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Police Officers, Bandits Killed, As Lukarawa, Security Team Clash in Kebbi State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi State Police Command on Saturday, July 12, 2025, reaffirmed its commitment towards adequately protecting the lives and properties of residents.

The reassurance comes in the wake of a fierce gun duel between security operatives and elements suspected to be members of the emerging terrorist group, the Lukarawas, along the Zogirma/Tilli road in Bunza Local Government of the state on Friday evening.

The terrorists were said to have ambushed and unleashed a surprise attack on a convoy of security personnel on routine surveillance, which resulted in the death of three police officers and several terrorists.

A statement  from the Kebbi police Command spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar , informed that the  security team swiftly responded to the sudden attack, a development that led to casualties on both sides.

According to Abubakar, the security operatives were in the process of  responding to a distress call  on an attempted attack and abduction of some  commuters along the Zogirma/Tilli road when they were ambushed by the terrorists.

” As a result, several suspected Lukarawa bandits were neutralized , while others escaped to the nearby forest with serious injures.

“Regrettably, three brave police officers lost their lives during the encounter” the Police stated.

The Police statement added that , following the confrontation between the security team and the terrorists , a reinforcement was made from the 36 police Mobile Force Squadron in Birnin Kebbi the State capital.

However, the terrorists were said to have fled into the forest before the arrival of the reinforcement team.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M Sani, while lauding the gallantry, and sacrifices of the dead officers, prayed for the repose of their souls.

“We honour their bravery and ultimate sacrifices in the line of duty .Their efforts will not be forgotten”, CP Sani said.

This is as he urged residents to remain calm and vigilant ,as well as report any suspicious movements and or activities to the nearest security formation.

The Source reports that most parts of Kebbi and neighbouring Sokoto state have been at the receiving end of the violent and destructive activities of the new Lukarawa bandits ,who are strongly believed to have infiltrated the two States from Mali and Niger Republics .

Fubara: ADC Backs Shettima, Says Presidency’s Clarification, Hogwash

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Kashim Shettima - Vice President

By Adesina Soyooye

Strong-waxing opposition Political Party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has urged Vice President Kashim Shettima not to back down on his statement  that the President has no powers to remove an elected State Governor from office.

Shettima had, at the book presentation of a former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN,  said that former President Goodluck Jonathan was all poised to remove him as the Governor of Borno State, but was stopped by Adoke and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu  Tambuwal, both of whom told him (Jonathan), that he had no powers to remove a Governor from office.

Shettima’s pronouncement has since been interpreted in many quarters to mean that he was indirectly faulting the suspension from office by President Bola Tinubu of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

While the real reason Shettima chose to tell the story was still being speculated on, the Presidency, in a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha  Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications,  to the President, office of the Vice President, explained that what the Vice President said has been turned upside down misrepresented. The statement said the Vice President only made historical references to Jonathan’s desires to remove him as the Governor of  Borno State at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency in the area.

The statement said: “The sensational reporting disappointingly tried to erect a highly mendacious argument about the state of emergency declared in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

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

But the ADC has faulted the clarification and dismissed it as “a mere attempt at  political correctness.”

In a statement issued on its behalf by Interim National Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson,  Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC asked the Vice President to stand firm on what he said because he was constitutionally correct.

ADC: “The truth must not be lost in the fog of political correctness. The Vice President needs to stand by his forthright and courageous statement, which affirms that the President has no constitutional power to remove an elected councillor, not to talk of a sitting Governor.

“In declaring a state of emergency in the affected states under these dire circumstances, President Jonathan recognised the limits of his constitutional powers and he respected it.

“This is not just history. It is precedent.”

Shettima’s exact words at the presentation of Adoke’s book, “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion  Oil Block” were:

“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was floating the idea of removing this Borno governor. (Shettima  pointing to himself).

“And Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, had the courage to tell the President:‘You don’t have the power to remove an elected councillor.

“The President was still unconvinced, he mooted the idea at the Federal Executive Council.

“Mr Mohammed Adoke told the President: ‘You do not have the power to remove a sitting governor.’

“They sought the opinion of another SAN in the cabinet, Kabiru Turaki, who also said:‘I am of the candid opinion of my senior colleagues.’ That was how the matter was laid to rest.”

President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025,  declared a State of emergency in Rivers State, suspended the Governor, his Deputy and all Members of the State House of Assembly for “an initial period of six months.”

He proceeded to appoint a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the State’s Sole Administrator.

LP Loses Senator Kingibe As She Dumps Party For ADC

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Senator Ireti Kingibe
Senator Ireti Kingibe

By Adesina Soyooye

The Labour Party has lost one of its Senators.

Ireti Kingibe, the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has dumped the LP for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the choice Political Party of the opposition which has formed a Coalition it says will stop President Bola Tinubu from getting a second term in 2027.

Kingibe is one of the only four female Senators in the Senate.

Even though she has no ADC registration card yet, the Senator told his loyalists that his commitment to the Party is unwavering

She confirmed her exit from the LP when she spoke to Journalists in Abuja where she, also, expressed confidence in the focus of her new Party.

She said: ” As a Senator, I am fully committed to ADC. However, as the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, I don’t  expect you to just hand me a card”, meaning that she was yet to receive her official membership card of the ADC.  But she emphasized her full commitment to the Party.

Kingibe, a first time Senator was married to Babagana Kingibe, a former Secretary to the Federal Government, who was also a former Minister and the running mate to the late Chief Moshood Abiola in the ill-fated June 12, 1993 Presidential Election.

Rivers Administrator Urges Immediate Completion Of Renovation Work On Assembly Complex

By
Ayodele Oni
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Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas

By Ayodele Oni

With three months to the end of his tenure, the sole administrator of Rivers state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has raised concerns over the sluggish progress on the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex renovation in Port Harcourt.

During an inspection visit on Friday, Ibas criticized the pace of work, saying it was far below the standard expected by the state government, describing the situation as unacceptable and urged immediate improvement.

In a statement issued by Hector Igbikiowubo, his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ibas expressed disappointment with the contractor’s handling of the project, stressing that the delay contradicts agreed timelines.

“From both what I’ve observed on-site and the consultant’s report, there’s clearly a lack of urgency. The work is far behind schedule, and I am not impressed with what I’ve seen.”

To address the situation, Ibas said the contractor would be summoned for an urgent meeting to review the project’s status and ensure everyone involved is committed to delivering it on time.

“This project holds significant value for the state, and we will not tolerate further delays. Timely delivery is crucial, and the contractor must rise to the occasion,” he warned.

In addition to the Assembly Complex visit, the Sole Administrator also inspected key sports facilities in the state, including the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia and the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex.

Ibas noted that despite the impressive achievements of Rivers athletes on national and international stages, poor infrastructure remains a major setback, forcing teams to play outside the state.

“These are talented young people representing us across Africa, yet we lack the basic infrastructure to host matches at home. We came here to assess how best we can turn things around and make sure our facilities match their potential.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to upgrade sports infrastructure across the state, saying the goal is to create a world-class environment for athletes to train and compete.

Victory Celebration: Edo Gov Okpebholo Sacks Security Personnel For Locking Out Guests

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

For executing an imaginary “order from above,” Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate redeployment of security personnel, including the Camp Commandant at the Osadebey Avenue Government House.

This followed the humiliation of hundreds of party supporters, Journalists and others on Friday when they were locked out of the victorious party at the Government House.

The APC supporters had waited several hours at the Benin Airport to welcome the Governor from Abuja after his victory at the Supreme Court, and joined his motorcade, but were locked out of the Government House over alleged “order from above.”

According to a statement on Saturday by Fred Itua, his Chief Press Secretary, the Governor who regretted the incident, denied giving the order.

The statement reads: “Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate redeployment of security personnel, including the Camp Commandant who were on duty at the Government House, in Benin City, yesterday, 11th July, 2025, following the controversial lockout of journalists and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from accessing the premises during the Supreme Court Victory celebrations.

“The Governor, who expressed deep regret over the incident, described the action as unacceptable and inconsistent with his leadership style.”

He emphasized that he remains a people-focused and accessible leader who holds the media and his supporters in the highest regard.

According to him, the exclusion of invited guests and supporters was not only unauthorized but also in complete contradiction to the spirit of the celebration.

The Governor also constituted a small investigative committee to identify all those involved in the unfortunate incident.

He assured the public that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action, adding that his administration would not tolerate acts that seek to ridicule or alienate the very people who stood by him.

“This decision did not originate from me, nor does it reflect my values. I will never knowingly authorize any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press.

“As a governor elected by the people, I remain committed to openness, inclusion, and respect for every stakeholder,” the Governor stated.

The administration reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an atmosphere of unity and transparency, assuring all supporters and stakeholders of their valued place in the journey to rebuild and reposition Edo State.”

Benue Police Command Detains Student Over Death Of Teacher

By
Ayodele Oni
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Student Beats Teacher to death in Benue State

By Ayodele Oni

Benue State Police Command has detained a 16-year old student of a junior secondary school for allegedly beating to death a school teacher.

The incident has led to apprehension among residents of Oju Local Government Area of the State following the shocking death of the school teacher.

The tragedy, which occurred on Thursday, July 10, involved a 16-year-old student identified as Friday Ogamude, who allegedly attacked and fatally injured his teacher, Mr Oyibe Oyibe, during a heated confrontation over a confiscated cap.

Mr Oyibe, a 35-year-old teacher at UBE Oju Centre, had reportedly seized the cap from Ogamude in May.

Sources said the student confronted the teacher on the school premises, demanding the return of the item. What began as a verbal exchange quickly turned physical, leading to the teacher collapsing on the spot.

Medical personnel at Amara Hospital in Oju confirmed Oyibe’s death shortly after he was rushed there by concerned bystanders.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Benue State Police Command confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and taken into custody.

“We have taken the suspect in. A thorough investigation is underway to uncover all the facts surrounding this disturbing incident,” a police spokesperson said.

The Command described the act as tragic and avoidable, assuring the public that justice would not be compromised.

Community leaders and residents have expressed outrage and sadness over the incident, calling for urgent reforms in student-teacher relationships and disciplinary procedures in schools.

“This is a wake-up call,” said Mr Terver Ogbole, a local education advocate. We must begin to address the growing breakdown of respect and discipline among students. A teacher lost his life just for enforcing rules.”

The remains of the late teacher have been deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Oju for autopsy.

Meanwhile, the school management has yet to release an official statement as grief continues to envelop the school community.

Anglican Communion Restricts Political Activities In Churches

By
Ayodele Oni
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The Most Rev Dr Henry Ndukuba

By Ayodele Oni

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has banned politicians from using its lectern for campaign matters.

At the just concluded episcopal consultation at Nike Diocese in Enugu, the Anglicans set guidelines for the reception of politicians and government officials in Church services/programmes across all its Churches.

The guidelines, signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba, stated that “As much as possible, guests should not be encouraged to use our lectern while addressing the Church, considering the fact that the lectern has been consecrated for reading the word of God.

“It must be clearly communicated to the guest that the Church should not be turned into a political platform for disseminating partisan issues.

“The Church is open to receiving everybody, including politicians and Government officials, in its services and other programmes.

“In the light of the mandate of the Church and its inclusivity, the Church cannot afford to be partisan in any of its programmes.

“The church must, therefore, guard against speeches and whatever else that may cause division and partisanship in the body of Christ.

“There is need for a pre-discussion with any guest who is expected to address the Church so as to guide him/her accordingly.

“The presiding officers of the church must avoid making statements or conducting themselves in any manner that may be seen to be serving political or any sectional interest.

“No church official is expected to eulogize church guests in any manner that will bring the church to disrepute.

“The Church noted that being part of the body-politic, it should not shy away from discussing with the government issues that are of interest to the faithful and society at large.”

The 2nd Of “The Three Musketeers” Has Slept

By
The Source
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Cordelia
The late Cordelia

By Ekeoma Ezeibe

Time was in 1982 in the Aba  Campus of the old Imo State University, now, Abia State University, when providence made me cross paths with Chinyere Ijeoma Otuka, my brain and beauty and Cordelia Chinedu Okpaleke, the adorable and dignified one.

The three of us bonded not just as friends but later as sisters, with our friendship involving all our parents and our siblings.

The friendship and sisterhood continued even years after we all left the university and like a thunderbolt in 2004, death, the bad reaper, struck and snatched our black beauty, Chinyere, from us.

Cordelia and I cried all the way from Lagos to Enugu to pay our last respects and drop flowers at her place of final rest. We cried right back to Lagos via Owerri.

With time, we managed to somewhat heal but never forgot the sunshine and warmth that Chinyere radiated among us.

Cordelia and I even struck a stronger bond that all the people in our adult lives till date, knew us and our nuclear families. Our husbands became good friends.

With her marriage, she moved to Aba and then shortly, to Abuja where she enjoyed the love and attention of a doting husband. Then, God blessed them with a beautiful daughter aptly named, Ihekerenma.

Inspite of our living in different towns, she and her lovely husband were with us at every milestone in my family. There was hardly a time that I went to Abuja without my visiting and enjoying her unmatched hospitality even if, it was to steal a moment to have a bear hug with her before proceeding to the airport to head back to Lagos especially on my day return trips.

Cordelia was my best friend.

Cordelia was my sister.

Cordelia was my children’s special aunt.

Cordelia had a heart of gold and always rejoiced for someone’s good fortune.

Cordelia was my confidant.

Cordelia was pretty.

Cordelia carried herself with uncommon grace.

Cordelia was a brilliant lawyer.

Cordelia was a good wife.

Cordelia was a dutiful mother.

Few months ago, she fell ill and we all thought it was one of those things that would blow over.

I saw her, as usual, and collected my usual hugs, sumptuous food, beautiful smiles while trading rib-cracking stories.

Nothing then prepared my mind for the worst but when I visited her now, in the hospital few weeks back, I panicked but still held unto faith, medical science and hope. It was instructive that although ill, she still looked very graceful with her shoulders held high. We hugged and held unto ourselves for sometime and it was blissful and indescribable. We walked around the hospital with her explaining things to me.

Her dutiful husband procured the best of medical attention for her and equally emotional support as he was practically by her side always. Her (my) lovely younger sister, Chinwe,  moved into the hospital with her inspite of her busy job schedule, to give additional support.

We thought she was doing well and that the worst was over, but we must bow to God’s will no matter how painful.

She therefore slept before midnight on Monday 7th July, 2025.

My heart bleeds very thoroughly!!!

I have lost my dearest friend and sister to the cold hands of death!!!!

But I have priceless memories to hold unto both of her and also that of the 1st Musketeer that went to rest. The two were the best of the three of us.

Sleep beautifully my two princesses, in God’s bosom.

Mrs Ekeoma Ezeibe, a Lawyer and accomplished Insurance Broker, lives and works in Lagos

Why Obi Served Food

By
The Source
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Peter Obi Serving Food

By Valentine Obienyem

Even as Governor, Mr. Peter Obi was known to personally serve food to his guests as part of a deeply held belief in humility and service. Till this day, when visitors come to his home, it is not uncommon to see him offering them food himself. It is a habit formed by principle.

The photograph now in circulation, showing him serving food at an event, was not a political performance. It was taken during the Jubilee of Hope  –  part of the Year of Unity and Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis. The event symbolises a reversal of roles: a moment when the privileged serve the poor.

What Obi did was not for show. It was a quiet, sincere act of humanity –  a visible expression of a life built on equity and justice.

The Jubilee invites those in authority to step down  – even if briefly – from their lofty stations, to walk among the lowly and serve. But for men like Peter Obi, such humility is not seasonal. It is a way of life.

Other highly placed Nigerians, such as Senator Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, also served food that day. The furore caused by the gesture arose from it being reported out of context.

MURIC Picks Soludo For Office Of President, Calls Him “Man Of Truth”

By
The Source
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Professor Akintola and Charles Soludo

By Charles Igbo

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has been recommended by an Islamic Group, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, as one from the South-east, fit for the office of the President.

In a statement, MURIC extolled South as one who possess “Genuine National Healing”

The Governor earned this unprecedented recommendation, given MURIC’s reputation, by saying at an Anambra Stakeholders meeting in Maryland, that contrary to the belief that Fulani Rogue herdsmen are responsible for the killings and kidnappings in Anambra, 99.9% of the criminals are indeed of Igbo extraction.

The Governor said that initially, on coming to office, he was deceived by the propaganda of Fulani herdsmen being the killers. However, he disclosed, he has since confirmed that the hammer falls on Igbo youths.

Soludo’s statement triggered outrage in some quarters. They accused him of peddling falsehood to please “his masters.” The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, in a statement, accused the Governor of betraying the Igbo and selling Igbo youths out for slaughter by Security Agencies.

But to MURIC, Soludo is a man of truth. The Faith-based advocacy and human rights group,  thanked him for “vindicating Fulani”  people.

The group commended Soludo’s forthrightness,  and for that, identified him as one with the right credentials to lead Nigeria.

MURIC: “This is a landmark declaration. It is indeed an eye-opener for all those who have been following the unfortunate incidents of kidnappings and killings in the South East. We give kudos to Governor Soludo for this honest assertion. It is bold, deep, and far-reaching.

“For refusing to dance to the gallery and for hitting the nail on the head without caring whose ox is gored, Soludo has proved that he is a man of honour, and by his declaration has demystified the myth of the Fulani criminal which is more often than not bandied about among gullible Nigerians to stigmatise the Fulani race”.

MURIC said, as an organisation, it has always maintained that crime has no ethnicity or religion and called on other governors, traditional rulers, and community leaders in the southeast region to “follow the good example of

Governor Soludo

by speaking out on this subject”.

MURIC: “The South-east is in dire need of a leader who is respected nationwide. Soludo has earned that nationwide respect through good governance, and also with this Fulani-related incident.

“This is an indubitable Presidential material that the Igbo must nurture to maturity. To us, anyone who has the capacity to accommodate all ethnicities and all faiths is a great asset. Soludo is a treasure without measure.”

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