Bayelsa Govt. Appointees Insist On Governor Diri’s Defection To The APC

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July 15, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayelsa State Governor Senator Duoye Diri on Tuesday July 15,2025 came under severe pressure to join the All Progressive Congress APC.

Although speculations have of late been rife concerning alleged plans by the Governor to dump his Peoples Democratic party, PDP platform, his close aides had continued to shrug off the rumoured move.

But in an an interactive session with the media on Tuesday, some of the Governor’s media and personal Assistants under the auspices of Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders led by Wisdom Ikuli, called on their boss to fast track the process of his defection to the ruling APC .

The call is being perceived not by a few as a clear indication that Governor Diri may be inching closer to following the footsteps of his Delta and Akwa Ibom colleagues who recently pitched their tents with the APC and the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ikuli who described the call for the Governor to join the APC as sacrosanct and inevitable, noted that the move will usher in a new dawn in the growth and development of Bayelsa State.

The Governor’s Technical Adviser on Media Matters insisted that Governor Diri’s defection to the ruling APC has the high potentials of ending the era of abandoned Federal projects in the State.

“Having said that, we wish to proceed to the crux which is the need to appeal to His Excellency to take a decisive step to align with the Government at the centre.

Our fathers, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye and Chief ( Senator) Dr Melford Obiene Okilo admonished the Ijaw nation to always align with the Government at the centre, largely due to our distance from the centre and our difficult terrain in order to attract development to our area.

“For instance, our adherence to their advice and our alignment with the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, that was the Government at the centre helped Bayelsa state and Ijaw nation to produce the Vice President and later President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the person of Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

“Sadly today, Bayelsans and Ijaws in general are not among the first 40 Nigerians from the offices of the President ,Vice President and Service Chiefs.

“Ijaws have been relegated and rendered politically ,and economically redundant and impotent because we are not with the Government at the centre.

“Ironically,the Ijaws who are the majority in terms of population in the geographic Niger Delta area ( South South ) ,and the fourth largest tribe in the country and the Ijaw nation that contribute well over 65 percent of the oil and gas wealth that are used to run the affairs of the country have been rendered powerless because of our non-alignment with the ruling party.

“Again, there is a power-sharing ,and rotation system between the North and South. The Northern having completed eight (8) years under late former President Muhammadu Buhari, is supposed to support the South complete its own eight years under incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.,who is working round the clock to strengthen the South.

“Presently, Bayelsa State is standing alone as the only PDP state in the whole of the South South region. The above may not be too much issue.

“The greatest challenge here is the hijack of the PDP by a few individuals and very dangerous traps that they have set for Bayelsans in 2027 , particularly those who intend to fly the flag of the PDP”, the group stated .

Further speaking, Ikuli alleged that plans have been concluded by some forces hiding under the guise of crisis and countless Court cases in the PDP , to sabotage ,and outrightly abort the political aspirations of candidates come 2027 Polls .

According to the group, such a development will spell doom not only for the candidates concerned ,but for the collective interests of the people of the State.

This is as Ikuli expressed a complete lack of trust and confidence in the ability of the nascent Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to fill the void that have been created by the near disintegration of the PDP .

He alleged that the Coalition is greatly populated by the same reactionary forces that conspired to deny former president Goodluck Jonathan and the Ijaw nation a second term in office.

“It is based on the above that we unanimously appeal to the Governor to defect to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, to show Southern solidarity with Southern Governors who are with Mr President .

“But as we move forward, one of the greatest priorities in the alliance with the centre should be the actualization of the Agge Seaport that will help to boost the State economy, also bring about unimaginable transformation and prosperity”, the Bayelsa group stated.

US, UAE Visa Policy: FG Assures Citizens Of Protection, Directs Agencies To Reach Out

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Ayodele Oni

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July 15, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed relevant agencies to commence formal engagements with the Governments of the United States, (US) and the United Arab Emirates, (UAE) following recent adjustments in their Visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens.

In a statement on Tuesday, released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the presidency confirmed that relevant Nigerian ministries, departments, and agencies are working through diplomatic channels to address the implications of the new visa rules

According to the U.S. Government, the decision to alter its visa policy for Nigerians was driven by two key concerns: the frequency of overstays by Nigerian nationals and challenges in accessing reliable identity records.

The U.S. clarified that the changes were part of a broader, routinely reviewed global Visa reciprocity process, which includes variations in the number of allowable entries and visa validity periods.

In response, President Tinubu has directed federal agencies to enhance compliance with Nigeria’s international commitments and improve cooperation mechanisms for verifying the identities of Nigerians applying for consular services abroad.

He also urged Nigerian citizens to respect the immigration laws of their host countries and to use their travel documentation responsibly.

On the situation with the United Arab Emirates, the Nigerian government said it has not yet received formal notice from UAE authorities regarding any new visa policy.

However, it acknowledged that visa processing is gradually resuming.

“The government of the United Arab Emirates has remained cooperative and engaged with Nigerian officials. Any legitimate concerns raised are being resolved through appropriate diplomatic processes.”

President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

He stressed that Nigeria would continue to strengthen its diplomatic relationships with both the U.S. and the UAE, in line with the administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy strategy, particularly its Diaspora engagement.

The government pledged to pursue outcomes that ensure Nigerians can travel and reside abroad with dignity and lawful recognition.

Group Alleges Over 20 Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 15, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The orgy of violent attacks and wanton killings on the plateau have continued unabated. No fewer than 20 persons were reportedly killed late Monday night, July 14, 2025, in Bindi Community, Ta-Hoss District of Riyom local council of the State

Several others were also seriously injured in the dusk attack believed to have been carried out by suspected Fulani-sponsored militias.

A statement jointly issued on Tuesday July 15, 2025, by Gideon Manjal and Gadu Daniel Dong, Chairman and Publicity Secretary respectively, of the Riyom Chapter of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy COPDEM informed that the attackers in their numbers and heavily armed ,who invaded the community while the people were already asleep targeted women, children and the elderly, in a house-to-house operation.

According to the group, while some residents managed to evade the attacks, some, particularly, the women and children were not that lucky ,as over 20 persons were killed by the invaders.

The Coalition expressed regret that the latest attack and killings occurred right under the nose of security personnel stationed in the affected areas, without any response.

“The attackers who were properly identified as Fulani extremists by survivors, stormed the Bindi Community in Ta-Hoss District of Riyom Local Government Area on Monday night, and in their regular pattern of attack which is consistent with several previous attacks across Riyom and other parts of Plateau, systematically slaughtered over 20 innocent people including women, children and old people.

“This assault occurred despite the visible presence of security forces in and around the area, including armoured military assets. Homes were burnt, families displaced and trauma deepened.

“It must be clearly stated that these attackers are not unknown. Their hideouts and base settlements in nearby enclaves have been repeatedly identified and reported by community leaders and local authorities.

“Yet, year after year, these known threats continue to strike with impunity, often unchallenged.

“The recurring nature of these atrocities points not only to a failure of protection, but raises grave questions about inaction, negligence and systemic compromise.

“We, therefore, call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Plateau State Government and Security agencies to order a high-level intervention and military operation to dismantle the known terrorist enclaves, as well as declare a state of emergency in the affected areas and provide direct humanitarian reliefs, community rebuilding efforts, and trauma support”, COPDEM stated.

The group expressed deep concern and frustrations over the daily burials of innocent souls, and the now route practice of issuing press statements ,and paying mere condolence visits by authorities.

As of the time of reporting , neither the Plateau state Government, nor security agencies have reacted to the development.

President Tinubu Receives Buhari’s Body From UK

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 15, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the body of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, upon arrival from London, United Kingdom (UK), at the Umaru Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina State.

Tinubu, who was accompanied by the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Senate President, Goodswill Akpabio, and State Governors, received the former President’s ’s body from the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who led the delegation that brought back the body.

The President, alongside dignitaries, will be taking the body to the deceased former leader’s hometown, Daura, where he will be laid to rest under Islamic rites.

On the road to Buhari’s hometown, many sympathisers had gathered along the roads to catch a glimpse of the casket covered in the country’s flag and the dignitaries that accompanied the body of Daura’s most respected leader to its final resting place.

As gathered, the burial site for the former leader has been dug inside his residence, where sympathizers have gathered to pay their last respects to the ex-president who passed on at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

He is scheduled to be buried by 4pm.

Buhari Could Have Died Earlier If He Used Nigerian Hospitals- Ex- Spokesman

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 15, 2025

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President-Muhammadu-Buhari-and-Femi-Adesina

Femi Adesina, a former spokesman to late President Muhammadu has disclosed that it’s possible that the former leader could have died earlier if he received treatment in Nigeria.

The former president died on Sunday in London after a protracted illness. His remains have just arrived few minutes ago, set for burial in Daura, Katsina state.

While he was president between 2015 and 2023, his tenure was marred by regular oversees trips to treat himself.

In one of those occasions, Buhari was rumoured to have died, a situation that almost threw the country into serious political crisis.

Not a few Nigerians even criticised him and other Nigerian leaders for abandoning the nation’s health sector in a shambolic state, while they and their families seek medical attention outside the country as they wish. Most times, public funds were used for this purpose, critics say.

According to Adesina, who served the late president as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, for eight years, Buhari’s decision to receive medical care abroad may have elongated his life.

He stressed that Buhari started receiving medical treatment abroad, where he got the best medical care, before he became Nigeria’s president in 2015.

He added that the former leader would have died in office if he allowed himself to be persuaded by those who said he needed to show patriotism by receiving treatment in the country while he was ill.

Buhari had to be alive to be able to steer the ship of the country successfully, Adesina said.

“He always had his medicals in London, even when he was not in the office. So it was not about the time he was president alone. He had always had it there,” he said.

Adding that “You have to be alive first to get certain things changed and corrected in your country. If he had said, ‘I will do my medicals in Nigeria’ just as a show of patriotism or something, he could have long been dead because there may not be the expertise needed in the country.

“But he needed to be alive to be able to lead the country to a point where we would have that expertise.”

Checks by the magazine revealed that the late Buhari spent over 200 days in London on official medical trips while in office as Nigerian President.

Bishop Okorafor Laments, Insecurity, Economic Hardship, Corruption

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The Source

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July 15, 2025

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By George Best Okoroh

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the Nation. The Bishop cited rising insecurity, worsening economic hardship, and entrenched corruption.

Speaking during his Presidential Address/Charge at the 2025 Annual Men’s Conference of the Diocese which held at the Cathedral Church of All Saints Egbu, with the theme “Let Christian Fathers Follow Peace with All Men and Holiness (Hebrews 12:14)”, Bishop Okorafor condemned Nigeria’s continued over-dependence on petroleum. He noted that the country prospered more during the agricultural era and lamented that the shift to oil weakened other sectors, leaving the nation vulnerable. He called for a revival of agriculture and the diversification of the economy to restore national stability and growth.

The Bishop also charged Christian men to stand as beacons of peace, moral leadership, and godliness in today’s troubled society.

In his homily, Rev. Canon Ibe Adikuru emphasized the role of fathers in promoting peace and holiness, and stressed that without these virtues, no one will see the Lord. Canon Adikuru urged men to guide their homes with discipline, set clear boundaries, and reject strife.

He reminded the congregation that only peacemakers will be called sons of God and urged fathers to pursue peace wholeheartedly, receive salvation through Christ Jesus, and forgive freely. According to him, a peaceful heart reflects God’s character and brings believers into closer fellowship with Him.

Dressed In All Black, First Lady Leaves For Daura To Be With Aisha Buhari

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Adesina Soyooye

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July 15, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, left Abuja on Tuesday for Daura, Katsina State.

Dressed in an all black attire – head to toe – Mrs Tinubu’s trip to Daura is to attend the State Burial of immediate past Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away Sunday in a London Hospital and to console former First Lady, Aisha Buhari.

Buhari’s body arrived Daura in the afternoon of Tuesday for his funeral scheduled for about 2.00pm same day. His body was accompanied by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In his honour, the Federal Government declared Tuesday a public holiday. It also declared a seven-day mourning period during which time the National flag will fly at half mast. Governors of the Northern Region also declared Tuesday a Public Holiday.

Buhari, a retired Army General, was Nigeria’s Head of State from December 31, 1983 to August 27, 1985.

He later became Nigeria’s democratically elected President from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023.

He died aged 82 years.

Bakare: I had No Pact With Buhari

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 15, 2025

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More revelations are coming out regarding the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian leader who died on Sunday in London. The former president who rule the country as a military and civilian leader, died two days ago after a brief illness.

Since he died, there had been an out-pour of tributes from world leaders and prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Pastor Tunde Bakare, who served as Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 presidential election.

Speaking, on the passing of the former president Pastor Bakare said contrary to rumour that Buhari was planning to handover to him, there was no pact to that effect between the two close allies.

Recall that Buhari and Bakare joint Presidential ticket under the CPC failed to win the presidency in 2011. On the return of Buhari in 2015, the fourth time of his presidential run, the clergy man was among his staunch supporters.

Buhari who vied at the time under the APC recorded an unprecedented win against the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, and went on to serve two terms in office.

While his presidency was on, there were suggestions that Bakare was among those being tipped by Buhari to succeed him, particularly after Bakare declared that God has revealed to him that he would be Nigeria’s 16th president. Some even claimed that there was a pact between him and Buhari , to the effect that he will takem over from the late Nigerian leader.

As it turned out, Bakare’s ambition to succeed Buhari never materialized, which made not a few Nigerians to be wondering what went wrong with his prophesy.

Bakare stressed that though Buhari had at a point solicited the support of APC leaders , to allow him chose who will succeed him, but did not specifically mention Bakare.

“There was no written pact between us. He is late. I will never say anything unfair about him,” Bakare said.

“One night before the primary, he invited all the presidential aspirants. We sat with him in the conference hall of the villa.”

“He said, ‘I have allowed the governors to choose who will succeed them or to go for a second term if they are going for a second term. I am asking you today to allow me to also freely choose the person I desire to succeed me.’”

The late president would later shocked not a few Nigerians after he refused to throw his weight behind any particular candidate for the 2023 presidential election, contrary to the believe that he would so so.

Kano Seeks Collaboration With CSOs To Curb Youths’ Thuggery, Profiles 718 Political Thugs

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Ayodele Oni

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July 15, 2025

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Abba-Kabir-Yusuf-Kano-Governor (1) — Governor Abba-Kabir-Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

Kano state government has profiled 718 political thugs as part of measures to engage and rehabilitate vulnerable youths across the state as well as curb insecurity.

The state government has also announced its readiness to partner Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs) in a decisive move to address the rising wave of phone snatching, thuggery, and other security threats.

The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity through strategic collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, disclosed this during a one-day stakeholder engagement in Kano.

The event brought together key government officials and civil society actors to deliberate on solutions to phone snatching, urban insecurity, and socio-economic challenges affecting the state.

In his presentation titled “Insecurity Around Phone Snatching and Theft: The Role of Civil Society,” Commissioner Waiya expressed concern over the alarming resurgence of street thuggery and the notorious ‘Yan Daba’ groups in Kano’s urban centres.

He emphasized that addressing this issue requires more than enforcement—it demands inclusive engagement and proactive rehabilitation.

“We don’t just arrest or prosecute; we engage them, understand their motivations, and get them to key into peacebuilding processes.”

He made reference to the Safe Corridor programme which aims to reintegrate repentant political thugs into the society as productive citizens.

He stressed that the government recognizes the indispensable role of civil society in driving meaningful change, and thus approved sustained engagement with relevant CSOs, particularly those focused on security, youth development, and community empowerment.

“This collaboration is not for political ends but to find lasting, homegrown solutions to insecurity,” he affirmed.

To ensure the programme achieves real impact, Waiya revealed that the Commissioner for Internal Security and the Director General of Special Services have been tasked with direct oversight.

“Their involvement guarantees that this operation produces real results, not just media optics,” he noted.

Waiya also highlighted complementary reforms under the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration, including the unveiling of the Kano Citizens’ Platform to deepen participatory governance, and the government efforts towards the domestication of the Freedom of Information Act to enhance transparency and accountability.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Procurement, Monitoring and Evacuation, Nura Iro Ma’aji, applauded the ongoing governance reforms, stating that the administration is committed to entrenching openness and responsible leadership at all levels.

Ondo Gets Refinery As Gov Aiyedatiwa Signs MoU

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Ayodele Oni

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July 15, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The first ever refinery in Ondo state will soon berth as Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and a private concern, have entered an agreement to that effect.

The State government and the company are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project later this week.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, promised that his administration will give its full backing to genuine investors whose projects align with the State’s development goals.

He made this known while receiving the leaders of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, who are proposing a refinery, a free trade zone, and other critical infrastructure projects in the State.

Aiyedatiwa described the proposed investments as timely and strategic, assuring the group of a peaceful, business-friendly environment adding that the projects would not only boost the state’s economy, but also create meaningful job opportunities and reduce crime.

“This is real for me. Once construction begins, the economic landscape will change. Businesses will spring up, and our people will have better livelihoods.

“You can count on us; we were elected to support growth. What you’re bringing, especially the refinery and other projects, will change the face of this state. You’ve seen the potential in Ondo, and we will give you all the support you need”, he said.

The Governor also praised the collaboration between the investors and the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), saying he had been receiving encouraging updates and was confident of the project’s success.

He further noted that the initiative would contribute to national development, saying “This is not just for Ondo. It will benefit the entire country. The refinery will serve Nigeria with its products.”

Highlighting Ondo’s untapped resources, including bitumen deposits and the State’s long coastline, the Governor revealed that license has already been secured for a deep seaport and the government is in talks with international partners, including investors from China.

Earlier, a board member of the company, Mr. Stephen Dike, expressed the team’s strong confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration.

He emphasized that their decision to begin their operations in Ondo State was based on the clarity of purpose and support they had received.

“Our partnership with Ondo State is very important to us. This is the foundation of our entry into Nigeria. We’ve had other invitations, but none has matched the motivation and leadership alignment we found here.”