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Insecurity: Uzodimma Pledges Swift Rehabilitation Of Okigwe Communities

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has assured of prompt implementation of the recommendations of the Committee set up by him to identify the damages caused by insecurity in Okigwe zone in the past four years.

He said attention is to be paid to the restoration of infrastructure that will guarantee urgent value as regards the needs of the people in the area in question, and in a phased exercise that will be comprehensive.

Uzodimma spoke as the Imo State Government’s ‘Fact-Finding and Implementation Committee on communities affected by insecurity in Okigwe zone submitted its report to him, detailing the scale of destruction and loss of life following attacks in that part of the State over the past four years.

The Committee, inaugurated few months ago, was mandated to assess and recommend measures for the rehabilitation of communities in Okigwe, Onuimo, Ihitte Uboma and Ehime Mbano Local Government Areas.

The members presented their findings at the Government House in Owerri weekend.

The Chairman of the Committee and Methodist Church Bishop Emeritus, Samuel Uche, said the report contains graphic accounts of what he described as “avoidable loss of lives, widespread destruction of property and human suffering estimated to cost billions of naira.”

He disclosed that no fewer than 273 lives were lost in the affected areas, describing the violence as “unreasonable madness.”

According to him, the Committee also provided a detailed tabular breakdown of damage to public infrastructure and private property.

Uche emphasised that the report reflects the true experiences of residents, noting that the findings are both authentic and reliable.

He added that communities expressed appreciation to the State government for setting up the Committee, describing the move as responsive and compassionate.

The Committee also commended Local Government Chairmen in the affected areas for their cooperation in gathering first-hand information and urged the State government to implement its recommendations without delay.

Responding, Governor Uzodimma praised the Committee for its dedication, noting that the assignment required courage and commitment.

He assured that the government would act on the report through a series of quick-impact projects aimed at restoring normalcy in the affected communities.

The Governor said plans are underway to rebuild critical infrastructure, including police stations, hospitals, health centres and primary schools. He also disclosed that Local Government administrative offices would be reconstructed with support from the State.

Uzodimma further explained that the government would adopt a phased approach in executing the projects, prioritising those that can be immediately funded.

He expressed confidence that the recommendations would be implemented promptly, with the ultimate goal of restoring stability and reconnecting affected communities.

Parties In Attendance At The Opposition Ibadan Summit

By
Ayodele Oni
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Opposition Parties Meeting in Ibadan

By Ayodele Oni

Fourteen opposition political parties participated in the summit which was held in Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday.

The opposition parties included the PDP, ADC, PRP, NNPP, NDC, LP, APP, Accord, APM, AA, DLA, YP, ADP, and ZLP.

The summit  appreciated the host, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, whose state served as the backdrop for what many delegates described as an epochal event in the journey toward the 2027 polls.

Makinde, while addressing the gathering, invoked the violent political history of “Operation Wetie” to caution against moves towards one-party domination in Nigeria.

“Operation Wetie” was a campaign of intense political violence that rocked Nigeria’s western region, with its epicentre in Ibadan, in the mid-1960s.

The term, derived from the Yoruba phrase meaning “wet him” or “soak it,” described the practice of dousing political opponents, their homes and vehicles with petrol before setting them ablaze.

It erupted after the highly disputed 1965 western region elections, which were widely alleged to have been rigged in favour of the ruling faction, effectively sidelining the opposition.

Speaking at the national summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders in Ibadan, Makinde raised concerns over growing efforts to consolidate legislative control under one party while opposition parties grapple with internal crises and legal battles.

“For those that are carrying on as if there’s no tomorrow. They should remember that “operation wetie” started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West.

“Back in 1950, this city hosted a conversation that helped shape Nigeria’s constitutional future. Those discussions were not perfect but necessary.

“They were driven by a recognition that the structure of the nation was a deliberately built, protected and well necessary debated. In many ways, this gathering carries the same responsibility.

“There are open efforts to consolidate legislative control under one party. At the same time, opposition parties are increasingly entangled in internal crises and legal battles that raise serious questions about their ability to function effectively.”

He cautioned that such developments should not be treated lightly, adding that it’s not the time for opposition leaders to be disengaged from politics.

“This is not something that we should treat lightly. I don’t want to think saboteurs are here. Because democracy is not destroyed overnight, it is weakened step by step until people begin to feel it no longer works for them.

“When opposition becomes ineffective, democracy itself loses meaning. Democracy is not defined by the success of one party, it is defined by the existence of real alternatives. By the ability of citizens to choose.”

Makinde pointed out that the summit was not motivated by personal ambitions or vendettas.

“This meeting is not a gang up against one man. And it’s not about individual ambition to be president; it is about the collective ambition of the Nigerian people to have a democracy that is properly defined.

“No matter how strong a party becomes or how popular any government may appear, the presence of credible opposition is not a threat to democracy.”

Kaduna Gov. Sani Heads Ekiti Gov. Election Campaign Council

By
Ayodele Oni
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Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State
Governor Uba Sani

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of June 20 governorship election in Ekiti state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially appointed Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, as Chairman of the State Governorship Election Campaign Council.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji is expected to flag off his second term campaign on Monday, with the local council handling the affairs putting everything in place to ensure smooth rally.

Director General of the campaign organization, Senator Cyril Fasuyi announced in Ado Ekiti that the full campaign will kick off on April 27.

According to him, “campaign has commenced at the grassroots level where our canvases move from door to door, street to street canvassing votes for our candidate. However, the campaign will be officially flagged off on April 27, 2026.

“Our campaign team is formidable. It draws membership from every senatorial district, every local government, every ward. We are ready for a clean, peaceful, and vigorous engagement with Ekiti people.

“Why April 27, you may want to ask? We are in order and not running late at all. We have been working. The last four years were the real campaign.

“Every commissioned road, every paid salary, every equipped hospital was campaigning for us. April 27 is just the formal flag-off under the INEC timetable. But BAO has been on the ballot of performance since Day One.

“Our instruction to party members is clear. Every APC member is an equal canvasser. No one is a spectator. This campaign is intra local government, intra ward, and intra unit. It must run without rancour. We will market our record and our plan, not abuse opponents.

APC, in a letter dated 24th April, 2026, signed by the APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, the party described the appointment as a recognition of Governor Sani’s “distinguished leadership, political experience, and commitment to the success of our party in this critical election.”

The letter, addressed to Governor Sani at the Kaduna State Government House, also extends a formal invitation to the official flag-off campaign rally for the Ekiti State governorship election.

2026: Opposition Parties To Field One Presidential Candidate To Face APC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Opposition Parties Meeting in Ibadan

By Ayodele Oni

Opposition political parties in the country have resolved to field only one candidate for the Presidency during the 2026 general elections.

This was one of the resolutions at the end of its deliberations in Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday.

According to them, “Participating Opposition Parties in Nigeria, after an extensive deliberation on the collective threats that we face and the existential challenges facing our country under the stranglehold of the oppressive and anti-democratic All Progressives Congress (APC) and given the need for urgent, collective action to rescue our nation and the destiny of over 200 million compatriots, hereby resolve as follows:

“That we shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country.

“That despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party, the APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.

“That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses.

“That the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections as Nigerians across board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality to deliver free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

“His continuous stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering wide spread crisis in our nation.

“That the National Assembly should immediately review the Electoral Act, 2026 to remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections and run counter to constitutional provisions.

“That all leading politicians that are being detained or harassed on bailable offfences be released with immediate effect and allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of participation and inclusivity as Nigerians.

“That we consider the recent guidelines released by the INEC as obstacles, deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on the opposition parties.

“We therefore demand that INEC extends the deadline for primaries till the end of July, 2026.

“The Summit commends Nigerians for their resilience and readiness to work with Opposition Parties to free our nation from State capture.

“The National summit of Opposition Political Parties thank the Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the epochal event.”

The resolution was signed by Chairmen of Participating Opposition Parties.

Hoodlums Rob, Cut Off  Fingers, Ear Of Bauchi Female University Student

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Saadu Zungur University SAZU
Sa'adu Zungur University SAZU

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bauchi State Police Command has announced that  coordinated operations are underway to track down suspected miscreants who cut off two fingers and a part of the ear of a  200-level female  student of the state-owned University, Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU, after dispossessing her of her phone.

According to local witness accounts, the victim, Maryam Yakeem, was reportedly attacked and robbed by four  hoodlums  on the outskirts of the University’s campus, with one of the hoodlums severing her two fingers and parts of her ears with a knife.

The University authorities have vehemently rejected claims suggesting that the unfortunate incident occurred on the institution’s campus.

A statement from Malam Auwal Hassan, the spokesperson, for SAZU, insisted that the incident took place outside the University campus.

“The unfortunate incident occurred outside the University’s environment, contrary to some misleading reports circulating in certain online media platforms suggesting that the attack took place within the University’s premises.

“The University Management wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and does not reflect the reality of the situation”, Hassan stated.

A statement from Nafiu Habib, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command said that the victim sustained injuries during the said attack.

The Command has vowed that it will explore all available pathways towards locating and apprehending the perpetrators of the crime.

The victim, reports say, is responding to treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Azare where she was refered to after an initial medical attention at a facility in Gadau.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Fatima Tahir, has extended heartfelt sympathy to the victim, assuring of the Management’s commitment towards adequately protecting students and staff of the institution.

Anambra APC Asks Gov. Soludo To Join Party If Truly He’s Working For President Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Ayodele Oni

The Anambra State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), has accused Governor Charles Soludo of non inclusion of members in his administration, despite the Governor’s claims of a political alignment with President Bola Tinubu.

The APC pointed out that Governor Soludo is misrepresenting his political alignment with President Bola Tinubu, alleging that his public claims of cooperation with the President do not reflect his actions within the state.

The APC, through its state chairman, Senator Emma Anosike, made the allegation during a press briefing, following the inauguration of newly elected state executives of the party.

He argued that while Soludo, who is the national leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has repeatedly suggested that “progressives are working together” in support of President Tinubu, his administration has not extended any meaningful political inclusion to the APC in Anambra State.

Anosike further alleged that the governor’s posture was aimed at maintaining favourable relations with the federal government, while allegedly sidelining the APC at the state level.

He maintained that the APC had not been given any sense of participation or collaboration under Soludo’s administration, despite his public assertions of political harmony with the ruling party at the centre.

Reaffirming the APC’s readiness for the 2027 general elections, the state chairman urged party members to prepare for a more competitive political engagement, promising full support for their electoral ambitions.

He also stated that genuine political collaboration should be reflected in party alignment, insisting that if there was truly cooperation with President Tinubu, key political actors would align formally with the APC.

According to him, “If we are working together, you must work for Mr. President… If you feel that progressives are working together, then APGA members should join APC, contest under APC, and win.”

Anosike further challenged Soludo to formally defect to the APC if his claims of alignment with President Tinubu were genuine, stressing that the party would no longer tolerate what he described as political contradictions.

Four Years After, Troops Recover Remains Of Soldier-couple Abducted, Killed In Imo State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Army Couple

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

It goes down as one of the most chilling killings in the history of Imo State.

A couple of the Nigerian Army  was abducted by blood thirsty  hoodlums in Imo State, and murdered in a most gruesome manner.

Both of them, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, were in Imo State to celebrate. Audu was coming to perform the traditional wedding of his betrothed, Gloria.

But as they approached Orsu, they were abducted. The abduction took a turn for the worse when their abductors identified them as  personnel of the Nigerian Army.

They tortured and killed them. In doing that, whichever group killed a daughter of Imo State, and a son-in-law, has committed an abomination. In Igbo land, one never kills one’s in-law.

Since then, their bodies had been missing. No trace. No arrests. No group claimed responsibility. But the horrible incident happened at a time Orsu area was a no-no because of the alleged activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network, ESN. It was, also, the period when they said they did not want to see anybody in uniform – military, paramilitary and Police in the South-east. That explains why Security Agencies put the blame on IPOB/ESN. But it is an allegation IPOP and ESN have strongly, and consistently denied.

Nigerian Army Couple remains
The recovered remains of the victims from shallow graves.

However, on Saturday April 25,2026 the Nigerian Army announced a startling discovery – the recovery of the  remains of the soldier-couple. It was a sad, but heart-warming discovery.

The Military authorities said the recovery was part of the fall- out of coordinated operations  by troops of the 82 Division that dismantled a camp belonging to the IPOB and its militant wing the Eastern Security Network.

According to the statement, the remains of couple- soldiers – Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu ,and Private Gloria Mathew, were  recovered by troops after dismantling the suspected terrorist hideout on Thursday, April 23.

The Military stated that the remains of the victims were recovered from  shallow graves within the IPOB/ESN camp area along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Council of Imo State.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the operation, conducted on April 24, 2026 along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area was part of a deliberate clearance and search mission aimed at dismantling IPOB/ESN hideout within the region and locating the remains of two personnel of the Nigerian Army, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew who were brutally abducted and murdered by IPOB/ESN terrorists in May 2022 while en route for their traditional wedding.

“Troops, while advancing towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout, came under heavy attack by armed criminals.

“Demonstrating resilience, the troops decisively engaged the terrorists, successfully repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the criminals to flee in disarray.

“The encounter further exposed the desperation

and criminal nature of the hoodlums which continue to target innocent citizens ,and security personnel alike”, the Army stated.

According to the statement, following a search conducted after the successful clearance of the terrorists camp, several shallow graves were discovered and subsequently excavated. Several human remains recovered.

The statement noted that part of the human remains were those of the late solder-couple Audu and Mathew.

According to the Army authorities, the couple’s remains have been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing.

“Following the successful clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and made a grim, but important discovery of shallow graves suspected to  contain the remains of slain personnel. The graves were carefully excavated and the suspected remains were recovered.

“The recovered remains have since been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing to conclusively establish their identities.

‘Efforts are also ongoing to liaisie with the families of the fallen personnel to ensure proper identification and facilitate burial arrangements in honour of their sacrifices”, the Army added.

Presidency Defends Borrowing, Says Nigeria Requires $100 Billion Annually For Proper Infrastructure

By
Ayodele Oni
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Daniel Bwala
Daniel Bwala



By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has defended the administration’s fiscal strategy, explaining that the government’s borrowing is intentionally directed toward critical infrastructure development.

 

He was responding to comments made by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, regarding the Federal Government’s borrowing pattern under the current administration

 

Sanusi had criticised the government’s continued reliance on borrowing despite the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the situation as economically inconsistent. 

 

He argued that while subsidy removal was expected to ease fiscal pressure and reduce the need for borrowing, the anticipated financial relief has not translated into a significant reduction in government debt dependence. 

 

He also questioned the justification for continued spending on supporting foreign refineries, noting that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation, should be advancing local refining capacity instead.

 

Reacting in a statement shared via his official handle, Bwala defended the administration’s fiscal strategy, explaining that the government’s borrowing is intentionally directed toward critical infrastructure development. 

 

He stated that Nigeria requires an estimated $30 billion to $100 billion annually to bridge its infrastructure deficit, adding that current revenue levels are insufficient to meet this demand without external financing. 

 

He wrote, “Your Royal Highness, we are simply borrowing to invest in the most important areas of our economy, with infrastructure being the most crucial of them all. 

 

“The lack of proper infrastructure needs at least $30 billion to $100 billion every year, but what we’re currently spending is not enough, so we have to borrow money.”

 

Bwala maintained that the objective of the borrowing is to stimulate long-term economic growth through strategic investment in key sectors, particularly infrastructure. He further referenced emerging improvements in domestic refining capacity and petroleum exports, describing them as positive indicators for the economy.

Tunde Ayeni, Billionaire Fmr. Chairman of Skye Bank, In EFCC Custody

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Tunde Ayeni
Tunde Ayeni



By Adesina Soyooye 

 

Billionaire businessman, Tunde Ayeni, is reportedly in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

 

Ayeni, a former Chairman of Skye Bank Plc, was picked up on Thursday in Abuja over an alleged fraud running into billions of Naira and millions of US  Dollars.

 

The Commission is said to be probing alleged diversion and misappropriation of about N36.5 billion in addition to $36 million. 

The huge amount was, reportedly, obtained from Polaris Bank Plc via companies linked to the Skye Bank Chairman.

 

There has, however, been no statement from either the anti-graft Commission or Ayeni’s Counsel..

‘Expedite Action’, Obidient Movement Urges Supreme Court

By
The Source
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Supreme Court of Nigeria

The Obidient Movement like to make passionate appeals to the  Supreme Court of Nigeria for a Swift Judicial Resolution of Opposition cases before it.

 

The Movement wants to remind the apex court that justice delayed in this matter is effectively democracy denied.

 

 The current leadership vacuum in the main opposition coalition has left thousands of party faithful in a state of flux and risks disenfranchising a significant portion of the electorate who look toward the ADC and its coalition partners as a credible alternative for national governance.

 

​”The apex court is the last refinery of justice,  at a time when the political landscape requires absolute clarity, any prolonged delay in pronouncing a final verdict on the ADC leadership crisis provides room for mischief, fuels factionalism, and undermines the preparations for a robust multi-party contest in the coming elections”

 

The Obidient Movement notes that the legal battle between the contending factions is no longer a mere internal affair as it has become a matter of national interest which the apex court should be conscious of in its decisions. 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the voting public require a settled leadership to engage with, particularly as primary windows and coalition negotiations begin to take shape.

 

We therefore like to make an urgent call to the Supreme Court requesting an expedited and definitive ruling on the leadership dispute currently paralysing the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

​As the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, the continued ambiguity surrounding the party’s executive structure—following the court’s decision to reserve judgment on April 22—threatens not only the internal stability of the ADC but the broader viability of opposition consolidation in Nigeria. 

 

A swift and clear pronouncement from the Supreme Court will stabilise the political atmosphere and allow the ADC and the wider opposition movement to focus on the essential task of nation-building.

 

​We remain confident in the wisdom of the apex court and trust that the judiciary will remain the steadfast guardian of our democratic process. 

E-sign.

Dr  Yunusa Tanko.               National Coordinator.         

​

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