questions regarding fairness and openness within the party’s internal electoral procedures.

He noted that the process generated dissatisfaction among some participants who expected a more transparent method of selecting candidates for the senatorial race.

Nwoko maintained that the exercise lacked the transparency required for credible internal party elections, and this, in his view, affected the confidence of participants in the outcome.

He emphasized that internal democracy within political parties should be protected to ensure fairness and inclusion.

Nwoko also explained the circumstances that led to his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that his decision was influenced by limitations he experienced while serving as a senator under the party.

He claimed that he was unable to operate freely due to interference in political and legislative activities, which affected his ability to effectively carry out his responsibilities.

He added that the interference extended to decision-making processes and constituency-related projects, which he said were often influenced by the state leadership.

The senator maintained that such restrictions created an environment where independent representation was difficult, prompting his eventual political realignment.

He stressed that elected representatives should be allowed to function without undue interference from party or state structures.

The lawmaker reiterated that the situation in both the PDP and the recent APC primaries reflected broader concerns about internal party control and political influence in Delta State.

He maintained that these issues continue to affect democratic processes within party structures and the selection of candidates for elective positions.

“I was in PDP. I got elected as a PDP Senator. But I realized that my people there—the Governor, Okowa himself—you know, didn’t allow me to operate freely.”

CBN Confident Of Disinflation As Apex Bank Holds Lending Rate

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 21, 2026

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has promised that inflation will return to existing level in the country as soon as possible, blaming external factors for the rising cost of commodities and goods in the country.

CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso made this known on Wednesday at the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting held in Abuja, the nation’s capital after the Committee’s decision to retain the Interest rate at 26.5 percent. The committee is the authority that regulates the benchmark interests rates in the country, and it’s made up of 11 members including the CBN governor who chairs it.

Cardoso while speaking to journalist after the meeting yesterday said all the members agreed on the decision to retain the old interest rate, set by the bank last month.

The development comes amid the rising cost of commodities in the country. The last time the interest rate was set, the inflation rate, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS was 15.06, it has now moved up slightly to 15.38 amid fear that it can possibly move upward due to the war in the Middle east which has caused global rate inflation to spiral.

Due to the war, energy cost has ballooned globally, a situation that has had serious impact on other economic sectors, according to experts.

But Cardoso said the current situation is a temporary one that will fizzle out, insisting that the macro-economic policies in the country will reset the trend.

According to Cardoso, the MPC also agreed to retain other benchmarks including the Cash Reserve ratio, CRR for commercial banks at 45 percent.

He stressed that the impact of the global economic shock caused by the Middle east war has had insignificant impacts on the nation’s economy compared to pressures facing other economies.

“However, indications are that the impact of the crisis on the Nigerian economy has been minimal due to the benefits of prior policy reforms,” Cardoso stated, saying the CBN monetary policy has ensured that the impact on the Nigerian economy has been “mitigated.”

“These include exchange rate stability, improvements in external reserve buffers, strengthened monetary policy transmission, well-capitalised banking system, and ongoing fiscal consolidation, which have significantly bolstered the economy’s ability to absorb external shocks.

“As a result, the pass-through of global commodity and energy price shocks to domestic inflation has been significantly mitigated and would have been more pronounced in the absence of these reforms,” the CBN governor said.

“The MPC was therefore convinced that the essential conditions for price stability remain firmly in place.”

Navy Chief Seeks Stronger Inter-Agency Security Collaboration

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 21, 2026

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The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas has reaffirmed the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. The Naval Chief stated this at the graduation ceremony for personnel trained under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s Deep Blue Project.

Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, Vice Admiral Abbas described the Deep Blue Project as a model for effective inter-agency cooperation in tackling maritime crimes and sustaining security within Nigeria’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

According to him, “The Deep Blue Project remains a classic example of effective inter-agency collaboration. Modern national security demands sustained cooperation, professionalism, vigilance, and continuous capacity development among all maritime stakeholders”.

He commended the graduands for their professionalism and operational efficiency during the capability demonstration, noting that the training marks a renewed commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“The performance displayed by the participants during the capability demonstration was surgically executed, reflecting the quality of training and operational preparedness required to secure our maritime domain,” the Naval Chief stated.

The Chief of Naval Staff, also lauded the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for the sustained investment in maritime security capacity development, while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving maritime safety, security, and national stability.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that the Agency remains committed to strengthening maritime security through strategic partnerships, continuous capacity development, and sustained investment in the Deep Blue Project.

Mobereola emphasised that the 177 graduands comprised of 33 Special Mission Vessel Officers, 14 Special Mission Vessel Engineers, 107 Fast Intervention Boat Operators, Technicians and Boarding Team personnel, as well as 23 Helicopter Team members who underwent specialised training in helicopter operations, tactical boat manoeuvres, medical evacuation, unmanned aerial systems, communications, and combat medic procedures.

“These specialised trainings are designed to improve operational efficiency, intelligence coordination, and rapid response capabilities within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea,” Mobereola said.

He noted that Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents for four consecutive years through the instrumentality of the Deep Blue Project, leading to reduced war-risk insurance premiums and improved global maritime confidence.

“For four consecutive years, Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its waters. This achievement has not only restored global confidence in our maritime domain, but was also a significantly contributor to Nigeria’s election into the Category C of the International Maritime Organization,” he stated.

The NIMASA DG expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON “whose sustained support and dedication to the growth of the maritime industry and advancement of the blue economy agenda continue to inspire the Agency’s operations and strategic direction”.

He also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, Homeland Security International (HLSI), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, and other stakeholders for sustaining the successes recorded under the Deep Blue ProjecHe reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to deepening collaboration with relevant security agencies and maritime stakeholders to sustain the gains of the Deep Blue Project and ensure safer waterways capable of supporting Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy aspirations.

Tinubu Promises Political Reform In Second Term

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 21, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to embark on political reform of the country during his second term in office, saying what preoccupies his administration at the moment is how to secure the country and make the economy strong.

The president, who is currently serving his first term in office has indicated his interest to run in next year’s presidential election amid Nigerians’ demand for immediate total political overhaul in the country.

But the president while speaking in Lagos, on Wednesday, at the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, book lunch and presentation of awards to the activists and their partners organised by the National Secretary of the organisation, Ayo Opadokun disclosed that his focus at the moment is to ensure economic prosperity for Nigerians, and to also ensure that they are safe.

Tinubu who was represented at the occasion by Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun state, accused some people of deliberately trying to bring down the government by fueling insecurity across the country, because they felt offended by some hard decisions of the Tinubu’s government, including fuel subsidy removal.

He said Tinubu is tacking the challenges facing the country head-on, and would ensure that the issue of political reform is taken care of in his second term in office.

He said:”The president asked me to tell you that he will implement political policies in his second term. He is focusing on the economy and security issues now.

“There is a deliberate attempt by people to disturb the peace of the country by those who feel offended by his policies on fuel subsidy and round tripping.”

The president, who was represented by former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, said unpatriotic elements who are opposed to his laudable policies and programmes are behind the security challenges.

Tinubu lauds NADECO for its heroic struggles over the years, particularly during the struggle to enshrine democracy in the country, noting that it would have been impossible for him to become president if not for the struggle of men and women in NDACO.

Oyo Abduction: Makinde Signs Executive Order To Tackle Insecurity

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 21, 2026

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, has signed an Executive Order to regulate the activities of vigilante and other local associated security associations in the state.

The state helmsman said the action followed the prevailing security challenges facing the state at the moment.

Makinde spoke on Wednesday during a press briefing in his Kolapo Ishola GRA home in Ibadan, the state’s capital.

His remark also came days after suspected kidnappers abducted pupils and students of Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School in Esin Ele, Oriire LGA, Ogbomoso.

Security agencies are still combing bushes and forests in the area in search of the abducted students and teachers.

Some local hunters have also been despatched to assist police and other security forces in the rescue efforts.

Signing the Executive Order No 1 of 2026 titled, “Executive Order on the Regulation of Associations, Groups and Organisations Offering Security and Allied Services in Oyo State”, the governor said all security efforts must be coordinated in the facing of the challenging facing the state, saying no one should take law into his hands in trying to protect the state.

He explained that the Order will ensure that all efforts to protect lives and property must be done withing the law and not outside of it, as the state alone cannot provide security, adding that all efforts by the state government is to ensure protection and safety for all.

“Security is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a collective duty, and we will appreciate the many citizens, associations, and groups who continue to support lawful efforts to keep our communities safe,” the governor said.

“However, at a time when insecurity has become more sophisticated, coordination, accountability, and proper regulation has become necessary.

“This executive order is therefore designed to ensure that all groups involved in security-related activities operate within a clear legal and operational framework that support peace, order, and rule of law.”

APC: Consensus Is Working, Party Chair Said Despite Aspirants’ Protest Nationwide

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 21, 2026

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All Progressives Congress, APC National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended the decision by his party to adopt the consensus arrangement in picking aspirants for the 2027 elections. The APC boss however said no aspirant has been forced to submit him or herself to the consensus arrangement, saying this is line with the Electoral Act which provides that in a situation where an aspirant fails to accept the arrangement the aspirants must go through direct primary.

The APC Chairman made this remark on Wednesday after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

His comment however comes on the heels of protests across the country by some members of the party that they have been stopped from contesting as a result of the consensus deal adopted by the party.

As a result, some of the aspirants have withdrawn from the race citing intimidation by the leadership of the party. For instance, a former Governor of Ogun state, Gbenga Daniel claimed that he was forced to withdraw from the contest for the Ogun East APC primary so that the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun could emerged as the party’s candidate.

Also, a Nollywood star-turned politician, Desmond Eliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly had complained of intimidation during the APC primary for the Surulere 1 Constituency on Thursday, forcing him to withdraw from the race.

The situation is almost the same across the country

Reacting, Professor Yilwatda said the party’s primaries across the country have been successful so far, despite the disenchantment expressed by some aspirants.

“Where a consensus doesn’t work, you go for direct primary and that’s what people are doing across the states,” he said, adding that the primaries have turned out well from his “assessment.”

“There is no state where people said they wanted direct primary and they were handed consensus. We gave out consensus forms and you must sign the form before you step down. You must agree as aspirants before consensus takes place.

“My assessment is very simple. You can see how competitive our party has turned out to be. Just simple demand and supply: you have few positions and you have thousands of people who have come out to vie for these positions across the country, the most competitive ever in the history of Nigeria. I want to thank our members for the support they have given. It is usual for people to complain but it is near perfect”.

Fubara Says He Is Not A Coward, Withdraws From Governorship Race

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 21, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has finally dropped out of the contest to retain the State’s Governorship seat in 2027.

He has withdrawn from the Governorship Primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026.

In a statement which he personally signed on Wednesday, dated May 20, Governor Fubara said his action was not because he is a coward. He also dismissed the idea of his being weak. He said he withdrew from the race out of conviction and because he wanted to make sacrifice for peace and progress in the State.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity…”

He promised to support whichever candidate emerges as the candidate of the APC.

Following is the full text of Governor Fubara’s letter of withdrawal from the race which he addressed to his “dear” Rivers people.”

“*MY DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RIVERS STATE GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES*

“Fellow Rivers People,

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.

“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.

“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.

“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.

“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.

“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.

Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

Governor, Rivers State

May 20, 2026.”

Since 2023 when he was sworn into office, Fubara has been a governor only in name. His undoing stemmed from the very grave political crisis which engulfed Rivers State three months after he was sworn into office. The political crisis, a product of the bitter falling apart with his political godfather, Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory brought the State to its knees and made a ridicule of democracy.

Disheartening. Heartbreaking. Difficult to process

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The Source

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May 20, 2026

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By Babafemi Ojudu

For days now, I have lived under a cloud of depression since the news broke about the abduction of those innocent schoolchildren and their teachers in Ogbomoso. But it was that horrifying video of the mathematics teacher being murdered that finally shattered me.

How does a human being place a knife on the neck of another human being and slaughter him like a ram prepared for Ileya?

A harmless man. A law-abiding citizen. A teacher whose only “crime” was going to work to educate the future of our country. A father trying to provide for his family. A man whose chalk and blackboard were his weapons against ignorance.

Those eyes.

Those tears streaming helplessly down his face in his final moments.

They pierced my soul.

Since watching that video, writing has become difficult. Food has lost its taste. Sleep has abandoned me. My spirit has been restless. I have snapped at people. Irritated by almost everything around me.

Why? Why have we become this numb as a people? Why has evil become so casual in our land?

And while these innocent children — some barely two, four, or five years old — and their terrified teachers endure horror in forests and wilderness, we politicians continue jumping from one primary election to another, consumed by ambition, permutations, and calculations of power, as though nothing has happened.

No pause.

No national mourning.

No collective outrage worthy of this tragedy.

Has nobody stopped to think of those children?

How do they eat?

What water do they drink?

Where do they sleep when the rain falls?

How do innocent minds process such terror?

How does a teacher comfort frightened children while staring death in the face himself?

And we are not outraged?

Life simply goes on?

We move from one political meeting to another, one rally to another, one television appearance to another, while innocent souls are held in the wilderness between life and death.

Politics

No.

This is more than insecurity.

This is war.

War against our humanity.

War against our collective conscience.

War against the very soul of our nation.

And if this does not shake us, if this does not awaken our leaders and stir our people into action, then perhaps we are losing something even greater than territory — we are losing our capacity to feel.

We can no longer afford to sleep peacefully while innocence is dragged into forests and slaughtered before our eyes.

May God comfort those children wherever they are tonight.

May He console the families already broken by grief.

And may He awaken this nation before darkness completely swallows us.

Senator Ojudu, accomplished Journalist, was Presidential Political Adviser to former Vice President Professor Yemi Obasanjo

NDLEA Intercepts Illicit Drugs Worth Over N480 Billion In Ijebu Laboratory

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 20, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Wednesday May 20, 2026, announced the seizure of illicit drug and chemical substances worth over N480 Billion.

The agency said that ten suspects, including three Mexican nationals have been arrested in connection with what it described as the interception of one of the highest concentration of production of banned methamphetamine and chemical substances in the country.

At a media briefing in Abuja, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa ( rtd) said the seizure and arrest were recorded during intelligence-driven and coordinated operations carried out across Ogun and Lagos States in the last two days.

According to Marwa, the operations were targeted at the dismantling of a large-scale methamphetamine laboratory located in a remote Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Council of Ogun State.

“Barely two weeks ago, we announced the successful takedown of a high-profile Drug Trafficking Organization, DTO, headed by Simon Amadi in a complex, multi-country operation involving the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the Swiss, French, and the Greek law enforcement agencies.

“Today, I am proud to announce that the NDLEA has struck another crippling blow to the heart of transnational organised crime.

“Through a clinical, simultaneous operation executed by the elite operatives of our Special Operation Unit, SOU, we have successfully dismantled a sophisticated, transnational methamphetamine production syndicate run jointly by a Nigerian drug cartel and their Mexican counterparts.

“This farm was being used as a massive, highly dangerous clandestine methamphetamine laboratory by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organization.

“This network did not just traffic drugs, they were actively manufacturing industrial-scale quantities of highly lethal illicit substances right on our soil, threatening the national security and public health of Nigeria”, Marwa stated.

The NDLEA boss revealed that the discreet and coordinated operation conducted at the forest laboratory of the syndicate on May 16, 2026, resulted in the seizure of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals with a street value of S 362.9 million.

“The operation yielded a massive 2,419.48 kilograms (over 2.4 tons) of chemical materials, including highly toxic, volatile, and crystallized methamphetamine worth $362,922,000.00. in the international market”, he added.

The NDLEA Chairman informed that another operation carried out by a tactical team led to the arrest of the suspected ring-leader of the cartel at his Lekki, Lagos luxury residence.

“Simultaneously, another tactical team closed in on the luxury residence of the cartel’s mastermind, Anochili Innocent, located at No.8 Tafawa Balewa Street ,Golf Estate, Lakowe , Lekki area of Lagos State. The drug baron was cornered and arrested”, he noted

He informed that a search conducted at the palatial mansion of the drug pin led to the recovery of the International passports and other travel documents of the arrested Mexican nationals operating at the Ijebu laboratory.

Other suspects, according to the NDLEA Chairman were arrested at another Lekki property with a warehouse linked to the syndicate also discovered.

Marwa, however, reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment and total readiness in hunting and dismantling drug cartels, and their collaborators across the country.

“We are aware of the shifting tactics of these cartels, including the disturbing trend of hiring South American cartel specialists to set up production factories in our rural communities.

“Let it be known that no matter how deep into the bush you hide, no matter how secure your gated estate is, the NDLEA will hunt you down, disrupt your networks and seize your ill-gotten wealth”, the NDLEA Chairman warned.

Adeyanju Urges Tinubu To Arrest Sheikh Gumi, Says He Is Pro-Terrorists

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 20, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Deji Adeyanju, Activist and Lawyer, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s Government to immediately arrest Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over comments he allegedly made in support of bandits and the ongoing security crisis in the country.

Adeyanju made this call following a viral video in which Gumi was heard asserting that “Fulani herdsmen are part of us and we are part of them.”

He added that as Nigerians, we must live with them.

His remarks generated series of controversies, as security experts and political analysts condemned it.

Adeyanju, however, took to his Facebook Page on Wednesday, and insisted that sympathizers and terrorists should be treated as one. Such individuals, he said, can only thrive in a failed State .

“People like Gumi can only exist and survive in a country without a Government.

“Terrorists sympathizers are terrorists. His words and actions promote terrorism in Nigeria. I call on the government to arrest him, so as to serve as deterrent to others”, Adeyanju stated.

Over the years, Gumi has been known to have made controversial statements, and has consistently supported bandits and herdsmen, urging the Government to give them a sense of belonging and dialogue with them.

He had, oftentimes called for negotiations between bandits and the Government.

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