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“We Know Why We Are Under Attack, And Who Are After Us” – Dickson, NDC National Leader

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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NDC Officials

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, has vowed that the party will not allow the orchestrated judicial hurdles placed on its path to weigh it down or distract it from the task ahead.

 

This is as he expressed the party’s unflinching commitment and determination to explore all available legal options to correct  what he described as a” “judicial anomaly” that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.

 

The source reports that Justice Dashen of a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, had, on Friday, June 26, 2026, in judgment that have jolted not a few, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister the NDC as a party in the country.

 

But reacting to the development in a statement, Senator Dickson, while expressing shock and disbelief, however, said the party is not all that surprise at the deliberate plot to frustrate its operations.

 

He informed that the party is very much aware that some forces in the political space of the country have become manifestly uncomfortable with the mercurial rise of the NDC within a short time, and are, therefore, bent on snuffing life out of it.

 

He, however, assured that the party has put in place all necessary machineries in place to ensure that the glaring act of injustice is reversed.

 

He called on the party’s candidates, members, supporters and the good people of Nigeria to keep the faith, assuring that no amount of ingenious and mischievous antics will distract the party from its avowed mission of providing a credible alternative governance structure for the people.

 

According to him, even amidst the bizarre judgment, thousands of Nigerians have continued to register, and join.the NDC.

 

Following is the full text of the statement.

 

“This morning, I, like several other leaders, officials, candidates of the NDC, and members of the public, was jolted by the order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja and presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.

 

“All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand. It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space. It will be resisted by all of us and by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.

 

“We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking appropriate steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy. I call on all members, supporters, and candidates of the NDC to remain calm and continue with their normal political activities. This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt. Even this shall pass, and the NDC and all our candidates shall cruise to victory.

 

“We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack, but this particular development came from a very unlikely source. The application by an unregistered association, which is not a registered political party and has no exclusive right to any logo under the law, is shocking.

 

“Moreover, it was not a necessary party to the suit because it had no interest in the subject matter. It did not apply for registration in 2025, it was not one of the 171 associations that applied, nor was it among the 21 associations shortlisted for registration.

 

“So, we know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period as a result of our hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy.

 

“We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue.

 

“We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it.

 

“All our candidates, supporters, and teeming voters across the country and beyond should hold on firmly and keep the faith. This development shows that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.

 

“I would also like to refer to my favourite quote on struggles “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win.”

 

“We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win.

 

“Even with today’s development, thousands of Nigerians are joining us in solidarity. In fact, thousands of Nigerians across the country registered as NDC members today to show their solidarity, sympathy and support for our party. All things work together for good. Men may act with evil intentions, but if it is not the will of God, He turns it around for our good.

 

“I sincerely thank Nigerians for the confidence they continue to repose in the NDC. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our vision only strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria.”

Tinubu Appoints Obi Adigwe Coordinator Of Newly Created Health Agency

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dr Obi Adigwe
Dr Obi Adigwe

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Dr. Obi Adigwe would become the pioneer Coordinator of the newly established National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, NHTDAO, recently created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

 

The new Federal Government Agency is saddled with the responsibility of driving Nigeria’s Digital Health Transformation.

 

Adigwe’s appointment was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who stated that the newly created office will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

 

The Agency will also serve as the country’s central coordinating platform for digital health and data analytics.

 

It is, however, expected of the Adigwe’s led Agency to strengthen collaboration with other relevant government agencies and private sector stakeholders while providing a unified framework for digital health implementation nationwide.

 

The statement reads:

“The NHTDAO will serve as a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country’s digital-health agenda.

 

“It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies.

 

“It will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025,” the statement said.

 

The statement stressed that Pesident Tinubu named Adigwe, the current Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, as the pioneer National Coordinator of the new office.

 

According to the Presidency, Adigwe is expected to bring extensive experience in health innovation, artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical research and technology transfer to the role.

 

The statement noted that as Director-General of NIPRD, Adigwe has spearheaded several landmark initiatives, including the ¥300 million Nanotechnology Grant, the AFREXIMBank-funded project for Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, API, Training Facility, and the development of the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant—the largest awarded in Africa for that thematic area.

 

It also highlighted his international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for leading what it described as the world’s first scientific analysis that debunked claims surrounding the Covid Organics herbal preparation.

 

In providing strategic direction and oversight for the new office, President Tinubu approved the constitution of a Steering Committee co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Olaniyi Yusuf.

 

Other members include the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju; the President’s Special Adviser on Technology and Digital Economy, Idris Alubankudi Saliu; National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Approach, SWAp, Coordination Office, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq; National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar.

 

Others include; the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina; Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri; the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; a representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); six representatives of State Commissioners of Health, one from each geopolitical zone; and Pharm. Hamza Buhari, representing industry and community stakeholders.

 

The Presidency added that the establishment of the office is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven healthcare system capable of improving service delivery and health outcomes across the country.

 

“The President expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration,” Onanuga stated.

Victim Runs Into Her Kidnappers At Motor Park, Raises Alarm, Police Arrests Them, Recovers N11m

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Arrested Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

 

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has directed the state commissioner of police to ensure immediate prosecution of three suspected kidnappers arrested at a motor park in the state.

 

A young woman (name withheld), had reportedly spotted three persons at the Ihotu Motor Park, who had previously abducted and tormented her. She courageously held unto one of them and raised an alarm.

 

The incident led to the arrest of three suspected Fulani kidnappers and the recovery of ₦11 million in cash, believed to be ransom money from her former abductors, as they prepared to board the same vehicle with her to Makurdi, the state capital.

 

It was gathered that the suspects arrived at the popular Ihotu park with the intention of traveling to Makurdi.

 

But, in a twist of fate, they a boarded the same commercial vehicle with the young woman they had previously kidnapped and released after a ransom was paid.

 

The victim who immediately recognized her abductors carrying a bag they had confiscated from her while in their captivity, raised an alarm and physically restrained one of the suspects inside the vehicle.

 

The other two suspects who attempted to flee the scene on foot, were quickly overpowered and apprehended by a mob of drivers and commuters at the park.

 

A search of the suspects’ belongings by the park authorities revealed a large ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bag, from which the sum of ₦11 million was discovered.

 

In view of the volatile atmosphere, it was gathered that the Ihotu park manager contacted military authorities, apparently to avert a potential jungle justice from the large crowd that had assembled.

 

A joint team of soldiers and police officers who arrived at the scene, swiftly took the suspects and the recovered funds into custody and escorted them to the local station alongside the victim, who gave a formal statement.

 

The incident has since gone viral across the state, following which the State Governor Hyacinth Alia, reportedly contacted the State Commissioner of Police, expressing personal interest in the case and demanding that the suspects be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

 

Meanwhile, the suspects have since been transferred under heavy security escort to the State Police Command Headquarters in Makurdi, for thorough investigation.

Pastor Whips Teenager To Death: “I Only Gave Her 15 Strokes With My Horsewhip”, He Says

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Nigerian Police

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

The General Overseer of one of those new generation Churches has thrown the family of a 13-year old into unprecedented pain and sorrow.

 

Identified as Roman Samson Okoye, he is the General Overseer of Goodness of Jesus Ministry located in Wura Area of Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.

 

Presently, he is not preaching about the goodness of Jesus Christ. Instead he is in the custody of the Police,  telling them how, and why, he flogged a 13-year old to death with a horse whip in the name of  discipline.

 

Death came calling for the teenager identified as Nancy Peters on June 1, 2026, when her mother, Agnes Peters, accused her of stealing her N30,000. 

 

According to her mother, Nancy was in the habit of stealing her money and all efforts, including counselling and punishment by her and Pastor Okoye hadnot helped.

 

But on this fateful day of 1st June, 2026, an agonising death finally stopped her.

 

According to her mother, she suspected that Nancy had stolen the sum of N30,000 from her, but wouldn’t admit it no matter how much she tried to make her confess and  return the money.

 

What to do? She dragged her daughter to their Pastor so she could confess. When they got there, she said, Nancy confessed and told her mother where to find the money. So, she left her daughter with the Pastor, and went home to look for the money. 

 

Just as Nancy said, when her mother got home, she saw the money. But that was where her mother’s joy ended.

 

On her way back to the Pastor’s to confirm to him that she had seen the N30,000, she met the Pastor rushing her daughter to a hospital. She panicked and joined them. Sadly, on getting to the hospital, Nancy was pronounced dead.

 

That’s where the stories, as narrated by both Nancy’s mother and the Pastor began to contradict each other. While her mother insists she only asked the Pastor to counsel her since she had already beaten her daughter at home, Pastor Okoye insists she asked him to beat her in addition to the beatings she already received at home.

 

The Cross River State Police Command confirms that both Pastor Okoro, 45, and the victim’s mother, Agnes Peters, are in custody while investigations are ongoing. 

 

According to the Homicide Sec­tion of the Police Command, the woman took her daughter to the Pastor’s  residence after previous counselling sessions did nothing to stop her daughter’s repeated acts of theft and other worrisome behaviours.

 

Said a source: “It happened on June 1 when the mother brought her 13-year-old daughter to the pastor’s house over an allegation that she stole N30,000.

 

“The woman later left the girl in the pastor’s care, but before she returned, the pastor alleged­ly flogged the teenager with a horsewhip. By the time he rushed her to the hospital, she was con­firmed dead.”

 

However, Pastor Okoye tells a different story. He told Journalists: “I am the  Founder and Gen­eral Overseer of the Goodness of Jesus Ministry.

 

“Before I started my own Ministry, I have worked at different Ministries. I started my own minis3try some years back. 

 

“I met Mrs. Peter about four years ago when she had a misunder­standing with her husband. She had three children for the hus­band but she was sent away by the man. I don’t know what happened between them. The man was not a member of my Church. It was only the woman and her children that were attending my Church. 

 

“When the woman came, she had nothing. She was rejected by the husband with three  children. I began to fund their schools and their upkeep.

 

“God answered the woman’s prayer through me and she started selling fish. The girl had been stealing her mother’s mon­ey. Each time she complained, I would appeal to her to remain calm. I would call the girl and scold her. That happened more than twenty times.

 

“On the Ist of June this year, she brought the girl to my house her­self. The woman complained that she had stolen her money again. She also complained that she was also in the habit of sleeping away from home. She told me that the girl stole her N30,000 and asked that I should beat her. She also stat­ed that she already beat her but wanted me to also beat her.

 

 “I went for my horsewhip and started beating her. I only gave her about thirteen to fifteen strokes when I discovered that the girl became very weak. I quickly rushed her to the hospital but she died when we got to the hospital.

 

“I feel very sad. I didn’t want to kill her. It was her mum that insisted that I must beat her. She was like a daughter to me.”

 

But Mrs  Peter, a resident of Obanleku of Boki Local Gov­ernment Area, denied that she told the Pastor to flog her.

 

She said that the only reason she took her daughter the Pastor’s for counselling and prayer.

 

“It is true that I took my daughter to the Pastor after I discovered that my N30,000 was missing from where I kept it. That was not the first time that she had stolen my money and that was not the first time that I reported her to the pastor.

 

“That day, I took her to my Pastor’ s house, when she refused to disclose where she kept my money. But while we were at the Pastor’s house, she confessed to stealing the money and even told me that she kept the money in one of her trousers.

 

“That was when I quickly stood up to go and confirm where she kept the money and I found my N30,000 in the pocket of one of her trousers. The Pastor had not beaten her, when I left to search where she kept the money. It was when I was coming back that I saw him rushing my daughter to the hospital. I met him on the way I didn’t tell him to kill her daughter.

 

“I had reported her to the Pastor before and I only wanted him to help scold her and counsel her. I was not there when he beat my daughter to death. I only saw when he was taking her to the hospital” 

 

 ASP Eitokpah Sunday, Spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

 

Yet, the questions remain: What is a Pastor doing with a horsewhip? Is it for his congregation as many of new generation “Pastors” do in  the name of pastoring? And, what pushed him to give a 13-year old 15 strokes with a horsewhip? Not a few people are outraged, and are asking screaming justice for the 13-year old Nancy.

Special Criminal Court Begins In Edo Next Month

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Court and Law

By Ayodele Oni

 

A special criminal court dedicated to the prosecution of cultists and kidnappers will begin operation in Edo State July 1.

 

The special Court is part of an  avowed commitment to rid the State of cultism and kidnappings

 

The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has approved the establishment of the special criminal court dedicated to the prosecution of suspects.

 

The development follows a formal request by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who recently called for the creation of a special judicial mechanism to accelerate the trial of suspected kidnappers, cultists, and other violent offenders.

 

According to a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B.O. Osawaru, the new court, to be known as “Special Criminal Court 1,” will officially commence operations on July 1, 2026, and will sit in Benin City.

 

He added that the special court is expected to handle offences related to cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal matters that may be assigned by the Chief Judge in line with efforts to enhance the administration of criminal justice in the state.

 

The establishment of the court comes amid heightened security operations across Edo State and growing concerns over cult-related violence and kidnapping activities in several communities.

 

Governor Okpebholo had earlier vowed to intensify the crackdown on criminal elements and ensure speedy prosecution of suspects arrested during ongoing security operations.

 

The governor’s request for the court was conveyed in a letter dated June 19, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

 

The correspondence emphasized the administration’s commitment to eradicating cultism and kidnapping while strengthening the state’s justice system.

 

The letter also urged the Chief Judge to nominate judges to preside over the special court, a request that has now culminated in the constitution of the tribunal.

 

Legal observers say the creation of the Special Criminal Court could significantly reduce delays in the prosecution of serious criminal offences while serving as a deterrent to criminal groups operating within the state.

 

The move is widely seen as part of broader efforts by the Edo State Government, security agencies, and the judiciary to restore public confidence in law enforcement and improve security across the state.

Shake Up In Military Commands: COAS, Shaihu, Names New GOCs

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
COAS- Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu visit to 6 Division Nigerian Army
File Photo: COAS. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu visit to 6 Division, Nigerian Army

By Ayodele Oni

 

To enhance operational effectiveness, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a strategic reshuffling of senior officers across command, training, and staff positions in the Nigerian Army.

 

The appointments were announced on Saturday, by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the move was to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.

 

Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace. He replaces Major General EF Oyinlola.

 

Major General EI Okoro takes over as GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

 

Other major postings include: Major General JR Lar: Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Brigadier General OM Oyekola: Acting Military Secretary (Army), Brigadier General IB Buhari: Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade.

 

Others are Brigadier General K Rabiu: Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade,

Major General SA Emmanuel: Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, Major General O Adegbe: Director, Intelligence and Security, Defence Headquarters and Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff in the Office of the COAS.

 

To deepen force readiness, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant, National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School.

 

Major General SO Adejimi is now Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport. Major General FS Etim will serve as Chief of Training, TRADOC NA. Brigadier General U Ahmad takes over as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

 

Major General KO Ukandu and Major General AI Allison were named Managing Director/CEO of Post Housing Development Limited and Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited, respectively.

 

Anele said Shaibu urged the new appointees to demonstrate “exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment” to the Army’s mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting civil authority.

 

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force,” Anele stated.

Adieu Uncle Paddy!

By
The Source
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0
Dr Paddy Njoku
Dr Paddy Njoku

 

By Emeka Ihedioha

 

A former Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who was also a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, pays a glowing, but emotional tribute to his beloved accomplished brother-in-law, Dr. (Amb) Paddy Njoku, who has just passed on.

 

We have lost our dear elder brother and first in-law, Amb. Sir (Dr) Paddy Kemdi Njoku, KSJI, KSS, a man whose life exemplified service, wisdom, humility, and devotion to humanity.

 

His passing on May 26th, 2026, leaves a profound void in our hearts and particularly in the Ihedioha family.

 

Uncle Paddy was not only our senior brother, but also a reliable source of counsel, strength, and encouragement.

 

Born on 28th August, 1950, Dr. P.K Njoku was an accomplished administrator, respected mediator, and devout Catholic, who served with integrity and distinction in both public and private capacities.

 

He was a pan Nigerian and distinguished himself admirably in several roles as University Administrator, Chairman of the Board of NECO; as President of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), and Commissioner in the Imo State Judicial Service Commission, where he consistently demonstrated excellence, fairness, and dedication.

 

A mercurial wordsmith and multilingualist, Dr. P.K. Njoku was evidently active in several socio-cultural associations within and outside Nigeria.

 

He was a man of great resource and compassion.

 

Though this loss is painful, we are comforted by the lasting legacy he leaves behind, as we continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

 

Ije Oma

 

Emeka Ihedioha, CON, KSC

Omenkeahuruanya

 

For the records, Dr Paddy Njoku was married to Emeka Ihedioha’s elder sister, Lady Onyekachi Njoku, who, sadly, passed-on  a few years ago.

Don Says State Police Long Overdue, Part Of Federalism

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Prof Olufemi Otubanjo

By Ayodele Oni

 

A Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, (NIIA), has remarked that the proposed creation of state police, is a reform that is long overdue for Nigeria’s federal system.

 

Prof Olufemi Otubanjo made the position known on Friday,  during an exclusive interview on _Frontline_, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

 

“State police is something that was long overdue. Long overdue because of the fact that it is a natural part of federalism to have state police and to have state control of the judiciary, and so on,” he said.

 

The comment follows the Senate’s passage on Wednesday of a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria.

 

The bill would also empower state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by State Houses of Assembly

 

Otubanjo argued that policing, judicial administration and correctional services are traditionally shared responsibilities in federal systems.

 

“It’s high time Nigeria has state police, because it is part of federalism. We are a federal system. Every federal system has division of labour.

 

“Just as we have the high court system at the state level, we have police at the state level. These are all state functions,” he said.

 

He lamented what he called excessive centralisation of powers at the centre, saying successive governments have “abused federalism” by holding on to functions that should be devolved.

 

“We have had this over-centralisation of the police to the point that a governor clearly does not have control of the commissioner under him,” he noted, citing a recent kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

“The governor does not control the security situation. But the governor cannot tell the police to go there, not to talk of the military.”

 

The professor was of the view that state police would give governors and regional security outfits more flexibility to respond to crime.

 

 “Federal police has been known to stop other paramilitary organizations, they don’t have power to do what they are doing. The state police grants that power, for flexible operations,” he stated.

 

He acknowledged potential “rough edges” at the start, including jurisdictional conflicts and the risk of governors misusing the police against opponents.

 

“There will be over zealousness on the part of governors to use the police against their opponents,” he said.

 

But he expressed confidence those issues can be managed through legal safeguards and constitutional provisions.

 

“So all those things will be captured gradually in legal restrictions and constitutional provisions, and gradually we will get used to it. We have to start,” Otubanjo added.

 

“Under his proposed structure, state police would handle crimes within state jurisdictions and be accountable to the governor, while federal police would focus on interstate and national security matters.

 

“When the governor is the chief security officer of the state, he is the chief security both in name and in deed,” he said.

 

He cited the United States, Germany and India as examples of federal countries with decentralised policing.

 

“The U.S. has police, even for university… and if they cannot handle an issue, they will go to the metropolitan, to the city police,” he said.

 

Addressing fears of politicisation, Otubanjo said sincerity and professionalism must guide appointments and operations.

 

“That DPOs will not be determined by political party affiliation. So, gentlemen, sincerity and politics… must not be allowed to get into the system.

 

“Sincerity must be the essence of the system,” he said. He added that public scrutiny and social media would help check abuses.

 

Responding to callers who said insecurity had worsened under President Bola Tinubu, Otubanjo urged caution. “How do you know that insecurity is increasing?

 

“People in Nigeria talk. Have you done any research?… Whether it has increased or decreased is a different problem.

 

“State police is an idea whose time has long been overdue. It has come. And I think that gradually we will work out all the rough edges,” he concluded.

Nigeria Is Destination Point For Fleeing Insurgents – NIIA Don, Otubanjo

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Prof Olufemi Otubanjo

By Ayodele Oni 

 

It has been observed that insurgents fleeing other African conflicts are exploiting Nigeria’s vast, poorly governed spaces to establish criminal operations. 

 

“There are many places that have no presence of government. So, everybody can walk in and take over for a couple of times. And then, of course, at the end of the day, if government intervenes, those people will run away.”

 

A Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, (NIIA),  warned that Nigeria’s security crisis is being worsened by the internationalisation of terrorism, with armed groups displaced from conflicts across the Sahel and beyond now infiltrating the country.

 

Prof Olufemi Otubanjo spoke during an exclusive interview on _Frontline_, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Thursday, June 26, 2026.

 

Otubanjo pointed out that the threat had evolved beyond Boko Haram into a wider regional challenge involving cross-border armed networks.

 

“The problem is that insurgency has become so international. It used to be Boko Haram alone, but it looks like the insurgents are running away from different parts of the world, including Sudan. We are beginning to see Sudanese in Nigeria as bandits, coming to kidnap us.

 

Otubanjo also linked growing instability in the Sahel to climate change, citing desert encroachment, loss of farmland and collapsed livelihoods.

 

“We don’t know how much climate change is creating havoc in terms of population and livelihood. A lot of people have lost their homes.

 

 “They have lost their jobs because the sand dunes have taken over their villages and communities. They are taking over their farms. And they are moving down,” he said.

 

He cautioned against profiling all northern migrants as security threats, stressing that many are economic refugees fleeing hopelessness. 

 

“A lot of the northerners that we see in Lagos and we think that, oh, maybe they are terrorists, they are economic migrants. They are running away from hopelessness and joblessness in the north. Because there is no new investment,” he added.

 

While acknowledging persistent insecurity, Otubanjo said it would be wrong to claim the Federal Government is inactive.

 

“There is a challenge of security in Nigeria. No doubt about it. And we have not overcome it but, that is not to say that government is not doing what is necessary.

 

 “It’s a process. And the people, of course, are impatient. Yes, we don’t want to see kidnapping again. We don’t want to see bandits. But it doesn’t happen like that.

 

He said soldiers are making daily sacrifices in the fight, with many “paying the ultimate price.

 

“In summary, let me say that I’m not so sure I can vouch for Tinubu’s record on terrorism, but you know that they are not laying idle. And they are working. Soldiers are dying. And so we must give it to them and pray that they will do better and get us out of this mess,” Otubanjo said.

 

Dismissing claims that strained ties with military-led Sahel states are driving insecurity, he said Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso face their own insurgency battles and continue to cooperate with Nigeria through the Multinational Joint Task Force. “We have a multinational joint task force that’s supposed to cooperate among countries in the Sahel to fight insurgency. And it’s working,” he said.

 

*Nigeria’s diplomatic posture*

Despite the security challenges, Otubanjo described Nigeria’s foreign policy as a key strength, noting the country maintains “peaceful relations with almost everyone.”

 

“Nigeria is one of the greatest countries in the world in terms of having no enemies,” he said. On relations with Washington, he added: “There’s no enemy-state conflict. The United States is our friend. Even between wives and husbands, there’s a quarrel once in a while. It doesn’t mean they have enemies.

Six Nigerians In Côte d’Ivoire Detention Regain Freedom

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bianca Ojukwu

By Ayodele Oni 

 

After eight months in foreign cell, the Federal Government has secured the release of six Nigerians who had been detained in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire since October 2025 over alleged economic-related offences.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, attributing the breakthrough to sustained diplomatic engagements by the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan.

 

According to the ministry, four of the detainees regained their freedom on June 22, while the remaining two were released the following day after months of diplomatic and consular intervention with the relevant Ivorian authorities.

 

It explained that throughout the detention period, officials of the Nigerian Embassy maintained regular consular access to the detainees, monitored their welfare and held continuous discussions with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice, alongside other relevant institutions, to facilitate their release.

 

The ministry commended Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Nwabiola Ezenwa, and members of the diplomatic mission for what it described as their professionalism, commitment and persistence in resolving the matter.

 

It also expressed appreciation to the Government of Côte d’Ivoire for its cooperation, noting that the cordial relationship between both countries contributed significantly to the successful outcome.

 

Reaffirming its commitment to Nigerians living abroad, the ministry said protecting the rights, welfare and dignity of citizens remains a key priority of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

 

It assured Nigerians overseas that the country’s diplomatic missions would continue to provide consular assistance and engage host governments through established diplomatic channels whenever the need arises.

 

The ministry further advised Nigerians residing or travelling abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with the nearest Nigerian embassy or high commission for necessary support

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