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Obi Speaks out Over Disrupted Visit to Benue State

April 14, 2025

In a development that has raised eyebrows across political circles, the Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has broken his silence over the circumstances surrounding the abrupt cancellation of his planned visit to Benue State.

In a detailed statement issued today, (Monday) Mr. Obi expressed concern about what he described as an unsettling incident, stating that ordinarily, he would have refrained from commenting, having endured far more challenging situations in his political journey.

However, he noted that recent events have compelled him to speak out.

According to Mr. Obi, he had scheduled visits to Plateau and Benue States as part of his ongoing outreach efforts, aimed at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and promoting health and education initiatives. The visits, planned for Sunday, 13th April in Plateau, and Monday, 14th April in Benue, were to include courtesy calls on the State Governors, visits to IDP camps, and interactions with institutions such as schools of nursing.

Mr. Obi recounted that as is his customary practice, he reached out to the Plateau State Government to notify them of his intended visit. He disclosed that the Plateau State Governor had graciously welcomed him and provided all necessary support, allowing him to spend meaningful time with the victims at the Bokkos IDP camp.

However, he painted a different picture regarding his efforts to reach the Benue State Governor. Despite several attempts, he was unable to establish direct contact. He eventually succeeded in speaking with the Governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), who informed him that the Governor was engaged in an important meeting but promised to return his call before midnight. Mr. Obi stated that this promised call never came, and days later, the ADC messaged him, claiming he had been unable to reach the Governor – a situation Mr. Obi described as deeply troubling.

Undeterred, Mr. Obi decided to proceed with his trip to Makurdi, viewing his visit to the Governor as a matter of courtesy rather than necessity. Departing Jos at 7am on the day of the planned visit, he received an unexpected development while en route. Upon reaching Akwanga at about 10am, his security team intercepted a press statement, reportedly issued by the Benue State Government, effectively halting his visit. Curiously, while he was still discussing the matter with his team, the Governor’s ADC forwarded the same statement to him directly.

“The statement outlined precisely the itinerary I had earlier shared with both the ADC and security operatives in Benue through my own security team,” Mr. Obi disclosed.

He reiterated that his visit was driven purely by humanitarian motives, aimed at supporting critical areas of development, including health care, education, and the welfare of displaced Nigerians. He further reminded the public of his long-standing commitment to such causes, noting that even before his political career, and consistently throughout it, he had remained devoted to initiatives for the common good.

“People may recall how, during the Haiti earthquake, I had to seek permission from then President Goodluck Jonathan to travel and offer support,” he said.

His intended engagements in Benue included a visit to a school under construction by the Bishop in Gboko, a nursing school, and an IDP camp—reflecting his enduring commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.

Concluding his statement, Mr. Obi appealed for a depoliticised approach to national issues, urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritise the welfare of the less privileged

“May God help us as we rebuild our nation and strive for a new Nigeria, where we do not politicise everything, but instead live and act for the common good of all Nigerians, especially those in need,” he prayed.

Following is the full text of Alia’s statement stopping Obi from visiting Benue.

Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State

“The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today.

“He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.

“Therefore, he strongly advises against any group or high profile individual(s) attempting to enter the state for any kind of visit that may generate political assemblies without prior approval.

“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed.

“Also the public is to note that all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).

“We urge security agents and the public to take note of this announcement and maintain peace and order in the state.

“Thank you for your understanding.

“Sir Tersoo Kula, MNIPR
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.”

NBA Received N300m From Rivers Democratically Elected Govt, Not Emergency Regime – Deji Adeyanju

Ayodele Oni

April 14, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has described as blackmail, claims that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) received financial support from the emergency regime in Rivers State in connection with the now-relocated 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC).

Adeyanju explained that the N300 million contribution by the Rivers State Government, was made under the previous, democratically elected administration, not the current one, which he described as “widely viewed as unconstitutional and antithetical to the rule of law.”

He also described the allegations as false, misleading, and politically motivated.

In a statement, Adeyanju clarified that the NBA neither solicited for, nor received any funding from the current Rivers State administration insisting that the decision to relocate the conference was a principled stance in defence of constitutional democracy.

“This is not a repudiation of the people or lawyers of Rivers State, who remain our colleagues and brothers.

“It is a rejection of unconstitutional governance. We are lawyers. We are defenders of the rule of law. And we must not retreat.”

He debunked the claim that Rivers State was denied any “hosting rights,” stating that no state is entitled to host NBA conferences as a matter of right.

Rather, he explained, the choice of host city is based on factors such as infrastructure, logistics, accessibility, and security, as determined by the NBA’s National Executive Committee.

“That Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt have frequently hosted the AGC is a matter of capacity, not entitlement. The narrative suggesting Rivers was unjustly stripped of a right is both constitutionally incoherent and historically inaccurate.”

He also refuted suggestions that Rivers State’s financial donations should influence the NBA’s decisions, asserting that the Association is an independent professional body, not a “mercantile contractor.”

Adeyanju cited the 2023 AGC held in Abuja, which received no financial input from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, as evidence of the NBA’s independence.

“The insinuation that states can buy influence or secure hosting rights through donations is a dangerous one. The NBA must continue to show it is immune to inducement.”

He argued that proceeding with the AGC in Port Harcourt under the present circumstances would amount to endorsing unconstitutional governance — a move that could undermine the NBA’s credibility as a defender of democracy.

Adeyanju urged the NBA not to yield to pressure or “blackmail and gaslighting,” stressing that its legitimacy lies in upholding constitutional principles, not in how much it receives from governments.

“The NBA must not be bullied into reversing its principled decision. Any attempt to weaponize public sentiment is simply a distraction from the real issue — the imposition of undemocratic governance in Rivers State.”

He concluded by commending the NBA for relocating the 2025 AGC to Enugu and encouraged the Association to remain firm in its defence of constitutional order.

Relocation Of Conference: “No ,We Are Not Owing You” NBA Replies Sole Ibas

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 14, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, late Monday, April 14, 2025, insisted that the Rivers State Government is not entitled to any refunds following its decision to relocate this year’s Annual General Conference out of the State.

The Source reports that the umbrella body of legal practitioners in Nigeria last week resolved to take the Conference from Port Harcourt Rivers State to Enugu, the Enugu state capital.

The NBA cited the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers, as well as the presence of an unconstitutional Sole Administrator as major reasons for the relocation.

According to the legal practitioners’ body, holding its Conference in Rivers at this moment will amount to tacitly endorsing the undemocratic and unconstitutional arrangement in the State.

But in its first reaction to the NBA’s decision, the Rivers state Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas rtd,early on Monday, asked the leadership of the lawyers association to refund the state the sum of N300 million representing the amount paid for the hosting right of the Port Harcourt botched Conference.

However, in a statement from the Conference’s Organizing Committee Chairman, Emeka Obegolu, the NBA noted that the said N300 million was not a hosting right but a non-refundable gift from the Rivers state Government.

“The attention of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee has been drawn to a statement credited to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State to the effect that Rivers State Government paid hosting rights fees for the hosting of the NBA AGC 2025 .

“We wish to clarify that the decision to host the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was taken in August 2024, and was not subject to any bidding process or payment of any hosting rights.

“The host city has no hosting right and there is no representation by the NBA that the conference must be held in a chosen city.

“Traditionally, because of the enormous cost involved in hosting the AGC, the NBA Conference Planning Committee approaches organizations, Agencies of Government ,and State Governments for support and the support requested is unconditional and not tied to hosting rights or any rights whatsoever .

“Recent NBA conferences have been supported by different State Governments, corporate organizations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies whose budgets accommodate corporate social responsibilities and share the same vision with the NBA.

Such financial support is in the form of gifts, partnerships or sponsorships. The money from Rivers state was a gift, and was not tied to any purported hosting right for the NBA AGC”, the NBA statement reads in part .

Shortlisted Teaching Applicants Fail Drug Test, Lose Slots In Kwara

Ayodele Oni

April 14, 2025

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State

By Ayodele Oni

Eight out of the 1,800 applicants shortlisted for teaching job by the Kwara state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) have tested positive to outlawed drugs.

A statement on Monday by Sam Onile, Press Secretary TESCOM, explained that they have automatically lost their slots to the next best candidate in the highly competitive exercise.

TESCOM Chairman Bello Taoheed Abubakar said in the statement that the eight shortlisted candidates tested for hard drugs such as benzodiazepine, tramadol, cotinine, marijuana, and amphetamine — all of which are considered unsafe for human health.

The drug test was conducted by the NDLEA with the full support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

“A major implication of this development is that the affected individuals will be replaced by the candidates who are next to them in performance from their respective local government areas.

“The idea is to send an unmistaken message about the state government’s zero tolerance for drug abuse. We have a duty of care not to expose little children to drug abuse under any circumstance.

“Again, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has etched his name in gold for insisting that recruitment into the teaching profession should be strictly meritorious and devoid of any practices that may jeopardize quality learning in our schools.

“He has also proven that he is a man who is sold to giving every Kwaran a fair chance.”

FUOYE VC Proceeds on Six Months Leave, Olubunmi Is Acting VC

Ayodele Oni

April 14, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

After being cleared of allegation of se*ual harassment, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina has proceeded on a six-months Leave.

The development is contained in a press statement on Monday signed by the Registrar of the University, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim.

Mr Ibrahim‘s statement reads in part: “The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) at its 7th Emergency Meeting held online on Monday 14th April, 2025, considered the request of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina to proceed on his accumulated Annual and Research Leave and approved six months, being 126 working days out of his total entitlements of 228 days with effect from today, Monday, 14th April, 2025.

“In addition, the Governing Council appointed Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, the incumbent Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, who is also the most senior of the three Deputy Vice-Chancellors, as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University for a period of six- months with effect from today, Monday, 14th April, 2025.”

Fashina was absolved of allegation of se*ual abuse last week by the governing council after the panel which was constituted to investigate the allegation submitted its report.

The Western zone of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU), had rejected the report of a panel which investigated and cleared the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE) of sexual harassment.

The union condemned the Governing Council of FUOYE, which set up the panel, for clearing Vice-Chancellor Prof Sunday Fashina of sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by Engr. Folashade Adebayo, a Deputy Director at the institution.

The union has threatened industrial action across 26 Universities in the zone unless an impartial investigative panel is established.

Dr Abdussobur Salaam, National Vice President of SSANU and Chairman of the Western Zone, condemned the Council’s decision, accusing it of shielding the accused while further victimizing the complainant.

PDP Governors Reject Merger With Other Parties

Ayodele Oni

April 14, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, (PDPGF) has put to rest possible merger with any other opposition political parties.

Some chieftains of the party, especially former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, have been holding series of meetings with other opposition parties to discuss the way to oust from power President Bola Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rising from their meeting in Ibadan Oyo state on Monday the PDPGF resolved that PDP will not join any coalition or merger.

In their communiqué, the opposition governors declared that “Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.

“However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”

The meeting, fourth in its series, resolved that the Deputy National Secretary should act as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone and NEC respectively at its next meeting.

Other resolutions are “The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy hence the decision of approaching the Supreme Court to give a clear cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency in any state.

“The Forum restates its solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being plunged by the declaration of a state of emergency. And we reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end.

“The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country, as evidenced in parts of the country especially Borno, Plateau, Katsina and Edo States.

“The Forum calls for review and reordering of priorities and strategies including adopting a bottom up template that guarantees the sub-nationals to constitute an effective line of defence against security breaches.

“While raising the concerns above, we condemn the recent attacks in Plateau State, and commiserate with the government and people of the state especially those who lost their lives and properties during this unfortunate mishap.

“The Forum resolves that working in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, to hold a NEC Meeting on the 27th of May, 2025; constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to zoning of party offices and hold an early convention in August 2025, precisely on the 28th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano.

“The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows;

“Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri – Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang – Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary.”

Those in attendance at the meeting are Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State & Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum;

Ademola Adeleke, Osun,

Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa, Seyi Makinde, Oyo, Douye Diri, Bayelsa, Dauda Lawal, Zamfara, Agbu Kefas, Taraba, Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor – AkwYunga Ibom,

Peter Mbah – Enugu, and Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor.

Fubara Snubs PDP Gov’s Meeting, Absent In Ibadan

Adesina Soyooye

April 14, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Questions are being asked as to why suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is absent at the meeting of Governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The meeting, being hosted in Ibadan, Oyo State, by Governor Seyi Makinde, is the first major one since the suspension of Fubara for an initial period of six months from office, and the declaration of state of emergency in the State.

One of the main reasons for the meeting is the proclamation of a State of Emergency, the suspension from office of democratically elected officials, including the Governor and his Deputy, and the appointment of a Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to oversee the affairs of the State.

The PDP Governors had, last week, approached the Supreme Court, to challenge the suspension of democratically elected officials, including the Governor and Deputy from office.

Fubara was expected to join them at the meeting since his case is on the front burner.

But at the time of filing this report, he had not joined his colleagues at the ongoing meeting. Absent too is Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke who was in Ibadan on Sunday with his colleagues, but left for his State to attend to pressing issues as he has just returned from a trip outside the country. He was expected to join them but has not, also, done so at the time of filing this report.

The meeting is being presided over by the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.

President Bola Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on March 18, citing, among other things, insecurity and the breakdown of governance. But that declaration has been greeted by widespread condemnation.

Four Killed As Police Arrest One Of Delta State’s Most Dreaded Kidnap Kingpins

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 14, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Police Force on Monday April 14, 2025, reaffirmed its determination towards adequately protecting lives and properties, as well as ridding the country of criminal activities.

The Police assurance comes on the heels of the announcement of the arrest of a kidnap kingpin and the killing of four members of his notorious and dreaded abduction syndicate in Delta state.

Abubakar Usman, popular as Shehu, who is alleged to have masterminded several high profile kidnappings in the State was apprehended in a well coordinated sting operation by Operatives of the Delta state Police Command on Thursday, April 10, 2025, following the receipt of actionable intelligence on the activities of his gang.

In the course of the operation, four of his gang members were neutralized, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer FPRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi

After his arrest, Usman was led operatives to his criminal hideout in a forest along the Asaba/Agbo Express way where a fierce gun duel resulted in the killing of four of his members.

The Police spokesperson further noted that Usman, under interrogation, confessed to have carried out the abduction of a number of highly placed men and women, including that of a Medical Practitioner in Issele-Uku, the kidnap and murder of Mr Godwin Anuka’s wife and daughter in Ogwashi-Uku, as well as the killing of Ms Esther Ojoh in Ibusa, all in Delta State.

“Police operatives attached to the Delta State Command on April 10, 2025, arrested one Abubakar Usman, alias Shehu, identified as the leader of a notorious kidnap gang.

“In the course of the investigation, Usman led officers to the gang’s hideout in a forest along the Asaba/Agbor Express way where they came under heavy gunfire from his associates.

“In the gun duel that followed, our operatives neutralized four of the gang members.

“We, also, recovered three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition from the scene”, the police stated.

Ex-Super Eagles International, Charles Bassey Is Dead

Akinwale Kasali

April 14, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than 48 hours after the passing of former Super Eagles Captain and Coach, Christian Chukwu, another ex-International, Charles Bassey has, also, passed.

Both Chukwu and Bassey were members of the victorious 1980 African Cup of Nations team that won the African showpiece for Nigeria on home soil in 1980.

Bassey died in his native town of Eket, Akwa Ibom, on Saturday— few hours after the death of Chukwu.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, confirmed his death on Monday.

In 2019, Bassey revealed he had suffered a “nerve root compression” in his spinal cord following a car accident in 1986.

The ex-footballer added that the damage was worsening, and he was experiencing difficulty walking. He made a public plea for financial support.

In 2021, Bassey disclosed that the Femi Otedola Foundation funded his Spinal Cord Surgery.

Bassey was also a manager, and he managed many football clubs in the Nigerian league, such as Calabar Rovers, Wikki Tourist of Bauchi, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingos, Mobil Pegasus of Eket, and Akwa United Football Club.

Bassey’s passing brings the number of members in the 1980 AFCON team who have departed to nine.

They include: Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, Tunde Bamidele, Aloysius Atugbu, Mudashiru Lawal and Martins Eyo.

Defamation: Portable Fails To Meet Bail Condition, Remanded In Prison

Akinwale Kasali

April 14, 2025

Habeeb Okikiola popular as Portable — Portable

By Akinwale Kasali

Habeeb Okikiola, controversial Singer, popular as Portable, has been remanded in prison custody, following his failure to meet bail conditions.

Portable was granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million by an Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, following his arraignment on charges including criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking against Saheed Osupa, a popular Fuji Musician.

The Court on Monday also ruled that his bail is conditional upon the provision of two sureties in like sum, one of which must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must possess a landed property within a Government Reserved Area, backed by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Follwing his inability to meet the conditions, he has been remanded in the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State.

It would be recalled that on Sunday, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the arrest of Portable, following a formal petition filed by Saheed Osupa alleging that Portable engaged in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, including the use of abusive and insulting language directed at him.

The statement read, “The petition borders on serious allegations which include criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

“In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the Command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin.”

According to the police, operatives from the Kwara State Command travelled to Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, April 13, where Portable was apprehended at about 7:25 p.m. He was immediately transported to Ilorin for further investigation.

“Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties. He is currently in custody and arrangements are being made to charge him to court without delay,” SP Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed.

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