Bauchi Facilitates $2.6 Billion Fertilizer Plant For Ondo

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July 11, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

In what looks like a relationship across Niger, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday hosted his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, in a move to strengthen the relationship between the states towards agricultural development and industrialization.

The meeting of the two governors has already attracted a major investment to Ondo State as plans are underway for the establishment of a fertilizer production and harmonial plant, as well as a petrochemical industry, all within the next 12 months.

The massive investment, valued at $2.6 billion, is expected to significantly boost the state’s economy, generate thousands of jobs, and enhance agricultural productivity and industrial development.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, revealed in a statement that this came to light after a meeting between the state government and the investor, Dr. Abbas Waziri, the Executive Director of the investment company, who accompanied Governor Muhammed to Akure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the Bauchi State Governor for facilitating the opportunity for Ondo State, stressing that this keys into his administration’s efforts to improve on the economy and provide jobs for the teeming youths in the State.

“I want to specially thank Governor Bala Mohammed for this development and for personally visiting us here. I have also watched what you are doing in Bauchi State; you’ve done so well for your people, partnering with local and international investors to develop your state and that is what we are doing here too.”

The Governor took the opportunity to outline concrete steps already being taken towards the actualization of the long-awaited Ondo Deep Seaport project, which he described as a game-changer for the state’s economic growth.

“We have the longest coastline in Nigeria with the deepest draft. It has always been there but for some reasons it has not been tapped but this time around, the last administration started the process which am trying to complete it now to build a deep seaport, a first in Nigeria that can take a modern vessel.”

On the planned establishment of “Residents Group Cement and Petrochemical Plant” in Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa confirmed that more investors are already indicating interest to tap into the state’s vast natural resources.

The Governor added: “We are ready and we are building the necessary infrastructure already. I just flagged off the dualization of Igbokoda to Okitipupa road and the 2nd phase will be from Okitipupa to Ore. So, before you finish building your plant the roads would have been completed.

“The typography is beautiful. Anything petrochemical, refinery, seaport in that axis, we have the space and it is also a free trade zone.

“All of this will be of benefit to investors and also to us as a people. So, I want to thank you for choosing Ondo State for this major investment.”

After a meeting with the investor and his team, the Governor said all is set for the smooth take-off of operations.

He assured them of a business-friendly environment, promising a serene atmosphere and maximum security of lives and property across the state.

Earlier, the Governor Bala Mohammed, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for taking bold steps to reposition Ondo as a preferred destination for investors.

He lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s efforts in unbundling alternative sources of revenue beyond the federation account, describing it as a model worthy of emulation.

Mohammed stated that both states, under a peer review mechanism, are committed to attracting investors for the benefit of their people.

“Far away in Bauchi, we have been watching you with keen interest. What you are doing here, there is a lot of similarity between us, providing our people with leverages and latitude to exploit their capabilities and find alternatives to earn a living to actualize their aspirations.”

The Bauchi Governor revealed that in his quest to drive development in his state, Residents Group Cement has already establish a 1.5 Billion Dollars cement factory in the State and therefore expressed interest in replicating the same investment in Ondo State.

Also, the Investor, Dr. Abbas Waziri, said his company will invest in fertilizer production and harmonial plant as well as other petrol chemical outlets in Ondo State.

“We are looking at investing 2.6 Billion Dollars in the State and within 12 months it would be ready”, Dr. Waziri said, while commending the working relationship between the Ondo and Bauchi State Governors.

Attack On Rivers Council Boss: Suspects Finally Surrender To The Police

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 11, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Hector Ekeakita and Aloni Olodi, Chief Security Officer, CSO, and Chief of Staff, COS, respectively, to the Ahoada East Local Government Chairman, earlier declared wanted by the Rivers state Police Authorities, have voluntarily turned-in, the police informed on Friday July 11, 2025 .

They were, a few days ago, declared wanted for their refusal to honour police invitation in connection with the assault on the Council boss, Goodluck Iheamnacho by a mob.

The Source reports that some thugs numbering over 30, allegedly, led by the duo of Ekeakita and Aloni had on Friday June 20,2025 invaded the Council Secretariat, brutalized the Chairman, and made away with his personal effects and vital official documents after forcing him to sign a resignation letter which they came with.

A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Irenge-Koko, accused the wanted twosome of masterminding the attack on the Chairman.

Consequently, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, advised the suspects to report themselves immediately to the State Police headquarters or face dare consequences.

A statement from the Command on Friday, however, informed that the wanted persons presented themselves to the Police on Thursday July 10 ,2025, at about 3pm.

Irenge-Koko ,said that upon surrendering themselves, the suspects were interrogated by the CP and his Management Team.

They were later handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID for further investigation, the Police spokesperson added.

This is as the Service appealed to the general public to volunteer any useful information that may aid the investigation.

The Command, while underscoring the importance of public cooperation and support, assured that the investigation will be transparent, and findings made public.

VP Shettima’s Office Explains His Remarks At Book Launch

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Ayodele Oni

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July 11, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Office of the Vice President has shed more light on his at a recent book launch. It said those remarks were historical references to events that occurred during the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

It explained that the remarks constituted nothing more than an intellectual discourse on Nigeria’s constitutional evolution.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), said in a statement on Friday that: “This rare moment of retrospection was purely illustrative, intended to demonstrate how our constitutional democracy has matured within the capacity to resolve complex federal-state tensions through established legal mechanisms.

“For the avoidance of doubt, President Tinubu did not remove Governor Fubara from office. The constitutional action taken was suspension, and not outright removal.

“It was part of the measures implemented, including the state of emergency declared, in response to the grave circumstances surrounding the polity in Rivers State at the time.

“It is more so considering the unprecedented situation where the State House of Assembly complex was under demolition and the Governor was facing a looming threat of impeachment (outright removal from office) from the embattled members of the state legislature.

“This cannot be compared with the situation in the North East region under the Jonathan administration, where violent non-state actors were challenging the sovereignty of the Nigerian state and required collective action from the central government and subnationals to eliminate the terrorists.

“President Tinubu’s actions were taken within the constitutional framework and in consultation with relevant stakeholders to preserve democratic institutions and maintain peace in Rivers State.”

The statement added that there is no comparison between what happened during Jonathan’s era and that of the present administration of President Tinubu.

“The Vice President’s speech was focused on the importance of public officials documenting their stewardship and the eternal nature of accountability in public service.

“His historical references were made to illustrate the principled positions taken by public servants in the past, not a criticism of government policies.”

Dangote: Why Refineries Will Not Work After Gulping $18bn

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 11, 2025

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Africa’s Richest Man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, says the three refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and kaduna may never work again despite gulping over $18 billion in turn around maintenance.

Dangote is the owner of the $20 billion Petroleum refinery in Lagos, which has the capacity to refine 650,000 barrel of crude oil per day.

He recently said the refinery will soon be the only buyer of Nigeria’s crude oil as the company ramp up its capacity to provide energy security for the country.

The business mogul who spoke on Thursday while hosting members of the Global CEO Africa from the Lagos Business School, on a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, lamenting his frustration after some federal government officials stopped his acquisition of the refineries over 18 years ago.

Recall that the former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration had sold the refineries to the business man, but his successor, Umaru Yar’adua reversed the deal.

He said the reason why President Yar’adua reversed the sale was because some people in his administration convinced him that the refineries will work again.

The said officials, he claimed also told late President Yaradua that the refineries were sold to him by former President Obasanjo too cheaply, as a parting gift to the businessman.

The refineries have been struggling to produce since then, Dangote said.

Dangote described the refineries as a 40 years old car, noting that no turn-around-maintenance will make them bounce back to life because they are old and outdated.

Dangote: “The refineries that we bought before, which were owned by Nigeria, were doing about 22 per cent of PMS. We bought the refineries in January 2007. Then we had to return them to the government because there was a change of government.

“And the managing director at that time convinced Yar’adua that the refineries would work. They said they just gave them to us as a parting gift or so. And as of today, they have spent about $18bn on those refineries, and they are still not working. And I don’t think, and I doubt very much if they will work.

“(The turnaround maintenance) is like you trying to modernise a car that was built 40 years ago, when technology and everything have changed. Even if you change the engine, the body will not be able to take the shock of that new technology engine.”

Reno Omokri Should Not Talk When Real Men Are Talking – Rochas

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The Source

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July 11, 2025

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By Charles Igbo

Omokri: “Before Tinubu, Nigerians were living in a fool’s paradise”

Architect Uche Rochas, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, has tackled Reno Omokri, a former strong critic of President Bola Tinubu who suddenly turned round and became his very strong admirer and defender.

Rochas’ tackle on Omokri followed the latter’s defence of Tinubu’s economic policies which not a few Nigerians say have reduced them to paupers.

Responding to Omokri In a post on his official X handle on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Rochas pointed out his “hypocrisy and cowardice.”

He reminded the Omokri that he was on a self-imposed exile during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Rochas: “During President Buhari’s 8-year rule as a democratically elected leader, Reno Omokri was in exile the entire time. He shouldn’t speak when real men are talking. Coward,”

Omokri attracted this rebuke from Rochas when he spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday.

He had posited that Nigeria’s economy is presently on a more sustainable path under Tinubu compared to the Buhari years.

He also described Tinubu’s predecessor as being on an “economic illusion,” and insisted that Nigerians were living in a “fool’s paradise.”

Omokri: “We were living beyond our means. Tinubu has taken that away, and we are now living within our means. Borrowing to fund consumption was unsustainable.

“Under Buhari, the government borrowed excessively”, he said. As example, Omokri pointed at the ₦28 trillion in loans allegedly taken by former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele without National Assembly approval.

“They were using that money to artificially inflate the value of the Naira. We cannot keep borrowing just to give people food. We need to produce. That’s why exports are going up, and imports are coming down”

Omokri also said that Nigeria’s debt stock has dropped under Tinubu — from $113 billion at the end of Buhari’s tenure to $97 billion.

His word: “As of 2015, Nigeria owed $63 billion. When Buhari left, it stood at $113 billion. Under Tinubu, it’s now $97 billion. That’s a reduction of over $14 billion. We should appreciate this man.”

Explaining the hardship in the land, Omokri said:

“The impression people have is that things are worse, but we have to look inward. Everything Tinubu is doing are the same things Peter Obi and Atiku promised they would done.”

Akume: “I’m Not Interested” In APC Chairmanship

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 11, 2025

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, says he’s not in the race to become the National Chairman of the ruing All Progressives Congress, APC.

Akume spoke few days after one of the contestants, Tanko Al Makura, a former Governor of Nasarawa state said he was prepared to do whatever it takes, including ‘clean the table’ on President Tinubu’s instruction.

The federal government scribe has been mentioned among those gunning for the position following the sudden resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje, a former governor of Kano state from the position.

Ganduje, was said to have been forced out of the position by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who the magazine learned is planning to bring Rabiu Kwakwanso, a former Governor of Kano state into the party, to run with him in 2024.

Neither the president nor Kwakwanso, an arch rival of Ganduje has spoken about the rumoured dalliance.

Apart from Akume, other APC stalwarts reported to be interested in the position include former governors Tanko Al Makura and Yahaya Bello, of Nasarawa and Kwara states amongst others.

But Akume’s remark may have put paid to his rumoured ambition to lead the APC into the next election.

The SGF disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide Yomi Odunuga that his rumoured ambition to become APC chair is false, and should be disregarded.

He said, “The attention of Senator George Akume has been drawn to a publication claiming he is among those jostling for the APC national chairmanship.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is a fabrication meant to distract the SGF from his critical duties in the federal government.”

The SGF said he’s focused on his job to deliver the dividends of democracy under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that he’s poised not to destroy the trust reposed in him by the president.

“His main focus, he insists, is to ensure he does not in any way betray the trust that President Tinubu reposes in him.

Speaking directly on the matter, Akume said he is not seeking any internal party position.

“I am not in a race that I am not interested in,” Akume said.

Al Makura Ready To Clean ‘Table” For Tinubu To Become APC Chairman

Speaking recently on his bid for the APC chairmanship, Al-Makura, said he would do anything President Tinubu told him to do, including “cleaning the table” in the Presidential Villa, to gain the president’s support.

The former governor said he would do anything to prove his “loyalty” to the president.

He said, “If Mr President, as the leader of this country, tells me that ‘Al-Makura, I want you to come to my office and dust my table every Monday, that is what pleases me, that is what I feel will make the party and this country progress,’ I can assure you that I will make it a date that every Monday at that appointed time. I will come, dust the table, and go.

“I will be satisfied that I have done what the president wants. That is the level of my commitment and loyalty to a leader.”

US Visa: “Nigeria Punished By Trump For Refusing To Accommodate 300 Venezuelan Prisoners” – FG

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Adesina Soyooye

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July 11, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Federal Government has explained why the United States of America reduced the Visa validity of Nigerians from five years multiple entry to a ridiculous three months single entry.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said that the new US Visa policy which restricts Nigerians to three-month visa validity stemmed ftom Nigeria’s refusal to accept 300 Venezuelan prisoners as demanded by US President Donald Trump.

Minister Tuggar explained this to Nigerians on Thursday when he spoke on Channels Television.

Nigeria’s seat of power, Aso Rock, had earlier, in a statement dismissed claims by the US that the visa decision was to reciprocate an earlier decision by Nigeria to impose a 90-day visa on American citizens.

The statement signed by main Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said: “Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting U.S. citizens a five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the U.S. has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.”

But Tuggar revealed on Channels TV that: “The US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the US, some straight out of prisons. It will be difficult for Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners.”

He said the excuse given by the US to impose a 90-day visa on Nigerians is just giving a dog a bad name to hang it.

Tuga: “We introduced an online electronic visa to save time instead of arriving before processing the visa. The online makes it easier. Our visa is not saying that every American is given only 90 days. We give more than three-year visa.

“It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept that.

“We have problems of our own, and we can’t accept Venezuela’s deportees for crying out loud. We already have 230 million people.

“These are some of the ongoing discussions, not just with Nigeria but with some other countries.

“We’re talking to the Americans and reminding them that we will also issue them the same way they issue five-year multiple-entry visas.

“What Nigeria has done that differs is simple. We used to have a visa at the point of entry that wasn’t running efficiently.

“We introduced online electronic visas that save time. With that, you don’t need to go through the challenge of time. On my laptop, I can apply for and get a Nigerian visa.

“First-time travellers, such as tourists, may find it easy, and they’ll want to come again.

“America is not correct to say their decision on the visa was based on reciprocity.

“Honestly, I don’t think Nigeria will be able to accept prisoners from Venezuela. And, I think it will be unfair to insist that Nigeria accept 300 deportees from Venezuela. This might just be the beginning.”

Onanuga in his statement emphasized that Nigeria has continued to grant five-year non-immigrant visas to Americans in line with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity.

His words: “Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens.

“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting U.S. citizens a five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the U.S. has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.

“A 90-day single-entry visa applies only to the newly introduced electronic visa (e-Visa), which is different from the traditional visa categories and is designed to streamline entry for tourists and short-term business travellers who prefer not to undergo standard embassy application process.

“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often abused for extortion.

“The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to visit the embassy. Applicants receive the e-visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.

“The e-visa initiative is part of Abuja’s broader strategy to promote investment, tourism, and the ease of doing business in Nigeria while aligning with global best practices.

“Many countries around the world have adopted similar digital visa systems. While Nigeria currently offers an e-visa option to US citizens, the same gesture has not been reciprocated by the US for Nigerians.

“In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with U.S. authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments.”

Shetima Secretly Visits Hospitalised Buhari, Abdulsalami In London

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 11, 2025

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Muhammadu Buhari and Abdulsalami Abubakar

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shetima has paid a visit to the country’s two former leaders, Muhammadu Buhari and Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) who are currently battling undisclosed health challenges in London.

According to Daily Trust newspaper, Shetima visited Buhari penultimate week, on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and later Gen Abdulsalami during the period. The hospitals where the two former leaders are receiving treatment remained undisclosed.

Buhari, who fell ill recently, and undergoing treatment in a London hospital, was reportedly placed in intensive care in the early days of his admission but is said to have come out of the critical condition and is now recuperating well.

A credible source privy to the development told Daily Trust that

Shettima flew to London penultimate Sunday night and checked up on the former president the Monday morning.

The source added that Shettima also visited former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar during the same trip.

When contacted about the visit and why it was not made public, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said the Vice President did actually travel to London, but that it was a totally private visit.

On Monday night, there were apprehensions over the state of health of the former President with speculation rife that his health might have deteriorated.

Daily Trust made spirited efforts to speak with the former President’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, but he did not respond to our reporter’s inquiries.

However, in the early hours of Tuesday, Malam Garba replied to an sms sent to him and said: “The information available to me is that he (Buhari) is in a recovery mode.”

Since then, much has not been heard from the camp of the former President until news of the recent visit by Vice President Shettima.

While in office as President between 2015 and 2023, President Buhari then had a history of medical checkups mainly outside the country.

His health has also been a subject of intense debate owing to his status as the number one citizen at the time.

After assuming office in May 2015, Buhari spent over a hundred days outside the country in 2017, specifically in London due to an undisclosed ailment.

He also made further medical check-up trips to London in 2018 and 2021.

Following enquiries, a former media aide to the former president, Mallam Garba Shehu, ealier confirmed that Buhari was hospitalised in London.

He wrote: “Following your inquiry, I wish to state as follows: It is true that the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, is unwell. He has been receiving treatment in the UK,” Garba Shehu said.

“You would recall he made it known that he was going for his annual medical check-up. He became ill there, but I am happy to announce to you that he is doing well in his recovery while receiving treatment. We pray for his healthy recovery.”

IPOB To Gov Soludo: Your Reckless Comments Have Betrayed The Igbo

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 11, 2025

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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, on Thursday, July 10, 2025 strongly rejected Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s claim that 90.9 % of kidnappings, terrorists attacks and other criminal activities in the South East region are the handiwork of Igbo sons and not that of rogue Fulani herdsmen.

At a town hall meeting of Anambra state indigenes in Maryland, United States of America, last week, Governor Soludo told his audience that statistics have shown that over 99.9 percent of kidnappers ,and other criminal elements in the state within his three years in office are by people of Igbo extraction.

This is as he vehemently condemned the widely held assumption that most of the killings , kidnappings, and other violent criminal activities are perpetrated by the Fulani herdsmen.

To buttress his position, the Anambra State Governor insisted that it would be practically untenable for criminal elements ,and the “so called liberators ” to successfully reside in and operate from the forests without the active connivance and collaboration of locals and or even the communities.

According to him, it amounts to begging the question and standing logic on the head to assume and propagate the idea that strangers could operate terrorists camps within the South East region successfully without the active support of the Indigenous People .

“Let us stop deceiving ourselves. Ask yourself how these so-called liberators survive in the forests without community backing.

“The acclaimed freedom fighters are in the real sense young Igbo men, mostly youth engaged in criminal activities for financial gains”, Soludo stated.

But the IPOB in a statement on Thursday signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, described the remarks credited to Governor Soludo as utterly and disgustingly reckless and ,unsupported by facts .

According to the group, the Governor’s statement is part of the wider sinister agenda of provoking unwarranted attacks and hounding of innocent youths in the region by the authorities and security forces.

The IPOB warned that such unsubstantiated claims by people like Governor Soludo are just what the Nigerian and security authorities need to engage in unjust and arbitrary arrests of and violence against innocent individuals in the South East region.

:Governor Soludo’s unguarded and thoughtless statement may embolden and ultimately promote military operations ,and Fulani-sponsored militias to further engage in acts of violence against the people”, the IPOB warned .

The IPOB accused the Governor of only pandering to some interests ,and oppressive outsiders for political and pecuniary gains while ignoring the existential threats posed to the people of Anambra and other South East states by activities of herdsmen and other terrorists groups.

“This public utterance made without any iota of investigative backing has now become the green light for the Nigerian security agencies ,and Fulani-sponsored terror militias to commence another round of massacre and abductions of innocent youths across the South East” IPOB warned .

However, the group said it’s not all that surprised at the latest anti-people stance of the Governor as it is in tandem with his well documented inconsistent position on the plight of its detained leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The group while acknowledging some occasions where the Governor had called for the release of Kanu, however noted that his recent posture portray’s a serious contradiction of his past efforts.

2027: Shetima Clashes With Tinubu, Relationship Finally Breaks Down; VP’s Fate Hangs

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 11, 2025

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Following Vice President Kashim Shetima veiled attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring emergency rule in Rivers state, close watchers of Aso Rock, Nigeria’s Presidency say the relationship between the president and his vice may have finally broken down.

On Thursday, during a book launch in Abuja, the nation’s capital Vice President Shetima took a jibe at the president for removing Governor Siminalye Fubara and other elected state officials from office, indirectly telling the president that his action was unconstitutional.

According to Shetima, the former President Goodluck Jonathan had in 2014 tried to remove him from office as the Governor of Borno state, but was advised against taking such action by the National Assembly and Bello Adoke, the Attorney General of the Federation and Mister of Justice at the time.

According to him, the former president would have removed him and some northern state governors from office because of the Boko Haram insurgency ravaging some parts of the region, if not for Adoke and Aminu Tambual, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives who told him point black that the president had no power to remove an elected governor

Shetima: “Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was floating the idea of removing this Borno governor (pointing at himself), and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, had the courage to tell the president: You don’t have the power to remove an elected councillor.

“The president was still unconvinced, he mooted the idea at the Federal Executive Council, Mr Mohammed Adoke told the president: You do not have the power to remove a sitting governor,” the vice-president said. “They sought the opinion of another SAN in the cabinet, Kabiru Turaki, who also said: I am of the candid opinion of my senior colleagues. That was how the matter was laid to rest.

“I want to thank you for the courage to forgive those who have offended you. In the last four years of the Jonathan government, I was the public enemy number one,” Shetima stated.

Meanwhile, Shetima’s remark , according to watchers of the Nigerian Presidency may have further exposed the deep-seated animosity between him and President Tinubu, who according to sources may have decided to dump Shetima as his running mate in 2027.

President Tinubu is set for re-election in two years time, but those close to Nigeria’s seat of power said he’s now disposed to picking another running mate to vie with him.

Even though the president has yet to publicly make his intention known, a recent meeting of the ruling All Progerssives Party, APC, in Yobe state where Shetima was not endorsed alongside President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, by the party’s stakeholders, close watchers of politics in the country said spoke volume of the worsening animosity between the two former allies.

Speaking recently, the 2023 Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed hinted that President Tinubu may have decided to end his relationship with his vice.

Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu had even tried enough putting up with shetima who he accused of been treacherous.

According to Baba-Ahmed, “On Shettima, I don’t blame Tinubu. Because whoever knows what Shettima did and does, will not allow him last this long,” Baba-Ahmed said.

“The airwaves cannot carry it. And I know I’m speaking on TV.

“I know Tinubu has tried for keeping Shettima this long. Even the consideration that he should be dropped, I think Tinubu has tried.

“It is a pregnant statement. I wish I could say more.

“What people do for power is unbelievable.”

On March 8, 2025 President Tinubu in a controversial manner suspended Governor Fubara and all the members of the state House of Assembly from office, citing the rising insecurity in the oil bearing state.

Meanwhile, there’s hope that Governor Fubara and other elected officials may be reinstated following the ongoing fence mending between the suspended governor and Nyesom Wike, the two gladiators at the centre of the political crisis in the troubled state.