The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • APC controls Rivers Assembly as Speaker, 16 others defect

    APC controls Rivers Assembly as Speaker, 16 others defect

    • 10 legislators remain in PDP

    • Assembly reaffirms resolution adopting quarter’s auditorium as chamber

    • Wike: defection consequence of deepening crisis in PDP

    • Says he’s still PDP but party fully factionalised

    • Turaki faction seeks judge’s withdrawal from party leadership suit

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday assumed control of the Rivers State House of Assembly after 17 of the  lawmakers, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

    Ten others who were elected on the platform of the PDP chose to remain in the party.

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister  Nyesom Wike said in Abuja, moments after the Port Harcourt defection that it was a fallout of the  deepening crisis in the PDP.

    He said the party was “fully factionalised”.

    The Minister who was  recently ‘expelled’ by the Kabiru Turaki faction of the party declared that he remains a PDP member.

    Wike’s faction of the party led by Alhaji  Mohammed Abdulrahman is currently in court  seeking to deny  the Turaki faction  access to the PDP national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

    However, the Turaki faction yesterday asked   Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court  Abuja to recuse herself from  “further presiding over or taking any further steps in the suit upon circumstances giving rise to reasonable apprehension” that the defendants in the case would  not receive a fair and impartial hearing before the court.

    Yesterday’s  defections of the Rivers  lawmakers automatically gave the APC  the required numerical strength to control the assembly.

    Those who defected to the APC with Amaewhule were  Deputy Speaker  Dumle Maol;  Majority Leader  Major Jack;  Deputy Majority Leader  Linda Somiari- Stewart; Chief Whip  Frankline Nwabuchi, and  Deputy Whip  Offiks Kabang.

    Others were Peter Abbey, Smart Adoki, Igwe Aforji,  Arnold Davids, Enemi George, Tekenari Granville,  Christian Nwankwo,  Gerald Oforji,  Azeru Opara,   Lolo Opuende, and  Solomon Wami.

    The lawmakers that chose to remain in the PDP were Mrs. Emilia Lucky-Amadi-Obi Justina Emeji- Emohua, Ignatius Onwuka, Mrs. Barile Nwakor,  Mrs Ezekwe Nkemjika- Ogba-Egbema, Queen Owuma Tony-Williams, Lemchi Nyeche, Sylvanus Nwankwo,  Iderima John Dominic and Mgbar Bernard.

    The PDP lawmakers immediately constituted the minority principal officers of the House.

    Those who took their oaths of office as minority leaders were Sylvanus Nwankwo, the Minority Leader,  Barile Nwakoh, Deputy Minority Leader; John Dominic Iderima, Minority Whip and  Justina Emeji, Deputy Minority Whip.

    The defecting members blamed their actions on the lingering division in PDP at the national level saying the development had cast uncertainties on the future of the party.

    “Let me very happily announce to the Honourable members that your Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Chinke Amaewhule has decided and has indeed written to my ward chairman, Mr Osondu Orlu, the PDP Ward Chairman, Obio-Akpo Ward 1, the decision to leave the PDP,” the Speaker said as he set the ball rolling.

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    “APC is my new party and I will do all that is needed to be done to ensure that the party card of the APC is issued to me in no time. But as we speak, I am a member of the APC and I am happy to be a member.

    “This is so that we can join forces with Mr President. Mr. President is doing so much for this country. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling the issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State.

    “He is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. So I am delighted to be part of the APC so that we can support Mr. President. But the major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in PDP.”

    The House, through a motion, reaffirmed its earlier resolution made on the 14th of December, 2023, which adopted the auditorium at the State House of Assembly quarters as its hallowed chamber to conduct legislative businesses.

    Moving the motion, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Linda Somiari- Stewart averred that Section 101 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowered the House to regulate its own procedures, including where to hold its sittings for the good governance of the state.

    He prayed the House to resolve amongst others the reaffirmation of the current hallowed Chamber situated at the Assembly quarters as the legitimate and lawful Chamber for the conduct of legislative businesses for the life of the Tenth Assembly of the state.

    Members commented in support of the Motion and urged the House to mandate the Clerk of the House to continue to provide all administrative support to the House in its current hallowed chamber.

    Speaking on the motion, Amaewhule explained that the Assembly “consists of  people and not the building” and asked  all relevant security agencies to continue to provide security for the Assembly quarters to enable the House perform its constitutional duties.

    Majority Leader, Major Jack, under Statement by the Leader, lamented the failures of the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to submit his list of commissioner-nominees to the House for screening.

    While urging the governor to submit the list in line with the 1999 Constitution, Jack regretted that the state could not boast of a full cabinet.

    Defection of Rivers Speaker consequence of deepening crisis in PDP – Wike

    Reacting to the development  in the Rivers State Assembly, Wike said it was a result of the deepening crisis in the PDP.

    “It’s unfortunate. I have always said everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised. And the requirement of the Constitution is that when a party is factionalised, members are allowed to leave,” the immediate past governor of the state said.

    He spoke to reporters after inspecting ongoing road projects in the nation’s capital.

    He said  although he was not informed by the lawmakers before their defection, they acted within their constitutional rights given the crisis in the party.

    But he said he remains a member of the PDP.

    “I’m still in the PDP,” he said.

    Continuing, Wike said: “ You will see that it’s not everybody that has left. I believe 16 or 17 of them have left out of 27. We still have a good number, about 10, and we will continue to work together.”

    Wike urged the PDP leadership to “put its house in order,” warning that continued internal disarray would  weaken the party’s relevance and cohesion.

    The minister said: “At the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it is the party that is losing. Those who left are free, but those who have remained in the party, we will continue to work together.”

    Responding to  his alleged arrest  in France, Wike branded the report  part of a series of politically motivated falsehoods aimed at distracting him from his duties.

    “Well, what is important is that you remain focused. Like you said, they were the ones that were arrested,” he said jokingly.

     “People would like to distract you. But the moment you are focused, you know what you are doing, you will not be perturbed.”

    He recalled previous false claims about his health and whereabouts, noting that such distractions have become routine.

    “Last time they said I was sick and flown overseas. This time, they said I was arrested in France. I’m doing my job,” he said.

    Wike emphasized that his primary concern is meeting the expectations of President Bola Tinubu and delivering on the mandate assigned to him.

    “As far as my boss, who is the President, is happy with what I am doing, and I am focused on delivering the mandate, people will say all kinds of things,” he said.

    The minister added that sustained delivery of results would ultimately silence his critics.

    “When they carry these kinds of lies, at a point people will no longer read the junk they tell. Critics will always try to play politics; critics will always not be happy that you are doing well. So just focus. Do not be distracted at all,” he said.

    He also urged Abuja residents to continue to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu for massive dividends of democracy. 

    Wike said: “The quality of the job is quite encouraging. And I want to thank Mr. President for the confidence he also has in us. And that’s why most contractors are working even without funding, believing that they will be paid. And that is what is required. I’m so happy. And this will decongest the traffic situation, this leads to Gwarinpa Estate”.

    Turaki faction asks judge to withdraw from suit against party’s leadership

    The Kabiru Turaki faction of the PDP is seeking  “an order for Justice Abdulmalik to recuse herself from further presiding over or taking any further steps in the suit upon circumstances giving rise to reasonable apprehension that they will not receive a fair and impartial hearing before the court.”

    Besides,they are praying the court  for  an order remitting the suit to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for re-assignment to another judge of the Federal High Court for determination on its merit.

    Giving 12  grounds why their application should be considered, The Turaki faction’s  team of lawyers led by Chris Uche (SAN), argued that the right to fair hearing is constitutionally guaranteed under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including the right to an impartial tribunal.

    He argued that there exists a reasonable and well-founded apprehension of the likelihood of bias against his clients in the manner the suit had been handled by Justice Abdulmalik.

    The senior lawyer said the 5th to 25th defendants/applicants, in the motion, had formally petitioned the Chief Judge of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, requesting that no case concerning the internal affairs or disputes of PDP be assigned to Justice Abdulmalik and two other judges of the Abuja judicial division of the court (out of twelve judges of the court) due to past antecedents and perceived partisanship in similar matters.

  • Alleged sexual harassment: Akpabio slams N200b suit on Natasha

    Alleged sexual harassment: Akpabio slams N200b suit on Natasha

    • I now have chance to prove how I was harassed, says Akpoti-Uduaghan

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a N200 billion defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations that he sexually harassed her. The lawsuit, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is accompanied by Motion No. M/12725/2025 and seeks substantial damages, public apologies, and removal of all online content containing the allegations.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed receipt of the suit in a statement posted on Thursday, saying:

    “Today being the 5th day of December, 2025, I’m in receipt of the newly instituted 200 billion naira suit against me by Senator Godswill Akpabio claiming defamation on sexual harassment.”

    She said she welcomed the development, noting that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges had previously declined to hear her petition.

    According to her: “Now, I am glad that Sen. Akpabio has brought this up because the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges failed to grant me audience in this issue relying on the fact that Godswill Akpabio’s wife had instituted a defamatory case against me. Therefore they couldn’t attend to a matter already in court.”

    Court filings seen on Thursday show that Akpabio accuses the Kogi Central senator of granting interviews and making public statements on television, radio, and online that portrayed him as a predator who exploited his position for personal gratification. The Senate President argues that the allegations were widely consumed by “millions of Nigerians,” causing what he describes as severe reputational damage, humiliation, and distress.

    The suit demands: retractions across media platforms, removal of all online materials containing the allegations, public apology broadcasts across major media outlets for consecutive days and N200 billion in damages.

    According to court documents, Akpabio filed an ex parte application in December seeking permission to serve the suit through substituted means after attempts to serve Akpoti-Uduaghan directly were unsuccessful.

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    Justice Kekemeke granted the request, allowing the claimant to serve all originating and subsequent court processes, including hearing notices, through the Clerk of the National Assembly or any staff in the Clerk’s office at the Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

    The court order reads in part: “AN ORDER of the Honourable Court granting leave to the Claimant/Applicant to serve the Originating Processes… by delivering same to the Clerk of the National Assembly, or any staff in the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly… AN ORDER …deeming the said mode of service of the processes on the Defendant as good and proper service.”

    Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her statement, said Senate rules initially prevented her from taking the matter to court because she was required to first present her complaint before the Senate Ethics Committee.

    “Albeit, I couldn’t proceed to court because by senate rules, I must still present my case before the Ethics committee (same committee that recommended my illegal suspension),” she said.

    She added that the lawsuit now gives her the opportunity to present her allegations formally:

    “Alas, I now have a chance to prove how I was sexually harassed and how my refusal to give into his demands unleashed series of unprovoked and unprecedented attacks on my person.”

    Ending her statement, she declared: “See you in court Godswill Akpabio. Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan, Kogi Central.”

    The case Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025 is expected to proceed in the coming weeks and is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched legal battles in Nigeria’s recent political history.

  • Tinubu constitutes boards of NADF, BOA and UBEC

    Tinubu constitutes boards of NADF, BOA and UBEC

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), marking a major step in strengthening governance and accelerating reforms across the agriculture and education sectors.

    In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President affirmed that Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, earlier appointed in July, will continue as chairman of UBEC.

    The board now has full regional representation, with Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem (South-East), Gift Ngo (South-South), Mrs. Ibiwunmi Akinnola (South-West), Dr. Meiro Mandara (North-East), Dr. Abdu Imam Saulawa (North-West), and Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro (North-Central) appointed as members.

    The UBEC chairman and members will serve an initial four-year term.

    For the Bank of Agriculture, President Tinubu confirmed the appointments of Muhammad Babangida as chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as managing director, in line with earlier announcements aimed at repositioning the institution for rural credit expansion and agricultural financing.

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    The President also approved the appointment of three executive directors: Fatima Garba (Corporate Services), Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Risk Management and Strategy), and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Operations).

    Five non-executive directors were named to represent Nigeria’s geopolitical zones: Aminu Malami Mohammed (North-East), Charles Amuchienwa (South-East), Oladejo Odunuga (South-West), Rabiu Idris Funtua (North-West), and Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North-Central).

    At the National Agricultural Development Fund, conceived to expand access to affordable capital for farmers and agripreneurs, President Tinubu appointed Mallam Bello Maccido, pioneer chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and a veteran of over 30 years in the financial services sector, as board chairman. Maccido represents the North-West.

    Other members of the NADF board include financial consultant and banker Dr. Nelson Henry Essien (South-South), chartered accountant Amina Ahmed Habib (North-West), engineer and entrepreneur Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (South-West), investment executive Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (North-East), Lufer Samson Orkar (North-Central), and Felix Achibiri, an energy-sector leader representing the South-East.

    The NADF board will work alongside the Fund’s Executive Secretary and CEO, Muhammad Abu Ibrahim, who was appointed in October 2023 to drive the agency’s mandate of supporting agricultural productivity and food security.

  • Nigerian businessman held in U.S. over alleged $7m fraud

    Nigerian businessman held in U.S. over alleged $7m fraud

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Fresno-based home health care company was arrested at San Francisco International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria. Cashmir Chinedu Luke, 66, of Antioch, is facing charges in a criminal complaint accusing him of fraudulently obtaining over $7 million in payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for services that were never provided, including care allegedly given to veterans weeks after their deaths.

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    According to court documents, between December 2019 and July 2024, Luke operated Four Corners Health LLC, which offered in-home nursing and daily care for elderly VA beneficiaries under the Veterans Community Care Program. Four Corners provided services in several counties across California, including Fresno, Tulare, Merced, and San Francisco.

    Luke allegedly ran a five-year scheme, billing the VA for care hours that were never delivered. He is accused of submitting approximately 10,000 false claims for care, resulting in the VA reimbursing Four Corners $7 million. The fraudulent claims included duplicate charges, claims for days when no care was provided, over-reported care hours, and care for veterans who were already deceased.

  • KWAM1 joins race to become next Awujale of Ijebuland

    KWAM1 joins race to become next Awujale of Ijebuland

    Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1, has formally indicated interest in the prestigious Awujale stool—this time not as a descendant of the Fidipote Ruling House with which he is widely associated, but as a claimant from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode.

    The Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, confirmed to The Nation yesterday that the musician submitted a letter expressing his intention to vie for the throne.

    “Yes, he wrote a letter to me which was delivered around 2 p.m. yesterday (Thursday),” Owoyemi said. “There was no name, address, or phone number on the paper. But I replied to him after obtaining his WhatsApp number from those who brought the letter on his behalf.”

    Owoyemi stated that although the collection of nomination forms, which opened on July 15, closed on December 6, Ayinde was granted special consideration and given an additional three working days to obtain and submit the form, with a new deadline of December 10.

    However, the Olori Ebi emphasized that Ayinde must first establish proof of belonging to the Fusengbuwa lineage.

    “Every legitimate member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House must complete a lineage data form, duly signed by the Head of the Royal Family, and send it to me,” he explained. “It is only after we verify the accuracy of the information that we can take action and register that person.”

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    Owoyemi added that while his response had been communicated to Ayinde, no reply had been received from him as of yesterday.

    He said the Fuji maestro has up till December 10 to respond and return his nomination form.

    “We only allowed him that special consideration. I do not know his family lineage. So, I can’t say anything now until we receive his formal letter and nomination form duly signed by his Olori Ebi on his letterhead paper clarifying that he is from the whichever lineage he claims,” clarified Owoyemi.

    The stool of the Awujale, one of the most revered traditional thrones in Yorubaland, became open following the recent passage of Oba Sikiru Adetona.

  • Tinubu, Akpabio, govs, others bid Segun Awolowo farewell

    Tinubu, Akpabio, govs, others bid Segun Awolowo farewell

    • He built bridges across the Niger, says Senate President

    • He had uncommon devotion to Nigerian dream – Sanwo-Olu

    President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio led an array of top political and business figures to the funeral service of the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Olusegun Awolowo, held yesterday in Lagos.

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin, as well as former governors James Ibori (Delta), Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), were also in attendance. Other notable guests included former and serving public officials, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic and traditional institutions.

    The service took place at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, and was officiated by the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, The Rt. Revd Ifedola Okupevi. The late Awolowo was a grandson of the late sage and former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the late Awolowo, describing him as a committed public servant whose contributions strengthened national institutions.

    He said: “Segun served Nigeria with an exceptional passion and unending dedication. From his earliest days as a Special Assistant to the President, through his distinguished tenure as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, he pursued his objectives with discipline and purpose and achieved real success for our country.

    “His latter service as Secretary of the National Committee for the African Continental Free Trade Area underscored his belief in a future for Nigeria and Africa built on trade, collaboration and shared prosperity. He was a family man, a kind and gentle man who spoke to people’s hearts just as well as he did to their minds.”

    President Tinubu prayed for comfort for the widow, children, friends and family members of the deceased, especially his mother, Abba Folawiyo, saying God would grant them the grace “to remember Segun as he was, a good man who lived well.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his tribute, described Awolowo as a man of uncommon dedication and quiet strength.

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    He said: “He worked with quiet dignity and unwavering conviction and had an uncommon devotion and dedication to the Nigerian dream. We gather to honour our father, brother, grandfather, friend and a true Nigerian.

    “Mr Olusegun Omotunde Kofi Awolowo Jr, a son of legacy, a servant of our nation, a pillar of his generation and indeed a man of deep humility. Our friend and brother, Olusegun, was not just a public figure. He was a bridge between history and the future, between ideal and action, and between his illustrious lineage and the ordinary people that he truly cared for.

    “We grew up knowing the real Awolowo family, of which our friend and brother stood tall. But if you also recall in that lineage, Segun Awolowo was not just outstanding; he was indeed a true icon coming from that name.”

    Sanwo-Olu commiserated with Awolowo’s widow, Adebola, his children and wider family, as well as friends and associates, noting that the late NEPC boss died on November 20 at the age of 62.

    In his sermon, the Vicar of Our Saviour’s Church and Archdeacon of Ikoyi Archdeaconry, The Ven. Folorunso Agbelusi, described the deceased as a great man who upheld and sustained the Awolowo name with honour.

  • Insecurity: Our goal is to overwhelm the enemy – Musa

    Insecurity: Our goal is to overwhelm the enemy – Musa

    • Says reward, discipline will drive tenure as Defence Minister

    • Troops crush kidnappers, rescue 10 victims in Kaduna

    Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, assumed office as Minister of Defence yesterday, promising to improve staff welfare, enhance rewards, and maintain discipline.

    General Musa took office nearly 24 hours after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Thursday, and was received by the Permanent Secretary, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, directors and staff of the Ministry of Defence.

    Addressing the Ministry’s staff, General Musa, emphasized zero tolerance to corruption, indiscipline, or indolence, stressing that the loyalty of every staff should be to the country and her people.

    He said the goodwill he received since his appointment reflected Nigerians’ collective belief in turning the tide against insecurity. He, however, stressed that such belief should not be met with rhetoric, but with action.

    He said: “First and foremost, we as Nigerians must take ownership of our national challenges. No one else will solve our problems for us.

    “When we decide together that we are capable of addressing these issues, then we will succeed. God has already given us the capacity; the responsibility now rests on us to act.”

    Musa acknowledged the leadership and support of his predecessor and the ministry’s staff during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff. However, with his new role, he has a different focus.

    “Returning now as Minister, my focus is to do even more, especially concerning welfare, administration, and strategic direction,” he said.

    “I strongly believe in reward and discipline. Those who excel will be rewarded, and where corrective measures are required, they will be taken. We must consistently assess what we do and find ways to improve.

    “I expect every member of this ministry to put in their best without waiting to be reminded of their responsibilities. If each of us does our part, the nation’s burden becomes lighter.”

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    The Minister emphasized that the core philosophy guiding the ministry is anchored on three key pillars: operational effectiveness, unified action, and strategic foresight.

    In line with this, he noted that silos have no place in the ministry, and gaps between policy and execution must be eliminated, thereby positioning the Ministry as a powerhouse of strategic direction, providing support and ensuring accountability.

    According to him, the ministry must serve as the strategic brain of our defence architecture, leveraging technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and strengthen partnerships with our allies and other security agencies, while using data to guide decisions.

    The Minister emphasized zero tolerance to corruption, indiscipline, or indolence, stressing that the loyalty of every staff should be to the country and her people.

    “I expect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and urgency; we do not have time to waste,” he said.

    “We must respect human rights, avoid mistakes where possible, and when they occur, correct them decisively. I will always welcome candid advice and robust debate, but once a decision is made, we must move as one team.”

    General Musa stressed that, even though his life has been defined by uniform, an ethos of service, and a sacred covenant to defend the country, he came into the ministry “not as a stranger to our security challenges, but as a comrade who has been in the trenches”.

    He noted that he had witnessed the courage of our troops, the complexity of our threats, and the importance of strategic coordination, and would continue to emphasize that no individual or service can achieve success alone, but must work together as one.

    He said: “Our troops are out there, day and night, in rain and storm, risking everything so that Nigerians can sleep in peace. We must support them, pray for them, and work with other ministries, departments and agencies to ensure they succeed.”

    According to the Minister, President Bola Tinubu had assured them of his full support, and he expected results. He noted that in the coming weeks, they would demonstrate a renewed commitment from within the ministry and across all theatres of operation.

    “We will begin with a rigorous review of all theatre commands and inter-service operations,” Musa said.

    “My door will remain open for frank discussions on equipment, training, welfare, and strategy. Our aim is seamless jointness.”

    Speaking on troop welfare, General Musa noted that welfare is not just an administrative issue, but a strategic and morale-boosting factor for force multipliers, which he would implement with utmost seriousness, pledging to prioritize the welfare of troops and their families.

    “Their operational allowances must be paid promptly. Accommodation, medical care, and support for injured personnel and families of the fallen must be priorities.

    “Those on the frontlines watch how we treat their colleagues. If they feel abandoned, they cannot give their best. Anyone who risks his or her life for Nigeria deserves nothing but utmost respect,” he said.

    While emphasizing that the shedding of innocent blood and kidnapping must end, and farmers return to their farms, the Minister noted that the issues require both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions, justice, equity, fairness, and good governance, which should be pursued comprehensively, and with a balanced approach.

    He assured the Service Chiefs of full support, but expected their unwavering cooperation.

    “To the Permanent Secretary and our civil service cadre, you are the institutional memory of this ministry. Your diligence is essential to translating military objectives into actionable policies.

    “The road ahead will be tough. Let us not underestimate that. But we are Nigerians, resilient, determined, and capable. The threats we face may be adaptive and complex, but our spirit is stronger. With the support and prayers of Nigerians, we will not fail,” he said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, said they were glad to have General Musa back as the Minister of Defence, and promised full cooperation and support to achieve their mandates.

    He said: “In the meeting we had earlier, I made it clear that we must be sincere and collective in our approach.

    “To achieve meaningful results, we must get the full buy-in of the Minister to drive the process, and the government must continue to demonstrate the political will required to support our efforts.

    “I want to assure the Minister that collectively, we will support this cause and strengthen the confidence of Nigerians in our Armed Forces. I am convinced that, going forward, Nigeria will be better,” he said.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, I reaffirm their collective commitment to supporting the new leadership.

    “As you have always emphasised, service to the nation requires professionalism, integrity, discipline and accountability.

    “We stand ready to work diligently under your guidance to uphold these values,” the Permanent Secretary said.

     Meanwhile, at the heel the new defence chief’s appointment, troops of Sector 5, Operation PEACE SHIELD, have achieved a major breakthrough in Kaduna State with the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition and ransom money. The development comes days after the appointment of the new Chief of Defence Staff.

    The operation was launched following the abduction of several women from their farms at Ungwan Nungu in Sanga Local Government Area on November 29, 2025. Troops immediately initiated a coordinated search-and-rescue mission across the area.

    According to military sources, the troops made contact with the kidnappers at about 06 40hrs on December 5, 2025, as the criminals attempted to collect ransom from relatives of the abducted victims. The soldiers engaged the kidnappers with “superior firepower,” forcing them to flee into the surrounding forests and abandon the captives.

    All 10 victims — one adult male, three male children, three elderly women and three female children — were rescued unharmed. They have since been debriefed and reunited with their families.

    Troops also recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle, a round of 9mm ammunition and ₦1.6 million, identified as part of the ransom money the kidnappers had attempted to collect.

    The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens and denying criminal groups the freedom to operate, assuring communities of continued operations to enhance safety and security nationwide.

  • Nigeria is safe, says ex-British PM Johnson

    Nigeria is safe, says ex-British PM Johnson

    Contrary to the widespread narrative that Nigeria is suffering mass insecurity, a former Prime Minister of Britain, Boris Johnson, has declared that the country is safe.

    He made the declaration on Thursday in Owerri, Imo State, at the first economic summit organised by the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

    He said that from when he landed in Lagos, through his night at a hotel and his movement to Owerri, there was nothing to suggest that Nigeria was unsafe.

    Johnson disclosed that he was almost persuaded not to make the trip to Nigeria for the Imo Economic Summit by those who kept instilling fear in him that insecurity was prevalent in the country.

    “Well, I told them I gonna go anyway, and here I am safe.  I feel perfectly safe, the streets are also safe, “he said.

    Nigeria, he said, is now the most admired investment destination among billionaire businessmen and proceeded to share, in comparison, his personal experience in the Gulf.

    “This is a true story,” he began. “Two days ago, I was in the Gulf. I won’t say which city, but it was a global investment conference. The room was full of high rollers. Titans. People who move markets with a sentence. I was sitting next to one of them, a man with tens of billions of dollars. He told me he had so many homes in Malibu, he didn’t have enough family to fill them. So many private jets, he flies with two at a time. One for the journey. The other, just in case the first runs out of peanuts.”

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    The room erupted in laughter. But Boris wasn’t done.

    “This man,” he continued, “is a brilliant investor. People hang on his every word. It was like that scene in Trading Places, when everyone waits to hear what Eddie Murphy will say about the next stock. We asked him, ‘Where is the country? The one you believe is the most exciting investment prospect in the world?’”

    He paused.

    “And he said, ‘I’ll tell you what it is. It’s going to overtake China. I’ve been looking at the numbers. It’s got the most dynamic population of virtually any country on earth. The answer is Nigeria.’”

    Boris’ remark was well received by the audience, many of whom said it aligned with their long-held view that Nigeria is positioned for greater global relevance and should not be seen as a marginal or struggling player.

    The former UK leader subsequently noted that he had discovered that Nigeria also upholds the rule of law, arguing that a country that respects the rule of law and has a relative security is ripe for investment.

    He commended Governor Uzodimma for his massive road infrastructure, his focus on sustainability electricity, and digital empowerment of human resources.

    According to him, the digital empowerment of youths was the way to go as the society will in the nearest future depend on Artificial Intelligence for economic transformation.

    He described Uzodimma as a visionary and transformative leader who is focused on the future by unleashing the economic potentials of the state.

    Johnson noted that with a dynamic potential and the largest reserve of gas in West Africa and the availability of critical infrastructure, Imo was on its way of being the destination investment hub in the country.

    He described Nigeria as the greatest friend of Britain with their shared history in trade and human development.

    He acknowledged that Nigerians in the UK have assisted in the growth of their home country and predicted that a prime minister of Nigerian descent will soon emerge in his country.

    In his speech, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described Uzodimma as a resourceful leader who, in a football scenario, was the defender, attacker,midfielder and goalkeeper rolled into one.

    He said Imo under Uzodimma is primed for transformation, given the development of infrastructure and digital technology.

    Shettima, while pledging the federal government’s readiness to assist Imo State in its investment drive and developmental initiatives, described Igbo people as the most critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

    “Half of Abuja is owned by Ndigbo. They are everywhere.  Anywhere you go and you don’t find Ndigbo, just run,” he declared.

  • Doctor arrested while ferrying drugs to kidnappers in Kwara

    Doctor arrested while ferrying drugs to kidnappers in Kwara

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a medical doctor suspected of transporting medical supplies from Sokoto State to kidnapping gangs operating in parts of Kwara State.

    Security sources confirmed that the suspect was apprehended in the Jebba area after intelligence reports linked him to the activities of the kidnappers and their alleged couriers. He is currently in DSS custody.

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    According to the intelligence gathered by the service, some criminal groups have recently been seeking urgent medical attention, particularly for gunshot wounds sustained during clashes with security forces.

    A security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that health facilities located near forested areas may be targeted. “We are advising improved security measures in health facilities in thickly forested areas, which the kidnappers may target,” the official said.

    Further details on the arrest and ongoing investigations are expected to be released by the DSS in due course.

  • Insecurity: Again, how did we get to this pass? (2)

    Insecurity: Again, how did we get to this pass? (2)

    A school of thought contends that Nigeria’s current crisis is rooted in three interrelated factors: the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, the expansion of Sharia law in several Northern States, and the abandonment of Sir Ahmadu Bello’s vision of a secular penal code. Proponents argue that this shift coincided with a period in which some strands of international Islam turned towards militancy. A good example was the emergence of Osama bin Laden and the broader “war on terror” that reshaped global alliances.

    This school of thought, which includes figures like Ayo Osunloye, also points to the perceived alignment of NATO members with Israel’s policies towards Arab and Muslim peoples. They suggest that such external dynamics have reverberated within Nigeria’s borders. According to this view, the 1999 Constitution imposed a largely unitary system that concentrates power at the centre.

    =Furthermore, they argue that the dominance of a particular religious and ethnic bloc in government, the weakening of independent intelligence institutions, and the absence of egalitarian principles have further eroded the social contract. The result, they say, is a cascade of symptoms – insurgency, poverty, religious intolerance, ethnic oppression, and discrimination – that have failed to – and cannot – be solved by security measures alone.

    The tragedy of our situation is a complex one, as it finds expression in the failure to address key allegations, such as the “clear sabotage” claim raised by Governor Bello Idris of Kebbi State regarding the Maga matter. This silence forces a deeper question: Are we content to remain paralyzed by inaction?

    Well, those whose flexible heels have been oiled by the speculative notion that Donald Trump’s ultimate interest was Nigeria’s oil exhibited their hypocrisy by overlooking the fact that our country was a disaster waiting to happen. Trump, in fact, merely drew attention to the calm before an inevitable storm. Had Nigeria acted with the required political will years ago, we would have already tackled the social miasma currently threatening the national fabric. Now that the consequences have materialized, the focus must shift entirely to domestic defense and reform, not to seeking external saviours or breeding scapegoats.

    READ ALSO; FULL LIST: Countries banned, excluded from FIFA World Cups (1938- 2026)

    In his Farewell Address on January 17, 1961, former President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned against the military-industrial complex – the immense, intertwined power of the defense industry and the military establishment. Eisenhower cautioned that its unwarranted influence could threaten democratic processes and liberties. He urged an alert and knowledgeable citizenry to maintain balance between security and freedom.

    After Eisenhower’s speech, John F. Kennedy, who succeeded him, decided that the only way the country could have an effective Defence budget was to bring in Robert McNamara from Ford Motors as Secretary of Defence. McNamara was not a General in the American Army, but he was one of the best managers of his generation. At that time, leaving Ford Motors as President/CEO to become the Secretary of Defence (a post he held from 1961 to 1968) was a pay cut of around 99%. But McNamara accepted the offer. 

    Remember also General Sir Frank Kitson, formerly the Commander-in-Chief, UK Land Forces, who authored the influential book, Low Intensity Operations. This work details the complexities of guerrilla warfare and describes the various functions the British Army employed to contain insurgencies in different theaters. Because of its practical insights, the book is strongly recommended reading for Ministers Christopher Musa and Bello Matawalle, and, indeed, the entire rank and file of the Nigerian Defence Forces.

    A lasting solution, Nigerians argue, requires a new constitution that guarantees equal citizenship regardless of religion or ethnicity and that fully embodies federalism – not in garb but in reality; both in letter and in practice. Such a framework, they claim, would address the underlying structural imbalances rather than merely treating the outward manifestations of the crisis. Even at that, the nation must seek, first, superior strategic thinking to manage the ongoing security crisis.

    ● Concluded.