The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

JUST IN: Court stops PDP’s planned national convention in Ibadan

…fixes judgment for November 13 in Sule Lamido’s suit

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice Peter Lifu issued the order in a ruling on a motion for interim injunctions file by former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.

Justice Lifu also restrained the Independent National Electrical Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising or recognising the outcome of the convention, pending the hearing and determination of the suit before him.

The judge said the orders shall subsist pending the hearing and determination of Lamido’s substantive suit.

Justice Lifu said he was aware of a judgment delivered on October 31 by Justice James Omotosho (also if the Federal High Court, Abuja), stopping PDP from holding the convention.

He held that it would be in the interest of justice to grant Lamido’s request, noting that should the PDP be allowed to proceed with its convention, Lamido would suffer more, thereby making it appropriate for the court to issue preservative orders.

The judge held that evidence produced by the plaintiff revealed that the PDP’s timetable for the convention was not published for the attention of its members as required by law.

READ ALSO: Alleged N80.2b fraud: Court postpones Yahaya Bello’s trial to January 29

He noted that Lamido has undertaken to pay damages to the PDP in the event that his suit was found to be frivolous.

The judge noted that in a constitutional democracy, due process of law must be strictly adhered to by those in charge, adding that to do otherwise, would endanger democracy itself.

He said in line with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, court of law must not abdicate its responsibility of dispensing justice without fear or favour.

Lamido had, in his motion, argued among others, that if the PDP was not restrained by the court, the party would be violating its constitution, and by implication deny him the opportunity to contest for the position of the national chairman of the party, which he claimed to be eminently qualified to contest.

After the ruling, the judge suspended proceedings briefly and later took arguements from lawyers to parties in relation to the substantive suit.

Justice Lifu adjourned till November 13 for judgment after lawyers to parties including Jeph Njikonye, SAN,(for Lamido); Omokayode Dada,SAN, (for the PDP) Joseph Daudu, SAN (for parties joined) made their final submissions.

Speaking after the court session, Lamido said he felt sad dragging PDP to court over his exclusion from purchasing the chairmanship nomination form in the 2025 national convention of the party.

Lamido, a former minister of Foreign Affairs, said that even though the interim restraining order had been issued against PDP not to go ahead with the planned convention and which called for his celebration, he nonetheless felt bad that he was forced to opt for the court action.

The former governor recalled his long relationship which culminated in his election as a governor of Jigawa and his appointment as Foreign Affairs minister.

He, however, said that he opted for court action against PDP to get justice for himself.

He said that as a bonafide member of the PDP, he had approached the leadership of the party to purchase national chairmanship nomination form but was denied.

“In this case, if my party lost, I also lose. I feel like crying taking this path.

“When we fight as brothers, the trust is lost, the bond of brotherhood is also lost,” Lamido said.

November 11, 2025
UPDATED: Naval officers clash with Wike over alleged land development in Abuja

…vows not to bow to military intimidation over Plot 1946, Gaduwa

Drama unfolded on Tuesday as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike visited Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, following reports that soldiers had taken control of a disputed land, allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).

During the unscheduled visit, Wike expressed outrage that officials from the FCT Department of Development Control had been chased away by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order previously issued by his office.

The soldiers, led by Naval Lt. A. M. Yarima, had blocked access to the site with a truck and physically prevented the minister from entering.

Wike stated that the site was flagged after FCT authorities discovered that the developers had no valid documents or legal approvals.

According to Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, the property had not been allocated by the FCT Administration and lacked proper ownership or building permits.

As Wike’s convoy approached the fenced plot, uniformed soldiers reportedly moved to deny him entry.

READ ALSO: Alleged N80.2b fraud: Court postpones Yahaya Bello’s trial to January 29

The minister stepped out of his vehicle, insisting he was there to inspect an illegal construction, but the soldiers stood firm, with their leader asserting he was acting on strict orders “from above.”

“Who gave you the order?” Wike demanded, as he advanced toward the officer.

The Naval Lt. A. M Yarima, refusing to back down, responded sharply:

“Sir, you cannot tell me to keep quiet. I am a commissioned officer.”

Unfazed, the soldier replied, “I am not a fool, sir, and you have no right to call me one.”

The tense exchange ended with Wike turning away in anger and leaving the scene.

Wike said, “You are aware that the land departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT.

“When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away”, he said.

Wike said he was surprised to learn that the soldiers, allegedly acting on the instructions of the former Naval Chief, had taken over the property.

“I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation, but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation”, he added.

According to him, when development control officials asked for the necessary land documents and building approvals, none were produced.

“How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?” Wike queried.

The Minister condemned any attempt to use security operatives to frustrate legitimate government enforcement actions, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his watch.

He disclosed that he had already spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be resolved amicably.

“We are not here for confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law,” Wike declared.

The FCT Administration had in recent months intensified efforts to curb land racketeering and illegal developments across the territory, with several high-profile properties already demolished for noncompliance with planning regulations.

At the scene was also the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye.

November 11, 2025
No governor can complain of lack of funds under Tinubu’s administration — Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has declared that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, no state governor or local government chairman can genuinely complain of a lack of funds.

He said the Tinubu administration has significantly increased allocations to subnational governments, ensuring that states and local councils have more resources to meet their developmental obligations.

Sanwo-Olu stated this on Tuesday, November 11, while delivering the keynote address at a one-day public lecture organized by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary at the Arewa House, Kaduna.

The lecture, themed “65 Years of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View,” brought together political leaders, academics, youth groups, and other stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s national progress and future under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Lagos Governor praised the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerians since independence, noting that despite the country’s challenges, its capacity for growth, reform, and unity remains unmatched.

“Today, that story has changed. Ask any State Governor or Local Government Chairman, and they will tell you just how much revenue has surged under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is now more money to do more that benefits the people of Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He attributed the improved fiscal outlook to deliberate policy reforms by the Tinubu administration, particularly those designed to strengthen federalism and empower the states and local governments.

According to him, between 2023 and 2024, federal allocations to state governments rose by about 62 percent, while allocations to local governments increased by 47 percent. He said the recently enacted tax reforms, which reduced the Federal Government’s share of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 percent to 10 percent, further underscored the President’s commitment to fiscal decentralization and grassroots development.

READ ALSO: Tinubu unstoppable in 2027, says Orji Kalu

“With the new tax laws, states now get 55 percent of VAT, while local governments receive 35 percent. This is another bold step by the President to ensure that governance is closer to the people,” he noted.

Sanwo-Olu also lauded the President’s insistence on local government financial autonomy, recalling the administration’s Supreme Court victory, which secured historic legal backing for that autonomy.

He disclosed that President Tinubu’s next major reform focus is restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture through the creation of State Police, an initiative he described as “long overdue and fundamental.”

Citing Tinubu’s recent remarks during a meeting with Katsina leaders, Sanwo-Olu quoted: “I am reviewing all aspects of security. I have to create a State Police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity.”

He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a bridge-building framework aimed at uniting Nigeria’s diverse regions through equity, reform, and inclusive development.

“President Tinubu is a veteran unifier and a bridge-builder. His Renewed Hope Agenda is about connecting Nigeria, bridges of reform, prosperity, and national unity,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s founding fathers, especially the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that true national development must be homegrown and context-specific.

“More than six decades later, Sardauna’s words still ring true. Our duty is to build on those legacies, planting trees we may not sit under, but ensuring a better Nigeria for future generations,” he said.

He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diversity remains its greatest strength, saying: “We will continue to affirm that Nigeria is a proudly multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural country. What binds us together is far stronger than what divides us. We shall overcome every challenge, poverty, hunger, and terrorism.”

Sanwo-Olu pledged Lagos State’s continued partnership with the Federal Government in actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda and building a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation.

“The task ahead is immense, but together, guided by unity and purpose, we will achieve it,” he assured.

November 11, 2025
Naval officers clash with Wike over alleged illegal development in Abuja

Naval officers reportedly acting on orders from retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, former Chief of Naval Staff, confronted and blocked Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday during an inspection of an alleged illegal development.

Wike, accompanied by senior FCT administration officials, visited plot 1946, Buffer Transit Southern Park Way, Gaduwa District, owned by Vice Admiral Gambo, where the Department of Development Control had planned a demolition.

The military officers reportedly blocked the site with a truck to prevent bulldozers from gaining access and physically confronted the Minister, insisting he would not be allowed entry.

Despite being shoved aside by the officers, Wike attempted to enter the site with his security aides but eventually turned back after making and receiving phone calls.

He vowed, however, that the illegal development would not be allowed to continue.

The FCT Minister stated that Vice Admiral Gambo has no approvals or legal papers to develop the land and accused him of attempting to seize it through intimidation.

READ ALSO: Tinubu unstoppable in 2027, says Orji Kalu

Wike said, “I don’t understand how somebody who holds that position and he said that he has a problem cannot approach my office to say, look, this is what is going on, this is what is going on. But simply because he’s a military man, he could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I’m not one of those kinds of persons who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation.

“And you can imagine where you cannot even prove where the documents are. And the Director of Development Control said, look, I was here. I said bring the documents, you don’t have the documents.

“Bring the approval for building, you don’t have it. And how can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who don’t have the military? What about those who don’t have security? It has gotten to a level where when government officials are doing, carrying out their job, you go and bring security to intimidate them. And this government official, I will not accept that.

“I’ve spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and I’ve spoken to the Chief of Naval Staff, and they have assured me that, please, they have to resolve the matter. And we’re not coming here to have a shootout with anybody to cause chaos and all. But what I can say, I would not allow it to happen.

“The way we have done and carried out our jobs in other areas is the same way it will be done here. He will not carry out this illegal deployment on land simply because he was a former Chief of Naval Staff. I would not allow that.”

November 11, 2025
JUST IN: Doro assumes office as minister of humanitarian affairs, vows to reduce poverty

Bernard Doro officially assumed duty as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction on Tuesday, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

He became the fourth minister to lead the ministry, succeeding Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who now serves as national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Doro, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Naomi Doro, and other well-wishers, was received at the ministry by the Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Kofarmata, and other staff members.

Addressing ministry officials and heads of agencies under the ministry, Doro outlined his vision, pledging to lift over 60 percent of Nigerians experiencing multidimensional poverty.

He emphasised collaboration with staff to realize President Tinubu’s agenda of “making hope a reality” for the poor.

“I have lived in the UK for over two decades, so there will be a bit of adjustment to make, but I believe that by leveraging your experience, technical knowledge, and my willingness to learn, we can take this ministry to greater heights,” Doro said.

READ ALSO: Tinubu unstoppable in 2027, says Orji Kalu

“For some reason, there have been great expectations of me, I’m not sure why, but the bar has been set so high, and I need to work extra hard to make sure that I even get to half of the bar that has been set for me.

“I believe that we will work together to achieve even beyond that. So, my goal is simple. Mr President wants to renew the hope of Nigerians, and especially those at the bottom of the economic ladder.

“This country, by statistics, has over 60 per cent multi-dimensionally poor people. I’m sure we can do better with the resources that we have as a country. And it is our job, as the humanitarian affairs ministry and poverty reduction, to help those people move up from where they are.

“We can help them to make sure that we achieve social mobility. We can do this because of the experience that is in the house, and we will do this by working together and by collaborating. We will do this by ensuring that we are accountable to one another.

“The goal is to make sure that we make hope a reality for those demographics that we are serving, and we would be selfless in doing that”.

Doro also stated that trust is important to achieve the set objectives of the ministry.

He said, “It feels at home, and I must say it feels like a family, and I want to believe that I can understand the culture here and be part of that culture. You can rest assured that the positive aspects of the culture here will be maintained. And where we need to rejig, we’ll need to challenge ourselves.

“I can see a team here, and a team is not just people who work together; it is people who actually trust one another. I believe that one element that is important for us is that we can trust one another as we work together, because that is how we can achieve the intended objective.

“I am taking over from someone who is a friend, who is a mentor. And it’s indeed a big shoe to fill, a big shoe to step into, but one thing that gives me courage is the fact that I have got experienced individuals here, and I know that you will support me to not only get into the shoe, but to walk in it comfortably.”

November 11, 2025
JUST IN: Soludo receives Certificate of Return

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has officially received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), confirming his victory in the recently concluded gubernatorial election.

The certificate presentation formally validates Soludo’s mandate to continue leading the state for another term.

READ ALSO: Tinubu unstoppable in 2027, says Orji Kalu

His re-election is seen as a reflection of the confidence Anambra voters have in his administration, which has prioritized economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and social development since he assumed office.

In a symbolic moment captured in photos, Governor Soludo is seen receiving the certificate, signifying not only his electoral triumph but also the beginning of preparations for his second term in office.

November 11, 2025
JUST IN: APC Senators increase to 76 as Jarigbe dumps PDP

The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly has increased to 76 following the defection of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday.

Jarigbe, who had earlier announced his decision to join the ruling party last week, formally crossed over to the APC side during plenary.

His defection letter was read by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session.

Explaining his decision, Jarigbe cited “divisions within the PDP” as the reason for leaving the opposition party.

With his defection, the PDP now holds 25 seats in the Senate, while the Labour Party has 4, APGA 2, SDP 1, and NNPP 1—bringing the total to 109 senators.

The development also means that all three senatorial seats in Cross River State are now occupied by APC members, including Senator Eteng Williams (Cross River Central) and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South).

November 11, 2025
Senate confirms Agbaje as PENCOM chairman, approves four national commissioners

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode (South West), appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the new chairman of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

Alongside Olukayode, four other nominees were also confirmed as national commissioners of the agency.

They include Hon. Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim, OON (Commissioner, Technical – South West); Samuel Chigizie Uwandu, CPA (Commissioner, Inspectorate – South East); Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate (Commissioner, Finance – South South); and Bello Abubakar Malabu (Commissioner, Administration – North East).

The confirmation followed the Senate’s consideration and adoption of the report presented by its Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Oluwole Fasuyi Cyril.

After the confirmation, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “nominating these outstanding Nigerians to occupy these offices.”

“We are confident that they would add value to this agency,” he said.

November 11, 2025
NAFDAC set January 2026 enforcement of alcohol in satchels, small bottles total ban

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has given a December 2025 deadline for the total ban of the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small glass or PET bottles below 200 millilitres.

The Director General (DG) of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the full enforcement of the ban will begin by January 2026, asserting that there will be no further extension of the moratorium, which has undergone several shifts, with the last one occurring in December 2024.

The move, backed by the Senate and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, according to her, is aimed at protecting public health and shielding children, adolescents, and young adults from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.

According to Adeyeye, the ban becomes imperative considering the widespread availability of high-alcohol-content beverages in small, cheap, and easily concealable packaging which has worsened addiction rates among young Nigerians and commercial drivers.

This, she said, has fuelled social vices including domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other forms of insecurity.

“This ban is not punitive, it is protective. We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians, especially our children, for short-term economic gain. The health of the nation is its true wealth,” she said

She clarified that the regulation affects only two categories of packaging, spirit drinks in sachets and small glass bottles with a capacity of less than 200 ml, while calling on all manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply fully with the December 2025 deadline, warning that no further extensions would be granted.

The DG said the decision to phase out small-volume alcohol packaging dates back to December 2018 when NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and industry stakeholders, including the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), signed a five-year agreement to end the practice by January 2024.

“However, the moratorium was extended to December 2025 to give manufacturers time to exhaust old stock and reconfigure production lines.

“However, the new Senate resolution aligns with both the initial agreement and Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (Resolution WHA63.13, 2010), to which the country is a signatory.”

To underscore the gravity of the issue, the DG stressed that concerns about job losses pale in comparison to the far-reaching consequences of alcohol abuse among the nation’s youth.

She reminded industry players that they were given a five-year transition period, adding, “Job loss was raised in 2018, and we extended the phase-out period to allow adequate planning. How long will we continue to cite job loss while our children are dying and becoming addicts?

“Children drinking alcohol is a ticking time bomb. Research shows that children who become addicted to alcohol are more likely to progress to hard drugs. That poses a national security threat,” she stressed.

Addressing enforcement challenges, Adeyeye said NAFDAC now operates a far stronger enforcement framework than in previous years, with support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other agencies.

Adeyeye disclosed that the ONSA has partnered with NAFDAC to ensure strict enforcement, “During our February 9 operation in markets such as Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha, the NSA provided 1,350 personnel who worked with us for several weeks,” she said.

Read Also: NAFDAC seeks production of vaccine in Nigeria

She also noted that the Director of NAFDAC’s Enforcement Directorate now chairs the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Substandard Products, inaugurated recently by the Minister of Health, while similar task forces have been activated across the 36 States and the FCT.

“Yes, we are short-staffed, but the government is listening. Despite our lean workforce, our officers are doing the work of four or five people each because we must safeguard the health of the nation.”

She disclosed that the agency has been approved to recruit 1000 workers to boost its work strength

She, however, noted that NAFDAC pledged to continue collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, FCCPC, and the National Orientation Agency to intensify public sensitization campaigns on the health and social dangers of alcohol misuse.

“The ban is rooted in science, public health, and national interest. It is about protecting our children, our future workforce, and our nation’s stability. This is a collective responsibility, not just for NAFDAC, but for all Nigerians,” the DG stressed.

November 11, 2025
Air strikes kill terrorists in Borno, pound hideouts in Katsina, Kwara
- Troops launch blistering attacks
- 200 ISWAP fighters killed in clash with Boko Haram
Newly inaugurated Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, swung into action at the weekend.

In a coordinated intelligence-driven action, scores of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists were bombed out of existence as they gathered for another dastardly act.

The strikes, which also destroyed the enemy’s cache of arms, took place around the Lake Chad area of Borno State – the epicentre of the Boko Haram terrorists.

In two other strikes by the Air Force, hideouts of terrorists gathering in Katsina and Kwara were wiped out.

NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, gave an account of how the Air Force took the battle to the terrorists on Sunday.

He said: “Air assets conducted precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before shifting to Mallam Fatori, where ISWAP elements were observed mobilising with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin.

“The strikes destroyed insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, eliminating several terrorists and crippling their mobility capabilities.

“Post-strike assessments confirmed multiple neutralisations and a significant degradation of ISWAP’s operational networks in the area.”

The statement added that while airstrikes were ongoing in the Northeast, another NAF fighter jet carried out precision air interdiction missions over Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, striking bandit camps with “devastating accuracy.”

According to the statement, the attacks based on credible intelligence left the bandits suffering heavy losses.

In a similar operation, air assets under Operation FANSAN YAMMA struck Zango Hill, which harbours a terrorist kingpin and his fighters in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Some of the terrorists were killed and their logistics hubs destroyed.

The statement described the strike as one of the most decisive against bandits in the Northwest in recent times.

It added that in a bid to demonstrate sustained reach and precision, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, under Sector 1, conducted an Armed Reconnaissance mission across the Northwest corridor, covering key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States.

It said settlements like Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello served as routes and hideouts for armed groups along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis.

“During the mission, coordination with Forward Operating Bases at Dankolo and Kotonkoro revealed suspicious movement near Wam Hill, where terrorists on motorcycles were spotted attempting to flee.

“The aircrew swiftly engaged and neutralised the targets, with no further hostile activity observed,” it said.

NAF attributed the success of the operations across Borno, Kwara, and Katsina states, as well as the entire Northwest, to the directives of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

Read Also: Tinubu has what it takes to secure Nigeria, says Information Minister

“Each mission reaffirms NAF’s resolve to project smarter and intelligence-driven airpower to project purposeful lethality against insurgents and criminals while protecting the lives and properties of citizens towards enhancing national security,” the statement said.

Tasks before commissions

Yesterday, the Federal Government gave the six development commissions a new task: they must henceforth work with the federal and state governments on security.

Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh described the security role as one of the core mandates of the commissions.

“The commissions will work side by side with state governments to address insecurity in their regions. It is part of their core mandate.

“They are not the chief executives of the states, but they will complement the work of other levels of government.”

Momoh spoke with reporters at the Presidential Villa after leading some of the commissions’ chiefs to a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister said although the development commissions do not serve as the primary authorities in their various regions, they have been mandated to support both the federal and state governments in addressing the rising security challenges in the country.

He cited recent proactive interventions by state governments on federal highways, including repairs of the Benin–Warri Road in Delta State and work along the Sapele–Ogorode corridor in Edo State, as examples of the type of collaboration the Federal Government aims to strengthen.

Governors laud security overhaul

In Minna, the Niger State capital, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bolstering and revamping the nation’s security framework.

“We commend the President for strengthening the security architecture in Nigeria, his commitment to infrastructure renewal, and his focus on human capacity building,” the PGF said yesterday.

The forum’s Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, led some members on a sympathy visit to the Niger Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, whose state was recently hit by floods, tanker explosions and boat accidents.

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos), Biodun Oyebanji(Ekiti), Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), Sheriff Oberevwori(Delta) and Francis Nwifuru(Ebonyi), as well as deputy governors of Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states, were on the entourage.

Uzodimma urged sub-national governments to mirror federal efforts and partner with the Tinubu administration to deliver democracy dividends and better governance to the people.

The PGF Chairman, who emphasised the forum’s “one for all” ethos, described the Niger ’tragedies’ as a collective wound for all progressives.

Uzodimma called on governments at all levels to put in place preventive measures to avoid reoccurrences.

“We are not unaware that some of the incidents are avoidable, but we have seen it as a call for the government and well-wishers to put in place preventive measures, measures that will not enable repeat occurrences of the tragedies that have happened. We feel touched and we condole with the governor,” he said.

Governor Bago thanked the forum for the visit and acknowledged federal and state aid.

“Niger State has suffered a lot from insecurity, natural disasters, and crises, but we’ve received support from everyone,” Bago said.

200 ISWAP fighters killed

Fierce fighting between Boko Haram and rival militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) broke out on Sunday in Dogon Chiku, near the shores of Lake Chad, as the two extremist groups continue to battle for territorial control.

At least 200 ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed in the clashes, according to Babakura Kolo, a member of a civilian militia assisting the Nigerian military.

A former Boko Haram member, who now monitors jihadist activities, confirmed the toll and said several ISWAP weapons were seized. Boko Haram lost four fighters in the encounter.

“This could be the worst clash between the two groups since they began attacking each other,” said Saddiku, the former militant.

Video clips seen showed dead bodies in canoes filled with bloodied water. An intelligence source estimated that “more than 150” were killed.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have been locked in a violent power struggle since their 2016 split.
November 11, 2025