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  • Ex-agitator condemns inciting remarks

    Ex-agitator condemns inciting remarks

    Mayor of Urhobo land and Head of Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown, Dr. Israel Eshanekpe (Akpodoro), has called on Federal Government not to relent in its collaboration with Donald Trump administration in United States to stamp out insecurity in the country.

     He said Nigerians deserve peace and progress, noting that one of the fundamental principles of governance is security of lives and properties. 

    Akpodoro spoke in a statement in Ughelli, Delta State, yesterday, while condemning remarks by top leaders that can incite the people into violence and heat up the polity.

    Upbeat about the security collaboration between Federal Government and America, Akpodoro wondered what leader of defunct Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, and Islamic cleric, Sheik Gumi, would do as American soldiers have arrived Nigeria in furtherance to the pact reached by both countries in the anti-terror war in Nigeria.

    The mayor noted that Dokubo-Asari had boasted that should American soldiers set foot in Nigeria, they would not return to their country alive, while in his reaction to the Christmas Eve bombing of terrorists hideout in Sokoto, Gumi had called on Federal Government to discontinue the U.S. intervention in fighting terrorism, saying it would attract anti-U.S forces to Nigeria and make the country a theatre of war.

    Condemning their stance, the mayor noted that it denotes sympathy for the terrorism and banditry that have plagued Nigeria in decades.

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    Akpodoro, former agitator, also slammed the statement by  President of Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Sheikh Bashir Umar, which rejected appointment of a Christian, Prof Joash Amupitan, as chair of Independent National Electoral Commision during the council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly: “Nigeria’s Future: Faith, Justice.

    Describing Umar’s  comment as reckless, unwarrantedly divisive, Akpodoro said such statement was unbecoming of such highly rated council.

    The mayor said appointment of an INEC chairman is the discretion of the President  and not that of the Islamic establishment, saying Federal Government should stop preachers from making comments considered bellicose not to heat up the polity. He called on Office of National Security Adviser to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, to call such people to order.

    “Every Nigerian is qualified to attain to any position and no religion is superior to others. This administration must taming the anarchists…

    “Such erroneous thought was expressed in the coup against our elected President. Should any group truncate this democracy, Nigeria will never stand united again. No Nigerian today will condone military rule. The ‘born to rule’ in the country should be mindful of how they parade themselves because the nation is on the edge and we must  be careful not to trigger eruption,” the mayor warned.

  • Foundation gives free UTME forms

    Foundation gives free UTME forms

    Chief Executive Officer of Ade Crown Empowerment Foundation (ACEF), Temitayo Abiodun, has begun distribution of 600 free UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) application forms to qualified secondary school leavers in Ekiti State.

    The initiative, which started on February 2 at JIL Cybercafé (Torkin Technology), behind Ikere-Ekiti Town Hall, Ikere-Ekiti, ends on February, 13.

    Abiodun said the project represents the foundation’s effort to reduce financial constraints faced by families and to encourage young people to pursue higher education. He noted that access to education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building a progressive society.

    “This initiative is to give students opportunity to further their education without being limited by financial challenges. Our youths are the future of Ekiti State and Nigeria, and investing in their education is investing in sustainable development,” he said.

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    The initiative has continued to positively impact students in the state by providing support and opening pathways to tertiary education. Beneficiaries of previous editions have successfully got admission into higher institutions.

    Temitayo urged students in the state, particularly those in Ikere-Ekiti, to take advantage of the opportunity while registration is open. He stressed that the forms are limited and will be distributed to eligible candidates on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Community stakeholders and education advocates have lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, especially in the face of rising educational costs and economic challenges.

    Parents, guardians, and students are to visit the registration venue to ensure they benefit from the  programme.

    The foundation reiterated its commitment to initiatives that promote education, youth empowerment, and community development in the state and beyond.

  • Court dismisses defamation case against actress

    Court dismisses defamation case against actress

     Federal Capital Territory Chief Magistrate’s Court, Abuja, has dismissed a defamation suit filed against Nollywood actress, Elizabeth Anjorin (aka Lizzy Anjorin), for being incompetent and lacking merit.

    In dismissing the suit, CR/25/2025, Chief Magistrate Sunday Adukwu awarded N50,000 costs against the complainant, Audullahi Mosadoluwa, wife of a Lagos-based property developer, Ibile.

    The magistrate delivered the ruling, upholding a preliminary objection filed by Anjorin, which challenged the competence of the suit and the court’s jurisdiction to entertain it.

    Mosadoluwa, had instituted the suit against Anjorin and Shakira Ayobami through her counsel, Yakubu Eleto.

    The complainant accused Anjorin and Ayobami of criminal defamation, acts and conduct likely to breach public peace, tranquillity, order and decorum, and the publication of false, malicious and defamatory statements.

    However, the defendants, through their counsel, A.U.E. Ogboi, filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the complaint.

    The objection was predicated on a single issue: whether, given the circumstances of the case, the court had the power to entertain the direct criminal complaint.

    The complainant raised two issues, including whether the court lacked jurisdiction and whether the criminal summons was incompetent on the grounds that the complaint giving rise to it was defective.

    She argued, among others, that the affidavit of urgency was not one of facts; that the application for leave to issue or serve outside jurisdiction was made under civil procedure rules; that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 makes no provision for counsel to serve summons; and that the summons is an abuse of court process.

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    After citing legal authorities, the magistrate ruled in favour of Anjorin and dismissed the criminal complaint.

    He held that the direct criminal complaint was “absolutely incompetent on many fronts’’, noting that Section 80(4) of ACJA, 2015 requires a complainant to file a single complaint at a time, whereas the complainant filed multiple offences in one complaint; criminal defamation, acts likely to breach public peace, and publication of false and defamatory statements.

    The court further held that both the complainant and the defendants are residents of Lagos and not the FCT, thereby robbing the court of the requisite jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter.

    According to the magistrate, the arguments of the complainant’s counsel could not withstand legal scrutiny and amounted to an abuse of court process marked by gross procedural irregularities.

    “There are certain irregularities which a court may condone in the interest of substantial justice, but certainly not one with such a shaky foundation, irreconcilable loopholes and clear misunderstanding of the provisions of the ACJA as represented in this case,” the court held.

    The magistrate struck out the direct criminal complaint for incompetence and irredeemable procedural defects, awarding N50,000 costs against the complainant.

  • The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    The dynamics of Kano governor’s defection

    The Permutations:

    There are new political and power dynamics in Kano State, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defects from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Kwankwasiya group to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). As we count down to the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, the days and months ahead will be very interesting. However, even though this is a win for the APC, but due to the sophisticated nature of Kano politics, it is not over until it’s over!

    Essentially, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso a former Governor of Kano State and the national leader of the Kwankwasiya group has overreached. So, obviously, the die is cast. He has lost his key political godson, who, coincidentally, is his son-in-law, to his political arch-enemy, former governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and APC. In my view, this type of politics of sense of entitlement of the political class, and the vicious cycle of transactional political godfatherism in Nigeria is timing out. For instance, we are witnessing what is playing out, which is at a crescendo in Rivers state. We are witnessing what is happening in Kano state. Not long ago, we saw what played out between Governor Uba Sani, and his predecessor, Governor Nasir El- Rufa’i.

    This is a lesson for political players that sometimes you need to play the long game. And indeed, for those that have the stay power in politics, they play for the long game.

    Potential Implications:

    However, with this development, trouble is waiting to happen amongst the political titans within the APC in Kano State.  This trouble has been brewing subliminally before the arrival of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Power brokers like a former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman or the APC Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who was hitherto the leader of the APC in Kano State; the Deputy Senate President of the Federation, Senator Barau Jibrin, who has been nursing the ambition and has been investing heavily to emerge as the APC Governorship candidate l  to contest against Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and other political juggernauts in Kano he already been scheming for supremacy build to the APC congresses. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how these strange bedfellows will fully align with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who has practically no political structure, especially build up to the upcoming  ward, state, regional, and national Congresses and Convention.

    Kano State politics is peculiar. The fact that Mr. President intervened is true. The fact that the Convention will play a role is true. But as you come down the political structure, the disposition and the consciousness is not the same. The cunningness of the politicians iand voters, including those ones that Mr. President has marshalled, is different. They will go in the night and say, do this.”Shebi” it’s the President. I want to hold on to what he’s given me. But when the day is cast and it’s too late, everybody will answer his name.

    The litmus test for his excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will start having is during the upcoming APC Congress. Because that is when he will start setting up his own political structure. Even though the APC stalwarts may like to “donate” or “rent” their structure for Governor Abba Kabir in the interest winning the elections for President Tinubu and the APC, none of the APC political gladiators is ready to remain political subordinated for the next five, six years.

    Therefore what remains to be seen is if the APC political titans will be 100% loyal to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. What also remains to be seen if of the Kwankwasiya structure that Governor Abba has taken to APC will get a strong holding within in the APC. Or if they return to the NNPP if they do not feel full accommodated in APC. Or if they will remain in the APC and sabotage the APC at the critical time of elections.  This is because the Kano APC is it constituted now is a conglomeration of sworn and bitter political enemies whose rivalry and long term interests are hardly negotiable. Of course in the face value, the words of President Tinubu may sink in and be effective only for a while. But the political gladiators know that the current arrangement only serves the interest of Mr. President, while their respective mid to long term political structures and ambitions are in jeopardy. This is especially so given the fact that the 2027 general elections will determine the political structures and future of these politicians.

    Furthermore, it is clear that Governor Abba Kabir’s defection to the APC is for self preservation and to consolidate his quest for second term in office which is not really guaranteed even with the defection to the APC. This is because, the Kwankwasiya movement is still solid at the grassroots level in Kano. Whoever underestimates or overlooks the love for the Kwankwasiya movement under the leadership of Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is doing so at his own peril! Indeed the masses love Senator Kwankwaso and if anything the defection of Governor Abba Kabir has triggered more attention and sympathy for Senator Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiya movement.

    Meanwhile, it is worthy of note that , due to the alleged overbearing influence of Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a few months into the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf, the protagonists, started a mantra in Kano, saying, “Abba tsaya da kafafunka”, or “Abba tsaya da kanka” , meaning, “Abba Kabir, stand on your feet” (Abba be independent). And that mantra was the beginning of what we have seen that has happened today. Consequently, some members of the cabinet of governor Abba Kabir who were also members of the NNPP and the Kwankwasiya movement, including, the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, started moving away to the APC, claiming  that there is an overbearing hold on the governor by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Further down the line, that continued to crystallise. And, obviously, like I said in my opening remarks earlier, this is a typical template of godfatherism,  playing out between a godson and godfather.

    Well, having done that now, Governor Abba Kabir was able to use this opportunity of his bosse’s overbearing influence, and at the same time, his overreaching with regards to the political dynamics at the national level.

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    It’s not over until it’s over!:

    The defection of Governor Abba Kabir from the NNPP to the APC has certainly dealt a blow on Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s political structure- the Kwankwasiya movement, in the short term. However, it is highly likely that in the mid to long term, Senator Rabi’u  Musa Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiya movement could resurge stronger, far as potentially Kano state politics is concerned, if anything. This is especially so if we go back to history. Kano politicians and voters are masters of this protest vote game we play.

    Let remind us of what happened during the 1991 Gubernatorial elections in Kano State between when the Gubernatorial candidate of the then Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, late Engineer, Magaji Abdullahi, and the Gubernatorial candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Arc.  Kabiru Ibrahlm Gaya. Members of the two factions of the defunct Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)  were members of the SDP. The PRP had two factions: the faction loyal to late Mallam Aminu Kano, the former national leader of the PRP, that we call the “Tabo” group, and the faction loyal to late Alhaki Abubakar Rimi, a former governor of Kano State. This is akin to what we have now in the APC in Kano state, and with governor Abba Kabir group and the APC team under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje which is know in Kano as the “Gandujiya”.  group. When push came to shove, and late Engr. Magaji of the PRP “Tabo” faction emerged as the SDP Governorship candidate, the “Santsi” group kept quiet. But during the election, guess what they did? The “Santsi” faction and their supporters, in protest gave their votes  to the NRC candidate, and that is how Arc. Kabiru Ibrahlm Gaya emerged as the governor of Kano State. This political calculus, is typical of Kano politics notwithstanding Presidential intervention or interference or directive.

    All being said, how Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf continues to deliver the dividends of democracy to the masses in Kano state between now and 2027 and beyond, will determine how the massive Kwankwasiya movement will sway in terms of voting pattern. Now we have seen how the political elites in the cabinet of governor Abba Kabir have moved to the APC.  What is important to note is that the defections have not significantly impacted the value of the Kwankwasiya at the grassroots, What remains to be seen is how it plays out in the voting pattern.

  • Museveni’s chokehold

    Museveni’s chokehold

    No fewer than 2,000 opposition actors were officially confirmed detained following the 15th January election in Uganda that President Yoweri Museveni won by a landslide. Thirty other opposition elements were confirmed killed by government’s own narrative on the disputed poll.

    Museveni won his seventh term in a poll held amid internet shutdown and characteristic claims of irregularities by opposition players. At 81 years of age, he has ruled his country for 40 years, making him the third-longest-serving non-royal national leader in the world. Since taking power in 1986 at the head of a military insurgency, he has changed the Ugandan constitution twice to remove age and term limits and pull state institutions under presidential control.

    Official results showed Museveni winning with 72 percent of the vote, but the poll was faulted by election observers and rights groups owing to heavy repression of the opposition and the internet blackout. In its wake, the whereabouts of opposition leader Bobi Wine – real name Robert Kyagulanyi, and who won 25 percent of the vote – were uncertain after he said he had escaped a police raid on his home and was in hiding. Police denied the raid and said the opposition leader was still at home, but they blocked journalists from accessing the residence. Wine resurfaced in public when, on 26th January, he visited his mother’s gravesite in Gomba District.

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    Uganda is categorised “not free” by rights monitor, Freedom House, which noted that while the country holds regular elections, they are not considered credible. African election observers, including a team from the African Union, said following the January poll that “reports of intimidation, arrest and abductions…instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process.” Analysts described the election as a formality, given Museveni’s total control of state and security institutions, though many Ugandans praise him for bringing relative peace and prosperity to the country.

    In his victory speech after the poll, Museveni described members of Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), as terrorists. He accused them of having planned to attack polling stations in areas where they were losing. “Some of the opposition are wrong and also terrorists,” he said, adding: “They are working with some foreigners and some homosexual groups. All the traitors – this is free advice from me – stop everything, because we know what you are doing and you will not do it.”

    Uganda’s military chief and Museveni’s son, Lieutenant-General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirmed that authorities had detained 2,000 opposition supporters, killed 30 and were hunting for more following the election. In social media post, Kainerugaba described NUP supporters as hooligans and terrorists, saying: “So far, we have killed 30 NUP terrorists” without explaining the circumstances of the deaths. “Most NUP terrorist leaders are in hiding. We shall get them all,” he said in another post on X.

    You may need to visit Museveni’s Uganda to understand how being in opposition equates to terrorism.

  • APC plans inclusive convention, congresses as Tinubu meets party leaders, N’Assembly heads

    APC plans inclusive convention, congresses as Tinubu meets party leaders, N’Assembly heads

     …we’re reviewing timetable, studying political environment to ensure nobody is left behind – Yilwatda

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday met with key segments of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party disclosed plans to organise an inclusive national convention and congresses, in line with its growth and expanding membership.

    The meeting, held at the State House, Abuja, with the party’s national leadership, sub-national leaders and the APC caucus in the National Assembly, was described as a strategic session to align preparations and ensure synergy among the various arms of government and the party structure.

    Speaking after the meeting, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the engagement with the President was to review the party’s readiness for the forthcoming convention and congresses.

    “It was just a brief meeting to review the preparations for the convention and the congresses and the synergy between all arms of government so that we can be on one page; the sub-national, the national, the National Assembly and the party,” Yilwatda said.

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    According to him, the party leadership also assessed the prevailing political environment and resolved to ensure that the process would be broad-based and inclusive, particularly in view of the influx of new members and governors into the party.

    “Same timetable, the same planning activities, but just to study the environment and review our preparation as a party and ensure inclusivity,” he said.

    Yilwatda added that the APC was determined to carry all stakeholders along as it expands.

    “Both at national and sub-national, I want to carry everybody along with the party. We have new members who have come in, new governors, new members, the party is expanding every day, we are growing beyond bounds. We want to ensure that in the course of this growth nobody is left behind,” he stated.

    Those at the meeting included the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Abdurahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip of the House, Usman Bello Kumo; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.

    On the President’s role in the party’s preparations, Yilwatda said Tinubu was fully supportive, describing his counsel as valuable.

    “Excellent. Mr. President, as you know, is a shrewd politician, very experienced, and his advice was remarkable,” he said.

    He also credited the party’s continued growth to Tinubu’s political experience and leadership.

    “The expansion, the growth, is because of his experience and his depth of knowledge in political cycle,” the APC chairman added.

    It would be recalled that the APC in late January and early February released its adjusted timetable for its various congresses and the National Convention.

    In the new timetable, the ward congresses was fixed for February 18; the local government congresses are scheduled for February 20; state congresses for March 7; zonal congresses for March 21; and the National Convention to hold between March 27 and 28, all this year.

    The APC is expected to intensify consultations across the federation ahead of the convention and congresses, as the party leadership seeks to consolidate unity and accommodate new entrants within its ranks.

  • Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Alhaji Buba Galadima, has faulted key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that the recent amendments could weaken Nigeria’s democracy, undermine electoral integrity and open the door to manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Galadima, who spoke on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, criticised the reduction of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) statutory timeline for election preparations, describing it as unrealistic and counter-productive.

    “Even if you calculate backwards, INEC could not meet the 360-day timeline, not to talk of a shorter one. You are creating unnecessary pressure that can only lead to chaos,” he said.

    He also condemned the National Assembly for retaining discretionary powers for INEC on the electronic transmission of results, arguing that the provision leaves room for abuse.

    “They never expunged that provision. They only left it at the discretion of INEC, which is creating room for rigging. The Senate is only wise by half,” Galadima said.

    According to him, lawmakers deliberately shifted responsibility to INEC, despite the commission’s lack of independence. “They want to shift responsibility to INEC, but INEC is appointed by the executive, and you know for sure that it is what the executive wants that INEC will likely do,” he added.

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    Galadima accused the lawmakers of enacting the new electoral law for self-serving interests rather than the national good, saying it failed to improve on previous legislation.

    “We thought that each time we pass an electoral bill, it would improve on the last one. But this one is clearly for personal protection by the Senate. There is no innovation in it. They could as well have left the 2022 Electoral Act intact instead of bastardising it for what they envisage to do in 2027,” he said.

    Questioning INEC’s capacity to act independently, Galadima said the commission lacked the institutional leverage to withstand political pressure, a development he warned could influence the conduct of the next election.

    “This INEC doesn’t even have the lever to call anybody to order. That clearly indicates what this INEC is likely to do in the next election,” he stated.

    He also criticised what he described as increasing judicial interference in internal party affairs, warning that such actions were damaging to democracy and the legal profession.

    “A justice of the Supreme Court once warned judges against interfering in party politics. It is a disgrace that judges now take partisan positions, like what happened in Ibadan,” he said.

    The NNPP stalwart dismissed claims that electronic voting and transmission were unworkable in Nigeria, insisting that technology had advanced enough to make the process seamless. 

    “In these days of technology, there is nothing you cannot do. What happened before was not accidental, it was a deliberate glitch. If we want electronic voting and transmission, it is possible. Other countries even offered Nigeria satellite coverage free of charge because they wanted free and fair elections, but the government refused because they wanted to manipulate the system,” he alleged.

    Galadima further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state institutions to weaken opposition parties and force political realignments. 

    He said, “This government and the APC are stifling opposition. They are using the judiciary, the National Assembly, and agencies like the EFCC, ICPC and DSS to coerce opposition figures,” he claimed. Recent defections to the ruling party were not driven by good governance or economic performance.

    “It is not because the APC has provided education or repaired the economy. In fact, they destroyed the economy. People are defecting because they committed an offence and do not want to be asked questions. 

    “But Nigerians are not fools,” he added, while calling for greater public vigilance. 

    He also urged citizens to actively engage in governance and resist policies that threaten democracy. Every citizen must have an opinion and must have the right to accept or reject any act of government. Democracy can only survive if the people defend it,” Galadima said.

  • Kaiama massacre: Tinubu orders federal, state agencies to provide relief to affected communities 

    Kaiama massacre: Tinubu orders federal, state agencies to provide relief to affected communities 

    …condemns “cowardly, beastly” assault, says perpetrators will not escape justice

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday evening directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to communities affected by the deadly terrorist attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The President, in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, said the directive was also aimed at ensuring that those behind the atrocity are pursued and brought to justice.

    “I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice,” Tinubu said.

    The President disclosed that he met earlier in the day with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who briefed him on the incident in Kaiama LGA.

    “Today, I met with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to be debriefed on the incident in Kaiama LGA,” he said.

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    Tinubu condemned the attack in strong terms, describing the gunmen as heartless for targeting defenceless villagers.

    “I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror,” he stated.

    According to him, the assailants’ actions were not only criminal but also an affront to national values and faith.

    “Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation,” he added.

    The President recalled that he had, a day earlier, ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area following the “horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro.”

    He said the new military command would spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the terrorists and protect communities.

    “Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro. This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities,” Tinubu said.

    The President noted that the attack was particularly disturbing because the victims were reportedly killed for rejecting forced indoctrination.

    Tinubu praised the victims for refusing to be drawn into extremist ideology, stressing that Nigeria would not surrender its people to terror disguised as religion.

    “As I said, ‘It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.’ Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith,” he declared.

    He assured that the perpetrators would be tracked and punished, insisting they would not evade justice.

    “They will not go scot-free,” the President said.

    Tinubu also offered prayers for the victims and condolences to their families, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s support for Kwara State.

    “I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State. The Federal Government stands with you,” he said.

    He pledged that the government would protect communities and defeat those seeking to divide the country through terror.

    “We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror,” Tinubu added.

  • DHQ confirms deployment of U.S. troops under bilateral agreement

    DHQ confirms deployment of U.S. troops under bilateral agreement

    ..says deployment respects Nigeria’s sovereignty

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that all engagements involving United States troops are being conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with established bilateral agreements.

    This follows viral media reports suggesting that United States troops are on the ground in Nigeria to fight terrorists.

    The military high command which through Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in a statement on Thursday, said Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States.

    According to the DHQ, the military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is “rooted in mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security concerns, including terrorism and transnational threats.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    ”All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks,” it said.

    The military high command explained that as part of this ongoing partnership, a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement brought together senior U.S. government officials and the Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    This meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States reflecting a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes.

    It said discussions during these engagements included proposals designed to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats while upholding the protection of civilians and community safety.

    “The proposals remain under study by the appropriate Nigerian authorities,” the DHQ said.

    It reiterated that engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    The military high command reassured citizens that Nigeria’s defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven and aligned with constitutional provisions.

    It said, “Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while working with credible partners in ways that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising national independence.”

  • Kaiama massacre: Savannah Shield Commander reports in Ilorin as AbdulRazaq briefs Tinubu 

    Kaiama massacre: Savannah Shield Commander reports in Ilorin as AbdulRazaq briefs Tinubu 

    …Governor thanks President for swift military response, says operation will calm troubled communities

    …Tinubu orders troops to “clean up” area, restore peace

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has disclosed that the first commander of Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Ilorin, the state capital, and has begun work immediately, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to crush terrorists and other criminal elements threatening parts of the North-Central state.

    AbdulRazaq made the disclosure on Thursday after meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, where he briefed the President on the deadly attack in Kaiama Local Government Area on Tuesday.

    The attack, described as a gruesome massacre, reportedly claimed more than 160 lives after terrorist jihadists stormed affected communities, sparking national outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara and neighbouring states.

    Speaking after the meeting, the governor said he came to update the President and also express appreciation for the speed with which the Federal Government responded by establishing a new military operation for the area.

    “Yes, I came to brief Mr. President about what happened in Kaiama by the local government of Kwara State and also to thank him for the prompt action taken by establishing Operation Savannah Shield,” AbdulRazaq said.

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    He expressed optimism that the special operation would bring calm and deter further attacks.

    “That will go a long way in deterring and bringing calm to the region in Kwara State,” he added.

    Responding to questions on the assurances he was taking back to the people of the state, the governor said he was confident because the military command was already being activated on the ground.

    “Well, after meeting the President, I’m confident because as I speak to you, the first Commander for Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Kwara State, Ilorin, today and he’s hitting the ground running and we rely on the military to do what they do best,” he said.

    President Tinubu had earlier ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the scene of the attack, directing that the new military command should spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to crush the terrorists and restore stability.

    According to AbdulRazaq, the President has now issued clear instructions to security forces to reclaim the affected areas and ensure peace returns.

    “Mr. President has directed the armed forces to move in and to clean up the place and make sure peace and calm are restored,” the governor stated.

    Operation Savannah Shield is expected to confront not only terrorist elements but also bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups that have, in recent times, extended their operations across parts of Kwara State and other North-Central states.