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Borno Announces Closure Of IDP Camp, As Resettlement Programme Intensifies

By
Ayodele Oni
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Professor Babagana Zulum

By Ayodele Oni

 

As Borno State government announces commencement of resettlement programme for Internally Displaced Persons, (IDP) Governor,  Babagana Zulum, has revealed plans to close the camp in Konduga Local Government Area.

 

Accordong to the governor, this would accelerate the state’s ongoing resettlement programme.

 

The move comes shortly after the successful closure of the Bama IDP camp, which was the largest displacement camp outside Maiduguri, as well as preparations for the shutdown of the Gwoza IDP camp.

 

Governor Zulum, who disclosed the plan during a visit to Konduga, explained that  the resettlement of displaced persons would be carried out in a dignified and voluntary manner, stressing that  residents would not be forced to return to any location against their will.

 

Zulum said the government would engage with the displaced communities before the process begins, noting that the return of IDPs must be based on their readiness and willingness.

 

“We are not carrying out the resettlement process immediately; we are here to discuss with the IDPs so that in the next four months they will be resettled in a dignified manner. I believe you heard from the IDPs that they are willing to return home. Return shall be voluntary, not by force.”

 

During the visit, the governor inspected ongoing construction work at the Amarwa resettlement city, where housing units are being developed for displaced families.

 

The project, which was earlier inaugurated by the governor, is designed to provide a permanent settlement option for residents currently living in camps.

 

Governor Zulum also visited Maiwa in Mafa Local Government Area, where the state government is constructing additional housing units under its resettlement initiative.

 

The housing projects include essential social infrastructure such as primary healthcare centres, water facilities and other basic amenities aimed at ensuring sustainable living conditions for returnees.

 

The Borno State Government has continued to prioritise the rebuilding of communities affected by years of insurgency, with the closure of IDP camps forming part of a broader strategy to restore normalcy, rebuild livelihoods and support the safe return of displaced residents.

 

The Governor was accompanied on the inspection tour by the member representing Bama/Ngala/Kala-Balge Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; the Konduga State House of Assembly member, Hon. Bukar Modu; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; and other senior government officials.

Access Bank Unveils AI App For SMEs

By
James Orji
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0
Access Bank MD Roosevelt Ogbonna

Access Bank Plc has launched a new digital application designed to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs which the lender said will improve efficiency and expand their customer base.

The application was unveiled at the weekend during the bank’s maiden MSME Conference in Lagos, themed “AI for SMEs: Scaling Through Digital Tools,” which brought together technology experts and other stakeholders in the banking sector to brainstorm on the role of artificial intelligence in the highly competitive banking business.

Experts who attended the event include Glarry Gao, Country Manager, Financial Services Industry, Huawei Nigeria, who said AI will give small business owners an edge over their competitors, expand their businesses and provide them with better information about their customers.

Speaking during the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship Development, Chalya Shagaya, said AI is playing a crucial role in the rapidly changing business world, urging stakeholders to adopt the technology because of its capacity to change business operations.

“The world is changing rapidly, and technology is changing with it. Entrepreneurs must continue learning and adapting because AI is already reshaping the way businesses operate,” she said.

Shagaya stated that business managers can multi-task using AI in the areas of customer service, marketing, inventory management and accounting, saying  by so doing the workload will be highly reduced.

Also speaking, Head of SME Banking, Access Bank, Abiodun Olubitan, said the commercial bank has taken it upon itself to provide entrepreneurs with both finance and requisite innovative and technological skills to grow their businesses.

According to her, “Our commitment is not only to provide access to finance but also to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and digital capabilities they need to grow sustainable businesses,”

Sex For Marks: Kogi Poly Suspends 7 Lecturers

By
James Orji
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0
Usman Ahmed Ododo - Governor of Kogi State

Some females students of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has accused some lectures of the institutions of sexual harassment, cult activities and other disciplinary concerns raised by students.

The allegations have led to the suspension of the seven lecturers by the management of the institution, according to a report by the Nigerian Tribune, which quoted different sources who spoke on the issue.

According to the online report, some female students, who spoke separately on condition of anonymity, alleged that disciplinary measures put in place under the immediate past Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman, had weakened, allowing practices such as sex-for-marks and other misconduct to resurface.

They claimed that some lecturers demand sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.

According to the students, two lecturers from the Public Administration and Graphics Design departments allegedly demanded between N70,000 and N80,000 from female students and threatened to fail those who refused to comply.

One student alleged that a lecturer instructed a female student to book and pay for a hotel room before a scheduled meeting.

The student claimed that after reporting the incident to a management official, she faced intimidation instead of receiving protection or seeing disciplinary action initiated.

“The disciplinary structure has collapsed. Corrupt lecturers are getting emboldened while female students are suffering in silence for fear of rustication,” one of the students told NAN.

Another student also claimed that cult-related activities had resurfaced on campus, alleging that suspected cult members held a meeting near a female hostel between 2am and 3am about two weeks ago.

According to her, security personnel reported the incident to the management, but no action had been taken against those allegedly involved.

The students further complained about the alleged abandonment of the institution’s dress code and compulsory identity card policy, as well as the reported return of banned handout sales.

They also expressed concerns over a reported increase of more than 200 per cent in school fees, saying it had worsened the financial burden on students.

The students appealed to Governor Usman Ododo to intervene, alleging that discipline and academic standards in the institution had deteriorated.

Responding to the allegations, the Polytechnic said disciplinary action had already commenced against lecturers found to have violated institutional regulations.

The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Onimisi, confirmed that six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday over the alleged unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks.

He also disclosed that another lecturer had been suspended over an allegation of sexual harassment.

“The disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating the allegations and the outcome will be made available to journalists,” Onimisi said

 

Southern Kaduna Lawyers Forum Wades Into Habila’s Death, Describe It  As Suspicious, Mysterious

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Mary Habila and Dave Umahi

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The Southern Kaduna Lawyers Forum has waded into the unfortunate death of a Nurse, Mary Habila, at the staff quarters of the Minister for Works, David Umahi, located within the Minister’s country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

 

Habila, a Nurse with the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ohaozara, but seconded to the Ministry for Works, suddenly died on June 27, 2026, while she and others travelled along with the Minister to his country home.

 

Her death has been followed by controversy, speculations, several questions and allegations. These have not abated even though a colleague of hers, who, also travelled with her to Uburu, had given an account of her last moments.

 

More important, Habila’s boyfriend had also detailed an account of his last discussion with her. From his account, Habila, while speaking with him, complained that she was bleeding from the nose. He advised her to stop the discussion they were having so as not to aggravate the bleeding. However, he said Habila asked him not to cut the phone. He cut it all the same, and according to him, called her back within minutes but got no response.

 

Instructively, the boyfriend revealed that the nose bleeding did not start in Ubulu but started a couple of days earlier while Habila and others were in Lagos.

 

Umahi has been, at once, angry and devastated since the incident. On the one hand, he is angry that not a few people think, and suggest that Habila’s death was a result of foul play; that they were indirectly, unbelievably, pointing accusing fingers at him.

 

On the other hand, the Minister is mourning a staff who he not only described as devoted and efficient, but as his daughter. ”How could I have killed my own daughter”, he wondered.

 

In a detailed response, Umahi disclosed that Habila, along with others lived in his staff quarters in Abuja. He also revealed that Habila had a documented issue with her health, and that he, Umahi, had, for a long time been picking her hospital bills. He directed anybody in doubt to go to the Turkish Hospital Abuja and see her medical records.

 

To clear himself, the Minister, through his legal team, stopped Habila’s funeral which her family had fixed against July 19. He insists on an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.

 

But Habila’s father, Wisdom Habila, objects. In rejecting any form of autopsy, he said it was culturally not acceptable to him; that nobody was responsible for his daughters death; that he wanted his daughter’s body intact for burial; that he knew his daughter was working with Umahi; that the family would no longer cooperate with the Police on any investigation concerning Habila’s death. In a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Habila re-emphasised the family’s decision, just as Umahi insists on an autopsy. Umahi, has, also, threatened legal action against anybody connecting his name to the sad incident.

 

Amidst the controversy, Habila’s body is stuck in the mortuary. The speculations and allegations have not stopped. They have, instead, multiplied. One group recently sued the Minister, and the question is: on what basis? The latest onslaught comes  from the Southern Kaduna Lawyers  Forum, SKLF.

 

In a press statement signed on its behalf by  Chairman, Dr. Solomon Musa, Esq, and Publicity Secretary, Solomon Yohanna, SKLF is insisting  on an autopsy and an independent investigation  into what it described as Habila’s mysterious and suspicious death under murky circumstances.

 

In the statement, SKLF raised a number of questions, and made a number of requests.

 

Following is the full text of the statement.

 

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE SOUTHERN KADUNA LAWYERS’ FORUM (SKLF) ON THE UNFORTUNATE DEATH OF MISS MARY HABILA

 

 

“The Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum (SKLF) received with deep shock and profound sadness the news of the tragic and mysterious death of Miss Mary Habila at the residence of Engr. David Umahi, the honourable Minister of Works at Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on the 27th of June, 2026.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Tanko Habila Wisdom’s family, friends, and all sympathizers. No family should have to bury a daughter under such mysterious and suspicious circumstances. While death is inevitable for every human being, the death of Mary at such a prime age in circumstances that were at best murky, unclear and questionable raises the spectre, need and demand for clarity, legal and acceptable answers.

 

“The report concerning the place and circumstances of her death are conflicting and disturbing.

In view of the questions and troubling issues that have arisen regarding her death, it has become necessary and poignant in accordance with international as well as domestic legal and medical standards and best practices to carry out necessary investigations in order to unravel the actual cause(s) of her death.

 

“These investigations are in accord with sections 14 (2) (6) as well as Chapter IV particularly Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). Mary was a citizen of Nigeria that deserves no less.

 

“Our Position:

 

“1. Call for Transparent Investigation: The SKLF demands an immediate, thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation by the relevant law enforcement and security agencies. The circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death must be fully unraveled and made public upon a conduct of valid autopsy and/or coroner inquest. Any attempt to quickly carry out the funeral of the deceased should be aborted and refrained, as that may further precipitate suspicion and mistrust by the populace on the circumstances of the deceased demise.

 

“The above investigations will unravel the truth on the circumstances leading to the death of the deceased as well as answer certain questions such as:

 

“*a. What were the circumstances leading to her being in the house of Engr. David Umahi?

*b. When did she die and when was her death reported?

*c. What is the state of the body of Mary at the point of death?

*d. Who were the persons in the house of Engr. Umahi on the day Mary died?

*e. Where was Engr. David Umahi on the date of Mary’s death?

*f. Is it true that Mary died on 27th June,  2026 but the news of her death was first released to the public on 10th July, 2026?

*g. Was Mary a nurse or physiotherapist?

*h. When did Mary travel to Ebonyi State?

*i. When was Mary employed and what are the circumstances, if any for her being seconded to Engr. Umahi’s house?

 

” 2. Rule of Law & Accountability: The answers to the above questions will assure Mary’s family, the Southern Kaduna Lawyers Forum, the general public as well as those who had contacts with Mary of the transparency of the investigation. No person, regardless of status, position, or affiliation, is above the law. We urge that due process be strictly followed and that all persons who may have information relevant to this matter cooperate fully with investigators.

 

“Our Forum demands for the report of all investigations that will be carried out. In the interim, we call on our members, Southern Kaduna People, and the  general public to await the report.

 

“3. Respect for the Deceased and Family: We call on the media, public, and all stakeholders to be circumspect, avoid speculation, and respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of the grieving family as investigations proceed.

 

“4. Justice of the Matter : The SKLF stands ready to provide legal services and monitor proceedings to ensure that justice is not only done but must be seen to have been done. We will engage relevant authorities to ensure the family’s right to truth and justice is guaranteed and preserved.

 

“As lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, we reiterate that the sanctity of human life is non-negotiable as encapsulated under section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The law must take its course without fear or favour, as the Forum is considering initiating legal proceedings as a resort to attainment of justice and equity in the scandalous matter.

 

“We trust that the authorities will act with due diligence and swiftly to bring clarity to this matter and ensure that justice is served in order to assuage the public outcry for transparency in the investigation of circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased health practitioner.

 

“May the soul of Miss Mary Habila rest in peace with the Almighty.

  • Dr. Solomon Musa, Esq. Chairman, SKLF
  • Solomon G. Yohanna Publicity Secretary, SKLF”

 

Mary Habila was  26 years old when she passed.

Breaking: Bandits Kill 30, Burn Houses In Fresh Kaduna Attack

By
James Orji
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0
Bandits in the North

Suspected bandits have launched a fresh attack on Naridom community in Chawai Chiefdom of Kauru Local Government Area, LGA of Kaduna State killing more than 30 persons, according to the Leadership newspaper.

The online report by the newspaper claimed that the bandits attacked the community on the wee hours of Monday, saying those killed include women and children, the hoodlums also burned houses and shops, leaving in their wake panic and agony among the victims.

A resident of the community, Barnabas Musa, told LEADERSHIP that the attack began shortly after midnight and lasted until about 3 a.m., as terrified residents made frantic calls for help.

“The attack happened in the early hours of this morning. We started receiving calls between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m., and the attack continued for over three hours,” Musa said.

According to him, no fewer than 30 people, including women and children, were killed during the attack, while the gunmen also set ablaze four shops and two houses.

Another resident, Comrade Friday Ango, also confirmed the attack, describing it as one of the worst tragedies to befall the community.

He said that the attackers wiped out the family of a resident identified as Mr. Emma, killing about five of his children.

“They wiped out one man’s family. They killed about five of his children,” Ango said.

Ango said residents were still recovering bodies from the community as of the time of filing this report, while efforts were ongoing to compile the names of those killed.

“The names of those killed are still being gathered as people are bringing out the corpses,” he said.

He added that the attack has thrown Naridom community into mourning, with grieving families searching for missing relatives and preparing to bury their loved ones.

The state police command has yet to release and official statement on the attack.

Nigerian Army Arrests Wanted Personnel Over Supply Of Military Uniforms To Bandits

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Wanted Soldier arrested

By Ayodele Oni

 

A Nigerian Army personnel, who was declared wanted over allegations that he supplied military accoutrements to terrorist groups operating in the North East has been arrested and taken into custody.

 

He was arrested while attempting to flee the country by Troops of Operation HADIN KAI.

 

The suspect, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility in Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday by troops of the 7 Provost Group.

 

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was led by the Acting Commander of the 7 Provost Group, following intelligence on the whereabouts of the wanted soldier.

 

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that Yusuf had absconded from his unit before he was declared wanted by the Nigerian Army.

 

According to military sources, the soldier travelled to Maiduguri on July 7 and allegedly went into hiding.

 

Investigators further alleged that Yusuf was sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by another soldier, Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.

 

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged assistance provided to the wanted soldier and whether the other soldier played any role in helping him evade arrest.

 

Military sources said troops of the 7 Provost Group, acting on intelligence, placed Yusuf under round the clock surveillance as part of efforts to track down and apprehend him.

 

The operation reportedly culminated in his interception at Jidari Bus Stop, where he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.

 

He was subsequently taken into custody by the 7 Provost Group for further investigation.

 

Investigators are examining allegations that Yusuf supplied military accoutrements to terrorist elements operating in the North East.

 

The investigation is also expected to establish whether other individuals collaborated with the suspect or were part of a wider network allegedly providing support to terrorist groups in the region.

 

Military sources described the arrest as a significant development in ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle suspected insider networks allegedly aiding terrorist groups.

 

Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the allegations against Yusuf and determine the extent of his alleged involvement in supplying military items to terrorist elements.

Obi: 2027 May Be My Last Presidential Run

By
James Orji
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has disclosed that the 2027 presidential election might be his last, citing the fact that age is no longer on his side.

The former Governor of Anambra state who’s running on the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC believes that younger Nigerians should be given a chance to take a shot at the highest office in the country, the Presidency.

Obi made the comment on Sunday, during an interview on Channels Television programme Sunday Politics, noting that he’s advancing in age, which would make it difficult for him to contest after the 2027 election.

The former governor just clocked 65 on July 26, he was born on July 19, 1961.

The ADC presidential candidate had recently claimed that his life was in danger, that he may not be alive to contest next year’s presidential election.

Speaking yesterday on his political future, Obi said the outcome of the 2027 presidential election will also determine whether he will run again, saying he’s no longer young, as age is telling on him.

Obi said he’s “coming to the end” of his political ambition “because I believe that the younger ones should be allowed.”

“I’ll be 68 or 69. So, if you add that to another eight years, I will be 77 or 78. I don’t think I’ll have the energy I have today because that capacity is very important. It’s critical,” the NDC presidential candidate said.

I May Not Be Alive To Contest in 2027- Obi

During a recent interview on a podcast with Chude Jideonwo

the NDC, presidential candidate alleged that his life is under threat, claiming he is being deliberately frustrated and targeted by the government, as a result, he noted, he may not be alive if the situation continues.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive. I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that you may think may be normal it is not normal. They won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

“The government is attacking everybody I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to not at all,” Obi said.

Committed To One Term

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate has also assured that he will not spend more than one term in office if elected president, saying this is in line with the agreement reached with his party, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Obi: “I have said this thing several times. We have what we can call a meeting agreement. We are gentlemen; we must respect it.
“I don’t need more than four years to show Nigerians the right path they will follow. It’s a simple thing. Even if you want me to sign it with you, I sign it with you.
“A day more than four years is not Peter Obi. I want us to start trusting our leaders. When I was going to become a governor, I said the things that I would do, and when I came in, I started doing it.
“I showed everybody. Go and listen to my campaign. I said I would manage their money efficiently. Schools will work; health works. Everything I said, I did. That is the way to work.”

Hoodlums Attack INEC Officials In Osun, Hijack PVCs

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Hoodlums - Thugs

By Ayodele Oni

 

Suspected thugs have ambushed officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, ( INEC) in Osun State and carted away unspecified number of Permanent Voters Cards, ( PVC).

 

The State Police Command spokrsman, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement in Osogbo.

 

According to the statement, “officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, who were peacefully distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, were attacked by about ten armed thugs.

 

“The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

 

“The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, has condemned the incident in its entirety and has directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those responsible.

 

“Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs.

 

“The Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

 

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of the peace.

 

“The Command further appeals to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency lines.

 

“Anyone found exploiting these incidents to foment violence or disrupt public order will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

 

The command also revealed that it received credible information that a group of suspected thugs had gathered around the Mayfair Garage area of Ile-Ife, Osun State, where they became unruly, resulting in a temporary disruption of public peace and order.

 

“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the deployment of police operatives to the area to prevent further escalation and restore normalcy.

 

“The situation was brought under control through the use of minimal and proportionate force, while ensuring that the safety of members of the public and the protection of lives and property remained paramount

 

“The situation in Ile-Ife has been brought under control, and normalcy has been restored.

 

“The Osun State Police Command reassures residents of Ile-Ife, Odo-Otin, and the entire state of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as the maintenance of peace, law, and public order.”

ADC To Tinubu: Rescue Borno, Zamfara Abductees, They Are Also Important

By
James Orji
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0
Bolaji Abdullahi and Bola Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress, ADC says the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is behaving like the lives of the rescued Ogbomoso students and teachers are more important than other Nigerians who have been abducted across the country.

The opposition party said the lives of all Nigerians are important, saying the seriousness applied to the rescue of the 43 abductees in Oyo state should be applied to those kidnapped in Kwara, Borno and Zamfara states, wondering why abductees in the three states remained in more than five months after.

The magazine had earlier  reported that over 40 students and teachers abducted on May 15, in Orire, Ogbomoso by suspected terrorists were rescued after over 50 days in captivity by security forces.

Following their rescue, not a few who welcomed the development have demanded the rescue of other victims across the country.

According to the ADC, in a statement issued on Sunday by its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abudullahi the federal government should stop giving the impression that some victims of insecurity are more important than others because of where they came from, saying the Oyo victims received  “swift presidential attention’ while those in other states are left to “languish in silence.”

The party stressed that a lot has since happened since the rescue of the Oyo abductees, citing several places in which Nigerians have been kidnapped by bandits who left many families in agony.

The ADC said it’s “ concerned by what is becoming an unmistakable pattern in the Tinubu administration’s response to insecurity: some victims receive swift presidential attention, while others are left to languish in silence.”

“Every successful rescue of abducted Nigerians deserves to be celebrated. But the President must ensure that his actions do not create the impression that the value of a Nigerian life depends on where the victim comes from or whether the tragedy attracts national headlines. Leadership demands equal compassion for every citizen, because no country can build national unity on the basis of selective empathy and selective attention.”

“On Friday, July 24, 2026, residents of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State staged a peaceful protest over the fate of 176 residents of Woro community abducted on February 3, 2026,” ADC said.

The party added that some Nigerians who have been kidnapped have no hope of safe return to their families, asking what the federal government is doing to ensure that they return back home safely to their loved ones, nothing that the situation has heightened more concerns among Nigerians that security is still a major problem in the country.

ADC: “More than 170 days later, their families are still asking the same questions: Where are their loved ones? What has the government done? When should they expect them home? Their protest was not political. It was the cry of citizens who fear that their loved ones have been forgotten.

“These are not isolated incidents. They are reminders that insecurity remains a daily reality for millions of Nigerians.

“What is the status of those still being held elsewhere? What progress has been made in securing the release of the 176 abductees from Kaiama? What is being done to rescue the women and children taken in Zamfara? What efforts are underway to secure the release of Justice Bunza? What updates are available on victims in Borno and other affected communities?”

“The President owes Nigerians more than broad assurances. He owes them regular updates, timelines and evidence that no Nigerian community has been abandoned.”

Buhari Didn’t Consider Tinubu A Suitable Successor In 2023 — Fmr. SGF Babachir Lawal

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Babachir Lawal

By Ayodele Oni

 

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has revealed that late President Muhammadu Buhari never saw Bola Tinubu as a suitable successor before the 2023 electiins.

 

He said that was the reason late Buhari didn’t publicly back Tinubu in the 2023 All Progressives Congress primary citing religious and ethical concerns.

 

In an interview with Symfoni, Lawal revealed that Buhari was initially hesitant to back Tinubu due to religious and ethical considerations regarding his suitability as a successor.

 

Lawal claimed that, however, after extensive discussions, the late president agreed to remain neutral and allow party delegates to decide the candidate at the convention.

 

According to the former SGF, Tinubu played a critical role in previous APC election campaigns by providing resources and political strategists, making it difficult for Buhari to oppose his presidential ambition outright.

 

“Bola Tinubu brought people and we coerced him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people.

 

“Buhari is a human and he’s a decent guy. So I am the only person that confront him with these facts.

 

“He will not say I don’t know. He would not say it’s a rumour because I was there. So why would he deny him (Tinubu)? Why would he… in the end he said okay,” Lawal said.

Bola Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari
President Tinubu and Late Muhammadu Buhari

Lawal added that before the APC presidential convention, he advised Buhari to refrain from backing any aspirant and allow party delegates to choose the candidate.

 

“As we were going to the convention, I said, ‘Oga’, let’s make a deal. I said look, this man (Tinubu), we now know that on the basis of your religion and your ethics and your upbringing, you don’t want to hand over to this man, but he has helped us get here.

 

“So there’s no way. Let’s make a deal. Stay neutral and allow me to run the process.

“If we go to the convention and the party faithfuls defeat him, so be it. Your hand is not in it.”

 

Lawal said Buhari initially rejected the proposal, insisting that if he allowed him to manage the process, Tinubu would emerge as the party’s candidate.

 

“But Buhari said that’s not an excuse. I know you, you will give Bola Tinubu this ticket.

 

“I say, are you God now, sir?

“Buhari said, no, you started with me since 2002. So I know how you work. I know your methodologies. That man, if I leave him to you, he’ll get the ticket.”

 

Lawal said he responded that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, Nigerians would still decide the outcome of the presidential election.

 

“I say, okay, okay, granted. If he gets the ticket, it means you are now a prophet. However, you’re ascribing to me qualities I don’t have.

 

“But let’s assume it happens. Supposing the general election rejects him, is that you?”

 

He added that Buhari also expressed concern over whether Tinubu would be fair to members of their political camp if elected president.

 

“He mentioned some things. This man, is he going to be fair to our people? Is he going to be this?

 

“I said, yes, as long as I’m there, you know, I can checkmate him. He said, ‘Okay, deal.”

 

Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged party delegates to choose a candidate they believed could advance the party’s ideals, but stopped short of publicly endorsing any of the aspirants, despite intense lobbying by contenders, including Tinubu.

 

Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, went on to defeat other leading aspirants, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, to clinch the APC presidential ticket.

 

He later won the February 2023 presidential election and was sworn in as president on May 29, 2023.

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