President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday hosted a high-level delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), led by its Commander, General Dagvin Anderson, at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting, which was attended by Nigeria’s top security leadership, was disclosed in a post on X by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.
According to Olusegun, President Tinubu, alongside the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the service chiefs, received General Anderson, members of his team, and the Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Keith Heffern.
Those present on the U.S. side included the Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Keith Heffern; the Commander of AFRICOM, General Dagvin Anderson; the Command Sergeant Major, Garric M. Banfield, who is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of AFRICOM; and the Senior Foreign Policy Adviser, AFRICOM, Ambassador Peter Vrooman.
On the Nigerian side, President Tinubu was joined by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Uandiandeye; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi.
• Says he doesn’t need governor to mobilise support for Tinubu in Rivers
• Commissions Radio Station for Renewed Hope Ambassadors ahead 2027
Federal Capital Territory (FFCT) Minister Nyesom Wike hit out yesterday at elected public officers supporting treachery and at the same time seeking to enthrone their successors.
Mentioning no names, he said, such officers, whatever their position may be, would experience betrayal.
“Whether you’re a senator, rep member, minister, or governor and you support betrayers, people will also betray you in life,” he said during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors headquarters in the state.
Wike added that, “Every second term governor who has an ambition to put a successor and is supporting betrayal, you’ll never survive it. From the day your successor comes in…my own took so many months… your own will start immediately the person is inaugurated.”
Wike, who is locked in another round of face off with his successor Governor Siminalayi Fubara, reaffirmed his commitment and that of his political associates and supporters to the reelection of President Bola Tinubu next year.
He said the people of Rivers have no need for a governor to mobilise support for the President in 2027.
He commended the Coordinator of Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, for his mobilisation drive and said Rivers would work massively for the reelection of the President.
Wike said: “Desmond Akawor, you have shown enough capacity to mobilise, you have moved to all the nooks and crannies of Rivers to talk about Tinubu for President in 2027.
“I have said before that Rivers State is a no-go area, and I want to say again that this State is totally for Tinubu. We have made sure that all the 23 local governments and zonal coordinators were inaugurated. That day, Nigerians all over the world watched that Rivers State is a no-go area.
“Today, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Coordinator has also invited us to commission some vehicles that the headquarters of the Secretariat will use and to commission the Secretariat itself.This is the first of its kind in this part of the country.
“I challenge anybody, let them come to Rivers State and learn.Our commitment is not by mouth, our commitment is not by newspaper; ours is by showing, that yes indeed, we are working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We don’t need to have a governor to mobilize for Mr. President, we don’t need.We have all it takes to be on our own; we have senators, assembly people, council chairmen, National Assembly members, party chairmen of APC and PDP.
“We have mobilized ourselves to make commitment.If you say you are supporting somebody, there is no need for the person to bring his resources, you have to make commitment and this is what our leaders have done.
“Let me once again thank all of you for your commitment, you are the envy of every other state and they are watching you all over the place.
“In 2023, we came out without anybody pressuring us.Without anybody influencing us, we took a decision.To the glory of God that decision is what we are enjoying today, and whether anybody likes it or not, 2027 when the President has shown interest that he will run, we have no choice than to continue to support Mr President.
“Mr. coordinator, you have to start preparing to inaugurate ward and unit coordinators, it is very important, we must also take it down to the units, to go and talk to our people to continue to support Mr. President, go and see the situation room, go and see the radio station, we are battle ready, there is nothing we can not do because unity is strength.”
Earlier, Akawor, while welcoming the FCT Minister and people of Rivers, praised the Minister for offering leadership to the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
Akawor said he had placed people to man the Renewed Hope Ambassadors movement in all the 23 local governments of Rivers.
• Says terrorists’ doctrine alien to our tradition, history
• Imo @ 50: VP hails Uzodimma as ‘game-changing revolutionary’
• Anyaoku, monarchs, Oyebanji join golden jubilee
• Southern Governors Forum commiserates with Kwara govt
Vice President Kashim Shettima, on a condolence visit to Kwara State yesterday over Tuesday’s terror attacks in Kaiama Local Government Area, said the bloody aggression was an unacceptable violation of the right to peaceful worship by the generality of Nigerians.
He told stakeholders in Ilorin that the action of the terrorists who killed at least 75 people in Woro and Nuku communities was alien to “our religious belief, alien to our history, alien to our tradition.”
“That tragic killing had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of communities that were dedicated to building their peaceful livelihoods while they practised their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam have instructed,” Shettima said.
The Southern Governors’ Forum, in a condolence message, condemned the ‘horrendous’ attack in which “innocent and law-abiding citizens were brutally murdered while going about their lawful activities.”
The Vice President, who said he was in Ilorin at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, conveyed the the sympathy of the President to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the people of Kaiama and the entire Kwara State on the incident, and prayed Allah to grant the deceased persons Al-jannah Firdaus.
Shettima said: “Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State by extension over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026.
“That tragic killing had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of communities that were dedicated to building their peaceful livelihoods while they practised their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam have instructed.
“The Kaiama and Baruten, and even the Batonu speaking parts of Old Borgu that spread into Niger and Kebbi states and even overlap into the neighbouring Benin Republic, have been known for practising the most tolerant form of Islam for centuries until an alien religious belief, alien to our history, alien to our tradition, invaded those communities.”
Shetima said a battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to wipe out the threats off Kaiama and environs, saying all hands are on deck to ensure that peace is restored in those communities.
He gave no details of the security measures being taken by government.
The Vice President said: “Security issues are sensitive issues. We do not have to divulge most of the actions that have been taken by our security establishment.
“But I am here fundamentally to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama in particular over the tragic loss of lives, and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony that our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you.
“May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and reward them with his Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant the families and the people of Kaiama the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.”
The VP said the President had instructed the Director General of NEMA to mobilise all resources in partnership with the state emergency management agency in support of the distressed communities.
AbdulRazaq, on his part, hailed the President for his swift actions, including the immediate deployment of soldiers and police tactical teams to the affected communities.
“We thank the President and the Vice President for this visit.
“We appreciate you for coming to Kwara over the sad incident that happened in Woro, Kaiama Local Government.
“The response of the Federal Government has been very swift and we are grateful,” the Governor said, adding that he was confounded by the scale of the violence when he visited Woro on Wednesday.
He confirmed that the troops of Operation Savannah Shield are already being deployed to prevent a reoccurrence.
“As you can see, you were welcomed at the airport this morning by the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division of Nigerian Army.
“Police DIG (Operations) is on ground.
“Representatives of the NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened.
“We do really appreciate the response of the Federal Government,” he added.
“All said, we will continue to work harder and pray for better security in Nigeria and for those committing this evil act to meet their waterloo.
We will continue to pray and support our President and Vice President for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”
Speaking on behalf of Northeastern States, Borno State Governor BabaGana Zulum also sympathised with the people of Kwara, and prayed Allah to bless the departed souls.
“As Muslims, we believe in destiny, and In-Sha Allahu, this will not happen again.
“Our prayers are with you, and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive the departed souls and grant them Janatul firdaus,” he said.
Kaiama LG Chairman, Abdullahi and the Emir, Alhaji Omar, in their separate remarks, appreciated the President for his support and VP Kashim Shettima for the visit.
They also acknowledged Governor AbdulRazaq’s immediate steps and his visit to Kaiama for condolences.
On the VP’s entourage were Governor Zulum; Senator Ali Ndume; Senator Emmanuel Udende; Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar; and Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Engr Jennifer Adighije.
Southern Governors’ Forum calls for prosecution of perpetrators
The Southern Governors’ Forum, through its chairman and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
It asked the law enforcement agencies to fish out the brains behind the attacks and ensure their prosecution.
The governors said Nigerians deserve to live without fear of senseless violence.
Abiodun said: “On behalf of myself and my colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, I express our deepest condolences over the dastardly terror attack in Kwara State, in which jihadists murdered innocent people in cold blood.
“This is senseless violence that must be nipped in the bud.
“We urge the security agencies to intensify their operations against the perpetrators of this terrible incident and bring them to book.
“They must never get away with this. They must be hunted down and dealt with severely.
“We commiserate with His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, and the people of Kwara State over this tragic incident.
“We hope justice will be served while the security agencies do everything within their power to ensure that the slaughter of innocent citizens comes to an end.”
Imo @ 50: Shettima hails state’s political, cultural legacy, pledges more federal support
From Ilorin, Vice President Shettima and his entourage proceeded to Owerri to take part in the Golden Jubilee celebration of the creation of Imo State.
He applauded the state’s exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s political, intellectual and economic development over the past 50 years, pledging more support from the Federal Government as it charts a new course for the next five decades.
Shettima, who conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill message, described the state as a critical partner in Nigeria’s progress, citing its leadership footprint, creative talents and agricultural strengths.
He reserved special praise for Governor Hope Uzodimma, whom he described as a “game-changing revolutionary” in the state’s modern political history, crediting him with restoring discipline, planning and institutional strength to governance.
“Governor Uzodimma has distinguished himself as more than a custodian of the present. He is a leader who understands that governance is not theatre but duty,” the Vice President said.
“Under his watch, Imo has rediscovered the discipline of planning, the courage of reform, and the confidence to re-enter the national conversation as a state prepared for relevance,” Shettima said.
Tracing Imo’s legacy of leadership, the Vice President recalled the towering roles of Dr Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, whose “flamboyant command of language enriched Nigeria’s political memory,” and the late Sam Mbakwe, fondly remembered as the “Weeping Governor.”
He also described former governor Rochas Okorocha as a pan-Nigerian archetype for his humanitarian work with orphaned children across the country.
On intellectual and cultural influence, Shettima hailed Chief Flora Nwapa as “the mother of modern African literature,” who gave African women “a literary voice at a time when silence was expected of them.”
He also celebrated Imo’s imprint on Nollywood through Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic and Kanayo O. Kanayo, and praised music icon Onyeka Onwenu, who he said “placed Nigerian sound on the world stage with grace and conviction.”
On economic development, the Vice President acknowledged Imo’s strengths in agriculture, particularly palm oil production at the historic Ada Palm Plantation, as well as thriving commercial centres from Nkwo Orji to Orlu International Market.
He similarly highlighted the state’s educational infrastructure, including the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Imo State University, describing education as Imo’s greatest industry.
“Literacy rates remain among the highest in the nation, and graduates from Imo compete confidently across every field,” he stated.
Shettima pointed to emerging opportunities in Imo’s oil and gas sector in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta, and identified growth potential in agro-processing, renewable energy, mineral processing, tourism and the digital economy.
He described Owerri as a major hospitality hub with one of the highest concentrations of hotels and entertainment centres in the country, stressing that “security has been an economic asset, and peace, when nurtured, yields prosperity.”
Urging the state to use the golden jubilee as a springboard, Shettima said: “Unity must be renewed. Innovation must be encouraged. Governance must remain humane and disciplined. Politics must return to service.”
Earlier, Governor Uzodimma said Imo would embrace digital transformation in the next 50 years, describing the creation of the state in 1976 as a moment that “enunciated freedom.”
He thanked God for sustaining the state for five decades and expressed optimism about its future.
“We have made significant progress both as a people and as a state. There is no doubt that we are growing fast in unity, resilience and reliance on God,” he said.
“We have seen Owerri transform from a town into a hub. What has kept us united is the indomitable spirit of the Imo people.”
Chairman of the occasion and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, commended Uzodimma for what he described as far-reaching developmental projects across key sectors.
“His administration has impacted Imo State in many ways.
“For example, in transportation, finance, agriculture and other key sectors, his administration has left admirable legacy in Imo State, making a significant contribution to the wider Nigerian economy,” Anyaoku said.
In a goodwill message, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, described Uzodimma as a “reference point” among governors, noting that his colleagues were increasingly emulating his approach to governance.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi), thanked Imo State for shaping his early life and praised Uzodimma “for showcasing Imo State to the world.”
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Oba Ojaja II), offered prayers for the continued progress of Imo State, Nigeria and sustained unity across the country.
Other notable Nigerians at the ceremony were Governors Zulum (Borno), Nasir Idris (Kebbi) and Agbu Kefas (Taraba) while Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme stood in for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori..
Highpoint of the ceremony was the unveiling of a compendium and exceptional awards to former governors of the state.
Uzodimma and Chief Sam Mbakwe received Golden Star Governor of Imo State (GSGI) an award reserved for serving or former governors who extraordinarily distinguished themselves in service to the state.
Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Emeka Ihedioha, Rochas Okorocha, Achike Odunwa and Hon Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme were conferred with Brands Service Star of Imo State (GSSI).
Also former military governors, Maj-Gen Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, Comdr James Aneke, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Admiral Adekunle Lawal, Bring Gen Sunday Adenihun, Cmdr Anthony Oguguo, Col. Tanko Zubairu received Grand Service Star award.
Other notable indigenes that received award at the event include Prof. Michael Echeruo, Leo Stan Ekeh, Prof. Maurice Iwu, Kena Chinwe, prelate Emeritus Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Kanu and Primate Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.
The decision by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, to halt operations at Nigeria’s state-owned refineries has triggered widespread debate across the country. But speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES), Ojulari made it clear that the move was driven by stark economic realities rather than politics or sentiment.
According to Ojulari, an internal commercial review of the refineries revealed that continued operations under the existing structure were destroying value and draining scarce public resources.
“We were just wasting money,” Ojulari said bluntly. “The refineries were leaking value, and there was no clear line of sight on how those losses would ever turn into profits.”
Nigeria’s four government-owned refineries — two in Port Harcourt, one in Warri, and one in Kaduna — have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day. Yet for decades, they have operated far below optimal levels, often producing little or no refined products while consuming billions of naira annually in operating and maintenance costs.
Ojulari said the decision to halt operations was taken after it became clear that running the refineries simply to show activity made no commercial sense.
“You cannot sleep when you have been trained for decades to look at profitability and commerciality,” he said. “When you are running an asset that turns crude oil into lower-value products while contractor costs continue to rise, that is not business. That is value destruction.”
Between 2010 and 2023, the federal government reportedly spent over ₦11 trillion on refinery rehabilitation and turnaround maintenance. Despite these massive investments, Nigeria remained heavily dependent on imported petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel, placing immense pressure on foreign exchange reserves and exposing the economy to global supply shocks.
In the 1980s and much of the 1990s, NNPC’s refineries operated efficiently, but performance declined in the 2000s as institutional focus shifted away from operational excellence toward EPC contracting, O&M structures, and financing-driven interventions. This transition weakened preventive maintenance culture, increased reliance on turnaround maintenance cycles that proved more commercially attractive to external parties, and contributed to the gradual erosion of in-house operational capacity within NNPC. In this context, the 2025 decision to shut down the refineries represents a pragmatic and necessary step toward halting value loss and enabling a more sustainable long-term reset of Nigeria’s refining framework.
Ojulari acknowledged that there was significant public pressure to keep the refineries running, even at a loss.
“The pressure was extreme,” he said. “Nigerians were angry. Expectations were high. But leadership is not about maintaining broken systems for optics. It is about stopping the bleeding and reassessing.”
He described the shutdown not as a failure, but as an act of responsible governance.
“Halting operations is not failure,” Ojulari insisted. “It is discipline. It is honesty. It is admitting that a system is not working and must be fundamentally restructured.”
Ojulari also pointed to the emergence of the privately owned Dangote Refinery as a key factor that has given Nigeria room to rethink its refinery strategy without risking fuel scarcity.
“Whether you love Dangote or not, thank God it is a Nigerian refinery, built in Nigeria and working in Nigeria,” he said. “It has given the country breathing space to step back and ask hard questions about what we want to do with our own assets.”
Beyond the shutdown itself, Ojulari outlined a new strategic direction for NNPC’s refinery assets. He said the fundamental problem with Nigeria’s refinery model was that the country treated refineries as projects rather than as long-term businesses.
“To make a refinery work, you need three things,” he explained. “You need financing. You need a competent EPC contractor. And you need world-class operational capacity. Historically, we focused on the first two and ignored the third.”
Ojulari said the new approach approved by the NNPC board would involve bringing in experienced global operators with equity stakes and long-term operational responsibility.
“We are not selling Nigeria,” he said. “But we are open to selling some equity to bring in operators who have skin in the game and can run these assets sustainably.”
He added that early signs of investor interest were already emerging, including inspections by major international petrochemical firms.
For Ojulari, the shutdown represents a decisive break from decades of refinery failure.
“This system was designed for everyone to take from it, not to put anything into it,” he said. “We are ending that era.”
…assures all hands are on deck to restore peace in Kaiama communities
…says Tinubu has directed NEMA to mobilise resources for distressed residents
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday led a Federal Government delegation to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State to commiserate with residents of Nuku and Woro villages over Tuesday’s deadly terrorist attack, assuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to restore peace and tranquility to the area.
Shettima, who met with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other stakeholders during the visit, said the President had already ordered the deployment of a battalion of the Nigerian Army to Kaiama, while “all hands are on deck” to rid the affected communities and the state of insecurity.
He also disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilise resources, in partnership with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, to provide relief and support to residents affected by the attacks.
“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserates with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State, by extension, over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku,” the Vice President said.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described the killings as tragic and shocking, noting that the victims were peaceful citizens who practised their faith in a harmonious manner.
“That tragic killings had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of the communities that were dedicated to building peaceful livelihood, while they practice their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam has instructed,” he added.
The Vice President extended what he called the heartfelt condolences of the President and the Federal Government to families who lost loved ones, assuring them that the government was acting decisively.
“Please, accept our heartfelt condolences, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to Kaiama and all hands are on deck to ensure that peace and tranquility is restored to those communities,” he said.
While he did not disclose details of ongoing security operations, Shettima said such issues were sensitive and could not be fully discussed publicly.
“Security issues are sensitive issues and we do not have to divulge most of the actions that are being taken by our security establishment,” he stated.
Also speaking, Chairman of the North East Governors Forum and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed the sympathy of the North East Governors to the people of Kwara, offering prayers for the victims.
“As Muslims, we believe in destiny and it is our sincere hope that, by God’s grace, this act will not happen again,” Zulum said, praying that Allah grants the deceased “Aljannah firdaus.”
In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq commended the Federal Government for what he described as a swift intervention, confirming that troops had arrived and operations had commenced.
“As confirmed by the Local Government Chairman, troops are already on ground and the Operation Savannah Shield is in motion,” he said.
The governor added that top security officials were also already in the state, noting that the delegation was received at the airport by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Second Division of the Nigerian Army, while a Deputy Inspector-General of Police was also on ground.
He further said NEMA officials had been in the area since the incident occurred.
Calling for continued prayers, AbdulRazaq pledged sustained support for the President and Vice President.
“One is short of words and what to say but we will continue to support our President, the Vice President and our leadership for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation,” he said.
Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the immediate deployment of a battalion to the area, while also commending the governor’s leadership.
The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, also praised Tinubu for what he described as prompt action and concern since the massacre.
“We really appreciate the effort of President Tinubu. Since the incident happened on Tuesday, he has shown concerned toward us. The security personnel and other relevant agencies are adequately deployed to arrest the situation,” the monarch said.
Dignitaries who accompanied the Vice President included the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar; Senator Ali Ndume; Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd, Jennifer Adighije; former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, and members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, among others.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday said the people of Rivers State do not need a governor to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
Wike made the remark in Port Harcourt while commissioning the headquarters of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, which houses Majority FM 89.5, a situation room, office facilities and buses for the organisation.
He commended the coordinator of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, for his mobilisation drive, adding that the state would work massively for the re-election of the President.
He said: “Desmond Akawor, you have shown enough capacity to mobilize, you have moved to all the nocks and crannies of Rivers to talk about Tinubu for President in 2027.
“I have said before that Rivers State is a no go area, and I want to say again that this State is totally for Tinubu. We have made sure that all the 23 local governments and zonal coordinators were inaugurated, that day Nigerians all over the world watched that Rivers State is a no go area.
“Today, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Coordinator has also invited us to commission some vehicles that the headquarters of the Secretariat will use and to commission the Secretariat itself, this is the first of its kind in this part of the country.
“I challenge anybody, let them come to Rivers State and learn, our commitment is not by mouth, our commitment is not by newspaper, ours is by showing, that yes indeed, we are working for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We don’t need to have a governor to mobilize for Mr President, we don’t need, we have all it takes to be on our own, we have senators, assembly people, council chairman, National Assembly members, party chairmen of APC and PDP, we have mobilized ourselves to make commitment, if you say you are supporting somebody, there is no need for the person to bring his resources, you have to make commitment and this is what our leaders have done.
“Let me once again thank all of you for your commitment, you are the envy of every other state and they are watching you all over the place.
“In 2023, we came out without anybody pressuring us, without anybody influencing us, we took a decision, to the glory of God that decision is what we are enjoying today, and whether anybody likes it or not, 2027 when the President has shown interest that he will run, we have no choice than to continue to support Mr President.
“Mr coordinator, you have to start preparing to inaugurate ward and unit coordinators, it is very important, we must also take it down to the units, to go and talk to our people to continue to support Mr President, go and see the situation room, go and see the radio station, we are battle ready, there is nothing we can not do because unity is strength”.
Earlier, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, while welcoming the FCT Minister and people of Rivers, praised the Minister for offering leadership to the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
Akawor, who disclosed that he has placed people to man the Renewed Hope Ambassadors movement in all the 23 local governments of Rivers State, also made clarification on the style of politics of the Minister, calling it AI politics.
President Bola Tinubu on Friday received Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting formed part of the ongoing consultations between the Presidency and state governments to strengthen collaboration on national development priorities.
Although details of the closed-door discussion were not disclosed, the engagement was believed to have focused on governance, security and socio-economic development in the state.
The visit also underscored continued engagements between the Federal Government and state leaders in addressing key challenges and improving citizens’ welfare.
50 victims recuperating in hospitals; NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama
Gov announces committee on humanitarian support for victims
It was a typical late-afternoon harmattan scene. The temperature had begun to fall, but the sun still hung hazily in the sky, the air dry and dust-laden.
Farmers were returning from their fields, while some traders were closing their shops.
For a group of young men, including 26-year-old schoolteacher Umar Bio Kabir, the hour marked the start of a routine football game.
The calm was disrupted when a long convoy of armed men on motorcycles rode into Woro, in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, last Tuesday.
Residents said there was no need for warning or speculation.
The identity of the invaders and the intent of their visit were immediately clear.
Moving swiftly, they selected their targets and opened fire.
Within moments, the market descended into chaos, the football pitch was abandoned, and the streets emptied as residents fled for safety.
Kabir, 26, ran alongside his friends, escaping the gunfire.
Although, he survived the attack, some of the young men who had been playing football with him were not as fortunate, as they were struck dead by the attackers’ bullets.
The government and security agencies subsequently confirmed the gunmen to be terrorists, who struck because the residents rejected their ‘strange’ doctrine.
About 75 victims have been reportedly buried in the aftermath of the massacre.
“God said I would survive or else I would have been among the dead,” said Kabir.
Another survivor, Razaq Abdulazeez, was returning home on the fateful day when he encountered people running out of the village.
Immediately he got wind of what was happening, he dashed into his house to rescue his loved ones. “I gathered my family members and we escaped into a bush, faraway, on the outskirts of the community.”
Abdulazeez said a number of people who could not run out of town climbed trees to hide.
An agency report said that in one of the communities, the terrorists went into a mosque, announced the call to prayer and shot everyone who turned up.
Attacked were Woro and Nuku, both of which are largely Muslim communities.
The invaders fired sporadically for about 10 hours, survivors of the attack said.
At least 50 people who escaped the violence are currently receiving treatment in hospitals for varying degrees of injury. The Senator representing Kwara North, Sadiq Umar, has visited some of the survivors.
Scores of other residents have fled the affected communities with whatever remained of their belongings, relocating to neighbouring towns in a bid to restart their lives.
By Thursday, only about 20 men were left behind in the villages, charged with the grim task of burying scores of victims. This occurred as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced the deployment of a response team to assess the situation and coordinate intervention efforts in the aftermath of the attacks.
AbdulRazaq appoints committee on humanitarian support for victims
NEMA said it had also arranged relief materials, including food and non-food items, which have already been delivered to support victims in the affected communities. In a parallel move, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq appointed a seven-man committee to engage directly with the communities impacted by the invasion.
The committee is headed by Alhaji Ahmed Kiwozi, a former lawmaker from Kaiama Local Government Area.
To serve with Alhaji Kiwozi on the committee set up by Governor AbdulRazaq are Vice Chairman of the Local Government Council Aisha Abubakar Sadiq; Abubakar Mora; Woro Village Head Umar Bio Saliu; a representative each of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP); and a representative of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
The committee has four weeks to carry out its assignment and, so doing, “interface with the community leaders on rebuilding efforts, areas of need of the survivors, and other outstanding issues,” according to the state government.
United States condemn killings
Meanwhile, the United States has condemned the killings, describing them as horrific.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara state in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for,” the US Mission in Nigeria said on X.
The statement added, “our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” and welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s “order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice.”
NEMA deploys response team, relief items
The Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, yesterday, directed the team from the Agency’s Minna Operations Office, which covers Kwara State, to temporarily relocate to the affected areas to conduct a detailed on-the-ground assessment of the situation and the needs of the impacted communities.
The agency said the assessment was being carried out in collaboration with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant security agencies to ensure an effective, coordinated, and well-informed response.
Umar expressed her sympathies to the affected communities and the Kwara State Government over the unfortunate incident and assured them of the Agency’s full support.
Lai Mohammed condoles with Kwara over killings
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has expressed profound condolences to the government and people of Kwara State on the killings.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his media office, Mohammed sympathised with bereaved families, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear their immense losses and repose the souls of the departed.
The former Minister also commended the affected communities for their courage and steadfastness in the face of intimidation, highlighting their determination not to yield to the reign of terror imposed by the assailants.
He further applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention in ordering the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama LGA to neutralise the terrorists, describing the action as a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting innocent Nigerians, not only in Kwara State but across the nation.
Alhaji Mohammed called on the people of Kwara State to continue cooperating with both state and federal authorities in efforts to halt the attacks and restore peace and normalcy to affected communities.
In light of this tragedy, the former Minister has postponed his planned donation of copies of his latest book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration, to tertiary institutions in the state, originally scheduled for next week, out of respect for the victims of the heinous killings.
He stated that a new date for the donation will be communicated in due course.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set in motion, a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s sports sector, directing key ministries and agencies of the Federal Government to reset sports funding and make the industry more economically viable.
The President announced the plan on Friday evening in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, where he described sports as one of Nigeria’s strongest national brands and a major tool for unity and global influence.
Tinubu said the reforms were anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which he described as a strategy to position sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment, and global influence.
He added that his administration would build a stronger sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, active grassroots participation, revitalised sports federations, and hosting major international events in Nigeria.
“Sports is our national asset and thus must be administered, managed, and funded in alignment with its special nature and demands devoid of any bureaucratic bottlenecks,” he said.
Tinubu pledged that the future of Nigerian sports would be “planned, properly funded, and competitive,” assuring that athletes would be supported early, prepared thoroughly, and celebrated proudly.
“Nigeria will continue to win, with pride,” the President declared.
“In 2025… scores of athletes representing Nigeria made our nation proud,” Tinubu wrote, citing the achievements of individual champions in athletics and other sports, Nigeria’s “winning female football and basketball teams,” and the Super Eagles who, despite finishing with a bronze medal at AFCON 2025, “captured our hearts.”
The President disclosed that Nigerian athletes recorded what he called an unprecedented 373 medals across all sports in 2025, stressing that the performances proved Nigeria’s capacity to excel when talent is supported with structure and preparation.
“From grassroots competitions to continental and global stages, the evidence is clear that when talent is supported with structure and preparation, Nigeria delivers,” he said.
Tinubu commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for making progress despite challenges, praising the commission’s leadership under its chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, for driving a reform agenda aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and “shared prosperity vision.”
However, the President acknowledged longstanding issues that have undermined Nigeria’s sports development, particularly delays in funding and weak infrastructure investment.
“For too long, sports funding was slowed by bureaucracy, fragmented across institutions, and when funds are released, they come too late to support proper preparation and even participation,” he said, adding that “no meaningful investment is made towards sports infrastructure development and maintenance that meets international benchmarks.”
Tinubu declared that the cycle must end, announcing that he had approved and directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Budget Office of the Federation to reset sports funding starting from the 2026 fiscal year.
He said adequate provisions must be made in Nigeria’s annual budget for sports infrastructure development, maintenance, sporting activities, programmes, events, and participation in international competitions.
He further directed that all funds appropriated for sports must be released immediately once the budget is passed and assented to.
“Nigerian athletes deserve certainty, not excuses,” the President stated.
As part of the reform, Tinubu said allocations for sporting activities currently spread across various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) would be reviewed, restructured and streamlined, with savings transferred into a unified funding framework under the NSC to strengthen domestic programmes and international participation.
Sealed building to be reopened Monday, says Anyanwu •Turaki group warns police against giving pro-Wike faction access
The two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) launched into a fresh face-off yesterday after the pro-Wike group announced its plan to reopen the Wadata Plaza national secretariat in Abuja for business on Monday.
The announcement did not go down well with the Tanimu Turaki-led faction which warned that any such move would amount to self-help, and declared that “responsibility for any injury to persons or damage to property arising therefrom should be placed solely on the aggressors and their security collaborators.”
The building was sealed by the police on November 19, 2025 following a clash between the Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) and that of the factional acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed.
It has since remained out of bounds to both sides.
However, the Wike faction said at the end of Thursday’s meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) and leaders of political parties that it was preparing to resume operations at the building on Monday.
The faction’s admission into the meeting was based on a recent court interim injunction.
Asked why the party leaders had not possessed the Wadata Plaza, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, the acting National Secretary, said the building was locked, following a clash between the two groups in the party.
“We wrote to the police. Remember that the police sealed the place and then the other group went to court to ask the police to open it.
“The matter was dismissed because they have no locus. So by Monday, we are taking over the office,” he said.
Anyanwu claimed that there are no factions in PDP and that the party remains under the leadership of Mohammed, the reason they attended INEC meeting with other political parties.
His words: “Yes, we had issues, court issues, and last week Friday, as a matter of fact, the Federal High Court in Ibadan made it very clear that the problem of PDP is over because the so-called convention of November 15 and 16, 2025 is a nullity.
“No other person should parade himself or herself as a member of the NWC of the PDP.
“The body that has the full powers to speak for the party and administer the party is the National Caretaker Committee, led by Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammad,” he said.
Anyanwu said that members are now happy that normalcy has returned to the party.
For those who were afraid that PDP would not have candidates in the forthcoming elections, he said it was now settled that the party would field candidates for all positions.
“So we’re happy; people are happy that normalcy has come to the party now.
“You can see something different because you have old hands who have been in this party, who have been managers of this party for a long time, for the last 25 years.
“We are still involved. So, we are going to fast-track everything,” he said.
On the forthcoming FCT area council elections, Anyanwu said that interim caretaker committee would work for the victory of the party in the exercise.
“We are going to hit the ground running with our campaign until the February 18, the last day for campaign,” Anyanwu said.
The faction said the decision of INEC to recognise the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee would help restore stability and constitutional governance within the party.
National Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said in a statement that the decision of the commission to respect lawful court order was commendable.
“By affirming a lawful leadership structure following the Federal High Court judgement, INEC has helped to remove uncertainties capable of undermining the party’s organisational processes and electoral readiness,” Mohammed said.
He added: “This development should serve as a rallying point for all loyal party faithful. The time has come to set aside differences, embrace reconciliation, and channel our collective energy towards strengthening the PDP ahead of 2027 Elections.
“Nigerians look to our party for responsible leadership and a credible alternative, and we must not allow internal disputes to distract us from this historic responsibility.
“We therefore urge stakeholders across all levels of the party to support the recognized leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed as it works towards organising a successful convention, restoring cohesion, and laying the groundwork for the emergence of competent candidates who will carry the banner of the PDP to victory in the next electoral cycle.”
The Nation gathered that the Wike group also plans to conduct a thorough screening of party staff with a view to weeding out the ‘compromised.’
“A screening and likely replacement of such persons are being considered,” a source said.
National Publicity Secretary of the Wike group, Hon. Jungydo Haruna Mohammed, said plan by the Turaki faction to approach the court would not hinder ongoing plans to reposition PDP and hold a more acceptable national convention.
“The Kabiru Turaki group actually plans to go on appeal as we heard, but they will never succeed; fact is fact and law is law. Nothing can change that.
“But we appeal to them to reconsider their position in the overall interest of the party,” he said
“We are putting in place all necessary machinery and arrangements toward the conduct of an acceptable National Convention; we will ensure that all state congresses are conducted where necessary in accordance with the judgement of Justice Omotosho, and we shall also ensure that PDP does not suffer in the conduct of any off cycle election.”
The group, invoking Article 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution, has constituted Caretaker Committees for the various states, including Zamfara, Oyo, Bauchi and Yobe states where the governors and former National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, remain opposed to Wike loyalists ahead of its planned National Convention next month.
Those appointed for Plateau State are Dr. Gideon Nandem Tyem (Chairman), Hon Plangnan Gorip, Alh (Dr.) Samaila A.A. Rukuba, Hon. Rangdat Moeshep, Hon. Francis David Pam, Alh. Adullahi Useni, Hon. Clara Adidi, Alh. Ishap Umar, Anthony M. Bukum, Hon Silas Lukawan, Hon. Mrs Lubabatu Mohammed, Hajiya Mariam Aliyu and Hon. Goje A. Hirfo (Secretary).
Those appointed for Zamfara State are: Hon. Zilkikar Auwal Tambaya (Chairman), Hon. Salisu Usman Zurmi, Hon. Abubakar Adullahi Anka, Hon. Ashiru Muh’d Dan Ango, Hon. Mustafa Ahmad, Hon. Surajo Adamu Tsafe, Hon. Mati Rabo Shinkafi, Hon. Imrana M. Hassan T/Mafara, Hon. Adullahi Abubakar, Hon. Adullahi Salmanu, Hon. Maryam Lawal, Hon. Ibrahim Mande Sai’, Hon Aliyu Sani, Hon. Kabiru Aliyu Bakura, Barr. Babaginda Garba, Prof. Ubaidu Mani, Hon. Saadatu Kasimu and Hon. Rabiu Mani Shinkafi (Secretary).
Members of the new Caretaker Committee for Kano State are: Dr. Bello Gambo Bichi (Chairma), Engr Auwal Sale Yau, Hon. Ali Mati Shantake, Engr. Sagir Abdulkadir Dambatta, Dr. Hafsat Abubakar, Malam Yahuza Mahraz, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Muhammad, Abubakar Lamido, Haj. Fatima Ahmed Baffa, Hon. Mukhtari Dansarai, Haj. Naja’ atu Sharada, Hon. Hussaini Ahmad Rahama, Alh. Gambo Adullahi Doguwa, Haj. Rashida Yakubu Khalid, Alh. Sabo Ajingi, Adamu Adullahi Nalange and Hon. Rabiu Sale Wangal (Secretary).
For Yobe State, the Caretaker Committee members are: Hon Yusuf Adullahi Mallushe (Chairman), Hon Halilu Abubakar Mazangane, Ali Mohammed, Zamma Modu, Abdulraham Zabairu, Mohammed lawan Aapchi, Abubakar Inuwa, Ali Adamu lyam, Haruna Garba Goje, Tela Jaji Maajl, Hauwa Mohammed Damaraturu, Alhaji Bulama Balle, Mall Aahiru Gulani, Hajja Bukar Abdul, Sale Ibrahim, Hassan Abdullahi Tela and Mairambe Alhaji Modu (Secretary).
Earlier on January 15, the National Caretaker Committee had constituted state Caretaker Committees Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Imo, and Osun states while a state Caretaker Committee led by Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso (Chairman) and Dr Biola Olanipekun (Secretary) had been put in charge of Oyo state PDP since December, 2025 despite Governor Seyi Makinde’s intense displeasure.
According to party sources, two PDP governors – one each in the North and South may have concluded plans to insert their loyalists into the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in their respective states as a sort of Plan B, in case they eventually lose remaining legal battles to loyalists of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Turaki’s faction warn police against allowing Wike group access to secretariat
In a swift response, the Tanimu Turaki led NWC asked the police to not succumb to the entreaties of the other faction.
National Publicity Secretary of the group, Comrade Ini Ememobong said in a statement that the secretariat is a subject of litigation instituted by the Wike backed group at the Federal High Court,Abuja and the Court of Appeal.
He said: “Any attempt to enter and occupy these property will be a resort to self-help and an affront to the time-tested principle of law that parties who have submitted to the jurisdiction of courts should not act in ways that will render nugatory, the powers of the Court.”
Continuing, Ememobong said: “”In this particular instance, the case pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was instituted by the expelled members, they cannot resort to self-help, until judgment is delivered in the matter.
“This statement serves to remind all the dramatis personae, especially the Police Force, which is a party on record in the said matter, that any action taken to grant access to anybody, pending the determination of the suit, is a contempt of the court.
“We assure that we will deploy all legal means to defend our property from trespass. Responsibility for any injury to persons or damage to property arising therefrom should be placed solely on the aggressors and their security collaborators.”
The Taminu Turaki-led NWC had on Thursday said INEC could not choose a leadership for the party.
It faulted the commission’s decision to invite “some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee, to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution.”
It added: “This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal response.
“Though not unexpected of this current INEC leadership, but it is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal.
“This include the judgment which they are relying upon, which, when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration; and exercised restraint, therefrom.
“We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” Ememobong said.
He urged all PDP members to remain calm and hopeful that soonest, the Court of Appeal would hear and determine all the cases concerning the leadership of the party.
“We assure that the rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure.
“It will ultimately surmount all these challenges, to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians, as a credible alternative to the ruling party,” he said.
