On Tuesday March 25 ,I welcomed His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON the Waziri Adamawa Former Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria to Yola, Adamawa state, Nigeria.
Thereafter I hosted him to a townhall meeting with 157 selected personalities drawn from each of the 21 LGAs of Adamawa state.
It is one of many of such engagements to come ahead of the busy few months as politicians regroup to forge alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
It should he noted that primary elections for all political office holders will take place next year 2026 thereby leaving aspirants and other players and actors with less than one (1) year two months to form alliances, choose a political parties and prepare for Primaries.
The Rivers State Police Command on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 ,affirmed their commitment towards ensuring that justice is served in the suspected ritual murder of twin sisters in Ogbodo Pipeline area, in Rukpokpu ,Obio-Akpor Local Council of Rivers State .
The Source reports that the twin teenagers Chizara Onuche and Chidinma Onuche , were lured into an uncompleted building by one Aniekan Uko, while they returning from a Sunday Church Service.
The Police said the twins, aged seven years were killed by the prime suspect, Uko, in theuncompleted building.
He was said to have drugged them, ra3ed and,subsequently snuffed lives out of them ,in what is strongly believed to be for ritual purposes.
There is equally a high probability that the suspect may have hypnotized his victims into following him to the uncompleted structure.
“The children were coming back from Church, so along the line, the suspect ,I wouldn’t know whether he hypnotized or lured them, took the children to an uncompleted building .
He then drugged the drink he gave them. The children slept, he ra3ed and murdered them”, one of the investigators volunteered .
A statement from the Rivers State Police Command Spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, on Wednesday informed that besides the arrest of 27 years old Uko, three others, including a native doctor, are being held in connection with the killing of the siblings.
According to Iringe-Koko, Operatives drawn from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly moved and arrested Uko, the prime suspect on March 23, 2025 , .
“His apprehension, subsequently led to the tracking down of the other suspects. including a teenager, for their parts in the killing of the children.”
The Police Command noted that Uko, the main suspect has owned up to the crime.
Uko was said to have admitted killing the siblings as part of efforts to meet with the conditions demanded for a ritual practice.
The Prime suspect, according to the police statement, informed that he decided to embark on the ill-fated ritual expedition after being convinced of its efficacy and authenticity by the native doctor.
According to him, he had witnessed first hand, instances the native doctor proved his mettle in cases involving other “clients” who provided fresh human parts and blood for the exercise.
“During the arrest, officers recovered important evidence, including a bottle containing the victims blood.
“Investigators also found a kitchen knife used for the murder, an empty can of black bullet which was used to drug the victims, and a spoon used to collect their blood.
” The victims body have been taken to the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
“The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, assures the public that the suspects will face justice.
“Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details and possible accomplices”, Iringe-Koko stated.
Any ambition being harboured by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, against 2027 Presidential Election will never materialise; it will not see the light of the day; it will fail. That is the message conveyed to Atiku, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Nyesom Wike.
Wike spoke through his Media Aide, Lere Olayinka, in response to Atiku’s comment of having no regret in not picking Wike, in 2023, as his running mate.
In an interview made public on Wednesday, Atiku revealed why he did not pick Wike in 2023. He explained that after he was accused of not making consultations when he picked Peter Obi in 2019 as his running mate, he decided to throw the choice open to the Party. He also disclosed that contrary to the belief that Wike came first in the choice of candidates recommended by the Committee set up by the Party to pick his running mate, the then Governor of Rivers State came second. He said the Committee headed by the then Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, incidentally, a Wike ally, rated the then Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, above Wike. Okowa was placed first, Wike second, and then Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, third.
Atiku said he only picked the person who came first – Okowa – but emphasised that he had no regret not picking Wike.
However, not a few people felt, and still feel, that not picking Wike was the beginning of the crisis which engulfed the PDP, and from which it has not still recovered. They also believe that it cost the PDP and Atiku the Presidency, a belief which Wike’s Aide confirmed in his response to Atiku.
Reacting to Atiku’s comment of having no regret in not picking Wike as his running mate, Olayinka said that his Principal also had no regret in ensuring that Atiku failed in his Presidential bid. He added that the decision was what cost Atiku the Presidency in 2023, and promised that if Atiku dares in 2027, he will be blocked again by Wike.
Olayinka: “Two years after making the @OfficialPDPZNig lose a presidential election it could have won, @atiku is giving reasons he did not pick @GovWike as his running mate and that he has no regrets.
“Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike also has no regret for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again.”
However, many are, also, of the opinion that the main reason Atiku failed was the emergence of Peter Obi and his very strong showing in the election as the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party.
In a bid to enhance Traffic Law enforcement, the Lagos State Government has installed 3000 e-Police and Speed Limit Cameras across the State.
These Cameras are installed in strategic places in the State. They are aimed at curbing reckless driving, reduce accidents, crime, and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.
The Director of the State’s Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, Akin-George Fashola, disclosed this during the Lagos Transport Trends and Perspectives, a program sponsored by the State’s Ministry of Transportation on Traffic Radio 96.1 FM.
According to Fashola, the cameras have been installed at strategic locations, including Alapere-Ogudu Road with limits set at 80 km/h inbound Alausa and 60 km/h inbound Iyana Oworo and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, where the speed limit is 60 km/h.
He added that the e-Police cameras designed to monitor red-light running and other traffic violations, have been installed at Allen Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road in Ikeja.
Speaking during the program, Fashola noted that these cameras will serve as a deterrent to drivers who disregard speed limits, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities.
Emphasizing more on the penalties, he stated that speed limit violators will face a N50,000 fine, but they can contest it by providing proof if they believe they didn’t violate the regulations.
According to the Director, the road enforcement agency apprehends an average of 50 commercial buses daily for violating the state’s traffic rules and regulations.
This was in response to a caller’s inquiry about whether commercial vehicles are exempted from enforcement initiatives.
Highlighting recent developments within the VIS, Fashola revealed that the government has introduced an online roadworthiness recertification system for pre-existing vehicle owners, saying the new initiative allows vehicle owners to renew their roadworthiness certificates online without visiting a VIS office.
Additionally, the Director mentioned that the VIS now offers an auto verification service for individuals looking to purchase used vehicles.
This Service, according to Fashola, provides a detailed history of the vehicle, enabling buyers to make informed decisions.
While emphasizing the need to adhere to traffic rules of the state, he urged motorists to take note of warning signs installed at these locations to ensure compliance and encouraged residents to visit the VIS website or any of the 45 VIS centers across the state for reliable information and assistance.
Troops of Sector 7 of the Special Task Force, otherwise known as Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, Plateau state, on Wednesday March 26,2025 announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the kidnap and subsequent killing of a Kaduna Catholic Priest, Rev Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu.
The Source reports that Father Okechukwu was on March 4,2025 abducted from his residence in Tachira , Kaura local council of Kaduna State by some gunmen.
Howeve , the following day March 5, his mangled and lifeless body was recovered, much to widespread indignation and condemnation .
A statement from Samson Zhakom ,a Major ,and spokesperson for the OPSH, informed that the suspects were apprehended sequel to a coordinated raid carried out on the den of the prime suspect in Ruga Settlement, Warsa-Piti Community, Lere Local Council of Kaduna State on Tuesday, March 25.
According to the Spokesman, Pate Yau 33, the main suspect, during interrogation, admitted being hired by one Douglas Henry, a resident of the same house as Father Ikechukwu, to carry out the dastardly act.
Following useful information gathered, troops were able to further arrest another suspect Henry, in Agwan Sariki Tachira, in Kaura Local Government Area, the military stated.
“The suspects were arrested following a raid on the prime suspect’s hideout located at a Ruga Settlement in Warsa-Piti community ,Lere LGA of Kaduna state.
“During preliminary investigation, the prime suspect ,a 33-year old man, confessed to have been contracted by another man, living in the same house with slain Priest to kidnap him.
“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the whereabouts of the remaining persons who participated in the heinous crime.” the Military noted .
Major Zhakom, explained that the arrested suspects are in custody, assisting in further investigation of the incident.
Until his abduction and gruesome murder, Rev Father Okechukwu was attached to the Catholic Diocese of Kafachan in Southern Kaduna .
Maj. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Idris (Rtd), Kano State Commissioner for Internal Security has joined the list of Commissioners that have left the Governor Abba Yusuf’s Cabinet.
Inuwa, the pioneer Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, a newly created Ministry in Kano State, tendered his resignation letter, without disclosing the reason for his action.
Sanusi Bature, Spokesperson for Governor Yusuf, confirmed the resignation of Inuwa, stating that the Governor has since accepted Maj. Gen. Idris (Rtd) ‘s resignation as Commissioner.
The Governor was quoted as expressing his deep gratitude to the retired Army General for his service to the state during his short tenure and acknowledging his contributions to the ministry’s initial take-off.
Governor Yusuf also extended his best wishes to the former Commissioner, describing him as a dedicated public servant and a patriotic Nigerian.
“We thank Major General Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd) for his unwavering commitment and contributions to the development of Kano State right from his days in the military career, we wish him a peaceful and fulfilling retirement as he transitions into a well-deserved rest from public service,” the governor said.
Maj. Gen. Idris (Rtd) ‘s tenure, though brief, has been credited with laying a solid foundation for the ministry’s take-off, which the Governor believes his successor can build on to set a pace for the new Ministry’s operations.
Amidst speculations over his future in Nigeria’s politics the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar says he’s not sure whether he will contest the 2027 presidential election.
The former vice president spoke on Tuesday during an interview with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, anchor of Untold Stories, a television talk show.
In case he decided to contest again, it will be his seventh having already contested six times already since 2007 when he contested against late President Umaru Yar’adua.
The magazine reports that the former PDP presidential candidate is one of the front line leaders in the country that Nigerians believe will contest the 2027 presidential election.
Abukabar had recently been consulting with leaders across the country, suggesting that he has his eyes on the Nigerian Presidency, political pundits insist.
Last week at a political forum in Abuja, the nation’s capital the former number two citizens declared that he had decided to form a coalition with some leaders of other political parties in the country to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Abubakar said the country has been derailed under the current leadership in the country, and needs a new leader they can trust.
“I don’t know because there has to be, first of all, a viable platform, more than any other time in the political history of this country, particularly since the return of democracy,” he said about his presidential ambition.
“I have not seen Nigeria in dire need of, you know, an experienced and credible leadership than this time.”
“We had a similar, you know, what would I say, merger in 2014. About four of us or is it three? We all ran for president and one of us emerged, and we all supported the one who emerged, and he won.”
Apart form Abukakar those gearing up to contest the election, according pundits are Pter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate; Rabiu Kwakwanso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP amongst others.
The opposition will be unable to oust President Tinubu from power except they form a coalition, political pundits insist.
“Tinubu is more of the Deputy President of France than President of Nigeria” – Adebayo
The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has slammed the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing Woefully in key areas of the economy.
It said the administration has underperformed in terms of Food Security, Socio-Economic Development and in terms of Insecurity that has bedeviled the nation.
Adewole Adebayo, SDP’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election, lashed out at the Administration of President Bola Tinubu, and described it as a failure and a colossal disappointment.
Adewole who accessed the two-year performance of the President while fielding questions from newsmen when he hosted Iftar (breaking of fast) with some loyalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, lamented many crisis ravaging the Country coupled with the perceived intimidation and lawlessness in the National Assembly and Rivers State.
According to him, many Nigerians were disappointed in President Tinubu whom they initially saw as a renewed hope after late Chief MKO Abiola.
He stressed that “Tinubu is the current champion of disgrace. Because it is a disgrace that you are not able to feed the poor in a land of plenty, you cannot fix roads.
“All of us who are here now, we came from Ondo, and our ears are banging as we are here now as if we went to an amusement park. So I think that we should have a serious government.
“Our constitution is designed with serious language in it. They are expecting that the person who is the President, Head of State, or Commander-in Chief will be someone who knows that this is the airport of black people in the world. And we should not be a basket case.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
“Poverty, insecurity, underdevelopment, unemployment, those are the things that we are having conversations about. There are those who want to get to power anyhow and they will combine even with the devil”, he stated.
“We are clamouring to serve the people. They are clamouring for themselves, Nigerians have reached a point that there is nowhere to go. In the next five years, population will grow by, at least, 10%. There’s no work, there’s no food, there’s no education, there’s no housing, there’s no space in the public service”.
Speaking further, Adebayo said, “President Muhammad Buhari came on National Television and said, “in my government, there is no space for anybody. Go and farm.” But he didn’t give lands, he didn’t give security, he didn’t give fertilizer. So, these people are not even talking to you, Tinubu is more of a President of France, maybe Deputy President of France, than a President of Nigeria.
“So we need to be serious, it is not about giving position, it’s about serving the people. The true position that is relevant in Nigeria is the position of citizen of the Federal republic of Nigeria. Let them say, “why are you smiling?” You’ll say because I’m a Nigerian. Why are you well fed? Because I’m a Nigerian. Why did you get this job? Because I’m a Nigerian. Why do you feel safe to speak? Because I’m a Nigerian. When last did you count all the asset God gave to you and you remembered you are a Nigerian? That must happen in our lifetime.”he said
Commenting on the State of Emergency in Rivers State, the SDP presidential flagbearer said it was pathetic and unfortunate that the president could delete democratic structure in the state without recourse to the overall condition of the masses in the State.
According to him: “the President removed elected officials, both in the legislative and executive arm. That is clearly unconstitutional and the political leaders in the country, particularly Rivers State, should remember that power that defines the constitution comes from the people and for the benefit of the people, they should resolve that issue immediately.
“Well, the State of emergency is that the SDP has spoken about it. We feel like the president has declared an emergency but the reason has not been given to us. We have also removed elected officials, both in the legislative and executive arm. That is clearly unconstitutional and the political leaders in the country, particularly Rivers state should remember that power that defines the constitution comes from the people and for the benefit of the people and that they should resolve the issue.The fact that an emergency had been declared for six months doesn’t mean that it can’t be resolved in six hours or six days.”
Adewole particularly urged the power that be in the country to have a rethink about the ongoing emergency rule in River state.
Speaking on the role played by the National Assembly on the Rivers State crisis, the SDP candidate said,” It is an unserious matter. The National Assembly is not set up for us to cooperate. The crisis in the National Assembly is how they approved a 55 trillion Naira budget without anything for the people. How they approved almost 40 trillion last year and nobody has seen anything.
“And the National Assembly, when the President came to present this new fake budget, the Speaker said last year’s budget performed below 25%. So if you have a student who performed below 25%, will you promote that student to the next class? So we should, especially the media, it is an opportunity to talk to you.
”It is not every sensation that is reported, focus more on what is happening, why Nigerian people are left behind. Even in River State, I will speak about it. If you ask the media how much was River State’s budget last year, how much went to the poor? How many children have been educated in River State, they will not tell you. They tell you Wike, Fubara, Wike, Fubara. So the media needs to be a little more serious.”
He further noted that,”the National Assembly was not set up for romantic stories. It was set up for people to do the work of Nigerian people and do more to return to that. The seriousness that is happening in Nigeria today, if you look at the thousands of hungry people, people who are kidnapped and their families are looking for ransom, children are out of school. There are so many problems in this country.The National Assembly should have no drama for boy and girl stories.”
Answering a question on the people who are defecting to the party clamoring to occupy elective positions, Adewole said that, “the aim of SDP is to take over the governance from the elite adding that party is one of the oldest party in Nigeria.
“What we know is that in this country, we are older than all these parties they are talking about. And this is a party of MKO Abiola. This is a party of Falae. This is a party that has produced many people like Abubakar Rimi. This is a party for Solomon Lar. So all these people you are mentioning, where did they come from? The conspiracy that led to the creation of APC, where did this start? So these people who are the leaders of APC now, they were Farenda Boys in SDP. How can they be telling you what to do?”, he queried
He added that,”for every known politician, for every former Minister, for every ex-Governor, and Senators, jumping to our party, there are millions of Nigerians joining the party. So it is now for the media to look for Nigerian people.
“So it is part of the system to bring egalitarianism. That’s why Chapter 2 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, and makes the press the fourth estate of the realm. So in fact, when we talk of the neglect of Nigerian people by the government, the neglect of the suffering of Nigerians by the media, or the legal system where I belong.”
Edo State Government has set aside five Executive Orders issued by former Governor Godwin Obaseki and ratified the decision of the Oba of Benin to suspend 71 village heads (Enigies).
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, who disclosed this to Journalists after the State Executive Council meeting in Benin City, said the Exco approved the ratification of the suspension of the Enigies, a move aimed at maintaining order and discipline in the State’s Traditional Institution.
Ohonbamu emphasized that the actions of the Village Heads amounted to a Cultural Coup D’état, when they attempted to overthrow the Oba of Benin.
This move, he said, marks a significant development, given the approval and ratification of the suspended rebellious Enigies against the Benin Monarch.
The Benin Traditional Council, (BTC), had earlier announced the suspension of the 71 Enigies in Benin Kingdom alleging that they engaged in anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.
Ohonbamu stated that the past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki attempted to carry out the balkanization of the Benin Kingdom using five Executive orders available to him, which have been vacated by Governor Monday Okpebholo using one Executive order.
He emphasized that the act was orchestrated by the last administration, when Godwin Obaseki allegedly picked some Enigies to act rebelliously against the palace of the Oba of Benin
He highlighted some of the critical issues which include the vow made by the Enigies never to honour the Obas call, go to the palace, and pay allegiance to the Monarch.
Ohonbamu described the position of the Benin Monarch as a repository of the rights, divinity, law, and the power of the Benin Kingdom.
He further stressed that Benin people, no matter how highly placed, derive validity from the Oba, adding that he is not only powerful, he does not make mistakes, nor apologize.
“The Oba does not make mistakes and does not apologize and he is all powerful and his source of strength remains a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
“The Oba’s word is law and even if you have PhD. three times over, your obedience to the word or directive of the Oba is obligatory by assent.
“The act of rebellion is complete on its own without more and the rebellious Enigies ought to know better. Their situation is such that Jesus said, “It is finished.”
“We are aware that some said they signed in error and did not go further. But what they did amounted to a Cultural Coup d’état.
“They wanted to overthrow the Oba of Benin, no matter the defense they attempted to put forward.”
While condemning some of the suspended Enigies who attempted to exonerate their actions, Ohonbamu admonished that the act of rebellion is complete on its own and for those who said they did not partake thereafter, the general rules governing a coup plot is that the planning of a coup, and its actual execution carry the same penalty.
He added that every action goes with consequences, making references to the traditional rulers and Chiefs edict of 1979, particularly section 19 subsection 1 as applicable to Edo State which gives power to the Executive Council to act accordingly.
“Former Governor Godwin Obaseki, through his actions, balkanized the Benin Kingdom by attempting to create other traditional councils through five Executive orders.
“But with one Executive order, Governor Monday Okpebholo has obliterated the five executive orders of Gov. Obaseki
The Commissioner further disclosed that the decisions made during the Exco meeting demonstrate the state government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.
The Osun State Government has insisted on its right to nominate a Director for Living Trust Mortgage Bank as the largest depositor with the bank.
The State rejected the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) on its nominee for the Directorship of the Mortgage Bank, urging the Apex Bank to review its position in the interest of due process, compliance with regulatory acts and shareholder interest.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had rejected Governor Ademola Adeleke’s nomination of ex-Finance Commissioner, Wale Bolorunduro, as a Director of Osun State-owned bank, Living Trust Mortgage Bank.
Governor Adeleke had appointed Boluwaduro who served under the administration of Rauf Aregbesola as the Director and Chairman of Living Trust Mortgage Bank in 2024.
Meanwhile, CBN in a letter with reference number OFI/SG2/CON/PLI/018/171 dated March 21st 2025 entitled “Re: Resolutions Reached At The Settlements Helf on August 28, 2024 In Relation to LivingTrust Mortgage Bank PLC” declined the nomination of Boluwaduro.
The letter which was signed by the Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Oluwasola Ajewole of the apex monetary authority approved the nomination of ten others who were nominated as Managing, Executive, Non-Executive, Independent Non-Executive Directors.
The letter read in part: “Dr. Adewale Bolorunduro’s approval is declined due to his involvement in the board crisis as ascertained in the investigation carried out by the CBN Examiners as at May 31, 2024.
“The OSSG will be required to replace him with a neutral person to ensure stability on the Board.”
The State Government, in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, posited that as a major shareholder and as largest depositor in the said bank, the State has inalienable right to nominate a Director which in this case is Dr Wale Boluwaduro.
While affirming that its nominee has no criminal or professional misconduct, the Government urged the leadership of the Apex Bank to reconsider it so as to protect the State ’s interest as a major shareholder in the said bank.
Osun State Government maintained that failure to grant the state its due rights in the appointment of a Director may lead to a review of its banking relationship with the Living Trust as the depositor with various running costs of the Ministry, Department and Agency in the bank.
The statement narrated that up till 18th of march there were attempts to evaluate Dr Bolorunduro based on technicality and credibility, noting that it was when that failed that a one sided internal visitation report, written since May 2024 was now used as a basis for the CBN decision.
“The State Government has why the submissions of the government on the visitation were not considered.
“The CBN is invited to note that officials who came only spoke to CitiTrust alone.”
