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Insecurity: Deputy Speaker Kalu Urges Vigilance

July 7, 2025

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the people to be more vigilant amid lingering security concerns in the nation.

The Abia state born lawmaker described safety and security as paramount concerns that require deliberate efforts, proactiveness and vigilance by everyone in the society.

Kalu stated this at a recent book launch in Abuja, where he was represented by his Special Adviser on Inter Party Affairs and prominent security expert, Dr. Jerry Uchenna Nwohu, who echoed the imperatives of adopting proactive measures in order to stay ahead of potential security threats.

According to Dr. Nwohu, a proactive approach to safety and security is not just a necessity, but a responsibility that every individual must take seriously for themselves and their loved ones.

Dr. Nwohu further noted that “the moment we let our guard down, we become vulnerable to threats. But with a proactive mindset, we can outsmart potential dangers and stay safe.” By being aware of their surroundings and trusting their instincts, individuals can identify potential dangers before they become real threats. The benefits of proactive vigilance are numerous, including reducing the risk of becoming victims, protecting oneself and loved ones, and feeling more confident and in control.

At the book launch event attended by top security officials, including representatives of the First Lady, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Naval Staff, among others, Dr. Nwohu applauded the author, Superintendent of Police Adebayo Jogbojobgo for his work on security architecture. Superintendent Jogbojobgo emphasized that being proactive is key to outsmarting potential threats and ensuring safety. By adopting a proactive mindset, individuals can stay ahead of would-be robbers and other criminals, avoiding potential dangers and threats, and ultimately building a safer and more secure community for all.

Dr. Nwohu also recommended the book to students, libraries, and institutions of higher learning as a must-read, advising everyone to pick a copy for themselves and their loved ones.

WAFCON 2025: Super Falcons Crush Tunisia In Opener

Akinwale Kasali

July 7, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Falcons of Nigeria began their quest for their 10th Women African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, title in Morocco with a resounding 3-0 triumph over Tunisian Female National Team.

The Coach Justin Maduagu-led team announced their preparedness of winning the Coveted Female continental Championship having come a distant Fourth at the last edition, with a-fourth minute lead, courtesy of multiple CAF Female Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala.

The Nigeria Female team dominated the match, dictating the pace and keeping possession.

On several occasions, the Tunisian Ladies foiled several attacks of the Rasheedat Ajibade-captained Super Falcons team, but their resilience could only last till the dying minutes of the first half as Rinsola Babajide added the Second goal to take the game beyond the their North African opponent.

In the second half, the Super Falcons continued from where they stopped as Chinwendu Ihezuo added the third goal to seal victory for the team.

Coach Maduagu started the game with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, while the quartet of Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre and Tosin Demehin in the heart of the Nigeria Ladies defense.

In the midfield, Halimatu Ayinde, Deborah Abiodun and Rinsola Babajide were the midfielders, while the attackers include: Toni Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala who led the attack.

With the victory, the Super Falcons lead the Group which in which are Algeria and Botswana.

NDLEA Nabs Couple, Daughters For Drug Running

Akinwale Kasali

July 6, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Sunday arrested a businessman, Ajah Johnson Uchenna, his wife, Rosemary Uchenna and their two daughters, Stella Uchenna and Ngozi Uchenna as well as their family friend Okoro Elijah, for allegedly running a major illicit drug distribution network in Lagos.

The family members who were intercepted have been taken into custody after investigation revealed they run a distribution cartel.

A statement by the NDLEA Director, Media And Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja, stated that the arrest came after investigation revealed that the family runs a major illicit drug distribution network in Lagos involving the family friend.

The statement reads: “The couple was first arrested on Friday, June 13, by operatives of the Department of State Security, DSS, in Ojo area of Lagos State and transferred to the NDLEA along with 277.5kg skunk.

“While they were still being investigated in custody, credible intelligence revealed that the family business was going on in his house.

“This led to a raid of their home and a packing store where 231kg of the same substance was recovered on Tuesday, July 1.”

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos on July, 2nd, intercepted a frequent flyer for drug trafficking.

Babafemi stated that the suspect specialised in conveying goods for customers from Nigeria to Italy and vice versa.

“He was found to have hidden 7,660 pills of tramadol 225mg and 200mg inside food items packed among other goods he was conveying to Italy.

“He claimed that he was to be paid the sum of 800 euros upon successful delivery of the drug consignment in Italy,” he said.

Police Declare Two Wanted Over Attack On Ahoada East Local Government Chairman

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 6, 2025

Goodluck Iheamnacho - Ahoada Local Government Administrator

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Two senior staff members of the Ahoada East local council of Rivers State have been declared wanted by the Rivers State Police Command in connection with the brutal mob attack on the Chairman of the Council.

The Source reports that the Local Government Chairman, Goodluck Iheamnacho, was on Friday, June 20, 2025, attacked and assaulted by some suspected thugs.

The suspected thugs numbering over 30, according to the Police, invaded the Council Secretariat, ransacked and vandalized the Chairman’s office.

They were said to have made away with the Chairman’s personal effects including his mobile phone, and Council vital documents after brutalizing and forcing the Chairman to resign his appointment.

Hector Ekeakita and Aloni Olodi, the Council’s Chief Security Officer, CSO, and Chief of Staff, CoS, to the Chairman, respectively, according to a Police statement at the weekend are suspected to have masterminded and led the attack on the Chairman.

The statement issued by the Rivers State Police, Friday, June 20, 2025, Command spokesperson Grace Irenge-Koko, accused the two wanted Council staff of failing to honour earlier invitations extended to them by the police authorities.

Consequently, the State Police Commissioner, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has advised the suspects to report themselves immediately to the State Police headquarters on Moscow road Port Harcourt .

This is as the CP warned of dare consequences for anyone found to be shielding the suspects from the law.

Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Lauds NDDC Contributions To Niger Delta @25

Ayodele Oni

July 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) on Sunday kicked off activities marking 25 years of its existence with a thanksgiving service in Akure, Ondo state capital.

The service was attended by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and top official of the NDDC led by its managing director, Samuel Ogbuku.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, lauded NDDC for its achievements over the past 25 years, commending the agency for its developmental strides across the Niger Delta region.

The Governor expressed delight that the symbolic thanksgiving service was being held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, and acknowledged the presence of the NDDC Board and top management, led by its Managing Director/CEO, Chief Samuel Ogbuku.

“We the good people of Ondo State, particularly those in the oil-producing areas of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, acknowledge the Commission’s works, achievements and contributions to the development of the Niger Delta region in the last 25 years.”

He described the Commission as a key institution that has lived up to its mandate and commended its current leadership for its dedication to project conception, implementation, and completion.

Highlighting the efforts of his administration at the state level, the Governor spotlighted the performance of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), which he said has been reformed and repositioned to effectively meet the ecological and infrastructural needs of the State’s oil-producing communities.

“Through OSOPADEC, we have implemented projects that have improved the lives of our people, enhanced our environment, and promoted economic growth.

“Our interventions have led to significant improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas.

“Our people are beginning to reap the benefits of oil exploration, and we are committed to ensuring that our environment is protected for future generations.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa also used the occasion to express gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his strong support for the development of the Niger Delta and his active interest in the NDDC.

He praised the President for setting a tone of accountability and ensuring that the Commission is well-positioned to deliver on its mandate.

Earlier during the service, the Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Rt. Revd. Dr. Simon Oluwole Borokini, in a sermon, reminded public officials that they would give account of their stewardship before God.

“Every man, regardless of title, will one day bow before God, the perfect judge who knows all. Positions of privilege are from God. The real question is: how are you using the position He has given you?” He asked

The NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, in his remarks, highlighted the Commission’s legacy over the past quarter-century.

He affirmed that the agency has remained accountable and transparent, stating that under the current administration, the NDDC is more focused than ever on purposeful development.

Rotimi Amaechi’s Wife: Rivers APC Slams Wike, Says His Allegations, Shameful

Adesina Soyooye

July 6, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has come under strong criticisms from a faction of the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, loyal to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

The Party said it found Wike’s allegations against former Rivers State First Lady, Dame Judith Amaechi, shameful and embarrassing. Her husband, Amaechi, was former Governor of the State.

Trouble started when Amaechi, during an interview granted Channels Television’s Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of its popular Politics Today programme, said his wife is the financial rock of the family and added: “She is almost an industrialist.”

Wike and Amaechi, once very close political allies, have been very bitter political enemies for years.

Wike, after Amaechi’s interview, because Amaechi referred to him in the interview, on Friday, pounced on Amaechi’s Wife in a bid to debunk Amaechi’s claim about his wife being the bedrock of the family triggered Wike’s anger. While addressing the issue on Friday, Wike said Amaechi’s Wife was no industrialist, a claim Amaechi actually did not quite make. He said Mrs Amaechi was ripping the Niger Delta Development Commission off the sum of Four billion Naira, every month in the name of training Niger Delta Women.

Wike pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to make public the result of the forensic audit carried out on the NDDC. He revealed that the forensic audit indicted Amaechi’s wife. He said he would resign as a Minister if his claim turned out right. He said it was the former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami who covered up for Mrs Amaechi.

But the Rivers APC has tackled Wike and described his utterances as shameful and irresponsible.

Darlington Nwauju, the State APC Publicity Secretary loyal to Amaechi challenged Wike for proof. He asked Wike to cause the release of the NDDC audit report to prove his claims.

Nwauju, in a statement, also said Wike has, by his claim, disrespected women, wives and family values.

The statement reads in part:

“We empathise with Nigerians who have been entertained twice in 48hrs with a cock tail of lies, half truths and the usual double speaks latest being the declaration by FCT Minister Wike that he will resign his position if the Report of the NDDC Audit is released without an indictment on (Dame Judith Amaechi), the wife of his former boss.

“This goes to tell so much of his personality traits. The shame of dragging other people’s wives into the political arena while clothing himself with a feeling of self importance, does confirm the fact that Minister Wike has no respect for family values and this is symptomatic of his light esteem for womanhood and absolute disrespect for his own wife.

“We challenge Minister Wike to instigate the publication of the NDDC Audit Report for Nigerians to see and read for themselves.

“We remind you to also include for publication, the list of awards/cash releases from the NDDC to your cronies and yourself while using your 27 Assembly members to prosecute a selfish political battle against the Government of Rivers State.

“While we are more interested in the so-called NDDC Audit Report, which was ab initio a choreographed show targeted only at scaring away other Niger Delta stakeholders from the Commission while solely micromanaging it.

“These are documents in the archives of both chambers of the National Assembly with the public hearings that held in June and July 2020.

“Finally, we suggest to APC apparatchiks at the National level to consider and adopt Nyesom Wike as Spokesperson of the party at the July 24 2025 NEC meeting.

“Or even adopt him as Presidential Campaign Director General for 2027 elections as metrics to measure his popularity amongst Nigerians and confirm if he is a moral burden on APC Nigeria or not.”

Generals At War: Bode George Alleges David Mark Caused PDP’s Crisis, Labels Him Unworthy, A Disgrace

Akinwale Kasali

July 6, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Two retired Military Generals-turned politicians are on a collusion course. Navy Commodore Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has just dragged his Army counterpart, Brigadier-General David Mark, a former Senate President, under a PDP Government, in the mud.

Until they parted a few days ago, both of them were in the same Party. But, tired of the shenanigans going on in the PDP, Mark jumped ship and landed smack on the side of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, a political party under which a Coalition of opposition to the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by President Bola Tinubu found embraced in a bid to to unseat Tinubu and his Party in 2027. He was immediately appointed the Interim National Chairman.

Perhaps stung by the run on the PDP since the ADC strongly entered the political arena, and feeling betrayed that Mark is playing a prominent role, Chief George has pounced on him.

He has heaped the root cause of the crisis which engulfed the embattled PDP on Mark. He accused Mark of being the harbinger of the crisis in the PDP. And he called Mark unflattering names – a disgrace and an unworthy personality.

He stated that the former Senate President contributed to the internal crisis currently rocking the party. He further alleged that Mark was responsible for organising the controversial National Convention, which according to him, laid the foundation for the party’s crisis.

It would be recalled that Mark, alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Jigawa and Sokoto state Governors, Sule Lamido and Aminu Tambuwal respectively, among others, at a meeting in Abuja last week, announced their departure from the PDP, and urged PDP members to join the ADC to rescue the nation in the next general election.

Mark had stated after a meeting of the Coalition that: “This meeting encourages all well-meaning PDP members and other patriotic Nigerians to join the Coalition. All Coalition partners must be united on the issues of national unity, democracy, national security, national economy and the political will to stamp out corruption embedded in our institutions.

“The PDP, which is organic with the discipline, capacity, and history to lead and save Nigeria, is now a shadow of its old self. The heatwave unleashed by the APC Federal Government, through threats, blackmail and patronage has forced elected officers in government to abandon the PDP”.

In reaction to the statement, George chided the retired Army Brigadier-General for abandoning the Party in times of trouble, stressing that the PDP’s crisis was traceable to Mark.

He said: “I am deeply ashamed of that statement coming from David Mark, asking PDP members to join the ADC. It is extremely disgraceful. I am heartbroken. What is annoying is that these people have chosen to abandon their father’s house, where they were born. You left a house that produced and nurtured you just because there is one crisis or the other in that house?

“This is not about Mark being arrogant; he is disgraceful and unworthy. We are talking about a retired Army General here, behaving like a rolling stone that gathers no moss. I was there when our party hierarchy decided he was going to be our nominee for the Office of the Senate President. He was the Chairman of the convention that brought about the crisis in the PDP today because, they manipulated the process established by the founding fathers.”

The PDP chieftain described Atiku, Mark and others as ingrates and a disappointment to the memories of the founding fathers of PDP.

He said, “These people are perpetually dancing on the graves of those Babas who gave their lives and everything for the party. That comment he made that PDP is now a shadow of its former self is unacceptable to people like me.

“He (Mark) has no right to demonise the party. If a civilian said what he said, we can ignore but we (military personnel) were trained to have respect for processes and tradition. What will these people tell their children? Who created the shadow he is talking about? Who chaired the convention where everything was turned upside down?”

Ondo SDP Chairman, Akinbuli, Writes Gov. About Shameful Dilapidated Court Buildings

Ayodele Oni

July 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, Gbenga Akinbuli, has raised the alarm over the dilapidated condition of Court buildings in the State. He described it as a glaring indictment on the State’s judicial system.

In an open letter addressed to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, Akinbuli expressed deep concern about the leaking roofs, poor sitting arrangements, and overall dilapidation of the Court building.

He said the State of the facility reflects a gross neglect of the justice system and undermines the rule of law in the State.

“As the State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) which stands for the progress and welfare of our people and a concerned son of Ondo Town and a legal practitioner, I will not hesitate to call out those who fail to deliver.

“I am compelled to speak out against the egregious neglect of High Court 1.

“The rainy season has exposed the rot, revealing a system struggling under the weight of abandonment.

“I wonder, and I ask: Is Attorney General Dr. Olukayode Ajulo aware of the pathetic State of our High Courts? Or is he deliberately turning a blind eye to the suffering of our Judicial Officers and litigants?

“I remember vividly his emphasis on Court reforms, but is this the kind of reform he envisioned? Leaking roofs, poor sitting conditions, and an overall environment that is an affront to justice.”

He questioned whether the Attorney General was aware of the Court ’s condition or had chosen to “deliberately turn a blind eye” to the plight of Judicial Officers, litigants, and the public who rely on the Courts for justice.

Akinbuli also called for urgent reforms, especially the granting of full financial autonomy to the Judiciary in Ondo State.

He urged Ajulo to advise Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on the need to empower the Judiciary, noting that without transparency and accountability in the management of judicial funds, progress would remain elusive.

“If funds have indeed been disbursed, then what mechanisms are in place to ensure the Chief Judge is transparent and effective in their utilization?

“This is not about politics; it’s about the integrity of justice. Our courts must be places of dignity and order, not suffering and neglect.

“The welfare of our courts and judicial officers seems to be of little concern to those responsible. How can litigants and court officials be expected to function effectively in such an environment? It’s discouraging, even for the most capable individuals.”

The SDP Chairman warned that the current state of courtrooms makes it nearly impossible for judicial officers to perform effectively, adding that it also discourages young legal practitioners and undermines public confidence in the Judiciary.

He called on all well-meaning citizens to demand better from those in power and insisted that Ondo State must no longer settle for leadership that fails to act on critical issues.

No Plans To Defect From APC – Governor Zulum Declares

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 6, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has rubbished the talks making the rounds about his intended defection to the nascent Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC. The ADC is the Party of choice by some political forces among whom are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP Peter Obi. It’s Protem Chairman and National Secretary are former Senate President, David Mark and the former two term Governor of Osun State, estranged political ally of President Bola Tinubu, Rauf Aregbesola.

Zulum’s denial is coming against the backdrop of widespread speculations claiming that he is on the brink of leading no fewer than five All Progressive Congress, APC, Governors into the Coalition family.

The Source reports that the Borno state Governor is strongly believed to be greatly unsettled by alleged moves to sideline Vice President Kashim Shettima from the second term ambition of his boss, President Tinubu.

At the APC North East stakeholders meeting in Gombe State recently, Governor Zulum, led a protest against the refusal of the party leadership to include the Vice President in their endorsement of the President’s second term ambition.

This development, as well as certain political undercurrents which appear to have conferred a significant measure of credence to the rumoured plans to supplant Shettima as President Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 have accentuated talks about his loyalists including the Governor seeking alternative political abode.

The Vice President hails from Borno State, and is the immediate past Governor of the State.

But in a statement at the weekend , from his media aide Dauda Iliya , the Borno state Governor described his rumoured defection plans as an unfounded fabrication being peddled by some unscrupulous elements seeking political relevance.

This is just as he reaffirmed his unflinching loyalty and commitment to the APC as a party.

“We have become aware of a fictitious and mischievous social media report circulating in certain quarters, alleging plans by me to decamp from the All Progressive Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, alongside five other Governors.

“This is entirely false, and exist only in the imagination of its sponsors. They are detractors who have made no meaningful contributions to the progress of Borno state or Nigeria.

“It is a classic example of cheap, politically motivated speculation designed solely to distract us ,and create unnecessary political tension.

” My loyalty to the APC remains firm and my dedication is solely to the welfare and progress of Borno state.

“I call on media outlets and the public to verify information from credible official sources ,and ignore the desperate fabrications of those seeking relevance through disinformation .

“We remain resolute in our commitment to serving Borno state under the banner of our great party ,the APC ” the statement quoted Governor Zulum as saying.”

Ondo Police Command Arrests Wanted Cultists, Fraudsters, Recovers 55 Stolen Cattle

Ayodele Oni

July 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has announced the Recovery of stolen livestock worth ₦41 Million.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed during a briefing in Akure that one Prince Fasua Peter Oyeleye ‘m’ reported that his employee, Ali Garuba Muhammed ‘m’, absconded with 55 cattle and eight sheep/rams, collectively valued at ₦41 million.

“A swift response by the Anti-Kidnapping Section led to the recovery of 22 stolen cows within 48 hours. The primary suspect remains at large, and concerted efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining livestock and bring him to justice.

Other feat recorded in the area of crime bursting include “Arrest of a Notorious Cultist.

“On 1st July 2025, at about 1630hrs, the DPO of ‘B’ Division Owo, acting on intelligence, led a decisive raid on the hideout of one Olujide Boluwaji Israel ‘m’ (aka Kendowell, aged 28), a known senior member of the Eiye Confraternity.

“The suspect was arrested at Igbolodu/Okanlawon Street, Owo, and is known for terrorizing students and residents, particularly within the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic community. He remains in custody, with ongoing efforts to arrest his fleeing accomplices.

“Arrest of two individuals in case of obtaining by False Pretense (OBT)

On 2nd July 2025, the Command’s SWAT Unit received a complaint from Tajudeen Latifa ‘f’, an online vendor based in Ogun State, regarding repeated fraudulent purchases totaling ₦4.5 million, made using fake bank alerts.

“The prime suspect, Bunmi Oyinlola ‘f’ (currently at large), had used multiple identities and delivery locations, including Akure.

“Prompt action led to the arrest of two male accomplices: Olamide Olawale ‘m’ and Oluwatosin Oluwasegun ‘m’, in Ondo town. Investigation continues, and all suspects will be prosecuted accordingly.”

Lawal, who resumed last week in the state assured that “Our mission has been clear from the onset: to restore and maintain law and order, safeguard lives and property, and create an atmosphere of peace and security for all law-abiding residents across the length and breadth of Ondo State.

“This mandate is not one we take lightly. It is rooted in our constitutional responsibility to protect the people and uphold the rule of law.

“From the hinterlands to the coastal waterways, our strategy has been holistic—emphasizing intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention measures, robust community engagement, and strategic inter-agency collaboration.”

The police boss dismissed report of discovery of a kidnappers’ den around Old Ikare Road in Owo.

“The story, which has been widely circulated without verification, has unfortunately created unnecessary panic and anxiety among residents and well-meaning members of the public.

“For the record, the said building in question is a government-owned structure reportedly constructed for ministerial purposes and intended to serve as an office space for the State Internal Revenue Agency. However, the facility has long been abandoned and left unused.

“The structure came to public attention when it was discovered by local vigilante members during routine surveillance. Upon inspection, a few abandoned personal items were found, suggesting that the place may have been used intermittently by someone likely of unsound mind or without shelter.

“Importantly, no evidence whatsoever was found to suggest any connection to kidnapping activities—past or present—nor was anything discovered that could be deemed incriminating.”

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