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Troops Arrest Wanted Terrorist Kingpin Behind Plateau state Attacks

August 22, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Military authorities on Friday August 22, 2025 announced the capture of Adamu Buba, one of the most notorious and dreaded bandit kingpins believed to be behind the orgy of violence and killings ravaging Plateau and Kaduna states, North Central and North West regions of the country.

The Defence Headquarters, in a statement from the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, informed that the wanted terrorist leader was arrested along with 13 members of his gang during coordinated raids conducted by troops of the Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, on identified bandits’ hideouts in some parts of Plateau and Kaduna States.

According to Kangye, during the operations carried out in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Jos North and Bassa local councils of Plateau state, as well as Jaba and Zango Kataf Councils of Kaduna State, troops also recovered several dangerous weapons, ammunition and operational motorcycles from the suspects.

The Defence Headquarters spokesperson noted that Buba and his gang were majorly responsible for most of the high profile terrorist attacks, killings and abductions in many parts of Plateau and Kaduna States.

Major General Kangye informed that interrogation of the apprehended suspects is still underway.

Meanwhile, the Military authorities said over 220 different kinds of weapons ,and ammunition intercepted from criminal elements have been handed over to the Centre for the Control of Small and Light Weapons.in Jos the Plateau state capital.

“On August 17,2025,the Commander of OPSH Major General Folunso Oyinlola handed over 220 different weapons.,and 1,874 rounds of ammunition seized from criminals to the National Centre for the Control of Small and Light Weapons on Jos Plateau state.

“Between August 13 and 20, Nigerian troops launched a series of operations across different parts of the country under various task forces.

“In the North Central and North West Regions, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke carried out raids in Benue, Nasarawa,Taraba,Kogi and even the Bwari Area Council of the FCT where they neutralized terrorists, arrested suspects including a gun runner, and rescued kidnapped victims.

” In the North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, ground and air offensives were launched in Borno and Yobe states, targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds in Moguno, Gwoza, Konduga, Damboa and Bama”, Kangye stated.

According to him, during the operations in the North East, troops neutralized several terrorists elements, arrested about nine collaborators, and rescued three kidnapped victims.

Benue: Four Lawmakers Suspended Amidst Growing Cold War Between Gov. Alia And House Of Assembly

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 22, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Benue state House of Assembly on Friday, August 22, 2025, announced the immediate suspension of four of its members over alleged moves to impeach the Speaker, Rt Hon Aondona Dajoh, on Thursday night.

The Majority Leader, Hon Saater Tiseer, while moving the motion for the suspension of the four Lawmakers, accused them of attempting to precipitate an unnecessary crisis within the ranks of the legislative body.

Consequent upon the motion, the Speaker directed the Sergeant at Arms to lead the affected legislators out of the House.

The development also led to the appointment of Hon Audu Elias to replace one of the suspended members Alfred Berger as the Chairman ,House Committee on Information.

Other Lawmakers affected by the suspension order are Hon Terna Shimawua, representing Kian State Constituency ,Hon Cyril Ekong representing Obi State Constituency and Hon James Umoru of Apa State Constituency.

According to the House resolution, the suspension order will last for six months.

The Source reports that the suspension is coming on the heels of an unsettling relationship between the House and the State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, over the screening of Commissioner-nominees.

The House had earlier declined to screen eight Commissioner-nominees, citing the failure of Governor Alia to effect some resolutions calling for the suspension of some Government officials, including the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area.

The Lawmakers had insisted that they will also not attend to any of the Governor’s correspondences untill the affected appointees are sanctioned.

Although Governor Alia had, on Wednesday, August 20, August 21, implemented the House resolution with the suspension of the Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman , Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB, Mrs Grace Adagba and the Executive Secretary of the Benue state Lottery Commission Michael Uper for a period of one month to pave the way for the screening of Commissioner-nominees on Thursday August 21, the Governor was said to be greatly bruised by the stand of the Lawmakers, particularly its leadership.

According to an insider source, the stand of the House was perceived by the Governor as another attempt by the Legislators to undermine and ridicule his administration.

The refusal of the Lawmakers to clear two of the Commissioner-nominees , particularly, Prof Timothy Yangien Ornguga, a Law Professor from the Benue state University, was said to has not gone down well with the Governor.

The House rejected Prof Ornguga, citing four petitions against him, including the one from one of his former Students alleging the alteration of his results, as part of the reasons for its action.

The Lawmakers also had, in rejecting Prof Ornguga, noted that he was not in possession of his Primary School Certificate.

The alleged impeachment moves against the Speaker and the subsequent suspension order slammed on the four House members are strongly believed to be a direct fall- out from the latest supremacy battle between the Lawmakers and Governor Alia.

This medium gathered that ever since the Legislators some months ago suspended about eight members over the disagreement with the State Chief Judge, Governor Alia has been bent on effecting a change in the leadership structure of the House.

According to our source, the present Speaker, and Majority of the House leadership are strongly believed to be loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, George Akume, who it is believed, has a strained relationship with Governor Alia.

Their face off first became public knowledge, following the relocation of the sitting of the State’s Local Council Election Tribunal from Markurdi to Abuja by the State Chief Judge.

The action resulted in the House calling for the removal of the State Chief Judge. In the face of the House/Chief Judge disagreement, about eight Lawmakers were suspended over their opposition to the call for the removal of the Chief Judge .

Not a few observers have perceived the continued rivalry between Governor Alia and SGF Akume as the driving force behind the persistent crisis and spate of suspension orders rocking the state House of Assembly.

NFF Under Fire As Fmr Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai Is Buried

Akinwale Kasali

August 22, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Criticism has continued to trail the indifferent approach of the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, over the death of former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popular as ‘Dodo Mayana’.

Rufai was laid to rest at the Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos, by members of his family, colleagues and friends, tears flowed freely.

The late 61-year old 1994 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, winner lost the battle to death after a prolonged illness, throwing the Football fraternity into mourning.

The goal tender was described by colleagues and friends as an upright man whose absence would be greatly missed.

His colleagues slammed the Federal and Lagos State Government as well as the NFF for not sponsoring the burial rites of the Goalkeeper described as one of the best ever produced in the continent.

Taribo West, former Super Eagles defender, expressed his displeasure over the development, and thundered that he won’t advise his son to play for Nigeria.

He lamented the neglect by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government, the Lagos State Government and the nation’s Football body’s neglect of such a passionate, exemplary, disciplined and devoted Player that gave his all to the nation during his playing days.

“What kind of nation is this? With the type of example that they have shown with Shofoluwe, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, I’ll never advise my son to put his feet for this country,”

The ex-defender accused football authorities of doing little to support Rufai’s family following the death of the Goalkeeper who was Nigeria’s first choice at the 1994 World Cup.

“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Federation. They drop the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to put your life on the line for. That’s why I say I have to shift back so that I will not implode. It’s grieving.

“My Mother passed on. I never shed tears. My Father passed on in my hands. I never shed tears,” he said.

“When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples on my body. And every individual I’m speaking to, there were tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?

“Do we have a Football Federation or do we have a Football Association in this Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way, and his family.

“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness. Look, please let me go. I don’t want to pour my heart,” he said angrily before abandoning the interview.

Taiwo Afinnih, a former Stationary Stores of Lagos player, described the deceased Goalkeeper as a gentleman who never got involve in any argument with colleagues.

Afinnih, who attended same secondary school with Rufai, said that scoring against the former Goalkeeper was the dream of every young footballer considering that he was hard to beat in the goal post as a teenager, he prayed for the repose of his soul.

“We Will Not Join You In This” INTERPOL Rejects EFCC Arrest Alert On Atiku Abubakar ‘s Son-in-law

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 22, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The International Police Organization, INTERPOL, has rejected the alert issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, on Bashir Haske, son-in-law of Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria.

The International Police network in a statement on Friday, August, 22, 2025, described the EFCC’s red flag as politically-motivated .

The Source reports that the anti-corruption commission had on Thursday August 21, declared Haske, a known business associate of Bayo Ojulari, the new helmsman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, wanted

But in a statement the INTERPOL informed that its rules of engagement prohibits it from indulging in politically-motivated, religious, racial or military induced alerts as in the case of Haske.

“Please note that INTERPOL will only issue Red Notice if it complies with the organization’s rules and Constitution ,which notably forbids INTERPOL from issuing a Notice on political, religious, racial or military grounds”, the International Police stated.

The body noted that it is clearly aware of the close personal relationship between the subject matter Haske ,and Nigeria’s former Vice President and a leading figure in the new opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC .

The Source reports that the EFCC of late has come under intense scrutiny and criticism following its decision to beam its searchlight on opposition members.

The Commission’s declaration of Atiku Abubakar’s son-in-law wanted is coming on the heels of the widely condemned arrest detention and interrogation of Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the immediate past Governor of Sokoto state.

Not a few strongly believe that the travails of Tambuwal, one of the prominent figures behind the ADC opposition Coalition, may have been as a result of his political affiliation.

The Ola Olukoyede-led EFCC on Thursday night accused Haske of money laundering and other related Offences.

None Of My Personal Assistants Earn Less Than N1m monthly – Gov Eno

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 22, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr Umo Eno, may have opened what could turn out to be the most controversial debate in the country in the coming days, following his expression of concern over the haughty remuneration package of his personal aides

According to him, none of his personal aides goes home every month with less than one million Naira.

Governor Eno’s worry is, however, not about the humongous amount being paid his Personal Assistants , Special Assistants , Senior Special Assistants and others ,in a system where Professors , medical doctors of many years experience receive far less, but his concern is about what he lamented is the unwillingness of the beneficiaries to allow “the democracy dividends trickle down to the people in their Constituencies.”

At a Town Hall Meeting.with the people of Ikono and Ini Federal Constituency held in Ibiaku Ntok Okpo ,the Governor also expressed deep disappointment that some of the appointees in the face of the heavy monthly payment package still down play their earnings to avoid responsibilities to their people.

He, however, commended the efforts of one Blessed Essien, his Personal Assistant on Protocol, in deploying part of his large monthly emolument to the service of his community.

According to Governor Eno, while others continue to evade responsibilities, Essien has used part of his earnings to engage in borehole project for his people.

For his gesture, Essien has been elevated to the position of a Special Assistant on Public Works.

“I received a brochure about a PA who used part of his earnings to construct and reticulate a borehole in his village .

“That is commendable. But others with similar opportunities are not engaging their Communities meaningfully.

“Let it be clear: no Personal Assistant to the Governor earns less than N1 million monthly .

“It is misleading to describe such as ” a stipend” . That is a substantial income and I expect transparency and accountability from.all political appointees.

“To further make the appointees accountable to the people, the Governor directed the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, to compile and publish in a national daily, a comprehensive list of the officials, paying due attention to their local councils of origin.

Bauchi: One Dies As Suspected Robbers Attack Poly Students

Ayodele Oni

August 22, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Students’ Union Government of the Bauchi state owned Abubakar Tatari Alli Polytechnic has decried the incessant attack on the students by armed robbers.

This is coming on the heel of another attack on the students barely two weeks after the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi was hit by a similar incident.

According to reports, the attack occurred around 3 a.m. on Friday, when three armed robbers broke into an off-campus lodge housing two students.

During the struggle, one of the students was stabbed in the stomach, and later died after losing excessive blood.

The deceased student has been identified as Samuel Mbami, an ND2 Mass Communication student.

In a statement signed by its president, Usman Aliyu, the Students’ Union Government condemned the attack, described it as tragic and senseless.

The Union demands a thorough investigation, and calls on the authorities to beef up security on campus, and in the surrounding communities, to prevent further incidents.

The union also urged students to remain calm, and prioritise their safety.

Ekiti Govt Approves Installation of Female Regent In Community

Ayodele Oni

August 22, 2025

Monisade Afuye - Ekiti state deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

For the first time in history, and based on the request of the stakeholders, the Ekiti State Government has formally granted the request of Aramoko community, Ekiti West Local Government to begin the practice of installing a female Regent to temporarily fill the vacant Alara stool.

The State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, announced this, on Friday, in Aramoko Ekiti, while interacting with stakeholders over the controversy surrounding the attempt to install a female Regent, which deviates from the longstanding practice.

Most communities in Yoruba Appoint females, especially daughter of a deceased monarch to occupy the throne at the passage of an Oba.

The Alara stool became vacant, following the demise of Oba Olu Adegoke Adeyemi, from Arakale Ruling House, on August 9, 2025.

Based on the request letter forwarded to the government and signed by the monarch, Oba Adeyemi before his death and other stakeholders on April 23, 2015, the town contended that the practice, by which a male Chief adorned in royal regalia, with beaded crown will be sitting on Alara’s Stool, was strange to Yoruba culture.

Addressing the stakeholders at an extended meeting convened to settle the logjam, Afuye, in a statement signed by Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the approval was in stringent alignment with the new Alara Chieftaincy Declarations 2015, which was approved and gazetted by government.

The deputy governor added that a change in the traditional practice, was undertook at the behest of the community, who spearheaded the move through the last Alara and was adopted by the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, considered by the State Executive Council and duly approved by government.

Harping on the need for unity and peace in the town, Afuye, insisted that the community, with rich culture and history, must strictly adhere to the new Chieftaincy Declarations, which stipulated that the appointment of a female Regent should be embraced.

She assured that the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji won’t forcefully impose anyone as a king or regent, but would not also bend the law to favour anyone in the installation of traditional ruler.

“This new Alara Chieftaincy Declarations was done to avert crisis in this town. Not even your governor can change your declarations. Only a substantive king and stakeholders can change it.

” With what we have read out to all of you in the new chieftaincy declarations, you can now install a female child of the immediate past king as the Regent to serve for a period of three to six months as the first option. If you can’t get this, you can pick from his ruling house.

“It wasn’t even the late King that did it, but the entire town. I learnt the last male occupant installed into the position nearly divided the town and that accounted for why you agreed that a female Regent will be the first option.

“The meeting where the decision was taken was a well attended one. All the chiefs were there. The Representatives of the ruling Houses were there and other illustrious indigenes. The letter to the government was duly signed by all the required parties.

“Now that you have all agreed to this new order, because nothing lasts forever, the government will soon announce the name of your preferred candidate as the female Regent when you forward to us.”

Speaking for the Ruling Houses, Prince Olu Aladeloye, said they totally agree with the review and adoption of female Regent in their traditional practice.

“What the government approved for us meets our yearnings and we are all happy. If they divide this town into ten portions, I know that over nine and half portions agreed with this option of a female Regent”.

A member of the House of Assembly, representing Ekiti West Constituency 1, Hon. Karim Agunbiade, posited that the step taken by government signposted that Governor Oyebanji’s administration was proactive and proficient in crisis management.

“This government has not disappointed us. We thank God that we have a governor and deputy that are very effective. If not for this intervention, nobody knows what would have happended. We appreciate this timely approval and intervention”.

2027: “Left For Me, It Is Peter Obi, But as a Prophet, God Is Telling Me Something Else, And I Speak His Mind” – Iginla

Adesina Soyooye

August 22, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

One of the many and still growing number of Prophets in Nigeria, Joshua Iginla, has said that his personal choice for the Presidential seat in 2027 does not align with what God is telling him.

Iginla is the founder and senior prophet of Champions Royal Assembly.

Speaking on who he thinks is best suited to lead Nigeria in 2027, he said, left for him, it is Peter Obi, but that God is telling him a different thing, and that he speaks the mind of God, instead of his own mind.

In a YouTube video, Iginla differentiated between his choice as a person, and Nigerian citizen, and the revelations he gets from God as a prophet.

He said: “I don’t belong to any political party, neither am I sympathetic to any.

“However, as a human being, I have my preference. If I’m to vote today and you ask me among all the actors in Nigeria, I will tell you personally, as Joshua Iginla, that I prefer Peter Obi. That’s me as a person. But as a prophet, I will speak the mind of God.”

According to him, the revelation he is getting is that President Bola Tinubu will retain the Presidential seat in 2027.

“As it is today, 16th August 2025, in respect to 2027, I still see Tinubu holding the flag and sitting on the throne.

“I don’t see anyone taking him out now. Maybe tomorrow or next year, things might change. My prophecy comes in sections, and I’ll come back to speak if I see otherwise.”

But he has an advice for Tinubu: “There’s going to be an expensive mistake involving our number one citizen.

“It will dominate social media and could serve as a rising point for the opposition if they are smart enough to capitalize on it. My advice to the president is to prioritize his health and rest.”

Obi Queries FG’s ₦142b Budget For Bus Terminals, And Less Than N100b For Teaching and Psychiatrist Hospitals

The Source

August 22, 2025

The Leader of the Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has again questioned the federal government’s sense of priority and commitment to the critical indices of development.

Obi, in particular, questioned the rationale behind budgeting the sum of N142b for bus terminals in the country when teaching and psychiatric Hospitals in the country have less than N100b.

He described it as clear evidence of misplaced priority, while neglecting critical engines of development like Healthcare.

Writing on his official X handle on Friday Obi said that, “The difference between the success and failure of the development in any nation is how you prioritise your scarce resources.

“The recent announcement that a sum of ₦142 billion has been approved by the Federal Government for the construction of one bus terminal in each of our six geopolitical zones further affirms the lack of competence, lack of focus and poor leadership.

“In the 2024 budget, which is the operational budget today, the entire budget of all the teaching hospitals across all the federal universities in the country, as well as the federal psychiatric centres, is under ₦100 billion, yet the government has approved ₦142 billion for bus terminals.

“This is disturbing, considering that Health is one of the most critical areas of development, which is deteriorating and remains grossly underfunded. WHO recently reported that over 20 million Nigerians are living with mental health issues.

“This is not only a misplaced priority but a tragic irony of our country.

This is not governance”

A New Nigeria is POssible.

Gov Eno’s Pains: “Growing Up With Albinism Wasn’t Easy, Faced Bullying, Body-Shaming, Rejection

Ayodele Oni

August 22, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has revealed that people doubted his ability when he showed interest to be governor because he is an albino.

The Governor, who opened up about his experiences growing up with albinism, described a childhood marked by rejection, bullying, and body-shaming.

The governor shared his story during an event organized for people living with albinism, and reflected on the challenges he overcame before rising to public office.

He revealed that many doubted his political ambitions due to his skin condition.

Eno also highlighted the unwavering support of his late wife, who referred to him as her “golden boy” during difficult times.

He emphasized that the negative labels and discrimination that once hindered his public recognition have now been overturned, as he is today the country’s first governor with albinism.

The governor pledged continued advocacy and support for people living with albinism, stressing that they deserve honour and recognition.

“Growing up with albinism wasn’t easy. I faced bullying, body-shaming, and rejection. But today, by God’s grace, I stand proudly.

“That’s why whenever I see anyone with this condition, I make it a point to honour and recognise them. They are golden people, and they have a golden governor.

“When we started this campaign, some people said they did not want an albino governor. But my dear wife told them, ‘You may be an albino, but to me, you are my golden boy.’

“In the past, they would body-shame us, call us names, and deny us opportunities. But today, God has brought us through. So anywhere I see anyone with albinism, I make sure to recognise them.”

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