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Bindow, Fmr. Adamawa  Governor, Resigns From ADC

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Senator Mohammed Umar Jibrilla Bindow

By Adesina Soyooye

 

“It is time to move, so I have moved”

 

Atiku Abubakar,  Presidential Candidate of the  African Democratic Congress, ADC, has suffered a loss  in his home State, Adamawa.

 

Senator Mohammed Umar Jibrilla Bindow, a former Governor of Adamawa State, has resigned his membership of the ADC. This sudden resignation comes just about five months to the crucial January 16, 2027, Presidential Election. The former Governor is an influential political figure in Adamawa State.

 

Bindow made official his his resignation in a letter he addressed to the Chairman of the ADC in Lokuwa Ward, Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

 

Dated July 15, 2026, the letter was received by the leadership of the Ward on July 31.

 

In the letter, Bindow said he decided to resign from the ADC afrer a deep reflection on his political future and his commitment to public service.

 

Bindow: “I write to formally tender my resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), effective from 15th July, 2026.

 

“This decision follows careful reflection and extensive consideration of my personal convictions, political aspirations, and commitment to the continued service of our people.

 

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to have associated with the party and to have contributed, in my own way, to its growth and democratic ideals.

 

“I hold the leadership and members of the party in high regard and wish them success in their future endeavors.

 

“As political realities continue to evolve, I believe it is necessary for me to take a new path consistent with my vision and responsibilities to the people I have always sought to serve.

 

“It is time to move, so I have moved.”

 

Bindweed was the Governor of Adamawa State under the All Progressives Congress, APC, between 2015 and 2019.

 

He dumped the Party and joined the ADC on its formation. And even though he is yet to say his next bus stop, it is taken for granted that he will be headed back to the APC.

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima, in June, after he hosted Bindow in Abuja, had proclaimed then that

“BINDOW IS COMING!”

On Loyalty, Memory and Chief Obasanjo

By
The Source
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Babafemi Ojudu
Senator Babafemi Ojudu

By Babafemi Ojudu

 

A Response to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s Reflections on Atiku Abubakar

 

Public figures who invoke loyalty as a moral test must themselves be prepared to have their own record on loyalty examined.

 

I have followed the debate surrounding Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s claim that his former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was disloyal. Having observed and reported on some of the events in question, I find Obasanjo’s sanctimonious posture rather troubling.

Perhaps it is time for Nigerians to ask a few questions of Obasanjo himself. How loyal was he to General Murtala Mohammed?

 

Is it not true that Murtala, at one point, contemplated removing him from office and relieving him of his military commission, and that he was saved only through the intervention of distinguished public servants such as Philip Asiodu, Allison Ayida, Chief Awoniyi of Mopa, and others who pleaded his case?

 

What became of those senior permanent secretaries after they had successfully persuaded Murtala not to dismiss him? How did Obasanjo treat them when he eventually became Head of State? And what role, if any, did he play in the events leading up to the coup in which General Murtala Mohammed lost his life?

 

Those seeking answers should read Murtala Muhammed: A Betrayed Revolutionary by the veteran journalist Sidi H. Ali. First published in 1982, the 236-page work examines the rise, leadership, and assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, as well as the political intrigues surrounding that turbulent period.

 

I would also recommend Allison Ayida’s autobiography, Nigeria’s Quintessential Public Servant. Both books contain accounts and observations that complicate the simplistic moral image Obasanjo has often projected of himself.

 

I once travelled to Mopa to interview the late Chief Awoniyi. I was astonished by the stories he shared about Obasanjo and the events of that period. Years later, when Chief Awoniyi became Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I had several opportunities to revisit those conversations.

 

On each occasion, he spoke candidly and at length about the man behind the carefully cultivated public image.

Olusegun Obasanjo
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

These are aspects of our history that have never been fully examined or honestly documented.

What we are witnessing today is politics dressed up as moral outrage.

 

Obasanjo has often presented himself as the sole custodian of virtue while portraying virtually every other political actor as deeply flawed. It is a familiar pattern: he is the saint; everyone else, the sinner.

 

Many of us have lived through enough of our history to know that the record is far more complex than this carefully cultivated image suggests. Nor have we forgotten the controversies that have surrounded him over the years, including the candid portrait contained in the memoir written by his first wife, Remi Obasanjo. For those interested in this book the title is: Bitter- Sweet: My Life With Obasanjo.

 

History deserves honesty, not selective memory.

Senator Ojudu, an accomplished Journalist, was Presidential Political Adviser, office of Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, under the Late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government.

38 Soldiers Feared Dead As IS Fighters Allegedly Overrun Military Bases In Niger

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
iswap BokoHaram
Islamic Insurgents

By Adesina Soyooye

 

A yet-to-be confirmed report says about  38 Nigerien soldiers were killed in two separate attacks by suspected Islamic State fighters on military positions in Niger.

The sad incident was made public by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

 

The bloody attack, according to the report, happened on Friday as suspected Islamic State fighters launched what a source described as coordinated assault on a military position at Dankassari, located between Doutchi and Yaya in Dosso Region.

 

According to Makama’s  report, the IS fighters overran the forward operating base of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, FDS, during the intense fight.

He added that, at least ,21 soldiers were killed. A lot more he disclosed were either injured or missing.

 

He reported: “The consolidated casualty figure stood at 21 soldiers killed. The number of wounded or missing personnel was not immediately available.

 

The attack took place only hours after another fatal assault on  N’Guigmi in Diffa Region. In this assault, 17 members of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, including an officer, were allegedly killed by suspected IS fighters.

 

The two incidents account for the death toll of 38 security personnel on July 31.

 

 

Makama noted that the attacks underscore the persistent security challenges confronting Niger despite ongoing military operations targeting extremist groups operating in the Tillabéri, Dosso, Diffa and Tahoua regions.

The report also cited data compiled by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, ACLED, showing that at least 5,828 people, including more than 2,000 members of the country’s Defence and Security Forces, have been killed in terrorism-related violence since the military takeover on July 26, 2023.

 

Niger Republic is Nigeria’s neighbour.

WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons In Slim Win Over Zambia To Keep Qualification Hope Alive

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Falcons

By Akinwale Kasali

 

An eight minute strike from Asisat Oshoala was all the Super Falcons needed to record a 1-0 slim win over the Copper Ladies of Zambia in their Second Group Match in Group C.

 

Knowing that the encounter is a must win match, Coach Justine Maduagu made Five changes in the team that filed out against the Scorchers of Malawi, with Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Rofiat Imuran, Christy Ucheibe and  Deborah Abiodun returning to the Starting Line Up.

 

The Super Falcons made their intention known with an early strike which they held on till the end of the match.

 

Before the end of the first half, Blessing Demehin was red-carded for receiving a second yellow card, as Barbara Banda, Rachael Kundananji and Grace Chanda were threats to the Nigerian defense.

 

With this victory, the Super Eagles need an outright win with a good Gola margin against the Female Pharaoh’s of Egypt in their last Group C match to have any hope of qualifying for the knockout phase.

 

The Egyptians are already out of the tournament having lost their first match 6-0 to Zambia and 3-1 to Malawi, as they will only be playing for pride against the 10 time Women’s African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, Champion.

 

Nigeria is in on Three Points and sit Third on the Table with Malawi having Six Points from Two games with a superior goal difference of +3 having scored Six Goals and conceded Three Goals.

 

For the Copper Ladies of Zambia, they are Second on the Table with Three Points with +5 Goal difference, having scored Five goals amd conceded One, while the Super Falcons have Three Points, 0 goal difference, having scored three goals and conceded three goals.

 

An outright win for the Super Falcons, hoping that Malawi defeats Zambia or the encounter ends in a draw, will see the Nigerian Ladies in the Quarter Finals as runners-up in the Group.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa Assures Ondo Coastal Communities Of Development, Commissions Concrete Walkway

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured that his administration will open up the coastal areas of the State to facilitate economic development.

 

Aiyedatiwa, spoke at the commissioning of concrete walkway and a potable water supply scheme in Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area, and flagging off the construction of an additional three-kilometre concrete walkway for the community.

 

The governor said the projects highlight his administration’s determination to ensure that no community, regardless of its geographical challenges, is deprived of the dividends of good governance, stressing that equitable development remains central to the state’s EASE agenda.

 

Describing the projects as landmark interventions, Governor Aiyedatiwa said they were practical responses to the long-standing needs of riverine communities rather than mere physical infrastructure.

 

“This occasion is far more than the inauguration of concrete infrastructure. It is a reaffirmation of our administration’s unwavering resolve to ensure that no community, however distant or geographically challenged, is left behind in our march towards shared prosperity,” he said.

 

The governor noted that his administration has remained committed to executing projects that improve lives, expand opportunities and restore public confidence in government’s capacity to serve the people.

 

He recalled that residents of many riverine communities had, for decades, relied on unsafe wooden walkways across swampy terrain, a situation that impeded commerce, restricted access to schools and healthcare facilities and exposed residents to avoidable risks.

 

“As a responsive government, we could not afford to be indifferent. Today’s commissioning is therefore a practical response to genuine needs,” he added.

 

Responding to those who might regard the projects as modest, Governor said only those who had lived in the riverine communities could fully appreciate their significance.

 

He said: “Some of you that come from the upland may be wondering why we are celebrating and commissioning just concrete walkways.

 

“Those who live in this community and grew up here will appreciate more what we are doing today. This is a genuine need for our people.”

 

The governor assured residents that the intervention would not end with the completion of the walkways, declaring that his administration would embark on land reclamation to create more habitable land for the people.

 

“But we are coming. This will not be the end. We are going to give land to our people through reclamation in the days ahead,” he declared.

 

He described the completed walkway as “a corridor of hope, a pathway to dignity and a bridge to greater economic and social opportunities,” saying it would improve mobility, enhance safety and stimulate economic activities.

 

The governor also commissioned a potable water supply scheme rehabilitated from a non-functional borehole inherited from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

 

He explained that the project involved the rehabilitation of the borehole by the Ondo State Water Corporation, installation of a 50,000-litre elevated overhead storage tank, an extensive water reticulation network serving homes and public institutions, as well as a modern reverse osmosis water treatment facility to provide safe drinking water.

 

“This is not just for Obe-Nla. Neighbouring communities are also coming here to fetch water,” the governor said.

 

Highlighting ongoing infrastructure development across the riverine communities, Governor Aiyedatiwa listed the 38.5-kilometre Aboto-Atijere Road, the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon, the two-million-gallon-per-day water sedimentation tank at Aboto, the mini water scheme at Molutehin and several community-based projects being executed through the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

 

He added that work was progressing on the 8.5-kilometre dual carriageway from College Road to Okitipupa Junction through Irewole Roundabout in Igbokoda and the Igbokoda-Okitipupa dual carriageway, while contracts had also been awarded for the Irele-Sabo-Mahin-Ugbo Road, selected roads in Igbokoda and the Zion-Pepe-Agerige Road.

 

According to him, the projects were deliberately designed to improve connectivity, unlock economic potential and accelerate development across the coastal corridor.

 

The governor further assured residents of Aiyetoro and other vulnerable shoreline communities that his administration is collaborating with the Federal Government and development partners, including HITECH, to address coastal erosion, flooding and sea incursion.

 

He urged residents to protect the newly commissioned projects, particularly the boreholes and water treatment facilities, to ensure their sustainability.

Enugu: Gunmen Attack Catholic Church, Abduct Seminarian, Worshipper During Service

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen

By Ayodele Oni

 

Gunmen on Sunday morning, invaded St. Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, in Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, abducted a seminarian and one worshipper during a Church Service.

 

The incident was disclosed by popular social media influencer, Sen Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, in a Facebook post.

 

He said the attackers stormed the Church and kidnapped a seminarian who had come to celebrate Mass, a catechist and another worshipper.

 

According to him, the kidnappers later released the catechist but took the Seminarian and the other victim away.

 

Ugwuanyi added that local youths have launched a search operation in nearby bushes.

 

“The whole village is thrown into frenzy as the search continues,” he wrote.

 

He called on the Government to intensify efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the area.

 

In a separate Facebook post, another user shared a video, allegedly, from the scene, alleging that kidnappers attacked St. Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, Affa, and appealed to the Enugu State Government to intervene.

 

The Police Command in the State is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Shehu Sani On X: Fmr President Obasanjo, Atiku Rivalry Lifetime Affair

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Shehu Sani

By Ayodele Oni

 

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has predicted that only death can put an end to the long-running political rivalry between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

 

Insisting that this may unlikely end soon, Sani pointed out that their disagreements have endured for decades and have outlived several generations of Nigerians.

 

According to Sani, in a post he shared on X, the feud has become one of the country’s longest-running political rivalries.

 

Reacting to the latest exchange between the two political figures, the former lawmaker used colourful language to describe the back-and-forth between the two leaders.

 

He remarked that the dispute began when many members of Nigeria’s younger generation were still children and has continued into a period when those same people have become adults with families of their own.

 

Sani argued that the rivalry has become so deeply rooted that it may continue for the rest of their lives.

 

He humorously suggested that only the passing of one of the two political heavyweights might finally bring the public exchanges to an end, adding that the surviving figure would probably pay glowing tributes to the other despite their years of disagreement.

 

He also likened the recent war of words to an exchange of increasingly powerful attacks, saying Atiku fired the first major political salvo in the latest round of disagreements, while Obasanjo has continued to respond with even stronger criticisms.

 

The latest comments follow renewed tensions between the former president and his one-time deputy, whose political relationship has remained strained since they left office.

 

Obasanjo recently reignited public debate after describing his decision to select Atiku as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as one of the biggest mistakes of his political career.

 

The remark attracted widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape and reopened discussions about the breakdown of their once-close alliance.

 

Atiku has since responded by criticising the former president on several occasions.

 

His remarks have revisited past political disagreements and decisions taken during their years in government, reflecting the deep divisions that have existed between the two men for many years.

 

The relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku has experienced dramatic changes since they first worked together at the start of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

 

They entered office as political allies after winning the 1999 presidential election, but their partnership gradually deteriorated during their second term in office.

 

Their differences eventually became public and led to years of political confrontations, with both leaders often taking opposing positions on national issues and electoral contests.

 

Over time, the rivalry has remained a recurring feature of Nigerian politics, resurfacing during major elections and national debates.

Atiku Shocked At Obasanjo’s Ingratitude, Questions Fmr. President’s Patriotism

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Atiku Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo

By Adesina Soyooye

 

 “When you had nothing, I fed you, clothed you, saw to the welfare of your family”

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in an unusual strong response to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s continous jabs at him, has, without exactly using the words, dismissed the former President as ungrateful, selfish, unpatriotic.

 

In a stinging response to Obasanjo’s latest arrow aimed at him, Atiku told Obasanjo that unlike him, he (Atiku) chose Nigeria and its democracy over personal loyalty.

 

Atiku was Obasanjo’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007. Before Obasanjo picked him as his Vice President under a Peoples Democratic Party’s Government, Atiku was to be sworn in as the Governor of his home State, Adamawa on winning the 1999 Governorship Election. It is a “favour”  Obasanjo has never stopped flaunting before Atiku.

 

In his latest, many say unprovoked dig at Atiku, Obasanjo brought “that favour” up again and added that he regretted picking Atiku as his Vice President. He described his pick as one of his greatest mistakes in life.

 

Reading mischief into his former Principal’s comments, especially, as the 2027 Presidential Election approaches, Atiku rose in defence of himself, and gave it back to Obasanjo.

 

Contrary to Obasanjo’s claim of doing him a favour, Atiku let it be known that it is, indeed, the other way round. He said he was the one who did Obasanjo  favours. And he listed a couple of them.

 

For instance, said Atiku in his response signed by one of his very active Aides, Phrank Shaibu, when Obasanjo was jailed by maximum Military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, over a false coup allegation, Atiku said he was the one who not only saw to his welfare, but also took care of Obasanjo’s family. In addition to that, Atiku said he was one of those who worked for and lobbied within and outside Nigeria for Obasanjo’s release from prison.

 

He, also, disclosed that when Obasanjo was eventually released by the General Abdulsalami Abubakar regime on the sudden death of Abacha, he, Atiku, was the one who not only fed him but clothed him because Obasanjo had nothing left, almost, when he was released from prison.

 

Atiku let it be known that for Obasanjo to become President in 1999, he played a major role for its actualization.

 

He then sought to question Obasanjo’s claim to love for country and accused the former President  of allowing personal resentment to distort the history of the  eight years both of them served Nigeria as President and Vice President.

 

Atiku revealed that the only wrong he did, for which Obasanjo resents him was that he vehemently

opposed the former president’s bid for a third term in office. On that, he emphasized: “I have no regrets.”

 

He said that his decision to oppose Obasanjo’s  third-term agenda was based on his commitment to the Constitution and to Nigeria’s democracy.

 

He dismissed Obasanjo’s latest attack on him as an attempt to rewrite the history of their political relationship and his administration.

Watching and listening to Obasanjo berate him, Atiku said he was filled

“with profound sadness, not anger,” and added that they reflected a man whose personal grievances had overshadowed historical facts.

 

Atiku: “I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I am proud that I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition.

 

“If Chief Obasanjo’s bitterness stems from my refusal to support an unconstitutional third term, then I wear that resentment as a badge of honour.

 

“No individual, regardless of his status or accomplishments, is bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution is supreme, and I chose Nigeria over personal loyalty.

 

“The Nigerian people won that battle. Democracy won that battle. History has already delivered its verdict.”

 

The now Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, also, dismissed Obasanjo’s

attempt to rubbish his contribution to the economic policies of the Obasanjo administration.

 

Proof of his capacity: Atiku pointed out to comments by the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who hailed the economic management team he led as Vice president to Obasanjo. Obasanjo’s attack came hours after Okonjo-Iweala’s commendation.

 

Atiku: “Whether or not the timing is merely coincidental is for Nigerians to judge. What is beyond dispute, however, is that while distinguished Nigerians who served at the highest levels continue to acknowledge my contributions to one of Nigeria’s most successful periods of economic management, Chief Obasanjo appears determined to diminish them.

 

“Chief Obasanjo may choose not to appreciate my role in building one of Nigeria’s most prosperous economic eras, but history has been far kinder. The record speaks for itself, and so do the testimonies of those who worked closely with that administration.

 

“History records that while Chief Obasanjo was in prison, I stood firmly by him. I supported his family, worked tirelessly with other patriots for his release and never wavered in my belief that he deserved his freedom.

 

“When he eventually regained his freedom, he had little to his name. I received him, clothed him, ensured he was properly cared for and extended every support necessary to help him regain his footing.

 

“Beyond that, I mobilised political structures, built alliances and made enormous personal and political sacrifices that culminated in his emergence as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

 

“Do I regret helping Chief Obasanjo? Absolutely not. When God gives you the opportunity to lift another human being, you do so without expecting repayment. Acts of kindness are matters of conscience, not commercial transactions.

 

“If the true history of Chief Obasanjo’s political journey is ever written—free from selective recollection and personal bitterness—Atiku Abubakar will feature prominently as one of those whom God used to change the course of his life and political career.”

 

He advised Obasanjo to focus on Nigeria’s problems as the General Elections approach.

 

“The 2027 election should be about rebuilding Nigeria, restoring security, reviving the economy and giving hope to the next generation—not reopening old political wounds.?”

 

The former Vice President said he had intentionally distanced himself from responding  Obasanjo’s previous criticisms because of his respect for the office Obasanjo had occupied and the relationship they once shared.

But he warned that his restraint should not be seen as an inability or unwillingness to respond.

 

Atiku: “That restraint should never be mistaken for weakness or docility.

 

“There comes a point when silence in the face of repeated distortions of history ceases to be a virtue. While I have no desire to engage in a public quarrel with a man I once stood beside in his most difficult moments, neither will I permit falsehoods, half-truths and calculated attempts to rewrite history to go unanswered.

 

“Chief Obasanjo is entitled to his opinions. He is entitled to his personal grievances. What he is not entitled to are his own facts.”

80th Birthday Gift: Tinubu Appoints Jang’s Son Presidential Senior Special Assistant

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Senator David Jonah Jang

By Adesina Soyooye

 

On his 80th birthday, President Bola Tinubu honoured a former Governor of Plateau State, Senator David Jonah Jang, with a political gift.

 

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the high profile celebration during which Jang, also, presented his autobiography, Tinubu presented the former Governor  a political gift wrapped with the appointment of the his son, Yakubu, as a Senior Special Assistant in the Presidency.

 

The news of the appointment was delivered by Shettima at the venue of the event, in Jos, Plateau State Capital.

 

Shettima: “On behalf of Mr President, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Yakubu Jang as Senior Special Assistant in the Office of the President.”

 

The appointment comes five months to the crucial January 16, 2027 Presidential Election.

 

Present at the event, among many other high profile guests, was former President Goodluck Jonathan under which Administration Jang served as Governor.

 

The new appointee’s father and celebrant, David Jonah Jang, a retired Airforce Commodore, was a PDP Governor of Plateau State from 2007 to 2015.

Popular Juju/Highlife Singer, St. Janet Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Saint Janet is dead

 

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Iyun Janet Ajilore, Juju and Highlife Singer, popular as St. Janet, has died.

 

The Singer, who came into prominence over a decade ago for remixing Gospel Songs into lewd songs, died on Saturday after a brief illness.

 

Her death brings to an end her musical career that spanned  decades.

 

She was one of the most recognizable female voices in Nigeria’s Juju music scene.

 

Her management and family are yet to release an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding her death.

 

St. Janet was widely known for her energetic live performances, bold stage presence and socially provocative party songs.

 

She was able to carve a unique niche in Nigeria’s indigenous music industry.

 

Her musical background began from the Church Choir, before she embraced Juju music.

 

She, however, became famous for blending traditional Yoruba rhythms with daring lyrical expressions that often sparked public debate while earning her a loyal fan base across the South-West and beyond.

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