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Handshake With Pope: Kperogi Slams Seyi Tinubu For Being “Intolerably Intrusive”

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Seyi Tinubu and Pope Leo

As controversy continues to trail President Bola Tinubu son, Seyi’s brush with security at the Vatican on Sunday a popular social critic, Farooq KPerogi has taken a dig at Nigeria’s First Son describing his action “intolerably intrusive”.

According to Perogi, Seyi overreached himself by trying to have a hand shake with the Pope during a Special Mass to mark the beginning of Pope Leo’s XIV as the new Pontiff of the over 1.4  billion Catholics worldwide.

Was Seyi Tinubu trying to shake the pope after his father? Why does he need to be there? This young man is becoming intolerably intrusive,” kperogi said on his Facebook page.

The magazine reported that President Tinubu was among other heads of state and governments invited to the ceremony.

The president’s son was among the delegation to the Vatican for the ceremony, which also included Nigeria’s Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu.

According to a viral video, the president’s son had tried to have a hand-shake with the new Pontiff but was blocked by the security officials at the ceremony. Mixed reactions, from Nigerians have greeted the development amidst perceived intrusiveness of the president’s son in government affairs.

Seyi Tinubu is not an appointed official of the current government.

The incident happened during a special mass at the Vatican, held to mark the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church.

As the Nigerian president was led forward by two senior Catholic clerics to meet the Pope, Seyi Tinubu followed closely behind. However, a Vatican protocol officer stepped in and politely blocked him from moving closer to the Pope.

While President Tinubu exchanged greetings with the pontiff, his son was directed away, unable to shake hands or interact directly with the Pope.

Since his father assumed office, Seyi Tinubu has often been seen travelling with him on official trips. However, critics have raised questions about his presence at high-level events where he holds no official government role.

Meanwhile, not a few have criticised Seyi Tinubu for involving in many controversies since his father became Nigeria’s leader two years ago.

Recall that Seyi recently received serious backlash from not a few Nigerians after he described his father as the best president the country has ever had.

The Arithmetics of N100m + SUV Jeep vs Dr. Chima Amadi And TMO

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Willie Amadi and Chima Amadi

By Willie Amadi

After reading the narratives of lure and rejection by the above politicians from Imo State, I decided to resolve the puzzle by  activating my sixth sense into steam.

The claim was that Chima Amadi, Ph.D and or the The Mazi Organization, [TMO] had approached the young, intelligent and promising political leader in the State, Collins Opuruzor to join the team and add value in the avowed determination to capture the Douglas House, albeit Owerri zone. Fortunately and unfortunately, the negotiations “come get K leg” as young Collins Opuruzor later claimed that he rejected the N100m plus SUV Jeep which made TMO issue advised  aides of the Governor from disparaging their principal and or bringing him in conflict with the Governor. This is the crux or coco of the matter.

Now, the reason(s) for the purported rejection was not given. The deal was neither reported to His Excellency, the Governor nor even, the weak party leadership in the State, until TMO fired the last warning shot. The bomb detonated by the ace writer, Collins Opuruzor, a press warrior and attilary combatant, who tormented the 3R administration from the REBUILD Headquarters base between May 2019 and January 2020 ignited and massaged the sensibilities of the political class as the total amount of buy-over came to the region of over  N150 million Naira, considering the average cost of SUV Jeeps today. This would have passed as the biggest Sign-On bid in the history of Imo State politics for transfer of a political player from one party to the other, similar to the European League  Series.

THE MATHEMATICS

Assuming Opuruzo’s salary is N500,000 monthly, with or without imprest, it means that for the 4 but now 3 years he will serve as Special Adviser, his total take home pay for assuming it is 4 years will be about  N24 million naira. If it is 3 years, it will amount  to N18 million naira or much less if it is for 2 years and six months with or without an official car.

In the light of the above mathematics, who in Imo State will reject N100 million plus a brand new Jeep just to be a member of a team, probably to add value to the existing Media team of the TMO under this current harsh economic condition, particularly among  politicians who have no ideology or integrity of loyalty to a given cause whether in or out of power ?

I am very sure that this outburst is counter-productive and has rather, further promoted Chima Amadi, Ph.D and reassured thousands of food-is-ready practicing politicians that Dr, Chima Amadi is financially battle ready. If the young writer was really made that offer indeed, he would have been flexing like Hon. Blydn Amajirionwu, Barr. Uche Nwosu, Ph.D (Law), Chief Cajetan Duke, and the political mathematician, Chief Henry Onwukwe who was last month assigned a Hilux Van and a Bullet Proof SUV from the fleet as a Director-General of TMO.

I just wish that such offers can be extended to many  with cognate political and mathematical experience like my allies namely, Barr. Rex Anunobi, and Dr, Bathos Nwadike, the great Oyi of Igboland.

Regrettably, the era of loyalty in politics  seems to be waning because “leaders” now use their followers as umbrella during the rainy season of party primaries and general elections. So to reject this mana from heaven from TMO is simply “njò ogbugbu” to say the least and I am sure that if the wife of our young Collins reads his rejection in the social media, she will never serve him with meat in his meals again.

In totality, my assessment of a careful evaluation of the TMO frontliners, most of whom I know personally will reveal that they are rather, ideologically driven, otherwise I would have seen their own brand new SUVs and the ripple effect of the N100m Sign-On-Fee.

Finally, let me advise all those who are anti- Owerri Zone quest or who out of hatred or mischief continue to blackmail our governorship stars, to have a rethink and desist forthwith in order to avoid this type of public ridicule in a game, in which, if Owerri zone doesn’t win, she will not lose. Also, as the Shepherd, Vanguard and Umbrella body for the Owerri zone for Governor 2025 quest, we appeal that discerning minds should continue to understand the spiritual signs and ignore the mugus  who are masturbating with the political ship, gradually berthing through the mercy of God.


Amadi, a Lawyer, is Chairman, Social Media, IHP

CBN: House Of Reps Warns Cardoso Against Interest Rate Hike

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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The House of Representatives has warned the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, against increasing the benchmark interest rate in the country.

The Chairman, House Committee on National Planning and economic Development,Gboyega Isiaka gave the warning during a meeting with the Statistician General of the federation and chief executive officer of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Adeyemi Adeniran, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Isiaka’s remark comes as the the CBN is set to hold its Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting this week amidst fears in the economic sector  that the official interest could be hiked again. The Yemi-Cardoso-led CBN has hiked the benchmark interest rates 10 times since 2023.

As the apex bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso has insisted on high interest rates in curbing inflation, even though experts in the sector also argue that the hike has led to unintended consequences, particularly the high cost of food and commodities.

The CBN should not concentrate on the high interest, as the only interventionist tool to controlling micro economic problems facing the country, the experts say.

The Committee chairman  questioned the effectiveness of using the interest rate to control demand-pull- inflation, saying after it has been raised multiple times, the problem has only worsen.

The policy, he said, has affected key sectors in the economy such as the SMEs, agriculture and manufacturing the major drives of employment generation in the economy.

The lawmaker however applaued the CBN for making some policies which according to him has helped the country to recover in some areas.

He said, “The monetary policy rate (MPR) has been raised 10 times since January 2023 and currently stands at 27.5 percent from 16.5 percent in 2023, with the aim of curbing demand-pull inflation.

“However, it will appear that the effectiveness of this policy has been undermined by structural bottlenecks, supply chain inefficiencies, etc.

“It is, therefore, our view that considering the current economic landscape, the monetary authorities, as they meet this week, should consider a more accommodative stance that also promotes growth and employment generation.”

The magazine reported that Cardoso has stated that the CBN would “do whatever is necessary” to curb inflation as part of its ‘orthodox monetary policies.

The MPC “will continue to do what has to be done to ensure that inflation comes down,” he said.

“Let’s face it: for a long period of time, the CBN did not embrace orthodox monetary policies.

“We want to go back to using an orthodox method, and it will take us to where we want to go.”

How Chima Amadi Sabotages Owerri Zone, Works Against Charter Of Equity

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Collins Opurozor and Chima Amadi

By Collins Opurozor

There is a reason the Ideato nation has remained united in its political expressions over the years. Despite being a constellation of clans with distinct histories and aspirations, Ideato has embraced the binding spirit of equity. It is equity that sustains peace. It is equity that ensures justice. It is equity that balances interests and affirms belonging. When elections draw near, Ideato does not descend into chaos or confusion. Rather, it leans on its tested template of zoning and rotation among its three clans. That is how to build a people. That is how to deepen democracy.

But now, from the depths of desperation and recklessness, Chima Matthew Amadi has come like a raging virus into this healthy system. At a time when Ideato should consolidate its legacy of fairness, Amadi stood before the people and urged them to tear it down. He openly denounced zoning. He publicly rejected equity. He mocked the rotational arrangement that binds the clans together. This is not just an attack on structure. This is an assault on the soul of Ideato.

What sort of man goes to a united house and preaches division? What sort of politician believes that deception is more noble than dialogue? For Amadi to tell the people to resist anyone who speaks of fairness and balance in political representation shows the measure of chaos he carries in his heart. He came to Ideato not to uplift but to undo. He came not to build consensus but to scatter what had already been built. He came not to serve but to stir strife. What a shame.

Yet, the greatest hypocrisy lies in the origin of Chima Amadi. He is from Owerri Zone. He knows, or ought to know, that the Zone has staked its 2027 gubernatorial ambition on equity. The Charter of Equity is the platform upon which Owerri stands. It is the basis of its advocacy. It is the vehicle for its moral argument. But this same Amadi, who benefits from the gospel of equity in his zone, turns around to demonize equity in another land. What sort of two-faced pretender is this?

His double standards are as disgraceful as they are dangerous. For an Owerri son to attack equity elsewhere is to dismantle the very foundation of his people’s hope. It is to make a mockery of the sacrifices made over the years to enshrine justice in Imo State. It is to give enemies of Owerri a weapon to use against the Zone in 2027. And make no mistake, those enemies are watching. They are already quoting Amadi’s words as evidence that Owerri does not even believe in what it preaches.

Chima Amadi is not just a hypocrite. He is the saboteur within. He is the fire that burns the house from inside. He is the man who seeks to set Ideato against itself while stabbing Owerri Zone in the back. He is the reason people begin to lose faith in political sincerity. When he denounced equity in Ideato, he denounced the dreams of his own people. He sent a loud message that Owerri’s bridge to the Government House is not just broken but burned by one of its own sons.

What then does Chima Amadi truly represent? Not progress. Not unity. Not justice. He represents self-centered ambition without a moral compass. He speaks from both sides of the mouth. He advances only what benefits him in the moment. He has no interest in structures, systems, or legacies. What he cannot control, he seeks to destroy. And what he cannot be part of, he labors to poison. Such a man cannot be trusted. Such a man must be resisted.

The leaders of Owerri Zone must rise and condemn him. If Chima Amadi is allowed to thrive, the Charter of Equity will not just suffer — it will perish. And when that happens, it would not be enemies from outside that killed it, but an enemy from within. His name is Chima Amadi.


Opurozor writes from Owerri, Imo State

2027: Will Obedient Leaders Back Obi As Atiku’s Running Mate?

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Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP Peter Obi, has agreed to be the running mate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 Presidential Election, The Punch reports.

The former Anambra state governor is only awaiting the nod of key loyalists in the Obedient Movement, his political support group, on the issue, the newspaper said quoting sources close to the former helmsman.

It’s further reported that Obi had agreed to be Abubakar’s running mate on the mutual agreement that the former Vee Pee Joint- ticket with Obi is for one term only, without clarifications on what becomes of Obi’s presidential ambition thereafter.

Political analysts insist that Abubakar may support Obi for President in 2031 if the agreement for the 2027 Joint- ticket between the two opposition leaders succeed.

Meanwhile, close sources who are well informed about what is going on in the Obedient Movement told The Source magazine that the issue may polarised the Movement, but that what will be the major focus of Obi’s key loyalists in the Movement is whether his presidential ambition will be achieved in the long run.

Recall that Obi was Abubakar’s running mate under the People’s Democratic Party, PDP banner in the 2019 presidential election which they lost to Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress Candidate.

According to the newspaper, Obi had agreed with Abubakar to be his running mate, at a recent meeting in London where the politicians agreed to work out other modalities before a final decision can be reached on the matter. The bottom line, the newspaper said is that Obi had requested that he sought the backing of the key leaders in the  Obidient Movement before making a final decision.

A party chieftain privy to the political permutations told The PUNCH that Atiku and Obi have come to an agreement and are now in the process of consulting with their loyalists.

He said, “You know that by this time next year, by May 2026, almost all parties would have unveiled their presidential candidates for the 2027 elections. So, the coalition move is mindful of that.

“The leaders have all agreed that it’s only a coalition between Atiku, Obi, and others that can wrest power from Tinubu. So, they are crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s to finalise this.

“Atiku and Obi met earlier this year in the UK. That was where Atiku first mooted the idea of a coalition and urged Obi to be his running mate. Obi then asked for time to think it over and consult his loyalists.

“But recent developments show that Obi has accepted to be Atiku’s running mate, and Atiku has also agreed to serve a single four-year term and hand over to the former Anambra State governor. They have both agreed to sign a written agreement if necessary. Obi is trying to get the buy-in of his loyalists before this is formally announced.”

When questioned about the political platform they intended to use, given the crises in both the PDP and LP, another source revealed that they are considering the African Democratic Congress.

“The crisis in PDP and LP is frustrating. While they are both making efforts and waiting to see if the crisis can be resolved in favour of their camps, they are both looking at possible political parties to run on.

“The Social Democratic Party was part of the plans before now, but it seems the ruling APC has also infiltrated the party. So, they are tilting towards the ADC.  As a matter of fact, some of the loyalists have been meeting with the ADC leadership, and others have quietly joined the party. So, if things do not favour them in LP and PDP, they may join ADC.”

Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, said he could not speak on the agreement reached between the two opposition leaders.

Ibe, in an interview with The PUNCH, stated, “I know that His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have been talking about the coalition. I cannot speak on the specific agreement they have reached.

“All I can tell you is that both of them are focused on ensuring that they build a viable coalition that will be robust enough to accommodate diverse Nigerians to unseat the clueless APC government in 2027.”

A loyalist of Obi and the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, declined to comment on the single four-year term agreement but clarified that the former Anambra State governor is working with others to resolve the crisis within the Labour Party

The development is coming on the heels of recent coalition talks among some top opposition leaders in the country, in the preparation for the next presidential election. Obi and Abubakar have openly declared their support the coalition, which they insist will stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

The two opposition leaders in the country are believed to be working with a former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El Rufai considered by political pundits as the arrowhead of the push by forces bent on ousting Tinubu from power through democratic means in 2027.

The former governor, the magazine reported recently dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Social Democratic Party, SDP, the political party, many insist will be used as the rallying point to achieve their aim to take over power form the APC.

Instructively, Obi and Atiku have yet to declare whether they will join the SDP even though their parties, LP and PDP have been facing internal crisis, which threatens to rupture their parties ahead the crucial election.

Yakasai: North Yet To Decide On Tinubu For 2027; Opposition Govs Working For Him

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Tanko Yakassai

A founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Tanko Yakasai, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not done anything against the north to warrant the region moving against his re-election in 2027.

The statesman said President Tinubu still remains the candidate to beat among those jostling for the nation’s highest office in the next presidential election.

He spoke to journalists on Sunday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, saying he’s not aware of a serious opposition against the president’s return to office.

Yakassai spoke amidst suggestions that the North is already done with President Tinubu, and is ready to vote him out in 2027. Some key political and religious leaders from the region have openly spoke against the president, saying he has not done well for the north, citing the security and economic problems facing the region since he came to power.

According to Yakassai, Tinubu’s chances of re-election is brighter than other candidates, which he said, posed no serious threat to the incumbent, adding that the north has yet to take a united position on whether to support Tinubu or not, adding that a handful of people from the region speaking on the issue have only been expressing their personal opinions.

He explained that Tinubu currently has everything working for him, in his quest to return to office, because, according to him other potential aspirants have not shown such seriousness, adding that Tinubu has the ‘stamina and strength” to win the election.

Apart from having a solid support form his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Yakassai said Tinubu has the support of opposition “governors” and leaders to contest the election, adding that the problems facing the opposition in the country is that they have not been able to put their house in order.

“I haven’t heard anybody making any proposition about the 2027 presidential election from Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF),” Yakasai said.

“What is tagged the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) or Northern Elders Forum’s position is mere individual opinions, because all sections of the north have not taken a stand on this.

”In Nigeria today, Bola Tinubu is the president. He has his ministers and governors who are backing him.

“Who else has all what it takes to move into the contest with the kind of stamina and strength to be more successful comparatively with Tinubu.

“We should all wait and see if the picture will change drastically, otherwise for now, the odds are in his (Tinubu’s) favour because I have not seen anything that will prevent him from winning the next election.

“He hasn’t done anything against the North in my understanding and the North alone cannot decide who becomes the president of the country,” he said.

Last week, the north west APC leaders endorsed Tinubu for the next election, in what political pundits insist is a plus for him, even though he has yet to declare his intention to run.

Tinubu, the magazine recalls receives block votes from the region, to win the 2023 presidential election.

Defection: “Our Members Will Never Toe The Path Of Dishonour” – LP Say

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Ambassador Osim Ogar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Cross Rivers state Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Ogar Osim, has insisted that the All Progressive Congress, APC, can never be an option for members both in the State and across the country.

This is just as he debunked rumours of LP Executive members from the 18 Local Councils  to the State defecting to the ruling Party.

In a statement issued in Calabar, the State Capital, Osim maintained that the LP structure at all levels in the state remain intact.

Similarly, he categorically stated that members are not in any way  contemplating defection to the APC and noted that that they are  not afflicted by the dishonour, and worship of money syndromes among some Nigerian political actors.

“No member of the 18 Chapter Chairmen and State Executive Council members of the Labour Party has defected in Cross River State.

“The Chairman of Labour Party in Cross River State Ogar Osim and all members of his executive and those of the 18 Local Councils of the State are very much committed to a better Nigeria.

“We will not toe the path of dishonour ,or monetary form of politics which is almost becoming a tradition for opposition members in Nigeria”,the LP chairman stated.

According to him, the ruling APC has inflicted  much pain and hardship on the Nigerian populace destroyed the economy and undermined the existential values of the people.

He emphatically noted that the APC going by the monumental wreckage it has caused ,can never be an option for LP members and concerned Nigerians .

The LP in the State, he insisted, is focused on the concerted efforts at shoving aside the APC from the governance space of the country in 2027.

Obi, Fayemi Attend Pope’s Inauguration, Urge Action Against Poverty

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Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi at Pope's Inauguration

Former Governors Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi were among global dignitaries at the Vatican for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, where Obi echoed the Pope’s powerful message on confronting poverty. Calling for greater compassion and justice, Obi urged leaders to make  care for the poor and marginalised priorities, noting that true love of God is best expressed through action that uplifts the vulnerable.

Reaffirming his commitment to social justice, Obi pledged continued advocacy for bold investments in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, stressing that a well-educated population remains the foundation for building a just, inclusive, and prosperous society.

Reflecting on the occasion, Obi recalled standing with Fayemi at the same spot in 2013 for the inauguration of Pope Francis, describing both events as deeply significant moments in the life of the Church and the world.

He also recounted his continued ties with the Vatican, including his participation in Nigeria’s official delegations to the canonisations of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, and his involvement in Scholas Occurrentes, a global initiative founded by Pope Francis to promote education and intercultural dialogue.

Obi expressed his delight at seeing President Bola Tinubu and other world leaders in attendance, united in faith. He described Pope Leo XIV’s homily as “profoundly moving,” particularly the call for collective responsibility in addressing poverty and restoring dignity to the forgotten.

Kano: Gov Yusuf Suspends Aide Over Unauthorized Statement On Kwankwaso’s

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Governor Abba Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Despite tendering apologies, the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf,  has ordered the immediate suspension of one of his political aides, Ibrahim Rabiu from office.

Rabiu, a Special Assistant/Reporter attached to the State Ministry of Transportation, was suspended in connection with the authoring and circulation of a purported press statement credited to the National leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, and its 2023 Presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,  on his speculated move to the All Progressive Congress APC.

The statement which also gave details of moves allegedly made by President Bola Tinubu to woo the Kwankwasiyya movement leader went viral on Saturday May 17, 2025.

But in a statement late on Saturday, Senator Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State, and political mentor of Governor Yusuf ,vehemently rejected the said press statement issued by Rabiu.

He categorically denied authorizing the statement which has so far caused some disquiet within the  political circle in the country.

A statement issued by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the media aide to the Governor, informed that Rabiu was suspended owing to his unguarded, unauthorized and inflammatory statement” concerning Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s speculated defection to the APC.

Rabiu’s suspension is contained in a circular issued by the office of the Secretary to the State Government ,SSG, Umar Farouk Ibrahim.

According to the Governor’s Media Adviser, Rabiu’s remarks are not the reflection of the position of the State Government having made same without due authorization.

“The Government has distanced itself from the purported claim describing the statement authored by the suspended aide as solely coming from the author for reasons best known to him”, the Governor’s aide stated.

Besides being suspended, Rabiu is to also respond to a query issued by the office of the SSG , concerning his role and intent over the statement.

This is just as the Kano State authorities warned political appointees and office holders against making unauthorized comments,especially on perceived sensitive issues.

“The Government cautions all political appointees against unauthorized comments, especially outside, their jurisdiction.

“Any political appointees must get clearance before making public comments on issues that have to do with the position of Government on matters of public importance or of sensitive political decisions”, Bature noted.

The Source reports that Rabiu in the face of the controversy and tension generated by the statement, yesterday apologized for not obtaining the expressed permission of Senator Kwankwaso before going public with the statement.

However, this Magazine has  gathered that Rabiu, after all, may not be entirely on his own, and may have been a victim of the unintended consequences of the said press statement.

Insecurity: Gov Zulum Seeks Spiritual Solution, Declares Mondays Fasting Day In Borno

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Professor Babagana Zulum

By Ayodele Oni

A new approach, which is spiritual, is being adopted in Borno State to address the issue of insecurity, which has resulted into displacement of people from their homes.

Governor, Babagana Zulum, has declared Monday a day of voluntary fasting and prayer across the state, to seek divine intervention to tackle insecurity.

The decision, announced during a statewide broadcast on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital, aims to seek divine intervention and strengthen public resolve against the ongoing security threats.

“In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity.

“This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, the Northeast and indeed the entire country. Let us come together to seek divine guidance, healing, and peace for our state.”

Zulum described the fast as a spiritual yet communal demonstration of resilience. “Fasting is more than a personal spiritual act; it is a communal expression of our shared hope.

“Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose.”

While calling for public participation in the fast, Zulum emphasized that the state government is not relenting on concrete steps to counter insecurity.

He revealed ongoing efforts with federal authorities to revamp the security framework and provide better support for personnel.

“In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies.

“I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever.

“Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us.”

Zulum reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s assurance of federal backing in overcoming the recent surge in attacks.

“Indeed the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the Service Chiefs have given us assurances that they will do everything possible within their reach to bring to an end the current insecurity that we are facing in the state.

“We shall also strengthen our volunteer forces, comprising the CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes, and bolster our community intelligence gathering and early warning systems as part of our commitment to supporting the security agencies.

“Let me warn against colluding with these armed groups, either individually or as a community, as they are our collective enemy.”

The governor expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces over the loss of personnel in recent operations and prayed for comfort for the bereaved families.

Beyond security, Zulum acknowledged the ongoing water crisis affecting parts of Maiduguri, which he attributed to infrastructure damage caused by the September 10, 2023 floods.

“Fellow citizens, I am aware of the ongoing water scarcity affecting parts of Maiduguri, Jere, and surrounding areas. This situation is a direct consequence of the destruction of major pipelines during the catastrophic floods of last year.

“Let me reassure you that my administration has been working tirelessly to restore the affected infrastructure. I appeal for your patience and understanding as we finalise efforts to fully re-establish the water supply system.”

Addressing the recent uptick in urban crime, Zulum also announced the reconstitution of the Anti-Social Vices Committee. The committee is tasked with tackling violent crimes and maintaining order in the metropolis.

“We will not allow criminal elements to destabilise the progress we are making, insha Allah. We are fully aware that the road to lasting peace is not an easy one.

“But with unity, perseverance and faith, we shall all overcome it insha Allah. I call upon all stakeholders, our traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, and indeed every citizen to join hands with us. Together, we can secure our communities, restore normalcy, and ensure that Borno thrives once again.”