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Our Nation Is Wobbling Politically

By
The Source
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Bode George and Bola Tinubu

By Bode George

“Learn from First Republic. Nigeria cannot afford another political collapse

Dear Mr. President,

Nigeria is entering a troubling season — one where the very principles of democracy are being tested.

Those entrusted with safeguarding our Republic now appear, regrettably, to be undermining it through actions that erode trust, civility and institutional integrity.

History teaches that no nation survives when power is placed above principle.

Yet, rather than strengthening our democratic institutions, some actors are lowering standards, sidelining critical reasoning and placing personal ambition over national interest. In the process, Nigerians are paying a painful price.

Across the country — from Kebbi to Zamfara, Borno to Benue, Kwara to Ogun —citizens are being abducted and killed by violent elements.

Instead of responding with urgency, the APC-led Federal Government appears preoccupied with political positioning ahead of 2027, even if it means weakening institutions and suffocating the opposition.

The recent disruption at the PDP Secretariat on November 18 is a grave warning. The actions of a group previously expelled for anti-party activities —reportedly encouraged by a serving Federal Minister —constitute an unacceptable assault on democratic order.

Their attempt to prevent a duly-elected leadership from assuming office was not only unlawful but part of a broader pattern that threatens the future of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

As a life member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), I maintain without ambiguity: anyone wishing to leave the party is free to do so.

A political party, like a tree, grows stronger when unhealthy branches fall away.

But what must not continue is the deliberate provocation, the disregard for party rules, and the attempt to seize what does not belong to one.

The forced entry into the PDP National Secretariat crossed every line of decency and legality.

Nigeria has moved beyond the era where sheer force overrides order. The question now is: Who authorised the police to take over the headquarters? Under what authority? Since when does a tenant overtake a landlord?

It is troubling that, in the face of all this, the President — the custodian of our democracy — has remained silent. Silence at such a moment can only be interpreted as tacit approval.

Our nation’s history between 1962 and 1966 teaches us that seemingly small political infractions, when ignored, can snowball into national disasters.

The powers-that-be then thought they were dealing with the opposition party. They didn’t know they were pulling apart our dear nation. Their actions and inactions eventually led to the collapse of the First Republic, which unfortunately dovetailed into the civil war between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970 when more than two million Nigerians were killed.

Everything was done to silence the leader of opposition. The Leader of opposition was placed under house arrest and the Coker Commission of Inquiry was set up. Nothing came out of it.

Then, the opposition leader and some of his loyalists were charged with treason.

They were eventually jailed in 1963.

Everything was done to destroy the party and the institutions in the Western Region.

All the Federal and Regional elections were shamelessly rigged, leading to ‘Operation Wetie’ where people were killed and their houses burnt.

In 1965, the Prime Minister was asked what he was doing about the crisis in the Western Region and he said as far as he was concerned, there was no crisis. Painfully, in 1966, the Prime Minister and the First Republic became history.

The same scenario is playing itself out today with the way the APC-led Federal Government is trying to destroy PDP, the only true national party in Nigeria.

In 1972, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the great and iconic Nigerian musician who was born by a clerical father and a highly politically inclined mother, released his popular album, “Roforofo Fight” where he sang ‘When Trouble Sleep, Yanga Wake Am, Wetin E dey Find, Na Palaver E Dey Find. Na Palaver E Go Get oooo’.

Fela died in 1997 but unfortunately, the effect of that song is still reverberating in Nigeria today.

Those in charge of the polity have closed their ears to reasoning and deliberately coming out with actions capable of disintegrating the country.

It is disheartening that Nigeria is precariously and dangerously staggering on the path of self-destruction.

I want to reiterate that what the Federal Government is doing in this PDP matter, by giving police protection to some renegades who have vowed to destroy our party, is completely illegal and Nigerians know this. Constitutionality is being disregarded and disrespected. It is not possible for illegality to overcome legality. It will never happen, now or later.

Mr. President, this is not the time for silence.

Our country’s image is suffering, and the actions of a few are giving governance an unfortunate public face.

The younger generation, watching these events unfold, may grow disillusioned with democratic processes if this trajectory continues.

The PDP governed Nigeria for 16 years without subjecting any political opponent to this level of harassment or institutional manipulation.

It is, therefore, imperative that you call your minister to order and insist that he respects the laws of the land.

I am equally concerned about the role of the Judiciary.

Why are PDP-related cases consistently channeled to the same few judges within the Abuja Division? The Judiciary must be seen to be impartial. Anything short of fairness weakens its moral authority.

Our party’s National Leadership, led by Senior Advocate Kabiru Turaki, has not called for the sealing of our headquarters.

So, on whose order is the Police acting? Why the persistent effort to weaken the PDP ahead of 2027?

Nigeria has already witnessed where such political intolerance can lead — most notably in the First Republic.

To Minister Nyesom Wike, I speak as an elder: you have been a major beneficiary of the PDP — Chairman of a Local Government, Chief of Staff, Minister, and Governor. The party nurtured your political rise.

It is, therefore, painful to watch you take actions capable of damaging the very institution that supported you. Power is temporary; reputation is permanent. Do not allow yourself to be used as an instrument to destabilise the Republic.

History is replete with lessons. When institutions are weakened, chaos follows. This is not the path Nigeria deserves.

Since 1999, PDP has remained the only truly national political party.

Current actions by some individuals risk pushing our democracy towards instability.

Nigerians are watching. Their silence should not be mistaken for indifference.

I also respectfully appeal to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, regarding the National Library project.

While libraries are valuable, the world has changed. With today’s digital tools, N20 billion could empower millions of young Nigerians through soft loans and microcredit schemes.

Our youths need opportunities, not monuments.

To Mr. President: is this democracy as envisioned by the Constitution, or are we drifting into a pattern of governance that contradicts its spirit?

Repeated violations of due process and unchecked abuses of power undermine public confidence and threaten national cohesion.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads.

The current trajectory does not lead to peace or stability.

If not halted, it could plunge the nation into deeper political crisis.

I speak from experience, and from a sincere desire to preserve the unity and future of our country.

Let this serve as a solemn warning: Enough is enough.

This country belongs to all of us.Power is not eternal, and every leader must govern with that humility in mind.

For the sake of our democracy, our history, and our children, the time to act responsibly is now. Nigeria cannot afford another avoidable political collapse.

A word is enough for the wise.

Thank you for your attention.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Chief Olabode Iboyinka George is the Atona Oodua of  Yorubaland
DECEMBER 2, 2025

Constitution Amendment: Reps To Vote Next Week

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu
Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Baring any last minute changes, the House of Representatives has been scheduled  to vote on the proposed Constitution amendment bill between December 10 and 11 ,2025.

The green chamber of the National Assembly will also conduct the last debate on the about 87 items contained in the bills on  Wednesday December 3 and Thursday 4 , preparatory to the final voting.

The Deputy speaker ,Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, who is also the Chairman of the constitution review committee, while announcing the development during plenary on Tuesday, Informed that the Committee has concluded all the necessary technical inputs ahead of the next phase of the review exercise.

Kalu further stated that having finalized all the required works, the review committee is presently preparing ground for the harmonized documents to be laid before the Committee of the whole House for consideration and voting.

The Source reports that there are no fewer than 87 bills lined up to be amended within the country’s 1999 Constitution

Items billed for amendment include judicial reforms, electoral reforms, creation of State Police, the creation of reserved and additional seats for women in the legislative arm of Government, fiscal reforms, Local Government full autonomy among others.

It is not, however,  known if the issue of State creation, particularly for the South East region, in the spirit of fairness and equity, will form part of the debate and voting.

Misunderstanding Between Niger Republic Troops And Nigerian Security Personnel Under Control – DHQ

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Military High Command  on Tuesday December 2, 2025, gave an insight into the actual circumstances surrounding the misunderstanding between  Katsina State local vigilante operatives and Nigerien security forces.

The Source reports that the local vigilante members had  reportedly opened fire on the convoy of Security Personnel from Niger Republic, thus sparking both diplomatic and military tension  between the two sister countries.

But the Defence Headquarters attributed the incident which occurred in Mazanya Village ,Jibia Local Council of Katsina state on November 29, 2025, to a minor misunderstanding and misjudgment.

A statement from the spokesperson for the Nigerian Military High Command, Major General Michael Onoja, informed that on the said day ,a convoy of four gun trucks and a Toyota SUV, laden with Nigerien security operatives had  crossed over to Mazanya Village in Katsina to fetch water as usually done by the country’s troops within the border  in the past.

However, the unprecedented high number of the vehicles in the convoy ,as well as  the troops were said to have sparked suspicion among the vigilante operatives who mistook them for advancing enemies, prompting them to open fire.

General Onoja informed that high level discussions between the military authorities of the two West African countries led to an amicable resolution of the misunderstanding and the Nigerien troops  allowed to continue with their water-drawing mission.

According to Onoja ,the DHQ convened a high level joint Border Security Meeting on Monday December 1 ,2025, to resolve and strengthen liaison arrangements between the two  sister countries, with a view to preventing such similar incident.

He emphasized that lessons drawn from the incident are being taken seriously, and  noted that they are being used to form concrete measures to ensure such misunderstandings do not reoccur

This is as he reaffirmed the long-standing cultural, economic and security ties between the two countries , expressing the optimism that both countries will continue to cooperate and collaborate in addressing terrorism, smuggling, illegal migration and other transborder criminal activities.

“The DHQ wishes to officially address and clarify the circumstances surrounding the border incident involving Nigerian local vigilante elements and Nigerien troops at Mazanya Village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State on November 29, 2025 at approximately 1500 hours.

“This statement aims to correct misinformation, reassure the public and highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border coordination with the Republic of Niger in order to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“A convoy consisting of four gun trucks and one Toyota jeep carrying Nigerien military officers and soldiers entered Mazanya community to fetch water — a routine activity historically conducted by troops from the Niger Republic.

“But the unusually large size of the convoy raised concern among local vigilante members ,who mistakenly perceived the movement as a potential hostile advance.

“This misunderstanding led to the vigilantes opening fire on the Nigerien troops .

“Following dialogue between Nigerian security authorities and the Nigerien Commander on the ground, the Nigerien troops proceeded to fetch the required water and returned to their side of the border without further incident..

“The Commander emphasized the importance of prior liaison ,and communication before any future cross-border water-fetching missions., particularly when involving large troop formations, or visits by senior commanders.

“The situation is fully under control and both Nigerian and Nigerien authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians living along the border” General Onoja stated .

Edo Accuses Fmr Gov Obaseki Of Launching Education Programme Without Teachers, Infrastructure

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Government has punctured the EdoBEST education reform programme introduced by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, describing it as falling short of the accolades it received during the regime.

Government alleged that despite its global praise and heavy publicity, the initiative suffered from severe teacher shortages in rural classrooms, chronic logistical failures, crumbling infrastructure, and an unsustainable top-down model that sidelined local communities.

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‎In a press statement on Tuesday, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,  Fred Itua described EdoBEST as a programme “birthed with perceived good intentions” but plagued by “hard implementation gaps” that left thousands of rural pupils without qualified teachers, while urban and pilot schools received disproportionate resources.

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‎The statement dismissed yesterday’s defence statement by the factional PDP as an “emotional meltdown” designed to shield Obaseki from accountability.

It accused the past government of bequeathing a deteriorating security situation, questionable land acquisitions, unfinished flagship projects, and a culture of opacity.

‎The statement asserted that kidnappings and violent crime escalated sharply during Obaseki’s final years, citing the brazen abduction of PDP state chairman Dr Tony Aziegbemi in the heart of Benin GRA as proof that criminal networks had reached urban areas previously considered safe.

‎It added that community vigilantes were starved of logistics and coordination, forcing the Okpebholo administration into “urgent repair work.”

‎Describing the much-touted agricultural hub Saro Farrm, as a “flashpoint,” the government stated that local communities protested over alleged forceful acquisition of ancestral farmlands with inadequate compensation, grievances that predate the current administration.

“‎The Benin industrial park project was labelled largely conceptual and bogged down by legal disputes, unclear financing and community resistance, necessitating a pause for reassessment rather than political sabotage.”

‎‎Also, the statement highlighted the ongoing cultural and diplomatic row over the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), noting protests by palace supporters, postponement of major events, and questions over custodial authority of returned Benin bronzes.

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It demanded that Obaseki should explain land clearances and stakeholder consultations that led to the current impasse.

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‎On Edo GIS, the digital land registry was accused of being weaponised to obscure rather than clarify titles, with widespread complaints of overlapping allocations and sudden revocations eroding public trust.

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‎The release challenged Obaseki and the PDP to produce “documents, community consultations, contract records, title histories and audited accounts” to prove clean governance instead of resorting to threats of partisan retaliation.

OAU Loses Pro Chancellor, Oyeweso, University Community Mourns

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Siyan Oyeweso

By Ayodele Oni

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in Osun state has announced the death of its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof Siyan Oyeweso.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that his death has cast a heavy pall over the University community, leaving staff, students, alumni, and friends of the institution heartbroken.

“In his expression of grief, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebayo Bamire spoke with great emotion about the monumental loss, describing the late Pro-Chancellor as a towering intellectual, a rare patriot, and a man whose presence brought wisdom, depth, and stability to every table he sat at.

“Prof Siyan Oyeweso was not only a scholar of continental reputation; he was a gentleman of uncommon grace, humility, and dignity.

“His dedication to Obafemi Awolowo University was total. He carried OAU in his heart, and he served with a passion that inspired all who worked with him. His passing is a colossal loss—one that will echo through our Senate chambers, our classrooms, our governing processes, and the collective soul of our University.”

The Vice-Chancellor further noted that  Oyeweso’s tenure as Pro-Chancellor was marked by exceptional commitment to peace-building, academic excellence, institutional renewal, and administrative harmony.

“His leadership style was calm, inclusive, principled, and richly humane. He brought a new sense of stability and purpose to the Governing Council.

“He was also a bridge-builder, a mentor to the young, a compass for his colleagues, and a steadying influence during challenging moments.

“The University extends its deepest condolences to his family, particularly his wife and children, as well as his colleagues, associates, and the broader academic community who respected and adored him.

“May they find strength and consolation in the knowledge that his life touched countless others and that his legacy is eternally secure.”

Breaking: Tinubu Appoints Gen Musa Defense Minister, Hours After Badru Was Forced Out

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Chief of Defence Staff Musa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, CGS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence.
Tinubu had earlier met with the former Defence Chief in Aso Villa, Nigeria’s Presidency on Monday where he was briefed of the appointment.
The appointment was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the presidential aide, President Tinubu has forwarded Gen Musa’s name to the Senate for approval.
Musa replaced  Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday citing health grounds, sources however revealed that he was forced to resign by the president due to the shambolic manner he handled insecurity in the country.
Banditry and terrorism had increased under his watch as the nation’s Defense Minister, sources said, adding that the president could no longer stomach his failure.
Musa, 58, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. H
e won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria.
He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.
General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.
In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

Terrorists Tighten Grip On Kano Abduct 11 Persons At Tsamiya, Shanon LGA

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The spate of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and killings rocking Kano of recent  haS continued unabated with the abduction of  11 persons late Sunday night November 30,2025 in Tsamiya Village , Shanono Local Council.

The development  is coming on the heels of Kano State Government’s dismissal of rumours spiraling security challenges in the State.

A statement on Monday, December, 1, 2025, from Sanusi Bature Dawaki Tofa, the spokesperson for Governor Abba  Yusuf, strongly rejected claims of impending security crisis, insisting that that Kano State is safe, stable, with the security situation fully under control.

The statement was sequel to an emergency security council meeting held on Sunday to x-ray the security situation in the  state, especially, in the face of the recent terrorist attacks in some parts of Kano North Senatorial District.

According to Dawaki Tofa, there are no security reports  or other verifiable indices to show  that the state is under any serious security challenges.

“There is no valid  or actionable information pointing to any significant security risk in Kano. The circulating claims are false, sensational and deliberately crafted to cause panic.

” Security formations have been briefed, strategically deployed, and are working round the clock to neutralize any potential security breaches.

“Every part of Kano is under active surveillance, supported by a robust security architecture.

“Kano will not succumb to fear, misinformation, or attempts to distabilize its peace. Government remains fully committed to protecting lives and properties”  the Governor’s spokesman stated.

Instructively, and curiously too, while Government’s Sunday Security Council meeting was ongoing, banditry elements were striking in Shanono Local Government Area thereby reducing the State authorities’ denial of impending security crisis as  mere rhetorics.

Confirming Sunday’s attack and abduction ,the Chairman of the Faruruwa Community and Environs Security Committee, Yahaya Bagobiri, informed that the terrorists in their numbers invaded Tsamiya Village late evening on the day, and  abducted no fewer than 11 persons, including a nursing mother.

Visibly distraught and exasperated, Bagobiri expressed serious concern and regret over the failure of security agencies and other relevant authorities to nip the attack in the bud, despite the provisions of advance and credible information .

According to him, most locals got wind of the impending attack and immediately availed the information to security agencies and the authorities.

However, he described as disturbing and telling, that no intervention came, until the terrorists invaded the community.

“Since about 7.00 pm on Sunday evening, we got wind of the movement of the bandits into the community. We got information that they were spotted in Kogari, and we promptly notified security agencies. But they didn’t act because they were not given any orders.

“The bandits abducted 11 persons , including a nursing mother. The ten others abducted include three married men,and seven youths”, the head of the Community’s Security Committee stated.

The Source reports that since the inception of the security challenges in most Northern states, particularly the North West region, Kano ,the commercial hub of the North had been insulated from the menace.

Before now, the security framework of the state prided itself on its effective proactive measures targeted at protecting the Falgore Forest and other flashpoints within the border communities of the State.

However, the state lost its cherished innocence about two months ago when suspected terrorist elements began to infiltrate some local councils within the State’s border with Katsina State.

As at the time of reporting, neither the State Government nor the Police has reacted to the latest attack in Tsamiya.

E-commerce Firm Partners Lagos-Based Startup Dellyman To Power Deliveries Across Nigeria

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Jumoke Oduwole

Temu, the fast-growing global e-commerce powerhouse, has entered into a delivery partnership with Lagos-based logistics startup Dellyman, marking a significant step in Temu’s expansion into the Nigerian market. The partnership follows a successful pilot phase in which Dellyman completed more than 1,300 deliveries with a 95% success rate, demonstrating its readiness to support large-scale e-commerce operations nationwide.

Founded in 2020, Dellyman has grown into one of Nigeria’s most reliable same-day and last-mile delivery platforms. The company recently achieved a 10,000-order monthly delivery milestone in November 2025, contributing to a cumulative total of more than 300,000 lifetime deliveries. This track record made Dellyman a strong fit for Temu, which is aggressively scaling logistics capabilities across key African markets.

Through this collaboration, Temu customers in Nigeria will experience faster, more predictable, and more transparent deliveries, a critical factor in sustaining the platform’s customer satisfaction as order volumes continue to rise. Dellyman’s technology-driven approach, spanning rider management, route optimisation, and customer visibility, played a central role in Temu’s selection process.

Speaking on the partnership, Dare Ojo-Bello, Founder and CEO of Dellyman, described the partnership as both a validation of Dellyman’s operational excellence and a defining moment for Nigeria’s logistics ecosystem.

“Our partnership with Temu is a major endorsement of the vision we set out with, to build Nigeria’s most reliable, scalable, and transparent last-mile delivery infrastructure,” Ojo-Bello said. “Achieving a 95% delivery success rate during the pilot underscores our readiness to support high-volume e-commerce platforms. This collaboration shows that local startups can meet and exceed global standards when given the opportunity.”

He further noted that the partnership represents more than operational growth as it signals a shift in how global e-commerce brands view Nigerian logistics capabilities. “This is not just about fulfilling orders; it is about reshaping perceptions of what Nigerian delivery companies can achieve. We are committed to building the kind of infrastructure that supports international standards, empowers local businesses, and ultimately strengthens consumer trust in the broader digital economy.”

Ojo-Bello added that Dellyman will continue investing in capacity, fleet expansion, and merchant-facing tools to ensure superior delivery experiences for Temu buyers and other online shoppers nationwide.

The Temu–Dellyman partnership is expected to accelerate the efficiency of e-commerce fulfilment in key urban centres, reduce delivery delays, and strengthen customer trust in cross-border marketplaces. It also positions Dellyman as a preferred logistics partner for other international retailers exploring entry into the Nigerian market.

As Nigeria’s online shopping adoption accelerates, Temu’s arrival, and its choice of a local startup for fulfilment, signal growing confidence in the country’s evolving logistics infrastructure.

Ambassadors: Why Tinubu Should Appoint Military Officers

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Amid the controversy generated by the recent appointment of some Nigerians and High Commissioner, a lawmaker in the Nigerian House of Representatives, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the appointment of retired military officers as diplomats who will represent the country abroad

According to the lawmaker , Abdussamad Dasuki, these military officers should be sent to missions abroad or countries where the country is soliciting arms and ammunition to combat banditry and terrorism.

The lawmaker spokes following the appointment of 35 Nigerians last week by President Tinubu, to represent Nigeria in its foreign missions abroad.

The magazine had reported that 10 of the nominees l, who are now awaiting Senate approval are women.

The federal government, said last week that countries like the United States, United Kingdom and France are assisting Nigeria with intelligence and military equipment to combat the insecurity in the country.

Dasuki, who made the remark in a press release he issued on Monday said such military officers must be those who have undergone extensive strategic and tactical training, participated in high-level operations and acquired invaluable battlefield experience in the course of their careers in the Armed Forces.

He said the military officers will also afford the federal government top-notch advice on what military warfare to acquire and how to use them in the warfare against insurgents and bandits.

He stressed however that the appointment of diplomats into the nation’s missions abroad is the prerogative of President Tinubu who has the Constitutional power to do so.

Dasuki: “Our retired senior military personnel have served this nation with distinction. Their firsthand understanding of modern warfare, counterterrorism strategies and defence procurement puts them in a unique position to advance our national interests abroad.

“Deploying them as envoys to strategic countries will not only strengthen negotiations for essential military hardware but also ensure that the government receives informed, experience-based strategic advice at a time when the military needs modern reconnaissance drones and armed UAVs to combat all forms of armed conflicts that have become existential threats to the country.

“Insecurity has remained the most pressing challenge confronting our nation for over two decades.

“In recent times, the situation has worsened, with unacceptable levels of killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across many parts of the country. These extraordinary times require extraordinary strategic alignment, including in our foreign policy direction and the calibre of individuals deployed to advance it, he said”

Gunmen Attack Governor Otti’s Convoy

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 survived an attacked by  gunmen on the Umuahia/Owerri Road .

The assailants had, in the early hours of the day ambushed and attacked a three-man advance team from the Umuahia, the State while Capital,  heading to the Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri.

The gunmen who struck within Umuowa and Ihite Junction nursed the belief that the Governor was in the convoy.

Reports of the audacious attack has, expectedly, created high  level tension, anxiety and apprehension in the State, with not a few expressing shock and disbelief.

A statement from Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Governor’s spokesman, while confirming the unfortunate incident, noted that Governor Otti was not in convoy.

He also informed that there were no casualties from the incident.

“In the early hours of today, December 2, an advance team of three members from the office of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, on duty to the Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri, Imo state, was attacked by unidentified gunmen.

“The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite Junction, shortly before the Sam Mbakwe Airport Junction in Imo State.

He, however, emphasized that the Governor  was not on the convoy at the time of the attack. The attack was carried out on his advanced team.

As at the time of reporting, the motive behind the attack,and those suspected to be responsible,were subjects of intense and varing speculations,

Both the Abia and Imo State Security authorities were also yet to react to the development .

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