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Jonathan Reveals Obasanjo Made Him President, Says His Political Journey, A Miracle

November 8, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

As humble as ever, former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, described his rise in politics from a nobody, literally, to Nigeria’s topmost job.

He, also, publicly revealed that it was President Olusegun Obasanjo who made him President.

Jonathan spoke on Friday in Lagos as the Guest of honour at the presentation of three books by his former Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati. The presentation of the books was part of the activities to mark Abati’s 60th birthday anniversary.

The former President commended Dr. Abati for his contributions to the media industry, and acknowledged him as his friend and younger brother.

He particularly praised

Abati for writing the books, especially, the one which chronicled his emergence as the President, titled, How Jonathan Became President.

On that book on his emergence as President, Jonathan said: “I’ll be very, very, interested to read how Goodluck Jonathan became President from back to back, and I need to do that in the next couple of days.”

He then added that he hoped that Abati, in the book, narrated how Obasanjo (who was the Chairman of the occasion) made him President.

Jonathan: “When you talk about how I became President, the man who made me President is right here. I hope you properly reflected on that role. I hope you captured his role. As a journalist, you followed up on my stories even before you joined me in the State House. So thank you for that.

“There were a lot of ups and downs in my political journey, but actually, my political journey looks like a political miracle, from deputy governor to becoming the President of this country in less than four years.

“It was a miracle. It’s only God that made it possible. So, I have to thank you for documenting it.”

Jonathan also said he hoped Abati’s book would provide an unbiased account of his (Jonathan’s) story because as an Observer, Abati would do a better job of it than if he, Jonathan, wrote a book on his Presidency.

He said: “When you tend to write about yourself, there’s this tendency to paint yourself in too many bright colours that probably you don’t deserve. But when people write about you, it makes more sense.

“And I know with your scholarly competence, this will be one of the best collections if somebody wants to read about Jonathan and the State House. I sincerely thank you.”

The presentation of the books was attended by too many high profile persons including top Traditional Rulers, Industrialists, Business men and women, top Journalists, top Politicians and more. The revered Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Bishop Matthew Kukah, delivered the keynote address.

Wike Faction Sacks PDP’s BoT, Installs New Leadership

Adesina Soyooye

November 7, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, local to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has sacked the Party’s Board of Trustees, and Installed a new Leadership.

Sacked on Friday at a meeting held at the official residence of the Minister are, Chairman, former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, PhD, the Secretary, former Governor of Kaduna State, Senate Ahmed Makarfi, and more.

In Dr. Wabara’s place, the faction appointed a former Senator who represented Abia North, Mao Ohuabunwa. The factional BoT Secretary who was appointed in place of Makarfi is Isah Dansadi.

The factional Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad presided over the meeting.

The changes were announced in a communique after the inaugural and emergency meeting of the newly reconstituted BoT held in Abuja.

The communique, said the Wabara and Makarfi could has lost the capacity to serve in their previous offices because it has “publicly taken positions in the ongoing intra-party crisis,” and so lost the neutrality expected of a BoT.

“Accordingly, the Board unanimously approved the election of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Hon. Isah Dansidi as the Chairman and Secretary of the newly constituted Board of Trustees, respectively.”

The BoT reassured of the party’s cohesion as “one indivisible, united, and democratic family firmly committed to the ideals of justice, equity, and progress.”

It urged all organs and officers of the party to ensure “full and immediate compliance” with the October 31 judgment of the Federal High Court, which nullified some internal actions of the previous leadership.

The factional BoT also supported the postponement of the National Convention pending the outcome of the appeal filed against the Federal High Court judgment.

“The judgment of the Federal High Court remains superior and weightier in law than the interim order of the Oyo State High Court.

“Prudence and respect for judicial processes demand that the proposed National Convention be postponed until the Court of Appeal delivers its decision”, the communique said.

The BoT warned

that no organ of the party should act “in contempt of court, or outside constitutional provisions,”

and cautioned that such actions would render any outcomes null and void.

Terrorism: IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu Knows Fate November 20

The Source

November 7, 2025

By Charles Igbo

To be set free or imprisoned? That is the question on the lips of many anxious Nigerians on the fate of the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, as the trial Judge, Honourable Justice James Omotosho, on Friday, fixed November 20, to deliver judgement on the allegations of terrorism against him.

Justice Omotosho announced the date while he stated that Kanu failed to open his defence.

He said that Kanu has exhausted the six days the Court allocated to him to present his case.

Justice Omotosho held that since Kanu failed to take advantage of the opportunity granted to him by the Court, to conduct his defence and so could not claim that he was denied his constitutionally guaranteed right to a fair hearing.

However, on Friday, Kanu made a motion challenging his trial because, according to him, terrorism was no longer an offence in Nigeria.

He had pointed out earlier that Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had been repealed, and, therefore, there is no valid charges against him.

Kanu insisted that there was no case against him and urged the Court to dismiss the charges and set him free.

Nnamdi Kanu writes Trump, Says “I am Prisoner Of Conscience”

The Source

November 7, 2025

By Charles Igbo

Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has written and sent a letter to President of the United States of America, Donald Trump.

In the letter, Kanu who is being prosecuted by the Federal Government for some sundry issues, including terrorism, alleged a hidden genocide against Judeo-Christians in the South-Eastern part of the country. He also described himself as a prisoner of Conscience.

He, also, told Trump that his trial for terrorism is politically motivated and urges the US to support a supervised referendum on self-determination in Nigeria.

Kanu endorsed any U.S. action against Nigeria and insisted that he is a “Prisoner of Conscience” and a “four-time survivor of state assassination attempts.”

He recounted how he was forcibly abducted from Kenya, in an extraordinary rendition operation which he said violated international laws.

He added that extremist-backed non-State actors like “Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militias,” all, already condemned by President Trump, operate with “state complicity in the South-East and Igbo speaking territories of Benue, Kogi, and Delta.

“But here, the Nigerian military itself is the primary perpetrator, shielded by a false narrative that blames victims.”

He also listed military actions like ‘Operation Python Dance,’ which he alleged killed many Christians, and accused former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, rtd, of orchestrating these acts. He that Buratais ambassadorial role protected him from international prosecution.

He said: “This is state-sponsored impunity on a genocidal scale.”

Kanu’s personally signed letter to President Trump, read in part:

“I extend warm greetings to you in the name of the Judeo-Christian faith and values we both hold dear.

“As a practicing Jew and a believer in the Judeo-Christian heritage that shaped Western civilization, I was honoured to attend your campaign event in Des Moines, Iowa, in January 2020.

“Your bold declaration on October 31, 2025-that the United States is ‘prepared to act’ militarily and cut aid if Nigeria fails to protect its Christian population-has ignited hope in the hearts of millions who have been abandoned by the world.

“You have seen the truth: Christians in Nigeria face an existential threat. I write to you now to reveal that this genocide is not confined to the North-it has metastasized into the Igbo heartland, where Judeo-Christians are being systematically exterminated under the guise of counter-terrorism.

“I am Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a peaceful, non-violent civil rights movement rooted in Judeo-Christian principles.

“Since 2015, I have survived four documented assassination attempts by the Nigerian state.

“On 20 June 2021, I was forcibly abducted from Kenya in an extraordinary rendition operation-an act that violated Kenyan and international law, as condemned by a Kenyan High Court ruling (Petition No. E282 of 2021).

“Despite this ruling, I was illegally transported to Nigeria and thrown into solitary detention in Abuja, without a valid subsisting charge and for the sole crime of defending my people’s right to life, faith, and self-determination under international law.

“On 13 October 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja (CA/ABJICR/625/2022) discharged and acquitted me of all charges, ruling that my rendition was illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of international law.

“The Court ordered my immediate and unconditional release. Yet I remain in solitary detention-over 1,596 days since my abduction.

“The Nigerian Government defied its own Judiciary, refusing to release me as ordered. I was never released, so there was no re-arrest, only continued unlawful imprisonment in blatant violation of constitutionally protected double jeopardy safeguards under Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution and Article 7(2) of the African Charter.

“The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (Opinion No. 25/2022) declared my continued imprisonment ‘arbitrary, unlawful, and politically motivated.

“This is not justice. This is state capture of the rule of law to silence a Judeo-Christian voice.”

Kanu then proceeded to make some recommendations. They include:

“A Call to You, President Trump. You said America will act. Now is the moment. I respectfully urge you to Launch a U.S.-led independent inquiry into state-sponsored massacres of Judeo-Christians in Eastern Nigeria, with full access to mass graves, military logs, and survivor testimonies.

“Convene emergency Congressional hearings on the Igbo Christian genocide.

“Impose targeted Magnitsky Act sanctions on: Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Ambassador, Benin), current DSS Director-General, and South-East military commanders implicated in Obigbo.

“Support an internationally-supervised referendum on self-determination for the Igbo people-the only peaceful path to ending this cycle of violence, as affirmed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Article 20).

“Mr. President, history will judge us by what we do when genocide knocks. You have the power to stop a second Rwanda in Africa. One tweet, one sanction, one inquiry could save millions.

“I remain steadfast in peace, faith, and non-violence-even from a prison cell. IPOB rejects every form of violence. We seek only justice, truth, and freedom.

“May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-who delivered Israel from Pharaoh, grant you wisdom and courage to deliver His people once again.

Kanu’s four-page letter was shared by his Lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor.

Activists, CSOs, Oppose Reopening Of Ogoni Oil Wells, As Delay Persists Three Decades After

Akinwale Kasali

November 7, 2025

Activist on Reopening Of Ogoni Oil Wells

By Akinwale Kasali

Three decades after the execution of environmental activist and Right Livelihood Laureate, Ken Saro Wiwa, alongside eight others, environmental activists and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, have condemned, in strong terms, moves by the Nigerian Government to resume oil extraction in Ogoni, Rivers State.

At a Media Roundtable in commemoration of the 30th Year Anniversary of the execution of the Ogoni 9, Nnimmo Bassey, the Executive Director of Health of Mother Heart Foundation, HOMEF, has described the plans to resume oil extraction in Ogoni as a tragic step backwards, especially as countries across the world are moving to renewable energy.

The media roundtable which was organised by HOMEF, also featured the screening of a documentary titled “After 30 years (Ken Saro-Wiwa): the struggle continues.

The documentary captures the lives and times of Saro-Wiwa, his activism, the current status of Ogoni land and the plight of the families of the Ogoni 9.

Speaking after the Screening of the Documentary, Bassey said the killing of Saro-Wiwa was a deliberate effort to silence dissenting voices and anyone who would speak against oil extraction, stressing that the Nigerian Government has not completed the Ogoni Cleanup nor implemented the Ogoni Bill of Rights, a document adopted by the Ogoni people to demand control over their economic resources and protection of their environment from degradation and pollution.

Bassey demanded that the Government should, with immediate effect, halt all plans to reopen Oil Wells in Ogoni and focus on completing the cleanup exercise as “people are living in a poisoned and toxic environment”.

“The Nigerian government should not open the oil wells, not even one more. Oil has not developed any part of this continent. We need to reset our thinking and do something productive rather than focusing on extractives,” Bassey added.

He also noted that the 2011 United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, report on Ogoniland validated the claims of the Ogoni people, as it confirms hydrocarbon contamination in soils at depths over 5 metres and in groundwater at levels up to one million micrograms per litre, far exceeding national and international safety standards.

Ole von Uexkull, the Executive Director of the Right Livelihood Award, a Swedish organisation that honours individuals and organisations solving global problems, shared that the world is moving away from fossil fuels, and the Nigerian government should follow suit, instead of reopening the oil wells in Ogoni.

Uexhull expressed concern about the reliance and continued heavy investment in fossil fuels, despite the reliability of solar energy, noting that “it is rooted in political control of resources, a key reason governments and corporations remain reluctant to shift away from oil.”

He listed the top bankers of fossil fuel expansion in Africa, with many of them from the United Kingdom, USA, France and Japan.

Showing solidarity and honouring the legacies of Ken Saro-Wiwa, Uexhull noted that Ken and the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni people in 1994 were awarded for their exemplary courage in striving non-violently for the civil, economic and environmental rights of their people.

Akinbode Oluwafemi, the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, in his remarks described Saro-Wiwa as a man who stood for the liberation of his people and fought for justice.

“Ideas don’t die. Ken lives. Nigerians should not keep quiet in the face of injustice,” Akinbode remarked.

Assailants Kill Two In Nasarawa Community, Abduct Three

Ayodele Oni

November 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

An early morning attack on a community in Nasarawa state has left two persons dead and three others abducted.

The early morning attack on Sarkin Noma, a predominantly Tiv and Eggon farming community near Kadarko in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State left the people wailing and protested.

The assailants, armed with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, reportedly stormed the community in the early hours of Friday, shooting indiscriminately and causing residents to flee for safety.

Eyewitnesses said the assault, which lasted for nearly an hour, left two people dead, three others kidnapped, and several residents injured.

The attack occurred without any immediate response from security operatives.

Sarkin Noma, situated along the Lafia–Makurdi Expressway, has in recent times suffered repeated attacks, leaving residents in fear and displacement.

In the aftermath of Friday’s assault, angry youths from the area reportedly took to the streets in protest, barricading the Lafia–Makurdi highway.

The demonstration, accompanied by chants of war songs, caused a major traffic gridlock and left commuters stranded for hours.

The protesters called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to urgently intervene and address the growing insecurity in the area to prevent further bloodshed.

Confirming the incident, the President of the United Farmers Association in Kadarko, Chief Denis Gbongbon Utsa, told reporters that the attackers, suspected to be Lukurawa terrorists, invaded the community at dawn.

He said: “In the early hours of today, Friday, November 7, heavily armed terrorists, suspected to be Lukurawa bandits, invaded the Sarkin Noma community of Kadarko.

“They killed two persons, abducted three others, and injured many. Angry farmers have since blocked the Lafia–Makurdi road, demanding Governor Sule’s visit to address the humanitarian crisis and worsening insecurity.”

Nigeria, Denmark To Deepen Maritime Cooperation

James Orji

November 7, 2025

The government of Denmark has pledged its continued support for Nigeria’s maritime sector development while seeking to explore new areas of economic partnerships. This was disclosed by the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jens Ole Bach Jansen, during his recent visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency head office in Lagos.

Jansen emphasised the longstanding ties between both countries which spans decades and has seen the Danish government and Danish private companies invest in the Nigerian maritime industry.

He further expressed optimism that his country is willing to explore new areas of collaboration with Nigeria especially in training of seafarers and maritime security support amongst others.

Welcoming the delegation to NIMASA, the Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed appreciation for the continued engagement with Nigeria, particularly in the area of maritime.

According to him, “I would like to use this opportunity, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Government, to thank the Danish Government for its longstanding support for this (maritime) sector. This has seen Danish companies successfully invest in various areas of the sector, and we are confident that this relationship can only grow”.

Key areas of cooperation between both countries have focused on training and professional development for maritime security, as well as joint efforts to improve Nigeria’s maritime sector’s digital infrastructure. Danish companies like APM Terminals have also made significant investments in Nigerian port infrastructure, including in Lagos, Onne and Kano.

Denmark is also supporting training initiatives, such as the Ship-in-a-Box (SIAB) simulator project with the UNODC, to enhance the skills of Nigerian maritime law enforcement personnel in areas like Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations

Ondo Police Details How Robber Drugged Victim, Stole Car

Ayodele Oni

November 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has shed light on how a suspected robber drugged his victim and made away with his Toyota Corolla.

The stolen car was later tracked to the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja where it was recovered.

Police spokesman, Olusola Ayanlade stated that investigation revealed that the suspect, Ojodi Esiah, hired a Toyota Corolla belonging to Tunde Olubode under the pretext of attending to business within Akure metropolis.

“While in the Agbogbo area of the city, the suspect deceitfully induced the vehicle owner to take alcohol laced with a sedative, causing him to fall into deep sleep.

“Taking advantage of the situation, the suspect absconded with the vehicle. Prompt reporting by the owner enabled the Command to immediately launch a discreet, intelligence- and technology-led investigation to trace and recover the stolen car.

“Through coordinated efforts and strong intra-agency collaboration between the Ondo State Police Command and the FCT Police Command, operatives traced the stolen vehicle to the Gbwangbalada area of Abuja.

“Acting on this intelligence, the suspect was arrested, and the vehicle was successfully recovered.

“Subsequently, both the recovered vehicle and the suspect were conveyed to Akure on 4th November 2025, where he remains in custody as further investigations continue to determine the extent of his involvement in similar offences and to identify possible accomplices.”

In another operation, operatives of the command attached to Osukoti division botched a network of suspected motorcycle thieves operating in Ondo and Ekiti states.

“The operation was initiated after a report was received from Tiamiyi Sodiq and one other, who complained that their two TVS motorcycles—one blue and the other grey—had been stolen.

“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, detectives led by the Divisional Officer tracked one of the stolen motorcycles to Akintade Street, Osukoti.

“The team moved decisively to the area and arrested the suspect at Enyo Filling Station along Owo/Ilesha Expressway, where the blue TVS motorcycle was recovered.

“In the course of the operation, another black TVS motorcycle was found abandoned at the scene after its rider fled upon sighting the police.

“Further investigation seamlessly progressed with a search conducted in the suspect’s residence, during which two side mirrors—believed to have been removed from one of the stolen motorcycles—were recovered.

“Findings so far revealed that the syndicate operates as an interstate network, stealing motorcycles from Ekiti to sell in Ondo, and from Ondo to dispose of in Ekiti, thereby exploiting proximity and road connectivity between the two states to conceal their criminal operations.

“As a result of the prompt and coordinated police response, two motorcycles have been successfully recovered.

“The arrested suspect is currently cooperating with investigators to facilitate the recovery of other stolen motorcycles and to assist in tracking down the remaining members of the gang who are still at large.”

Ogun Police Command Arrests Foreign Nationals Involved In Visa Scam, Kidnapping

Ayodele Oni

November 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ogun State Police Command has arrested a syndicate of Cameroonian nationals notorious for luring and kidnapping unsuspecting victims under the guise of visa processing.

Spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Command in the State, CSP Omolola Odutola who confirmed this on Friday morning in a statement, identified the male suspect only as Donald.

According to report, preliminary investigation by the police in the Command, revealed that the victims’ family members in Cameroon had paid a ransom of 3,600,000 CFA into the Cameroonian bank account of the fleeing suspect.

“Police operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Eleweran, intercepted Donald after receiving a distress call on 4th November 2025, at about 1030hrs from a Cameroonian national, who narrated how she had been deceived from Cameroon into Nigeria on 29th September 2025,” CPS Omolola said.

“Shortly after her arrival at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, she was received by the supposed ‘agency,’ which provided transportation from Lagos to Mowe, Ogun State, where she and her younger sister, aged 23 years, were held hostage.

“On 3rd November 2025, the complainant escaped from captivity and alerted the Police, disclosing that more victims who fell for the same ploy were being held in a two-bedroom flat in the Pakuro area of Ogun State.

“Following the report, a tactical team from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the criminal hideout at Mowe, Ogun State, where Kengne Maeva ‘f’ was rescued unhurt.

“Two suspects, Ndzana Kamga Isidore ‘m’ and Tingue Stephen ‘m’ were arrested at the scene, while the principal suspect, Donald ‘M’, remains at large.

Trump’s Threat: Tinubu Is Calm, Nigeria Not Panicky – FG

Adesina Soyooye

November 7, 2025

Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

By Adesina Soyooye

“Channels have been opened with the US for discussions”

Nigeria rose on Thursday to calm down its citizens, most of whom have become anxious, since the threat by President Donald Trump of the United States of America, to descend on Nigeria because of alleged genocide against its Christian population.

President Trump, in a series of posts and statements after declaring Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, CPC, made it clear the US could, and would move in to protect Christians in Nigeria if the Nigerian Government continues to do nothing. President Trump, in fact, thinks the Nigerian Government is complicit in the alleged genocide, an allegation Nigeria vehemently denies

But on Thursday, the Federal Government rose to assure its citizens that both President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria are calm and not panicky over the position of the United States on the alleged genocide against Christians.

It, also, officially disclosed that it has opened up channels of discussion with the US on the issue. It emphasised, and assured, that the FG was committed, as much as ever, to ensuring that all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethic background is safe.

These were stated by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, when he fielded questions from State House Correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Idris: “The Government of Nigeria is responding to the genuine concerns raised and the politics of it, of course, aside, we genuinely are taking the issues seriously.

“But let me also say that Government, even before the events of the last few days, has been extremely committed to ensuring that Nigeria is, indeed, safe for everyone.

“The killing of even one Nigerian citizen is of concern to the Government of Nigeria. And of course, because our Constitution, and we keep mentioning this, guarantees the right of everyone to worship his or her religion without hindrance, the government of Nigeria is committed to that, will continue to do that, and wherever there is any violence affecting any citizen in this country, the government of Nigeria has indeed the responsibility to ensure that that is being tackled.”

“Let me say that the Government of Nigeria is really very stable. The President is calm. Like we have said, he’s calm. The Federal Executive Council members are indeed very calm. That is not to discountenance the issue. We are not saying that.

“Are there issues of security in this country? Yes, there are. Are people being killed in parts of this country? Yes. But is there anything that Government is doing to also checkmate that? Yes, indeed, there are. Is Government also responding to this? Yes, it is.

“But this is being done with the greatest sense of responsibility, while maintaining the balance that we require to face these issues head on.

“Now, to recap, yes, government is responding to some of these issues in a manner that will also reflect who we are as a country, maintain our respect and dignity as a country, and also welcoming the partnership that we so dearly need from everyone, international community, from within, to tackle this issue. Issues of terrorism, violence from extremist is not something that is just done by one country.

“We also have cooperation with national partners, including the United States and Nigeria will continue to engage now.

“Have we had any discussions with the Government of United States? Yes. Channels have been opened. We prefer that this situation is being solved diplomatically. We don’t want to escalate the true rhetoric you have said, we have said, and all that.

“The responsibility that we have as a Government is to ensure that whatever genuine concerns that there are to keep our citizens safe, the Nigerian Government will continue to do that.

“But there is not any panic mode here. We are responding responsibly, steadily and in the interest of our country also taking into account the concerns both from within and outside this country of what the situation in this

“But let me say for the umpteenth time, Nigeria is a country that has tolerance for religion. So whatever you practice, whatever is your faith, our Constitution guarantees that you are free to practice that, and the Nigerian government will continue to ensure and will continue to impress on the security agencies to maintain law and order wherever they are, and we’re going to also do more so that whatever concern there are, the government of Nigeria will take care of those concerns. “

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