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Bayo Onanuga’s Wool-gathering on Peter Obi

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Peter Obi and Bayo Onanuga

The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has become aware of yet another misguided statement from Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who claims that the government he represents will not forgive Peter Obi for supposedly inviting U.S. President Donald Trump into Nigeria’s situation. It is important to note that the circumstances surrounding the involvement of President Trump and the global community in Nigeria’s issues are well-known and have nothing to do with our principal. Therefore, we believe Onanuga deserves no response, except perhaps for those who are easily influenced.

It seems this government cannot escape thoughts of Peter Obi, and we understand why; his message directly addresses the glaring failures of leadership for which this administration is primarily responsible. Onanuga’s fabrications appear to be a desperate attempt by the government to divert public attention from its shortcomings.

Ononuga has continually and incorrectly interpreted his role as Presidential Spokesperson to mean finding ways to criticise Peter Obi, whose name has become a source of anxiety for them. His ongoing falsehoods about Obi are nothing more than a cynical attempt to distract the public from the government’s evident failures, such as insecurity, the rising cost of living, and various instances of corruption, all taking place amid unprecedented hardship facing the population.

It’s a well-known fact that when a government lacks a plan for the future, it resorts to fabricating lies about the opposition to divert attention. When they prioritise politics over governance, they fail to consider the consequences.

Peter Obi, as an opposition leader, rises above mudslinging and remains focused on important issues. While Onanuga daydreams about Obi, he is unconcerned, going all over the globe acquiring knowledge and touching the lives of the poor who have been abandoned by the government. Onanuga’s statements are a classic example of political disinformation intended to confuse and mislead the public—a common tactic used to distract from current governance challenges or to create a false narrative about an opponent’s standing both locally and internationally.

We therefore like to urge the public to disregard any fabrications from the Presidential spokesperson concerning Obi and to remain focused on their journey toward a new Nigeria that is indeed possible.

E-Sign

Ibrahim Umar
POMR Spokesman
November 26, 2025

Atiku To Tinubu: Stop Celebrating Release Of Abducted Kebbi Sch Girls

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Kebbi School girls

Few hours after the release of the abducted school girls from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga Kebbi state Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president has slammed the federal government for celebrating their release.

According to him, the fact that the students were captured by bandits was a failure on the part of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The former vice president made the remark in a statement issued by his media office on Wednesday, saying the fact that terrorists now dictate for the federal government what it should is a testimony that the Tinubu administration is no longer in control.

The magazine had earlier reported that all the school girls were freed following negotiation between the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA and Department of State Services, DSS after spending days in the captivity of the bandits who abducted them from their school on November 17.

President Tinubu said on Tuesday, following their release that he was happy that the girls have been delivered from captivity.

According to Abubakar, the federal government should stop celebrating its “incompetence as heroism” saying the administration is boasting of negotiating with terrorists instead of eliminating them, like other serious nations do.

“Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them? Why is kidnapping now reduced to a routine phone call between criminals and state officials?” Abubakar said..

He stressed that “terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away untouched, while the presidency celebrates their compliance.”

“No serious nation applauds itself for negotiating with terrorists it claims to have under surveillance. No responsible government congratulates itself for allowing abductors to walk back into the forests to kidnap again.”

Apart from the Kebbi school girls who have now been reunited with their families, many students kidnapped by bandits , on 21 November,   from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State have yet to regain their freedom. Out of the 312 students said to have been kidnapped, few of them had escaped, security agencies are still on the trail of the bandits, the government said.

Terrorists Mock FG, Say It “Failed To Rescue Abducted Students, Negotiated With Us”

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Bandits in the North

By Gideon Njoku

In a viral video, the terrorists who abducted the female students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, have put a lie to the Federal Government’s claim that it did not negotiate with the terrorists for the release of the Girls. “They negotiated with us”, the terrorists claimed.

Almost immediately after the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, happily announced the release of the Girls, the video in which the terrorists mocked the Federal Government for not being able to rescue the students, but forced to negotiate their release surfaced.

One of the terrorists, in the video, was seen interrogating the students and mocking the Government.

The terrorists boasted that even with the presence of the military, and the many fighter jets over-flying where the Girls were kept in a forest, they were still not able to rescue the girls.

The terrorist, in Military uniform, with his gun slung over his head and shoulders asked the girls who sat on the ground in captivity:

“How many jets passed above you?” The girls responded “Uncountable”. He asked again: “Did we leave you hungry?” The girls replied “No”. He asked again: “Were you assaulted?”. Again, the girls responded “No”.

Then, another terrorist took over, promised the girls freedom, and mocked the failure of Government to secure their release.

He  said: “We will take you back home safe to your parents. We are doing this based on peace deals.

“We are letting you go after negotiations. Your Government cannot rescue you with might. Your Government has failed.”

The girls, 25 of them,  were abducted from their school hostel  on November 17. One of them escaped, leaving 24 in captivity. The terrorists, also, shot dead the school’s Vice President and the gateman.

Governor Idris had blamed the Military for the abduction of the Girls, revealing that the soldiers inexplicably abandoned their bit leaving the girls vulnerable. The terrorists attacked about 30 minutes after the soldiers left.

The 24 girls, true to the promise of the terrorists, were released on Tuesday, November 25, to the relief of their parents.

Neither the Government, the Military, nor the Police, has given the details of how the girls were released. But the questions for the Federal Government remain: If you did not negotiate with the terrorists, how come not one was arrested? How come not one was killed? And if you negotiated, what are the details?  Or, have terrorists become Father Christmas? Did they take the risk of abducting the girls, murdering two people, only to come out of it empty- handed?

2026 Osun Guber: Ataoja of Osogbo Publicly Declares Support For ADC, Aregbesola

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Ataoja of Osogbo - HRM Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun

By Akinwale Kasali

As the African Democratic Congress, ADC, campaign train moves to Osun State with the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election gathering momentum, the Ataoja of Osogbo, HRM Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Laroye II, has endorsed, and  openly declared his support for the ADC and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State.

The Monarch who is also the 21st Traditional and Paramount ruler of the city of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, made this open declaration of support for Aregbesola’s Party, ADC and for the two term former Governor of the State during a courtesy call at his palace in Osogbo, ahead of the ADC’s final constituency tour of Osun State.

Oba Oyetunji held no words back as he emotionally declared that wherever Aregbesola goes, he will follow and support him.

“Your coming to Osogbo today is symbolic because I have not heard that you adopted a new Party until now that you visited. That you have come to openly declare being in a new party with all those that followed you means the whole of Osogbo will be behind you.

“No one will see me and not see Aregbe, and when you see Aregbe, you will surely see me”, the Ataoja Of Osogbo stated.

He added: “Aregbesola’s journey this time around is different. This is because he has come now to work assiduously for the betterment of the people of Osun.

“He is one man I respect a lot because when some naysayers were mounting pressure on him to dethrone me, he did not listen to them.

“We are not ingrates in Osogbo. Osogbo is always united when it comes to politics.

“I’m for Aregbesola. I will never leave him. Wherever he goes, we shall follow.”

Oba Oyetunji, who shared his thoughts in Yoruba language, asked the town’s chiefs and the Asiwaju of Osogbo land, Hon. Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd), if he had echoed their minds, and they all responded in affirmation of their support.

Nigerian Govs Convene Emergency Meeting Over Insecurity

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Nigeria Governors Forum - NGF

17 state governors under the aegis of the Southern Governors Forum, SGF,  are meeting in Ogun state as part of the move to promote peace and unity in the country.

The Governor of the state, Dapo Abiodun made this known in a post he shared on his verified X handle on Wednesday, saying the meeting will bring together top government officials, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders from the southern part of the country, who will deliberate on how to move the country forward.

Abiodun said: “As we prepare to host the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting today, we were pleased to receive some of the distinguished attendees, particularly traditional rulers and respected leaders from across the southern region.

“Their visit offered us the opportunity to deepen ongoing engagements and align our shared expectations ahead of the gathering.

“We value the presence of our royal fathers and regional leaders, whose wisdom and guidance continue to enrich our processes.

“As host, we remain committed to creating an atmosphere that encourages honest dialogue and fosters stronger collaboration among all stakeholders as we work together for the peace, stability, and development of our region and, by extension, our country.”

The magazine had earlier reported that six southwest governors met in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Tuesday on how to tackle imminent security challenge posed by foreigners, especially Fulani bandits and other criminals to the region.

Meanwhile, 19 northern state governors have also fixed November 29 to meet over escalating insecurity across the region.

Speaking about the meeting to journalists, Peter Ahemba, senior special assistant on public affairs to Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa, said the meeting will take place in Kaduna.

He stressed that the meeting will  forge a joint strategy for addressing insecurity in the region, saying other major stakeholders, including traditional rulers have been invited to the meeting.

Ahemba said, “The meeting aims to develop a unified approach to tackling security concerns affecting the region and discuss the way forward on security matters

“Due to the security challenges in some northern states, the Nasarawa state government has taken proactive measures by organising an emergency security meeting, where decisive decisions will be made to prevent any breach of security in the state.

“It is the duty of citizens to help deal with security threats in our country and state.

“Therefore, citizens must do well by providing security agencies with relevant information about individuals with criminal tendencies.”

FCT Minister Suspends Education Secretary

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education,  Dr Danlami Hayyo.

Hayyo was suspended for ordering the closure of schools in FCT without the approval of the Minister.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, in a statement, debunked the report that all Government Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were mandated to close by November 28, 2025, saying that “no such decision was taken at any level of the administration.”

The Acting Head of Service,  Mrs Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has also been mandated to discipline the Director, School Services, Mrs Aishatu Alhassan, in accordance with the civil service rules.

Describing the report on early closure of schools as false and misleading, the administration urged parents, students, and school authorities to dismiss the rumour, stressing that the approved academic calendar remained unchanged.

The FCTA also assured  residents of the FCT,  especially students of adequate security,  adding that the Minister has directed the resumption of Operation Sweep and other security initiatives in the federal capital.

On President Tinubu’s Orders, Airforce Takes Over Security In Kwara, Kebbi, Niger

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Nigeria Airforce - NAF Operatives

By Ayodele Oni

As a further step to curtail banditry, President Tinubu has ordered total security cordon over the forests in Kwara state following recent kidnappings and terrorist activities.

President Tinubu directed the airforce to expand its air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests in Kwara state, where it is believed the terrorists are hiding.

A statement on Tuesday by Mr Sunday Dare, Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications to the President, stated that they are to maintain a 24 hour surveillance and link up with the booths on the ground.

“This order equally applies to the Kebbi and Niger States axis where many are expected to be rescued.

“Communities are also urged to provide timely information about strange movements and activities to aide the work of the security forces.”

PDP Petitions Chief Judge Over 3 Judges

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Tanimu-Turaki

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has petitioned  the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, to stop assigning the party’s cases to the three justices of the court, namely  ; Justice Peter Odo Lifu; Justice James Omotosho and Justice Abduimalik.

The party said it’s surprised that cases relating to the PDP were always assigned to the three judges, wondering why it’s so despite the fact that there are close to 12 judges in the court.

The PDP made the petition in a letter signed by Taofeek Arapaja, the National Secretary of the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, saying its members have expressed seriously concern about these justices.

The development comes on the heels of conflicting judgments delivered by the court regarding the recent National Convention of the party held in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, where Turaki was elected the National Chairman.

Two factions of the party are currently in court to determine which of them is in control.

According to the part, the courts presided over by the three justices have been designated by its members as “Courts of Particular Concern, adding that the party has lost confidence in their abilities to dispense justice in the cases relating to the PDP, calling on the Chief Judge to stop assigning its cases to them henceforth. .

“I have the instruction and authority of the National Chairman of our Party, the Peoples Democratic Party and the entire members of the newly-elected National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of our Party to write this letter to Your Lordship concerning our fear and apprehension regarding all matters either filed by our Party or against our Party at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division,” the PDP said.

“My lord, it is of great concern to our Party that it would appear that all matters for the past few years filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division either for or against our Party have always been assigned to the following three Judges only, namely:

“Hon. Justice James Omotosho;Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu; Hon. Justice Abduimalik. Even though there are other Judges numbering up to nine in the Abuja Judicial Division, who could have taken up any of these matters, as the Abuja Division has 12 Judges.”

The party said its members had lately complained about the development, adding that it raised the question of whether the PDP had been fairly treated in the decisions handed down by the judges.

“Several of our Party members have recently complained bitterly to the newly elected members of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of the above-mentioned scenario.

“Indeed, all these three Courts are viewed by party members and indeed the public as ‘courts of particular concern’ with regard to matters pertaining to or affecting the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“My lord, it is trite that justice must not only be done in all cases and circumstances with regard to matters pending and matters filed in the Court of law, but justice must be seen to be done indeed by reasonable members of the society including the members of our Party.

“Given the current challenges facing the Party, there is a high likelihood of cases being filed for or against the Party. It is in this respect that we humbly plead and beg that in no other matters or circumstances with regard to cases that may be filed by or against our party henceforth should be assigned to any of these three Judges, since justice is rooted in trust and integrity.”

Adding that “Our Party wishes to reiterate the fact that we have no iota of doubt with regard to the integrity of the Judiciary, particularly the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, headed by your Lordship in dispensing justice in all cases, other than the above-highlighted fears and apprehension of our Party.

“Kindly accept the assurances and warm regards of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of our great party.”

Bayo Onanuga’s Dangerous Pattern

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Bayo Onanuga and Valentine Obienyem

By Valentine Obienyem

The recent false claim by Mr. Bayo Onanuga that Mr.  Peter Obi was the one who invited former U.S. President Donald Trump to Nigeria is, unfortunately, consistent with his now familiar pattern of reckless misinformation. For the record, Mr. Peter Obi has never met President Trump, nor is he seeking to meet him now.

What is truly worrisome is the nature and frequency of the fabrications Mr. Onanuga continues to put out. We must recall that this is the same Bayo Onanuga who falsely alleged that Peter Obi was behind the nationwide protest that took place last year. The same man also claime that Obi was connected to the supposed coup plot over which certain individuals were arrested.

Why would a man in his seventies persist in acts that betray both maturity and responsibility? His conduct repeatedly suggests that he neither understands the gravity of the office he occupies nor the dignity that the position demands.

Nigerians often ask: Is this not the same office once held by the likes of Mr. Segun Adeniyi, Dr. Reuben Abati, and Mr. Femi Adesina? These individuals, at ages when Mr. Onanuga was already old enough to be their father, treated the office with respect and carried out their duties with restraint, professionalism, and honour. It is therefore baffling that Mr. Onanuga, despite being far older is the one diminishing the stature of a position meant to embody credibility and responsibility.

At a time when national cohesion is fragile and public trust is strained, those entrusted with official communication must speak with clarity, truth, and responsibility. Public communication ultimately serves as a mirror, revealing to the nation the true character and values of the leaders being represented. When misinformation becomes routine, it does not only expose the spokesperson, it casts a reflection on the system they speak for.

It is imperative that Mr. Onanuga rises to the demands of his office or refrains from actions that further erode the credibility of the government he represents.  If it is the problem of old age, he should honourable retire. Nigeria deserves better.


Obienyem, a Lawyer  is Peter Obi’s Media Adviser

Kidnapped Kebbi School Girls Released

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Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School - Kebbi State

By Adesina Soyooye

Freedom came Tuesday evening for the 24 female students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State who were abducted from their hostels on 17th November, 2025.

As they embraced freedom relief also came for the Governor of the State, Nasir Idris who publicly accused the Military of being responsible for the abduction of the Girls whose Vice Principal and Security Guard were killed by the terrorists.

The Governor said that the soldiers who were deployed to protect the students withdrew, inexplicably, shortly before the terrorist struck. He has called for a probe.

Confirming the release of the Girls, Bayo Onanuga, said that President Bola Tinubu has applauded the release.

He quoted the President as saying: “I am relieved that all the 24 Girls have been accounted for. Now, we must put as a matter of urgency  more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping.”