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“I Quit As Tinubu’s Aide To Sack Him From Office” – Fmr. Aide

June 18, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Aliyu Audu did an uncommon thing in Nigeria. In doing that, he shocked not a few people. Until he shocked Nigerians, Audu was a Presidential Aide. He was Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs.

But a couple of days ago, the quit the office. He said he no longer wanted to be President Tinubu’s Adviser. He has lost interest he said. At the time, he gave no reasons why. So, most people thought he had lost in the political intrigues at the Villa where dogs have been known to eat dogs.

But no. This other day, he inflicted another shock on Nigerians. He said he resigned from the job to fight his Principal, the President. He said he is focused on denying the President a second term in office. He said he was joining the opposition, any coalition to sack the President. Meaning that President Tinubu has been sleeping with his enemy.

And what are his reasons for focusing on sacking the President in 2027?

He didn’t hide his reasons. And he chose a respected medium – Channels Television – to say why.

Speaking, he said his decision to resign so as to assist in sacking the President was based on Principles. He said his belief in an inclusive Government, also, played a role in guiding him to quit President Tinubu’s Government.

His words: “I think it’s a matter of principle and living for something greater than oneself. It’s about believing that Nigeria is not beyond fixing. It’s about knowing what loyalty is, to what and to whom loyalty should be absolute.

“Being bold enough to make a decision even if it comes at a personal cost. Even if the future is uncertain, I would rather face an uncertain future than be certain about an immoral today.”

He expects he was uncomfortable with the revenge posture of the Government Tinubu is leading. It’s number one focus, he revealed, is revenge instead of national unity. By that, Audu argued, the President has derailed from his campaign promise.

Audu also said he was uncomfortable with the relationship between the President and his Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike. He described it as questionable.

Audu was worried that the Tinubu who resisted the Obasanjo-era dominance in the Southwest, is now at home with doing same.

His words: “It is no news that there was some sort of relationship between the former governor of Rivers State, who is the current Minister of FCT, and the current president. In all honesty, there were many justifying reasons behind that because we were heading for the election and the only thing bigger at that time was ensuring we put our best foot forward. Clearly, from 1998 till date, there has been no better leader than the current President, politically, and administratively.

“It was a hard-fought battle and everything was against us. It also seemed like our party was against us. It took the belief of a few people who understood what we needed and the kind of President we needed to succeed the former President to keep us on that track of actualising Nigeria.

“It was a hard fight and we won. God blessed us with victory. We were to unite the country and relieve the country as a people in victory.

“But when it gets to a stage where our leading figure (President Tinubu) prioritises revenge over collective progress, we should worry.

“We know what PDP did to the opposition between 2003 and 2007, specifically. We know what former President Olusegun Obasanjo did as President —how he muscled his way into taking the entire Southwest, which was manned by this man (Tinubu) at the time.

“It didn’t just stop there and it went on, but he (Tinubu) survived it.”

The President’s position on one Party State, Audu said, confirmed to him that the President has derailed.

Audu: “It confirmed it on one hand and on the other hand, it strengthened my resolve not to work for him in 2027. I couldn’t, in good conscience, remain in his government while plotting his removal. Because I will.

“By God, we will remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. We will reinstall a leader chosen by the people, not imposed. It won’t be Emi lo kan — it will be Gbogbo wa lo kan (it’s everyone’s turn).”

“Our Husbands Are Gone” – Protesting Taraba Women Cry Out

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 17, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

Amidst global outcry over the spate of violent attacks and killings rocking some parts of Benue State, North Central Nigeria, hundreds of Taraba women in the North East, on Tuesday June 17, 2025, stormed the streets to protest against what they described as the unprecedented killing of their husbands.

The women from the Munga Lelau area of Karim Lamido Local Government of the State, were protesting the orgy of deaths and wanton destruction of properties arising from ongoing communal clashes in their area.

The Source reports that Munga Lelau community in Karim Lamido Council has, of recent, been engulfed by an internecine communal violence involving Fulani herders and Christian farmers with no fewer than 45 persons killed in the three weeks

Dressed in an all black attire, the protesting women marched several kilometers from their Munga Lelau community to the Headquarters of Karim Lamido Council to register their grievances.

With placards of varying inscriptions, the women called for an urgent action by all relevant authorities to halt the ongoing communal clashes which they said have claimed the lives of most of their spouses.

Spokesperson for the protesters, Rejoice Ishmael Sunday, specifically called on the Government to halt the movement and activities of Fulani herdsmen in the area.

The women likened the ongoing situation in their community to a genocide, with their people being murdered in their sleep by marauding herdsmen.

This is just as they accused security agencies of being complicit in the attacks and killings.

“We are being killed in our sleep. Our husbands are gone. We are crying out for help. Let the Government protect us by deploying more security to stop this bloodshed”, the women stated.

While addressing the women, the Chairman of the Local Council, Bitrus Danjos, praised them for the peaceful manner they conducted themselves, assuring to urgently deliver their message to the appropriate authorities

Meanwhile, he reaffirmed the readiness of the Council to work in concert with security agencies and community leaders to foster peace and security

Curiously, however, the Police fired several canisters of tear gas to forcefully disperse them, citing the absence of prior notice as reason for their action

“Fmr Gov. Ikpeazu, Associates, Planning To Rig 2027 Election” – Abia Govt Alleges

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 17, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Labour Party controlled Abia State Government, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, accused the immediate past Governor of the State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of engaging in illegal political campaigns ahead of the 2027 polls.

The allegation is coming against the backdrop of PDP’s earlier accusation that the State Government is forcefully breaking its stakeholders meeting held at the country home of the former Governor in Umuobiakwa community ,Obingwa loc3al Council of the state.

In a statement issued by its State Chairman Comrade Abraham Amah, the PDP alleged that the State Special Security outfit, Operation Crush, had last week, invaded and disrupted a meeting of former political appointees under Governor Ikpeazu at a primary school very close to the residence of the former Governor.

According to the PDP Chairman, the relocation of the meeting venue to a private facility did not stop the security operatives, whom it said acted on the directives of the Abia State Government, from further violently disrupting the gathering.

The Source reports that the former Governor who presided over the affairs of Abia State on the platform of the now embattled PDP between 2015 and 2023, had summoned a parley of political office holders who served in his administration, and associates to take stock of the political situation in the State.

However, the meeting was said to have been dispersed by operatives of the special security outfit of the state.

But in a statement on Tuesday from the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kalu, the State Government condemned the decision of the former Governor and his acolytes in convening what it described as a politically charged gathering at his residence .

“This assembly featuring his former aides, political associates, and a cross section of locals, was not only ill-timed, but clearly violates constitutional provisions, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, guidelines regulating political campaigns in Nigeria.

“Though Dr Ikpeazu fell short of formally declaring his political ambition ,his direct instruction to his audience to deliver their booths and units during upcoming elections unmistakably signals the start of political campaigns an act that constitutes a breach of INEC’s established rules .

“He went further to make a veiled comment on his expertise in election rigging, forgetting that it failed him in the 2023 Senatorial race where he placed a distant third (3rd) .

As a Government anchored on the principles of rule of law, democratic values, and respect for citizens’ right to free speech and association, we acknowledge the former Governor’s right to express himself.

“However, we must emphasize that such rights must be exercised responsibly and strictly within the bounds of the law.

“It is, therefore, preposterous that Dr Ikpeazu chose to exploit this illegal platform not only to mobilize politically ,but also to launch a vicious tirade of misinformation and attacks against the current administration

“Such reckless commentary not only disrespects the office he once held ,but also has the dangerous potentials of inciting unrest, and destabilizing the peace Abians currently enjoy”, the Abia State Government stated.

Government further described the conduct of the immediate past Governor as unbecoming of someone who ordinarily should understand the implications and weight of his words and actions to the peace and stability of the state .

This is as the Government warned that it will no longer tolerate any attempt by anybody or group under any guise to indulge in illegal political campaigns in the state .

“While Government frowns at this irresponsible behaviour by the former Governor and his co- travelers, we want to issue a final warning that the ban on campaigns have not been lifted, and any one campaigning now is breaking the law ,and trying to heat up the polity .Government will not sit idly by and allow that to happen.”

Pastor Adefarasin In Police Custody Over Viral Gun Video

Akinwale Kasali

June 17, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Pastor Paul Adefarasin of the House on the Rock Church, Lagos, has voluntarily surrendered to the Lagos State Police Command for interrogation.

It was gathered that the appearance of the popular Pastor at the State Police Command is connected to a viral video depicting him, allegedly, brandishing a gun-like object at another road user while driving an unregistered vehicle.

Confirming that Pastor Adefarasin was in its custody, the Lagos State Police Command took to its official X Handle and confirmed that Adefarasin voluntary surrendered himself on Tuesday, June 17th.

The statement, said “No one is above the law!”and indicated that detectives were already investigating the incident.

“Pastor Paul Adefarasin has turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja and is currently being interrogated by detectives who have commenced investigation on the case since a video surfaced online showing the pastor holding a gun-like object against another road user, while driving in an unregistered vehicle,” the police statement read.

It further assured the public that “The outcome of the investigation will be made public.

“It would be recalled that the incident, which has sparked considerable debate across social media, raises questions about appropriate conduct, particularly for public figures.

“The police’s swift action underscores their commitment to upholding the law irrespective of an individual’s standing.

“The investigation is expected to determine the veracity of the claims and whether any laws were violated”.

The alleged incident involving Pastor Adefarasin came to light after a video began circulating widely on social media platforms in recent days.

The undated video which quickly went viral, appears to show a man identified as Pastor Adefarasin in the driver’s seat of an unregistered vehicle.

In the footage, he was seen engaging in what appears to be a heated confrontation with another individual, and at one point, an object resembling a handgun is visible in his hand, allegedly pointed towards the other road user.

The specific circumstances leading up to the confrontation remain unclear, but the visual evidence immediately triggered public outrage and calls for investigation, particularly given Adefarasin’s high profile as a religious leader.

The incident has led to widespread discussion online regarding road rage, gun control, and the conduct of public figures in Nigeria.

The Lagos State Police Command’s announcement confirms that they are taking the matter seriously and are actively investigating the content of the viral video.

Japa: Obasanjo Demands Better Incentives For Doctors

James Orji

June 17, 2025

Amidst the challenge posed to the nation’s health sector by Nigerian doctors migrating abroad, former President Olusegun Obasanjo says higher incentives is the solution to the problem.

According to the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, hundreds of doctors leaves the country annually, to seek better opportunities in Europe, United States and Middle East where they receive good pay.

The former president said the problem will continue except the national and sub-national governments offer the doctors good pay and other incentives .

Obasanjo spoke on Monday at the commissioning of a hospital in Zamfara State, named after a former governor of the state, Ahmed Yerima.

He said apart from infrastructure and equipment medical personnel are required to keep the country’s health sector functional, noting that doctors will stop searching for greener pastures abroad if they are taken care of. .

Obasanjo: “For hospitals, especially when many Nigerians who have been trained as medical personnel are ‘japa-ing’, which is going out of the country, looking for better conditions, how do you hold them here? You have to give them a bit of incentive.

“We need all the personnel that we can have because our hospitals have to deliver. You need the right environment and that is the refurbishing, renovation but you need the right equipment, and then you need the personnel.”

Speaking recently in Abuja, the nation’s capital the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, said over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last seven years to seek for opportunity abroad.

He said this happened despite the huge amount spent by the government training the doctors. The minister said the nation spends at least $21,000 training one doctor.

Suspected Killers Of Ahoada Rivers State Police Chief Arrested

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 17, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Two more suspects linked to the gruesome murder of the Divisional Police Officer DPO of Ahoada, Bako Angbashim, have been apprehended, the Rivers State Police Command announced on Tuesday June 17, 2025.

The Source reports that Angbashim was ambushed and killed in September 2023 by assailants suspected to be members of a dare-devil cult gang, the Iceland.

A statement issued by its spokesperson, Grace Irenge-Koko, gave the names of the suspects as LoveGod Goodluck and Precious Olumini.

They were said to have been arrested separately on May 3, 2025, and June 13, 2025 by operatives of the Octopus Tactical Unit of the State Command in equally separate, but coordinated operations.

Some dangerous weapons and other incriminating items were also recovered from the suspects during the operations, according to the Police.

The Police had earlier neutralized the leader of the gang, Gift David Okpara, popular as 2Baba who masterminded the murder of the late DPO

“The Rivers State Police Command has made another significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts at combating cultism and other violent crimes in the State.

“Following credible intelligence, operatives of the Command attached to the Octopus Tactical Unit successfully arrested a cultists/murder suspect.

“On May 3, 2025, Operatives of the Command received credible information regarding the whereabouts of a notorious cultist known as Aka K1, a member of the late 2Baba Iceland cult group.

“This group was linked to the murder of late SP Bako Angbashim, the then DPO of Ahoada Division.

“The Police Operatives swiftly stormed the suspects’ camp in Ikata community, Ahoada East LGA, and arrested one LoveGod Goodluck, a male resident of Ikata community.

“During the operation, one locally made single-barrel gun, and two live cartridges were recovered from him.

“In a follow-up operation on the 13th of June, 2025, at about 1730hrs, operatives made another breakthrough, arresting one Precious Olumini, a male suspect who had earlier escaped.

“An English made pump-action gun and a locally made pistol were recovered from him.

“During interrogation, suspects confessed to being members of the dreaded Iceland cult group that been terrorizing Ahoada East axis of the state”, the police statement reads in part.

According to Irenge-Moko, both suspects and exhibits are in custody while investigations are underway with a view to hunting down other members of the gang still at large.

This is just as the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the commitment of the Command towards adequately securing lives and properties of residents.

He, however, sued for the understanding and support of the people in promptly availing the Service of actionable intelligence.

INEC Cancels PDP NEC Over Anyanwu

James Orji

June 17, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s has rejected a notice of meeting form the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP of its plan to hold its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting by the end of the month.

The implication is that the PDP may no longer go ahead with the much sought after meeting by many of its members to resolve the crisis rocking the party.

The magazine reported that the party had on May 30 sent its notice of meeting to the electoral umpire of its plan to hold its NEC on June 21. the notice is inline with the Electoral Act requiring political parties in the country to intimate INEC of its NEC meeting 21 days before the meeting.

The notice PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1J/25-078 was signed by PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun and addressed to the chairman of the commission.

Responding, INEC said the NEC meeting cannot go ahead because the Notice was not signed by the embattled National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu.

In a letter dated June 13 and signed by INEC Acting Secretary, Mathru Aminu, the commission said the notice failed to comply with electoral regulations.

According to the commission, the notice failed to meet the joint-signature requirement stipulated in its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, which requires the party’s National Chairman and Secretary to sign such notice.

In the letter, titled “RE: NOTICE OF 100TH NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) MEETING OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)”, the commission stated:

“The Commission draws your attention that the notice is not in compliance with the requirement of part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022 that provides ‘the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party shall jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit same to the Commission. Be guided.

“Please accept the Assurance of the Commission’s high regards.”

According to those watching the opposition party, the NEC meeting is expected to resolve among other things, the tussle over the National Secretary of the party.

The magazine reported that Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye are contesting for the position. While majority of the party’s leaders, including state governors prefer Ude-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader of the PDP, Anyanwu is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and former Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike.

The Supreme Court had in a judgment delivered in March over the issue recognised Anyanwu, a former PDP governorship candidate in Imo state at the National Secretary of the party.

Our Synergy With Investors Meant To Grow Our Economy – Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa

Ayodele Oni

June 17, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has explained that the state stands to gain a lot from its partnership with both foreign and local entrepreneurs.

The Governor stated that “Our arms are open to embrace new investors from within and outside Nigeria. We’ll continue to do what we can do for our economy to grow for the benefit of our people.”

The Governor made the remark while receiving the Ambassador of Czech Republic to Nigeria, Krejci Zdenek, in his office in Akure.

He said that the synergy was a strategic diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing economic growth, technological transfer, and international cooperation.

Aiyedatiwa, reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with global investors and entrepreneurs, particularly the Czech Republic, to unlock the state’s vast economic potential.

The Governor also vowed that his administration will continue to provide an enabling environment for investors to come around to do their businesses with ease.

He said: “We have to govern to provide stable political environment and conducive economic environment for the people to operate. We are providing a legal system that supports businesses and investments.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who thanked the Ambassador for the visit to Ondo State, promised that his administration is fully ready to partner with Czech Republic anytime.

Earlier, Ambassador Krejci Zdenek noted that Czech Republic is a country with a very old industrial tradition from the end of the 19th century, adding that the country is very strong in machinery, including equipment for agriculture.

He expressed optimism about the prospects of cooperation with Ondo State, stressing that the Czech Republic is eager to contribute to Nigeria’s development by offering expertise in areas such as modern agricultural machinery, construction technologies, and renewable energy solutions.

He added that Ondo State stands out due to its natural resources, governance structure, and evident political will.

“We believe a strategic alliance with Ondo State will yield mutual benefits and contribute meaningfully to your developmental agenda,” the Ambassador told the governor.

LP Ag. Nat. Chair, Usman, Pays Tinubu In Kind, Mocks Him Over APC North East Fight

The Source

June 17, 2025

Nenadi Esther Usman - Labour Party Chairman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently mocked the opposition, gleefully, declaring his joy at what he described as our moment of disarray. His statement, far beneath what’s expected of a democratic leader, betrays a worrying disdain for the essential pillars of democratic engagement. A president who celebrates the weakening of opposition is, by extension, celebrating the weakening of democracy itself.

Today, we witness the irony of history in motion. Just days after the President’s unguarded and undemocratic remarks, his own party, the APC, has descended into a public crisis in the North East. In their reckless bid to enforce a one-man agenda without regard for process, respect, or even the dignity of their own Vice President, the APC has exposed the rot at the core of their politics. The people of the North East rejected the charade, and the fallout is now visible for all to see smuggled party officials, a fractured house, and a nation watching.

This is not poetic justice. It is political karma. What President Tinubu wished for others has turned to plague his own political household. The attempt to undermine Vice President Kashim Shettima in his own region is not just a sign of internal decay, but a dangerous signal to the nation that loyalty, dignity, and truth are traded cheaply in the corridors of power.

Let it be known: democracy thrives not when power is consolidated, but when it is contested with responsibility and honour. We in the Labour Party will not gloat, but we will stand firm. This moment should be a mirror to the President, a time for deep reflection, not petty celebration. Nigeria deserves better than the politics of sabotage and suppression.

To every Nigerian watching: the time has come to look beyond the noise and choose leadership rooted in humility, truth, and national interest. We remain steadfast in our commitment to building a nation where opposition is not persecuted but protected as a vital sign of our collective democratic health.

Senator Nenadi Usman, PhD Acting National Chairman, Labour Party

INEC Registers Two New Political Parties

Ayodele Oni

June 17, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties.

The Commission based its action in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended).

This was disclosed in a statement at the Web site of the commission and signed by its secretary, A. C. Ogakwu.

The newly registered parties are the Independent Democrats (ID) and the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).

The Constitution, Manifesto, Logo/Flag and list of National Executive Officers of each party have also been approved by the Commission.

The Electoral Body had earlier assured that those associations, which applied for registration as political parties would be considered before the general elections.

With the registration, officially recognized political parties in Nigeria now stand at 20.

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