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Peter Obi Urges Leadership Integrity at UNN Alumni Conference, Hails Chimamanda Adichie’s Global Honours

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The Source
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Chimamanda Adichie

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for value-driven leadership anchored on integrity, empathy, and human development as the foundation for restoring Nigeria’s dignity.

He made the call in Birmingham, United Kingdom, while delivering the keynote address at the 8th Annual Conference of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, UK, on the theme of “Restoring the Dignity of Man through Building an Equitable, Inclusive, and Compassionate Society.”

Before the conference, Mr. Obi visited Birmingham City University, where he met with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Mbah—one of only two Black Vice-Chancellors among more than 160 universities in the UK, both Nigerians. He commended Prof. Mbah and his team for their commitment to inclusive education and excellence.

At the conference, Obi decried leadership failure as Nigeria’s greatest challenge, citing the collapse of the education and health sectors, the growing number of out-of-school children, and the erosion of the rule of law. He urged leaders to govern with integrity and compassion, and citizens to elect only competent and upright individuals.

In a related message, Obi celebrated Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for bringing pride to Nigeria through her recent international recognitions, including the Mermaid Award (Sweden), Felix Jud Prize (Germany), and Women’s Prize for Fiction – Winner of Winners (UK).

He described her as “a beacon of excellence and inspiration to millions,” commending her for reminding the world that excellence, integrity, and hard work remain the true measures of success.

DHQ Dismisses Rumoured Coup Reports, Reaffirms Commitment To Democracy

By
Ayodele Oni
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Tukur Gusau

By Ayodele Oni

The Defence Headquarters has maintained that none of its officers is being detained over a planned coup to overthrow the Government of President Bola Tinubu.

Reacting to an inquiry by The ICIR on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier General, described the claim as false.

He stated that the statement issued by the Armed Forces over the arrest of some officers weeks ago never mentioned that the officers were being investigated for a coup plot.

“We issued a press release on this weeks ago and we never mentioned officers were arrested for a coup,” Gusau told The ICIR.

The clarification followed an online report alleging that 16 senior officers were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for planning to overthrow the Tinubu-led government.

The report also claimed that the alleged plot led to the cancellation of Nigeria’s Independence Day parade on October 1.

In its earlier statement on October 4, the Defence Headquarters explained that the officers were arrested during a routine military exercise for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” not for political reasons.

The statement, signed by Gusau, said investigations revealed that the officers’ grievances were linked to “perceived career stagnation” and repeated failure in promotion examinations.

It added that some of the apprehended personnel were already facing disciplinary actions for various offences.

“Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service. Upon completion of investigations, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process,” the statement read.

The military also stressed that the action was purely disciplinary and part of ongoing efforts to preserve order and professionalism within the ranks.

“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority,” the statement added.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional governance and reiterated that the Nigerian Armed Forces remained professional, loyal, and fully dedicated to protecting the nation’s democracy.

Nigerian Army Rescues 21 Kidnapped Victims, Rout Criminals

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The Source
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Nigerian Army Rescues 21 Kidnapped Victims

In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighboring states, on 17 October, 2025, troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.

The heart-warming news was contained in a statement issued by Lt. Col. Polycap Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 2 Division, Nigerian Army.

According to Okoye, “The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include; 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals. The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States. Followimg troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom have been with them for over 4 months.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, who has been coordinating the operations ensured they were provided with necessary first aid and other relief items to assist them recover from the torture they had gone through in the hands of their abductors.

“Major General Nnebeife, further sympathised with the victims, reassuring that the Division remains committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements. He stated that there will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for medical attention. Most of them who were physically weak and could not walk unaided, owing to extreme exhaustion, are responding to treatment, and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.

“The GOC further appreciated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations. He also thanked  other security agencies for the synergy in tackling the myriad of security challenges in the State. In the same vein, the GOC commended the efforts of the troops and  directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states within 2 Division AOR.”

Lagos Police Nabs Notorious Interstate Armed Robbery, Car Snatching Gang

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lagos Police arrest Interstate Armed Robber

By Akinwale Kasali

In a major breakthrough the Lagos State Police Command has arrested a notorious armed robbery and car-snatching gang that has terrorized several parts of the State.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Tactical Squad smashed the notorious armed robbery and car-snatching gang.

The armed robbery gang known for the cold-blooded tactics of its members, reportedly boarded vehicles as passengers before turning their guns on unsuspecting drivers and making away with their cars.

According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, “Between 0100hrs on 15th October and 0300hrs on 17th October 2025, intelligence-led operations carried out by the Command’s Tactical Squads led to the arrest of four dangerous and confessed armed robbers at their hideout in Igando, Lagos.”

The arrested suspects were identified as Taiwo Alabi, 42, Ogedengbe Lowis, 46, Ighodalo Enato Francis, 37, and Osaro Eghe Abiodun, 34.

Recovered items from the gang include a pump-action shotgun, a Beretta pistol, 48 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 46 live cartridges, a cutlass, assorted charms, and four stolen vehicles—one Toyota Sienna, two Lexus ES350 cars, and a Toyota Corolla.

The gang’s arrest has been in the offing, following its many operations.

Several motorists in Igando and its environs had lived in fear after reports of drivers disappearing, or being dispossessed of their cars under similar circumstances.

Preliminary police investigations reveal that the gang’s operations extended beyond Lagos to Ogun, Oyo, and Edo States, following a pattern of posing as passengers before attacking drivers mid-trip.

According to the Police, the gang was tracked and its members arrested after weeks of coordinated surveillance and intelligence gathering.

There are ongoing efforts by the Police to

apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

Olohundare Jimoh, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, commended the operatives for their diligence and reassured residents that “the Command will continue to ensure peace, stability, and intelligence-led policing to rid the State of criminal elements.”

Yoruba Group Warns Igbo Union To Rescind 30-Days Ultimatum Threat Given To LASG On Demolition Exercise

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Babajide Sanwo-olu and Hope Uzodimma

By Akinwale Kasali

A Yoruba Group AOKOYA, has warned the Igbo  in Lagos who cannot abide by the laws of the State to leave  and return to their region in the next 30-days.

The Group asked the Igbo to relocate to their fatherland if the South West is too hot for them to do their businesses.

AOKOYA gave the warning in response to a 30-day ultimatum given the Lagos State Government to stop demolition in Lagos or face ethnic tension by an Igbo Group.

AOKOYA described the issuance of ultimatum to the Lagos State Government as an act of “Infantile mental disorder.”

It added that those issuing the ultimatum should be ashamed and should realise that Igbo doing living in Lagos were not forced to stay in the country’s commercial hub.

“If you are proud of your fatherland, go back there and stop the spineless greed to own what is not yours,” AOKOYA said.

The Igbo National Union Worldwide (INU-W) on Friday issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Lagos State Government threatening to destabilise the State if demolition was not stopped.

The statement was signed by its Administrative Secretary, Mazi Austin-Mary Ndukwu.

In its response, AOKOYA, a coalition of several Yoruba self determination groups gave a 30-day ultimatum to Igbo in the entire South West to return back or face “proportional consequences.”

The group said it is aware of Igbo extremists planning to attack Lagos adding that the consequences will be unbearable for the Igbo across Yoruba territories since reciprocal actions are bound to be provoked.

AOKOYA said the ultimatum does not affect Ikwerre of Rivers and Igbo speaking indigenes of Delta State who were formerly part of the old Western Region.

It accused the Igbo group of selfish and parochial interests which the group said was responsible for the recent “anti-Igbo campaigns in Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.”

AOKOYA said demolition of illegal structures in Lagos has no ethnic colouration and that Lagos cannot be forced to adopt the reckless pattern of development only conceived by lawless people.

“The Lagos State Government cannot be stampeded by a bunch of ethnic terrorists. The plan to make Lagos a mega city can not be at the mercy of irresponsible lawbreakers who want to stunt the prospect of Lagos becoming a magacity that meets international standards” the statement signed by AOKOYA official, Col Abimbola Sowunmi (rtd) said.

The group accused the Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate at yhe 2023 Election, Peter Obi of promoting ethnic violence through many frontiers.

AOKOYA said Obi visited Lagos but was only concerned about the demolition of the so called Igbo properties in Lagos.

“Maroko, Ijora, Bariga, Gbagad belong 100 percent to Yoruba people. Properties were demolished in these areas including Ikeja. It’s shocking that Obi never paid courtesy visits to these areas. He concentrated on visiting only Alaba where he has over 200 shops. This clearly shows that Obi is an ethnic urchin parading himself as  National figure.”

AOKOYA said it is worried about the banditry mentality of some Igbo leaders who escaped from their fatherland where over 30,000 people have been killed by violent extremists only for them to attack Lagos and the South West that has provided sanctuary for thousands of fleeing Igbos.

It also said that while Obi was the Governor of Anambra State he demolished over 2,000 building and shops. The demolition affected Hausa and Yoruba traders.

“Obi said openly that he would not pay compensation while he was physically present to supervise the demolition”.

AOKOYA said Obi and a section of Igbo leaders have not uttered a single word on the demolition of buildings in Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike because of his Ikwerre origin.

AOKOYA said it has a lot of respect for  millions of innocent Igbo people whose names and culture are being appropriated by ego driven and selfish Igbo leaders who are desperate to  cause ethnic crisis between Igbo and Yoruba.

“As a group, we cherish friendship with all ethnic groups including Igbo, but it cannot be at the risk of Yoruba survival as a people.”

AOKOYA described the Igbo group that issued the ultimatum of paying Yoruba tolerance and liberalism back with evil and primitive energy aimed at subjugation Yoruba people on their ancestral land.

The Yoruba group said Igbo groups and individuals giving ultimatum to Yoruba people or their State Governments on their own land are ingrates who have no sense of history and appears to be a bunch of anarchists who act before they think without showing intelligence in weighing the outcome of rash, infantile and futile orders they give.

AOKOYA also blamed the LASG for failing to connect with the mainstream Yoruba which encourages all sorts of charlatans to deride and insult the Government.

Dele Momodu’s Brand Of Politics Has No Place in 2027 – APC Replies Him

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dele Momodu

By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos Chapter, has lashed out at Chief Dele Momodu over his advice to  opposition Parties to come together and play the ethnic card in 2027 to defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The APC, in response, said that ethnic politics cannot stop the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

Seye Oladejo,  APC Lagos Spokesman, in a statement on Saturday said: “Let it be known that the days of weaponising ethnicity as a shortcut to power are long gone.

“The Nigerian electorate has evolved. They are now focused on who can deliver results, not who can divide the nation.

“Nigerians know better. They know that leadership is earned through vision, performance, and consistency – not through editorials written from the sidelines of social gigs.”

Oladejo further commended Momodu, who recently dumped PDP for African Democratic Congress, ADC, for finally admitting “the obvious – that President Bola Tinubu remains politically unstoppable”.

According to him, under Tinubu, Nigeria is being rebuilt on the foundation of equity, inclusion, and reform.

He said that these cut across infrastructural renewal to economic stabilisation and social investment.

“This administration is proving that leadership is about ideas, not identity,” he said.

Oladejo urged Momodu to focus on rediscovering his own political direction before attempting to offer others advice.

“Truth be told, political realists have accepted the defeat of the opposition come the year 2027, individually and collectively.

“The 2027 election will be a referendum on competence and performance, not on ethnicity or nostalgia. And in that contest, Dele Momodu’s brand of political showmanship will have no place,” he added.

Obi Of Onitsha Says Governance Is Dead, Politicians Focused On 2027 Election Only

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Obi of Onitsha - Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe

By Akinwale Kasali

Revered Monarch, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, has declared  governance dead.

The Obi said that Politicians across the country are only focused on the politics of 2027 when it’s just 2025.

He lamented that hunger, poverty, and insecurity persist, as can be seen in the suffering and helplessness of  millions of Nigerians.

The Igwe spoke made this during his 2025 edition of the annual culturally rich Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday.

He said that the neglect of governance by the political class, for early alliances ahead of the 2027 General Elections  has worsened Nigeria’s economic woes and brought forth social challenges.

He also warned that the pursuit of political powers instead of pursuing governance could further deepen hardship and instability in Nigeria.

He lamented the sufferings of ordinary Nigerians who he said  were bearing the brunt of the neglect and ongoing economic reforms.

“Our Rep. On NDDC Board Invincible” – Ondo Oil Producing Area Stakeholders, Demand Removal

By
Ayodele Oni
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Otito Atikase

By Ayodele Oni

There is an agitation in the coastal area of Ondo State over the continued representation of the area on the Board of the Nigeria Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) by Mr. Otito Atikase.

The Coalition of Stakeholders from the Oil-Producing Areas of Ondo State accused Atikase, current commissioner representing the area on the NDDC Board, of non- performance and demanded his recall.

The coalition issued a two-week ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the immediate removal of  Atikase.

In a petition dated October 15, 2025, and jointly signed by about 50 youth leaders drawn from the State’s oil-producing communities, the coalition accused Atikase of gross misconduct, abuse of office, nepotism, and total disconnect from the people he represents.

The letter, addressed to President Tinubu, and copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), expressed “deep disappointment, anger, and frustration” over what they described as the former lawmaker’s “invisibility and failure to deliver tangible benefits” to the state’s oil-bearing areas.

According to the coalition, since his appointment, Atikase has allegedly “turned the Ondo State seat on the NDDC Board into a ghost position”, depriving the state of visibility, representation, and developmental projects.

The petition, titled “A Call for the Immediate Removal of Hon. Otito Atikase Ehinmore, Ondo State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)”, partly reads:

“We, the undersigned Coalition of Youth Movements and Stakeholders from the oil-producing areas of Ondo State, rise in unity to demand the immediate removal of Hon. Otito Atikase Ehinmore from the NDDC Board.”

“Our position is driven by a deep sense of disappointment and betrayal. Since his appointment, Hon. Ehinmore has consistently demonstrated disconnection, irresponsibility, and self-serving conduct that grossly undermines the mandate of the NDDC and the trust of the people of Ondo State”

The petitioners alleged that Atikase has failed to engage with local stakeholders, youth groups, and traditional rulers in the coastal communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, which constitute Ondo State’s oil-producing belt.

“Hon. Otito Atikase Ehinmore has been completely invisible and unavailable in all oil-producing communities of Ondo State since assuming office. He has failed to initiate or attract any meaningful development projects, nor has he created any avenue for interaction with the people he represents,” the statement added.

The group maintained that their agitation is not politically motivated but stems from the need for effective representation and accountability from Ondo State’s representative on the NDDC board.

They warned that failure by the presidency to act within the stipulated two-week period would compel the coalition to mobilize mass protests across the oil-producing communities and shut down all NDDC-related activities in the state.

“We will not continue to be silent spectators while our region suffers from neglect and misrepresentation. The time for change is now,” the petition concluded.

Gentile’s Arrest: “Fall Of Major Pillar Of Organized Terror In South East” – HURIWA

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gentle Yahoo

By Ayodele Oni

“It is important to show proof of his capture. Failure to do this is troubling” – HURIWA

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), has described the arrest of the dreaded and notorious Commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo (identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta) as “the fall of a major pillar of organised terror in the South-East.”

HURIWA urged the Nigerian Military to build on this momentum by dismantling the remaining cells of violent agitators still operating under the guise of secessionist struggle in the region.

The group, however, specifically asserted that the failure of the Nigerian Army to demonstrate practically that Gentle Yahoo was indeed captured alive is troubling.

It commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courageous and well-coordinated operation that led to the arrest of the notorious, alleged  IPOB Commander.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja,  by the Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the ‘arrest’, if proven as announced by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Magnus Kangye, as “a landmark breakthrough” and “a major moral victory” for the Nigerian military in its sustained campaign to restore peace and order in the region.

The Association noted that Gentle de Yahoo’s reign of terror had inflicted untold hardship and suffering on several communities, particularly in Okigwe, Orsu, and Arondizuogu, where he allegedly coordinated brutal attacks and extortion activities.

According to verified security reports cited by HURIWA, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Gentle de Yahoo and eight of his accomplices in coordinated offensives across Imo and Ebonyi States.

During the raid, the military recovered an English pistol, assorted rounds of ammunition, police and military uniforms, six mobile phones, and a cache of operational motorcycles and vehicles used in terror operations.

HURIWA recalled that the arrested commander had long been on the military’s wanted list for spearheading multiple acts of terror, including kidnappings, community invasions, and targeted killings in parts of Imo State.

Among his most horrifying atrocities, the association noted, was his alleged orchestration of the massacre in Arondizuogu, where gunmen believed to be loyal to his network invaded three communities (Umualaoma, Ndiakuwanta, and Ndiejezie) killing over 30 people in cold blood earlier this year.

The Association called for sustained, intelligence-driven operations while adopting more strategic approaches such as increased collaboration with traditional rulers, local vigilante groups, and community-based intelligence volunteers.

HURIWA emphasized that meaningful civilian cooperation and timely intelligence sharing are critical to consolidating the military’s recent gains.

The rights group further lauded the visionary leadership and operational acumen of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, whom it credited for instilling renewed discipline, coordination, and professionalism across the Armed Forces.

HURIWA said General Musa’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring human rights compliance in counter-terrorism operations has restored public confidence in the military.

FCT: Wike To Meet IGP Over Demolished Police Duplexes

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike.

By Ayodele Oni

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, a Lawyer, has clarified why some buildings erected on the land acquired by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja were demolished.

Wike, who disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the demolished structures on Friday, said the buildings were erected despite repeated warnings and the denial of development approval by the FCT Department of Development Control.

He said he will meet with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, following the exercise.

According to him, the buildings were built under a high-tension power line at Apo Dutse District, Abuja, supposedly belonging to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

It would be recalled that staff of FCT Department of Development Control had, on Thursday, demolished not fewer than eleven units of flats, comprising three and four bedrooms in Dutse area of the Nation’s capital, Abuja, which led to the arrest of the Department’s staff by the Police.

Wike stated that “Well, it’s unfortunate. Yesterday, I got a call from Development Control that they had to come here to stop some buildings from going on.

“You can see the high-tension line, and that is dangerous. The land was given to the Nigerian Police, and they applied for approval, but Development Control refused because of the high-tension risk.

“They refused to stop, and Development Control had to act. Unfortunately, our officers were arrested by the Nigerian Police, and that’s why I have to take this matter up with the IGP. I’m sure he may not be aware, but we cannot allow this.

“The Government cannot allow anyone to break the rules. Look at the high-tension line. How would anybody take such a risk? Even if there was no high-tension line, once you are denied approval, you cannot go ahead as if you are above the law.”

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