Emirs Bayero, Sanusi, Kwankwaso Hold Parallel Sallah Prayers

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March 21, 2026

Emir Sanusi Lamido Leads Sallah Durbar in Kano

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The recent political realignments in Kano and the festering struggle for the control of the Emirate throne have taken their toll on the unity of the State with three separate prayers held on Friday during the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations.

The Source reports that traditionally, and under normal circumstances, the Eid prayers are conducted at the expansive Kofar Mata Eid Praying Ground in the city centre.

However, during this year’s Sallah celebrations, three separate Eid prayers were conducted with the 16th Emir Mohammad Sanusi II leading the Kofar Mata Eid ground prayers where Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf ,and his cabinet members and other Government appointees were in attendance.

The second prayer session of the day was held by the factional 15th Emir Aminu Bayero at his Nasarawa mini Palace featuring some Federal Government appointees, with Sheikh Kamarudeen Albasu conducting the prayers.

The Kwankwasiyya movement leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo, led other prominent figures in the third major prayer session of the day held at the Milner Road residence of Senator Kwankwaso.

The three separate prayers highlighted the seemingly intractable ,and irreconcilable differences that have permeated Kano traditional leadership and governance space in recent times.

Since May, 2024, factional Emirs Bayero and Sanusi have been battling for the soul of the Kano Emirate throne resulting in the duo maintaining parallel palaces.

While Emir Sanusi holds sway at the Kofar Kudu main Palace, his rival, Bayero holds Court at the Nasarawa mini palace close to Kano Government House.

The insistence of the two contending Emirs to lead and conduct parallel Sallah Dubar festivities ,have equally led to the traditional ceremonies being put on hold by security agencies over fears of possible break down of law and order since 2024 .

Instructively, the recent political alignments in the State which has seen Governor Yusuf parting ways with his erstwhile political godfather, Senator Kwankwaso to join forces with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his All Progressive Congress APC have similarly served to escalate the division within the leadership and governance space of the commercial nerve centre of the Northern region of Nigeria.

Before now, Governor Yusuf and Senator Kwankwaso were united in backing the 16th Emir Sanusi while the Federal Government, through its institutions and political allies including Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the immediate past National Chairman of the APC supported Emir Bayero.

The political alignment is perceived to be at the heart of the polarization of the Eid prayers. Until now, and despite the struggle for the control of the Emirate stool, all combatants had converged on the Kofar Mata Eid Ground with the prayers led by neutral Clerics.

Again, Hired Thugs Disrupt ADC Gathering In Eleme, Rivers State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 21, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Suspected hired hoodlums on Friday, March 20, 2026, violently disrupted a political gathering by the women wing of the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Eleme Local Council of Rivers State.

The source reports that the latest attack comes on the heels of a similar violent disruption of the flag-off of the ADC e-registeration exercise in the home town of former Governor of Rivers state Rotimi Amaechi, Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area,of the State a couple weeks back.

According to reports, the hired thugs in their numbers invaded the venue of the launch of an ADC Young Women Forum in Eleme and violently disrupted and dispersed the gathering, as well as destroyed canopies public address systems ,chairs and other materials set for the event.

The attackers who were said to have been led by a serving Councilor of the Eleme Local Government Area, reportedly warned the organizers and others that no ADC event will be allowed in the area without an expressed approval from his office.

The hoodlums also insisted that the programme will not be allowed because the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has not signaled the commencement of campaigns by political parties.

But reacting to the development, the National Coordinator of the ADC Young Women Forum Ms Atosemi Oma-Uwame, while condemning the action of the hoodlums, also described the incident as a direct assault on the country’s democratic arrangement.

“We gathered here today to inaugurate the ADC Young Women Forum in Eleme LGA. Thugs led by a Ward Councillor disrupted our meeting.

“The Councillor claimed that we did not obtain approval from his office. But we did not come here for campaign, rather for a gathering of ADC young women in my Eleme constituency.

“They said that if I want to host an event in the community, I should not use the name of ADC or mention my political party” Oma-Uwame stated.

The Women Coordinator however informed that she had earlier been warned by some people suspected to be close to the said Councillor not to attempt the hosting of any ADC-related events in the area.

“The disruption of our meeting is an attempt to stifle democracy.and prevent political engagements”, she added .

Community Leader, Four Others, Arrested Over Ra*pe Allegation During Traditional Festival In Delta

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Ayodele Oni

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March 21, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A community leader and five others in Delta State are assisting the Police in investigation into alleged se*ual assaults that occurred during a local event in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.

Their arrests followed the circulation of disturbing videos from Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro, which reportedly captured the molestation and se*ual assault of young women during the event.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday during the annual celebration in Ozoro, where some local customs allegedly restrict women from moving freely during certain periods of the event.

While there were claims that some victims may have been ra*ed, authorities said such allegations were yet to be officially verified.

Reacting earlier, Edafe described the incident as “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing,” stressing that the police command condemned the acts in strong terms.

“No custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens,” he said, while urging members of the public with useful information to assist ongoing investigations.

The Delta State Government also condemned the development, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.

The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, called on security agencies to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

“No group should hide under the guise of a festival to commit criminal acts,” he said, urging organisers of cultural events to prioritise safety and put adequate measures in place to prevent a recurrence.

The state government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, expressed grave concern over the incident and strongly condemned the acts, describing them as criminal, inhumane, and a gross violation of the victims’ fundamental rights and dignity.

According to the statement, the chief organiser of the event, identified as Chief Omorede Sunday, along with four other suspects, has been arrested.

The police also confirmed the arrest of the head of Oramudu community in connection with the incident.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive probe.

He also directed the deployment of tactical and investigative teams to identify and apprehend all individuals involved.

“The Command unequivocally condemns such acts in their entirety. Acts of se*ual violence are criminal and unacceptable under any guise,” the statement noted.

The police called on victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation, assuring that all information would be handled with strict confidentiality and professionalism.

Adesola further appealed to residents of the state to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, reiterating the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding citizens’ rights, and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

The Delta State Police Command assured that those found culpable in the incident would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Police Arrest Igbinedion School Bullying Students, To Charged Them To Juvenile Court

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Akinwale Kasali

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March 21, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the shock that trailed the viral video of some Igbinedion School Students, bullying a fellow Student, the Edo State Police Command on Saturday, announced the arrest of the suspected Students.

The Police said that all the suspects involved in the blood chilling bullying at the Igbinedion Education Centre are presently in their custody.

Recall that last week, the Social Media was awash with the viral video from the School, showing some students being beaten, flogged and kicked by supposed Senior Students.

The State Command, in a statement by its spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests were made after investigation and the suspects would be charged to the family Court in accordance with laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection.

The statement read: “The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on the viral bullying incident which has generated widespread concern and public reactions across the state.

According to the Police,

“Following a thorough and painstaking investigation, the Command confirms that all individuals directly connected to the incident have been identified, while those implicated have been apprehended and will be charged to the family court in accordance with extant laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident originated on Thursday 5/03/2026 when two female students, names withheld, both aged 14, had a disagreement with a fellow student. During the altercation, the said student reportedly uttered offensive words directed at their late father, specifically saying, ‘Ogun kill your papa.’

“Angered by the remark, the girls allegedly attacked the student after school hours. In the course of the assault, a parent, who had come to pick up her son, intervened but the two girls, still enraged, turned on the woman, physically confronting her and dragging her clothes. The school management subsequently intervened and expelled the girls for engaging in violent conduct.

“On the following day (06/03/2026), a retaliatory incident occurred. The male student, whose mother was earlier assaulted, attacked the victim in the viral video in what has been identified as a revenge assault, which was recorded and posted by one of the students. The victim being the brother of the girls that assaulted his mother.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment and intensification of the Operation Safe Schools Initiative across secondary schools in Edo State, with a mandate to identify the gap in supervision and leverage lessons learnt in this matter, to prevent a recurrence.

“Additionally, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices has been mobilised to engage students and school administrators through advocacy, sensitisation, and reorientation programmes.

“The Command, therefore, urges parents, guardians, and school authorities to take greater responsibility in the moral upbringing and supervision of their children and wards, while advising students to shun violence and report grievances through appropriate channels.

“While appealing to members of the public to remain calm, the Command assures that proactive steps are being taken to ensure that justice is not only served but that measures are also emplaced to prevent a reoccurrence.”

The Command stated that it remained committed to maintaining law and order and safeguarding all residents, especially children.

Two Siblings Burnt To Death In Ondo

By

Ayodele Oni

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March 21, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has confirmed a fire incident at Ode- Aye in Okitipupa Local Government Area which burnt to death two siblings.

Already, investigation has commenced, to determine the cause of the fire which razed a private building in the community.

Initial reports indicate that the inferno claimed the lives of two young children, identified as Queen Ohwo (female, 6 years), Everlyne Ohwo (female, 4 years) both daughters of Mr.and Mrs. Peter Ohwo .

According to reports, Police operatives visited the scene promptly where photographs were taken and necessary documentation carried out.

The remains of the victims, severely burnt, were evacuated to the Health Centre in Ode-Aye. The parents of the deceased, who were present at the scene, were in deep shock and are traumatized.

It added that preliminary investigation suggests that the fire may have resulted from negligence during cooking activities.

However, the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the incident to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the fire outbreak.

The Divisional Police Officer in Ode-Aye has been directed to cordon off the scene, obtain statements from relevant witnesses, and collaborate with the Federal Fire Services to determine the extent and origin of the fire.

The Command commiserated with the bereaved family over the loss and urged members of the public to exercise utmost caution in handling fire and cooking appliances to prevent similar tragedies.

2027 Polls: Tinubu Is APGA’s Presidential Candidate – Gov Soludo Clarifies

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 21, 2026

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Bola Tinubu and Charles Soludo — President Bola Tinubu and Governor Charles Soludo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Soludo: “In 2027, Ndigbo should not waste their votes on any other Presidential Candidate but Tinubu”

The Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, has ruled out the possibility of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, fielding a Presidential Candidate in the upcoming 2027 polls.

Soludo, the only Governor elected on the platform of APGA, who is also its national leader, said the party has adopted President Bola Tinubu as its flag bearer for the election.

According to Soludo, who was on Wednesday March 18, 2026, sworn-in for a second term in office, the decision to adopt the President is in tandem with the long-standing policy of the party to align with the ruling party at the centre over the years.

The Governor who spoke at an interactive session with the media on Friday March 20, 2026, in Awka, the State Capital, predicated the policy on the need to safeguard the interest of the people of Anambra State.

“We (APGA) are not going to field one (a Presidential candidate). In 2011, APGA did not field a Presidential candidate. APGA adopted and fielded Goodluck Jonathan, then President, as its candidate.

“But beyond that, there is a more fundamental thing which is the interest of my people. It is about my people; they have a stake at the table. The President will win with or without APGA”, Soludo stated.

He, also, emphasized his personal long standing friendship with the President, as well as his bold and courageous polices as part of the reason for APGA’s support for the APC and the President at the centre.

He, therefore, reiterated his earlier admonition on the need for South Easterners to be strategic in their voting pattern during the election.

He cautioned against the tendency by Ndigbo to waste their votes ,by way of voting on the basis of sentiments rather than on strategic grounds.

Ohiri Has No Shred Of Evidence Against Minister Umahi On Any Allegation – Her Lawyer

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Ayodele Oni

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March 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A human rights lawyer and activist, Marshal Abubakar, has accused Ms Tracy Ohiri of having no evidence concerning her allegations against the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

Ohiri had accused the Minister of owing her about N250 million contract debt and harassing her sexually.

Based on this, she was arraigned for defamation and granted bail amid claims of a missing case file and alleged attempts to transfer her to prison.

However, the Activist Lawyer accused Ohiri of spreading falsehood concerning her dispute with Umahi.

Abubakar, insisted that he and different activists performed a key position in stopping Ohiri from being jailed through the controversy.

The lawyer mentioned he rallied outstanding activists and public figures to help Ohiri on the peak of the dispute, emphasising that their intervention was geared toward safeguarding free speech.

He mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe, activist Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan), and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, alongside different campaigners.

“My attention has been drawn to the falsehood being spewed by Ms Tracy Ohiri,” Abubakar mentioned.

“Indeed, the fact that you helped a viper out of a ditch doesn’t stop the snake from biting you. It’s an undeniable fact that I was the person that rallied public-spirited individuals like Distinguished Senator Ireti Kingibe, VeryDarkMan, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, FlagboyNg, Comrade Larry and several other comrades to her aid.

“It was on account of our continuous activism that Ms Ohiri is not in prison today,”Abubakar mentioned.

Abubakar disclosed that he led a staff of activist legal professionals to secure bail for Ohiri in courtroom, regardless of what he described as efforts to have her remanded in jail.

According to him, Senator Kingibe tried to mediate between Ohiri and Umahi, however the minister maintained that he was not indebted to her.

“I spoke to Senator Umahi with Mummy Ireti’s phone and he was adamant. He promised he would exhaust the full judicial process to clear his name and promised to pay her in ten folds, if the court ruled that he owes her, but unless that, she would face the full wrath of the law.”

Abubakar mentioned he subsequently mentioned the scenario with Ohiri and offered her with two choices: proceed the authorized combat or discover settlement.

“When I spoke with her, I explained the entire situation to her and explained that she has two options; she either fights on or explores settlement. If she elects to fight on, we would fight with her, but she must provide necessary evidence on core issues.”

The lawyer claimed that his overview of the case revealed no concrete proof supporting Ohiri’s claims.

“I discovered that there was no single real evidence of any contractual agreement between her and the minister, that there was no evidence that the minister ever engaged her to do any contract and that there was no evidence that the minister ever informed her that what happened to the NELAN Engineers would happen to her,” Abubakar acknowledged.

He additionally alleged that Ohiri failed to supply proof of delivering items as claimed.

Abubakar mentioned a follow-up assembly involving legal professionals, associates of the minister, and Ohiri resulted in a stalemate after tensions escalated.

“We had a follow-up meeting with the minister’s lawyer, Mr Abdul SAN, the minister’s friend Barrister Joseph Ekumankama, Senator Ireti, Ms Tracy, her husband and I, Marshal Abubakar, in attendance.

“The meeting ended in a stalemate. Ms Ohiri has a terrible temper and manner; she threw tantrums and insults at everyone in that meeting, thus it ended on a sour note. We all left.”

He alleged that Ohiri later apologised and sought additional help after the assembly collapsed.

The lawyer additionally claimed {that a} sum of $70,000 was offered by an affiliate of the minister, Barrister Joseph Ekumankama, as a gesture to resolve the dispute.

He insisted the fee was not compensation or an admission of legal responsibility however meant to facilitate peace .

“It was Barrister Joseph that gave me a total sum of $70,000 to give to her.

“He informed me that it’s not compensation for any contract neither was it admission that they were owing her but just for the sake of peace and my mediating approach to the issue.

“Barrister Joseph Ekumankama is still alive and can be contacted for verification,” he mentioned.

Abubakar accused Ohiri of later turning against those that supported her, alleging she demanded ₦300 million and threatened to launch an internet marketing campaign in opposition to him.

“Her anger is that I could not get ₦300,000,000 for her. I explained to her that her initial claim was for ₦25 million. ₦100million is far above that and even a court of law would most likely not award her that much, even if she could establish her claim.”

She promised to drag my name online unless I meet them to pay her ₦300,000,000 and that she had lost business thus I must be held responsible and must provide her money,” he alleged.

Expressing disappointment, the lawyer described the scenario as a “painful lesson” and hinted at attainable authorized motion.

“It’s so sad that a woman we put in our best defending, at the expense of our lives and liberty, could turn out to be this. We befriended a scorpion and got a life lesson,” he mentioned.

“I will surely appraise the situation and take appropriate legal actions against Ms Ohiri,” he added.

I Was Coerced Into Apologizing To Umahi By My Lawyer – Tracy Ohiri

By

Ayodele Oni

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March 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Another dimension has been added to the allegations by embattled businesswoman, Tracy Ohiri, against the Minister of Works Dave Umahi, as she accused human rights lawyer Marshall Abubakar of threatening and deceiving her into issuing an apology to the Minister.

Ohiri, in a now viral video claims she was coerced into recording the apology on the promise that she would receive full payment for goods she supplied over a decade ago, a debt she says Umahi has failed to settle.

The dispute started when Ohiri publicly accused Umahi of owing her for items she claimed to have delivered for political campaign use; sparking online activism and social media outrage.

Many Nigerians rallied behind her, turning her allegations into a trending topic.

However, the narrative took a turn when a video emerged showing Ohiri apologising privately to the minister, which led to rumors of a ₦100 million settlement.

Clarifying what happened, Ohiri said Abubakar persuaded her to make the video with the promise of payment before it was released, but she later felt intimidated and misled.

She has now called on the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to investigate Abubakar’s conduct, claiming it was unethical and coercive.

The Activist Lawyer had accused Ohiri of spreading falsehood concerning her dispute with the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Abubakar, insisted that he and different activists performed a key position in stopping Ohiri from being jailed through the controversy.

The lawyer mentioned he rallied outstanding activists and public figures to help Ohiri on the peak of the dispute, emphasising that their intervention was geared toward safeguarding free speech.

“My attention has been drawn to the falsehood being spewed by Ms Tracy Ohiri,” Abubakar mentioned.

“Indeed, the fact that you helped a viper out of a ditch doesn’t stop the snake from biting you. It’s an undeniable fact that I was the person that rallied public-spirited individuals like Distinguished Senator Ireti Kingibe, VeryDarkMan, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, FlagboyNg, Comrade Larry and several other comrades to her aid.

“It was on account of our continuous activism that Ms Ohiri is not in prison today,”Abubakar mentioned.

President Tinubu, Wike, Okpebholo Charge Muslims To Extend Ramadan Virtues Beyond Holy Month

By

Ayodele Oni

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March 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike and Governor of Edo state, Monday Okpebholo have called on Nigerian Muslims to extend the values of Ramadan—compassion, kindness, and selflessness—beyond the holy month, urging acts of goodwill toward people of all faiths.

Addressing the nation as Muslims celebrated Eid-el-Fitr, the President encouraged renewed commitment to national unity and humanitarian efforts.

“We must continue to uphold the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness, and compassion beyond this period,” he said in a statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.

He also tasked Muslim leaders to use the Eid occasion to pray for peace and prosperity across Nigeria.

He congratulated Muslims nationwide on completing the holy month and called for continued prayers for national development and unity.

FCT Minister,Wike, in his message, stated that the sacred month of Ramadan has been a period of spiritual rejuvenation, self-reflection, and renewal.

“As we celebrate Eid Fitr – the culmination of the Ramadan fast, I urge you all to carry forward the values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity that Ramadan embodies.

“This occasion also offers us a unique opportunity to pray for our leaders, and indeed, our country Nigeria, that we may continue to enjoy peace and progress.

“Within the FCT, it is reassuring to see Muslims sharing and caring for fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike in the last 30 days.

“Individuals and corporate organisations have, by their conduct during this holy month, demonstrated their commitment and cooperation towards maintaining Abuja’s pride of place as the Centre of Unity, Peace and Harmony in Nigeria.

‘In the coming weeks, campaigns are expected to begin nationwide ahead of Nigeria’s general elections in 2027. Being the Centre of Government, the Federal Capital Territory would witness a beehive of activities around this period.

“Be assured that the FCT Administration will continue to provide an environment conducive for the orderly hosting of all political events preceding and relating to the general elections.

“I urge all residents regardless of political affiliation, gender or tribe to take a cue from the Muslim Ummah, and maintain peaceful conduct throughout the year while praying for the FCT, and the nation as a whole at this period.

Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, commended the Muslim community for devotion, discipline, and spiritual commitment demonstrated during the period of fasting, prayers, and acts of charity.

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

He stated that the values of sacrifice, compassion, tolerance, and selflessness exemplified during Ramadan are essential for building a peaceful, united, and prosperous society.

The Governor urged Muslims to sustain these virtues beyond the Ramadan period and continue to promote harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, economic development, and the welfare of all residents of Edo State, emphasizing that unity remains key to achieving sustainable growth and progress.

Governor Okpebholo also called on all Edo people to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, stability, and development of the state and the nation at large.

The Governor said, “Eid-el-Fitr is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Let us celebrate in peace, extend love to one another, and remain steadfast in our shared responsibility to build a better Edo State,”

Pray To Overcome Nigeria’s Challenges, Peter Obi Charges Muslims

By

Ayodele Oni

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March 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC), and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi has extended warm felicitations to Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration.

In a statement shared on his verified X account, Obi congratulated Muslims for successfully observing the Ramadan fast and encouraged them to uphold the virtues cultivated during the holy month.

He called on citizens to demonstrate kindness to the less privileged and to work together in building a stronger, more prosperous nation.

Obi emphasized the importance of unity, justice, and peaceful coexistence across the country.

“My dear Muslim brothers and sisters, I rejoice with you on this blessed Eid al-Fitr, marking the successful completion of Ramadan, a month of faith, sacrifice, discipline, and compassion,” he wrote.

He further urged the faithful to carry the spiritual lessons of Ramadan beyond the festive period, highlighting values such as love, humility, generosity, and unity.

Obi also offered prayers for Nigeria, seeking divine guidance in overcoming the country’s challenges.

“I pray Almighty Allah accepts your ibadah, forgives our shortcomings, and grants you and our country abundant blessings, security, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Eid Sa’id,” he concluded