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‘You belong in a zoo’ : Fayose blasts Obasanjo in thank-you message

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday revealed the insulting and critical “Thank You” message he received from former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose following his attendance at Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos last week.

Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, made the SMS available to journalists in Abeokuta.

While Fayose’s message expressed gratitude for Obasanjo’s presence, it also contained sharp criticism of what he described as the 89-year-old former president’s “irresponsible comments” during the event.

The former governor said he chose not to respond at the event to show “the whole world the difference between a sane man and a mad man.”

Fayose also requested that Obasanjo promptly return the money he had sent to facilitate his attendance at the birthday ceremony.

The “Thank You” note read in part, “Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate it, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low, but I am not surprised because someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.

“I kept quiet or did not reply to you at the function so that the world would know the difference between a sane and a mad man. It is also obvious that you have lost your sanity—or should I say, this is the heightened stage of dementia.

“Not to worry, Baba. I shall set the records straight in due course. Lastly, I shall appreciate it if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received it, but Dangote brought it back. Your leopard will never change its skin.”

Replying to Fayose, Obasanjo was quoted as saying, “Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message, which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable. Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo, who brought it, in the same bag as he delivered it, unopened by me.”

While speaking as the special guest of honour at the birthday, Obasanjo recounted how Fayose had repeatedly abused him in the past without showing remorse.

He explained that despite seeking forgiveness several times, Fayose continued to insult him, displaying arrogance.

Obasanjo also said that Fayose did not initially invite him to the birthday, instead sending former Minister Osita Chidoka as an intermediary before visiting personally.

He said, “Some people called me and said, ‘We heard that you are going to attend Fayose’s 65th birthday. Have you forgotten how he abused you?’ But I said they should not worry. Irrespective of his character, he remains one of my children.

“But you are not among the best of my political children. Even to get me to attend this occasion, you could not approach me directly. You sent Osita Chidoka to sound me out. You later phoned me, and I said you could come see me at any time.

“Even then, you could not come immediately. You sent Foluso ahead to gauge my feelings, and you arrived about an hour later. When you came, you called your wife, and while on the phone, I said that both of you have not conducted yourselves well—Mo ni eyin mejeji kii somoluwabi [both of you are not Omoluwabi]. Your wife asked for forgiveness, and I said both of you are forgiven.

“However, I do not want the lesson of what happened between you and me in the past to be lost. You must learn from this.”

Obasanjo also recalled advising Fayose during his tenure as governor against investing in poultry on behalf of the government, saying the project was largely fraudulent and ultimately failed.

According to a trending online video of the event, the former president urged Fayose to seek genuine repentance and forgiveness from those he had offended and to prioritise integrity and humility in the remainder of his life.

 

(Punch)

Tinubu orders immediate rescue of 25 abducted Kebbi schoolgirls

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President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to take urgent action to rescue 25 female students abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Wasagu area of Kebbi State.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, during which gunmen killed the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, and injured a security guard, Ali Shehu, who sustained gunshot wounds to his right hand.

Kebbi police spokesperson Nafi’u Kotarkoshi confirmed the incident and stated that a manhunt for the attackers is already underway.

In a statement on Monday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Tinubu strongly condemned the attack and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians, especially schoolchildren.

The minister said: “President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State.

“The government condemns the reprehensible attack on innocent students and the killing of school officials who were carrying out their noble duty.”

He added that the President issued “clear directives” to security and intelligence agencies to locate and safely recover the abducted students, with a firm charge that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

“The Federal Government will not relent until this objective is achieved,” he noted.

Idris further assured the public that internal security remains a top priority for the Tinubu administration, which is “recalibrating the nation’s military, policing, and intelligence capabilities” to prevent and swiftly respond to such attacks.

He said Nigeria is also deepening security cooperation through ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, to strengthen border security and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks.

“We urge the public to remain calm and confident as security forces work around the clock to resolve this matter,” the minister added.

 

Absurd Wars, Absurd Lords

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BY LASISI OLAGUNJU

(Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 17 November, 2025).

“Don’t fight Man,” said Lion to his Cub, but the Cub didn’t listen. The Cub went looking for Man.

He saw a Bull. “Are you Man?”

“No, I bear Man’s yoke.”

Next he saw a Horse. “Are you Man?”

“No, Man rides me.”

Then he saw someone splitting logs with wedges: a Man!

“Fight me, Man!” said the Cub.

“I will! But first, help me split this log.”

When the Cub put his paws in the crack, Man knocked out the wedge, trapping the Cub’s paws.

The Cub finally pulled loose and went home with bloody paws. Lesson learnt.

The author of that story is ancient storyteller, Aesop. He is believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. Thousands of years, yet his wisdom endures. American writer and writing instructor, Laura Gibbs, curates and retells the stories in uncountable numbers. If you like to fight, read the above story again. It is from Aesop via Gibbs.

When you saw ‘war’ in the headline above, you probably thought I was taking a long excursion into the latest theatre of the absurd: drama starring a minister and a soldier dragging an expensive land in Abuja. No.

There was a Yoruba musician called Ayinla Omowura. He was very popular and was rich and ‘powerful’. One day in May 1980, he drove his Mercedes Benz car to a beer parlour in Abeokuta in hot pursuit of his defected band manager. The jilted big man in a big car wanted back an old motorcycle from the ex-manager. There was a push, then a shove; and a fight. A tumbler, hurled in rage, struck the strongman on the head. The rich musician died in that barroom brawl and was buried that day; his place others took in music, in his hometown, and in his home.

Big people take big risks. Sometimes they drag all of us into their trouble. Home and abroad, tired, retired, unretired, almost all Generals, Colonels, Majors, captains and sergeants and corporals lined up behind a ramrod naval Lieutenant. The drill was scary. Think about this: What do you think would have happened to our country if any of the key actors had suffered what Omowura suffered in that moment of anger and banger? And all because of land; earth which belongs to no one. Even Elephant knows that the earth only lends space to those who walk gently upon it. Fragile Chameleon is asked why he walks gingerly. He answers: “So that the ground will not cave in.”

There is another lesson in power and contest for space, this one pure, carefully recorded history:

One hundred and sixty five years ago, Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther’s son, Dr. Samuel Crowther Junior, had just returned to Abeokuta from medical school in London. Abeokuta’s native doctors who thought themselves ‘physicians’ were hostile to what he brought. They said no to him practising his alien art in their sphere of influence. There was a face-off, followed by a standoff. They said their power was mightier than the power of the foreign medicine man. When iron strikes iron, one must bend. A contest of powers was agreed upon between the two sides.

Details of that war of ‘medicine’ is told by an eyewitness, Robert Campbell, in his ‘A Pilgrimage to My Motherland’ (1861); the story was reproduced a hundred years later by A. H. M. Kirk-Greene in his ‘America in the Niger Valley: A Colonization Centenary’. So, how did the battle go? Listen to Campbell:

“Time was given for preparation on both sides. In the afternoon, the regulars appeared, clothed in their most costly garments, and well provided with orishas or charms attached to all of their persons and dress. In the meantime Mr. Crowther had also prepared to receive them. A table was placed in the middle of the room, and on it a dish in which were a few drops of sulphuric acid, so placed that a slight motion of the table would cause it to flow into a mixture of chlorate of potassa and white sugar. A clock was also in the room, from which a small bird issued every hour, and announced the time by cooing. This was arranged so as to coo while they were present.

“Mr. Crowther then made a brief harangue, and requested them to say who would lead off in the contest. This privilege they accorded to him. The door was closed, the curtains drawn down. All waited in breathless expectation. Presently the bird (in the clock) came out, and to their astonishment cooed twelve times, and suddenly from the midst of the dish burst forth flame and a terrible explosion. The scene that followed was indescribable: one fellow rushed through the window and scampered; another in his consternation took refuge in the bedroom, under the bed, from which he was with difficulty afterwards removed.”

I took the script of that 1860 ‘drama’ to my friend, the scientist. The clock, the cock and the chemistry cocktail. What really happened? My friend said a people that cannot grasp scientific concepts becomes vulnerable to fear and superstition. Dr. Crowther simply staged a drama, essentially a controlled chemical explosion: sulphuric acid (dehydrator and acid catalyst); sugar (fuel), and potassium chlorate (oxidizer). From my friend I learnt that “the mixture reacts violently when combined, producing flame, smoke, and noise.”

Crowther did not shout, boast, or brandish charms and amulets; there was no incantation. No abuse. No insults. He simply applied science; chemistry: sulphuric acid, sugar, and potassium chlorate; an elegant, potent sequence of oxidiser, fuel, and catalyst. With a clock-bird timed to coo and trigger panic, and with a well-placed chemical reaction prepared to ignite and explode, the young doctor used knowledge (not noise) to demonstrate and assert superiority.

Curses, threats and abuse are pollutants. We had more than enough last week. But enough has been said already about the Abuja land war since it unfolded last week. The raw lesson there is that real, unleavened authority easily defeats loud, raw hubris.

Central to the Abuja land drama of last week is anger and the use of language. It may be too late to bend our dry fishes. But, how do we avoid it in the next set of leaders? I end with this 170-year-old quote:

“Do all in your power to teach your children self-government. If a child is passionate, teach him by gentle and patient means to curb his temper. If he is greedy, cultivate liberality in him.

If he is selfish, promote generosity.

If he is sulky, charm him out of it,

by encouraging frank good humor…”(‘How to teach Children’ published in ‘The R. I. Schoolmaster’, Vol. 1, No. 5 JULY, 1855).

Wanted drug baron arrested as NDLEA recovers large drug shipment, forex in Lagos hideout

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By Ebinum Samuel 

 

 

 

Seizes over 14,440kg skunk in Osun forest, Lagos, Edo, Kwara, Taraba, Nasarawa raids

 

A wanted drug baron who operates under the cover of a businessman and hotelier, Frank Chijioke Ibemesi, alias Chisco Bee, has been arrested by operatives of a Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after weeks of intelligence and surveillance on his criminal activities.

The 42-year-old Ibemesi who is the MD/CEO of Franc CJ Ibemesi Nig Ltd was arrested at his Daisy Garden Hotel, 66-68 Agbeke street, Ago palace way, Isolo Lagos in the early hours of Saturday 15th November 2025 after which he was taken to his warehouse at 7 Pius Ezeobi street off Ago place way, Isolo where 42 jumbo bags and four cartoons of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 1,762.8 kilograms were recovered. Also seized from him at the point of his arrest include: $11,600 US dollars; ⁠2,000 British Pounds; 2,200 Euros and 50 Canadian dollars, all in cash.

Attempt by a drug syndicate operating at Orita-Apeje, Araromi-Okeodo forest reserve, Ife South LGA, Osun state to load and distribute across the country large quantities of processed skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing a total of 11,135 kilograms were thwarted on Tuesday 11th November by NDLEA operatives after days of surveillance in the forest. Two trucks being used to transport the illicit consignments: a Volvo truck marked WWR 29 XA and a Mercedes truck with registration number AWK 713 YZ were seized and seven suspects arrested. Those in custody in connection with the seizure are: Lucky Abiodun; Julius Amos; Victor Ngbikili; Sunday Oduegwu; Ibrahim Akanni; Eze Godstime; and Fred Ifeanyichukwu.

A total of 1,902.1 kilograms of skunk were recovered in parts of Edo state. While 184.1kg was recovered along a bush path at Oza/Igbanke road, Igbanke, in Orhionmwon LGA on Thursday 13th November, 672kg was evacuated from Utese forest, Ovia North East LGA on Friday 14th Nov, with 494kg recovered from a Mercedes Benz car marked DE311BEN along

Benin-Akure road where a suspect Felix Edah, 45, was arrested same day, just as Lucky Abagha, 51, was nabbed in another Mercedes Benz car marked JJJ 56 JW conveying 552kg.

While four suspects: Micheal Okoh; Offor Agada; Raphael Nkemjika and Nwabueze Franklin

were arrested with 68kg skunk and 3.150kg methamphetamine along Ijebu-Ode expressway in Ogun state, Danjuma Tukura, 50, was nabbed with 172kg skunk at Sunkani area of Ardo Kola LGA, Taraba state on Friday 14th November and Wisdom Titus, 24, with 84kg of same substance at Takum area of the state.

In Adamawa state, NDLEA operatives on Friday 14th November recovered 396,000 capsules of tramadol from a suspect Ahmed Isyaku Nda, 50, at Aliyu Mustapha International Airport Yola, while 785kg of skunk was evacuated from the warehouse of a drug dealer currently at large at Asob Maraba Karu, Nasarawa state.

Two suspects: Jamiu Kunle Kardoso and Oriyomi Waliu were on Friday 14th November arrested with 130 pouches of Canadian Loud weighing 65.150kg in Surulere area of Lagos, just as Taofeek Moraina was nabbed same day with 282 blocks of Ghana Loud with a gross weight of 141kg at Otto, Oyingbo area of Lagos.

In Kwara state, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 13th November intercepted a truck marked T- 0262KT along Ilorin – Jebba expressway conveying 197 blocks of skunk weighing 78.565kg and 155 cartons of rubber solutions. The truck driver Umar Yakubu was taken into custody. In another operation, a commercial bus with registration number KJA- 657CY was intercepted at Eiyenkonrin, Ilorin on Wednesday 12th November with 20 blocks of skunk concealed in a 50-litre jerry can recovered and the driver Ibrahim Bello arrested.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Birnin Ruwa Gusau, Zamfara; Holy Ghost Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Government Science Technical School, Ringim, Jigawa; City Girls Secondary School, Enugu; Randle Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos; and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of the SOU, Osun, Lagos, Edo, Ogun, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Kwara Commands for the arrests, and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

IEDPU Zonal Election: Dr. Owonikoko Imoloba Emerges New Chairman, Western Zone Unopposed As Opponent Voluntarily Withdraw At The Venue.

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By Raheem Ibrahim

 

Dr. Solih Owonikoko Imoloba has emerged as the new Chairman, Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Western Zone at the just concluded election held in Owo, Ondo State at weekend.

 

Election of Dr Owonikoko to become New Chairman was made easier on Saturday, 8th November, 2025 when his opponent, Alhaji Saliu Aileru voluntarily withdrew from the race and left the venue with some of his supporters at the last minute.

 

It was reliably gathered that there had been crisis among the supporters of the two candidates, where accusation and counter accusation trailed the campaign before the election day, over alleged misappropriation of Union fund by the then Investment committee led by Alhaji Aileru as Chairman.

 

During the election process, the congress turned down the nomination of Electoral Committee but later resolved that three members of the Union National delegation should conduct election in open ballot process.

 

Source revealed that when it was glaring that the number of branches that are in support of Dr Owonikoko are in majority, Alhaji Aileru addressed the Congress and declared his voluntary withdrawal from the race and immediately left the venue with some of his supporters.

 

 

Reacting to the claim by Alhaji Aileru that the election was fraudulent exercise, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abubakar Baba, the Vice Chairman, IEDPU Western Zone said, “All motions relating to the conduct of the election, eligibility of voters, accreditation, and adoption of voting procedures were openly presented before the congress and ratified. No single delegate raised an objection after these motions were duly moved and seconded.

 

“It is therefore misleading to claim that the constitution was disregarded. The IEDPU Western Zone 2025 Election was a model of transparency, inclusiveness, and democratic participation.

 

Alhaji Baba explained, “On the Question of Accredited Branches and Eligible Voters. For the avoidance of doubt, the IEDPU Western Zone currently has 52 constitutionally recognized branches. However, in the buildup to the convention, 12 additional branches formally registered with the Union and were issued registration acknowledgments, thereby qualifying them to participate as bona fide members in accordance with IEDPU’s tradition of inclusivity and progress”.

 

“The matter was openly tabled before the congress during the convention, and after deliberations, a motion was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved that the 12 newly registered branches be allowed to vote and be voted for.

 

“The decision was reached democratically and transparently, not by manipulation as falsely alleged. This brought the total number of voting branches to 64, and their accreditation was conducted in the full glare of all delegates”, he added

 

On Aileru Claim of Electoral Fraud and Walkout, the Vice Chairman insisted, “It is on record that Alhaji Saliu Oluwadare Aileru voluntarily withdrew from the election, not because of any fraud, but because he sensed imminent defeat following the overwhelming support enjoyed by his opponent (Dr. Solih Musa Kolawole Owonikoko Imoloba) among the delegates.

 

“His withdrawal was a desperate face-saving attempt to justify his poor standing within the Union. The congress continued peacefully after his exit, and the election proceeded in accordance with the approved open ballot system.

 

“To now turn around and describe the process he abandoned midway as “fraudulent” is dishonest, malicious, and unbecoming of a person who once sought leadership within our noble Union.

 

“On the Adoption of the Open Ballot System, the open ballot system was openly proposed by the electoral officers and approved by voice vote of the delegates before voting commenced. No objection was raised by any accredited delegate, and the process was carried out with transparency and fairness.

 

“All contestants were duly nominated and seconded in line with the IEDPU Constitution. The results were counted openly and announced immediately in the presence of observers, delegates, and the National Executive members.

 

“On the Integrity of the Electoral Committee and National Executives

The National Executive members who conducted the election are men of proven integrity and long-standing service to the Ilorin Emirate and to IEDPU. Their involvement ensured impartiality, orderliness, and transparency.

 

“It is therefore mischievous and defamatory for Alhaji Aileru to describe the process as a “gang-up.” The only “gang-up” was the congress’s collective rejection of imposition and indiscipline.

 

However, the election still went on as delegates voted for their choice candidates respectively and the results are declared on the spot, while the newly elected officers are sworn-in on the presence of the Union National delegation, led by the President of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik.

 

“We call on all members to rally behind the new leadership and reject the divisive antics of those who place personal interest above collective development. The Union stands firm, unshaken, and resolute in the face of baseless blackmail” Alhaji Baba remarked

EFCC arraigns former Access Bank’s head of operations over alleged $510,000 customer fund diversion

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The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, brought one Obinna Nwaobi, a former Head of Operations at Access Bank Nigeria Plc, before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Independence Layout, Enugu.

 

In a statement, the anti-graft agency confirmed that Nwaobi is facing a nine-count charge linked to alleged forgery and the criminal diversion of $510,000 (Five Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars) said to belong to a customer of the bank.

One of the charges, count seven, states: “That you, Obinna Nwaobi while being (Head of Operations) of Access Bank Nigeria Plc, Enugu branch on or about the 8th day of August, 2024 in Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, induced Access Bank Nigeria Plc to transfer a total sum of Five Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars ($510, 000. 00) from LANTERN GATE NIGERIA LIMITED Access Bank Account number 0761770127 under the false pretence that Lantern Gate Nigeria Limited gave her consent and mandate for the said transfer which pretence you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”.

Count eight further reads: “That you, Obinna Nwaobi while being (Head of Operations) of Access Bank Plc, Enugu branch on or about the eight day of August, 2024 in Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, knowingly forged a document to Wit: “Access Bank Domestic Fund Transfer Form “D”, dated 28th August 2024, knowing same to be false and with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of Access Bank Plc and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the same Act”.

 

After the charges were read, the defendant entered a plea of “not guilty”. His lawyer, F. C. Obinna, informed the court of a pending bail application dated October 24, 2025, supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit. He urged the judge to grant his client bail.

However, EFCC counsel, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Mainforce Adaka Ekwu, strongly contested the application, relying on an 11-paragraph counter affidavit filed on November 12, 2025. The prosecution argued that the weight of evidence in its possession could motivate the defendant to flee, saying “the quality of evidence we have in our proof of evidence might put fear in him and he might want to abscond”.

 

The court, after considering submissions from both sides, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N250 million (Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira), with three sureties in the same amount. Two sureties must own landed property in Enugu State and submit their ownership documents to the court.

 

“The third surety shall be a relative of the defendant, who shall deposit evidence of tax payment for three years. The defendant and the sureties shall deposit two passports each to the court and the defendant shall deposit his international passport and National Identification Number to the court until the determination of this case,” the judge ruled.

 

The matter was adjourned to March 10, 11, and 12, 2026 for trial, while the defendant was remanded in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Enugu.

 

The case traces back to September 11, 2024, when Access Bank Plc petitioned the EFCC, reporting unauthorized transfers from a customer’s account.

 

The bank alleged that $510,000 belonging to Lantern Gate Nigeria Limited was moved into six accounts on the authorization of Nwaobi—then its Head of Operations—without the customer’s approval.

 

“This breach, coupled with the customer’s representatives’ explicit statement of not issuing the instruction for the transfer of the specified amounts, raises concerns and underscores the need for further investigation,” the petitioner stated.

Niger State : 16 vigilantes killed, 42 residents abducted in fresh attacks

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At least 16 vigilante operatives have been killed and 42 people taken hostage following a series of bandit incursions in several communities within Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

 

Residents said the coordinated assaults occurred between Sunday, November 9, and Thursday, November 13, 2025, forcing many villagers to flee their homes.

 

A resident, who requested anonymity, explained that the first attack happened on Sunday when bandits invaded Dutsen Magaji village and abducted 22 people.

 

“When they came on Sunday, vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle. In the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are currently in the hospital,” he said.

He added that the gunmen returned before dawn on Thursday, November 13, this time targeting Magama village during early morning prayers.

 

“They surrounded the mosque while people were praying and abducted more than 20 people. Some vigilantes followed them; not knowing the bandits had laid an ambush. The bandits opened fire and 13 vigilantes were killed, and several others were injured,” the source said.

 

The Press Secretary to the chairman of Mashegu LGA, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, issued a statement confirming the killings. He described the slain vigilantes as heroes who put their lives on the line to defend their communities, noting that the council appreciates their bravery and sacrifice.

 

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the incidents and provide updates later.

 

Residents also reported that since Monday, numerous settlements have been abandoned as families fled to areas such as Mashegu, Kawo-Mashegu, and Manigi. Some displaced villagers are currently staying with relatives farther away for safety.

 

Communities said to be deserted include Dutsen Magaji, Borin-Aiki, Gidan Ruwa, and Magama.

 

Meanwhile, the abductors of former chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, have still not freed him, despite reports that his family paid a ransom of N70 million.

 

Niworo was kidnapped on Monday, September 29, 2025, along with the Permanent  Commissioner II of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Barrister Ahmad Mohammed, their drivers and other passengers on the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Borgu LGA.

 

(DAILY TRUST)

2027 : Utomi, Falana, Bugaje, others form new coalition

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A wide-ranging alliance of political figures, civil society leaders, labour representatives and pro-democracy activists has unveiled a new national platform dedicated to overhauling Nigeria’s troubled electoral system.

 

The initiative, called the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), emerged from the 2025 National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability of Nigeria, which took place on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

The summit was convened by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) in collaboration with the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), drawing more than 600 participants from political parties, public institutions, the private sector, diaspora networks, academia and civic organisations. With the private sector, diaspora networks, academia and civic organisations. With the theme “Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027,” the gathering sought to outline a unified national blueprint for electoral reforms ahead of the next general election.

 

Messages were delivered by former President Goodluck Jonathan; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and former presidential candidate Peter Obi. Also participating were NLC President Joe Ajaero; Pat Utomi, who chaired the organising committee; former Minister and keynote speaker Oby Ezekwesili; Shehu Sani; IPAC Chairman Mamman Dantalle; Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim; and legal practitioner Adewole Adebayo.

Much of the conversation centred on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the potential implications for the 2027 polls. Participants cited external warnings — including those attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump — as evidence that the country’s political stability is under serious strain.

 

Contributors argued that the unchecked rise in banditry, terrorism and violent crime has weakened state authority and created an environment where non-state actors flourish. They warned that the government’s inability to guarantee basic security has left the nation vulnerable to foreign interference.

 

Delegates also said the deteriorating security climate poses a direct threat to the next general elections, cautioning that many communities could be unreachable unless swift reforms are enacted. Several speakers maintained that credible elections cannot occur when citizens are displaced, intimidated

or denied access to polling centres.

 

Participants further faulted Nigeria’s political parties, accusing them of weak internal democracy and abuse of candidate-selection processes. According to speakers, these failings have transformed parties into vehicles for transactional politics rather than institutions that produce capable leaders, contributing to a broader governance breakdown.

 

Stakeholders at the summit jointly denounced the entrenched practices of rigging, vote buying, ballot snatching, suppression of voters, manipulation of results and the extensive litigation that follows nearly every election. They argued that unless these behaviours are eliminated, the integrity of the 2027 elections will remain questionable.

 

Speakers also noted that public trust in the electoral process has eroded, with outcomes often failing to reflect actual votes cast. Many referenced past instances where judicial rulings — rather than citizen ballots — determined winners, which they said has discouraged voter participation and weakened democracy.

 

Following extensive deliberations, the summit endorsed a series of reform proposals aimed at reengineering Nigeria’s electoral infrastructure.

 

A major focus was the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to receive funding directly from the Federation Account to limit undue influence. Stakeholders also called for INEC to adopt an open budgeting system that allows civil society oversight of its expenditures.

 

Participants insisted that INEC must be constitutionally empowered to prosecute electoral offenders without depending on the Police or the Attorney-General’s office. They urged lawmakers to legalise early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting and real-time electronic transmission of results, saying these measures would significantly curb manipulation.“Early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting, and real-time electronic transmission of results should be made legally mandatory to reduce or eradicate manipulation and circumvention of election results,” they said.

 

Delegates also pressed for reforms to the appointment process of INEC commissioners, arguing that the task should be removed from the Executive and handed to a diverse set of respected national actors. They condemned the current trend where courts decide final outcomes, calling it a distortion that undermines trust.

 

The summit further sought constitutional provisions for special seats for women and vulnerable groups, stating that: “The National Assembly should be compelled to provide for special seats for women and other vulnerable groups in the constitution to be elected and participate in governance.”

 

Another proposal was to shift the burden of proof in election petitions from candidates to INEC, which would be required to defend the results it announces.

 

A highlight of the event was the official rollout of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), designed as a broad citizen-driven platform mobilising Nigerians to demand clean elections and counter attempts at manipulation ahead of 2027.

 

The movement aims to build alliances across regions, professions and political interests, making electoral fraud both socially unacceptable and politically costly.

 

A 23-member Interim Steering Council was inaugurated to guide the new movement. Pat Utomi will chair the council, with former NLC  President Ayuba Wabba serving as co-chair.

 

Other prominent members include Usman Bugaje (Deputy Chair, North), Nkoyo Toyo (Deputy Chair, South), human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Shehu Sani, Ankio Briggs, Bilikisu Magoro, Ene Obi and Peter Ameh.

 

The communiqué was signed by James Ezema, who was named Media Coordinator, while Olawale Okunniyi will lead the secretariat.

 

Additional members — including youth leaders, finance directors, mobilisation coordinators and communication specialists — were also announced. They are Alex Adum; Promise Adewusi, Director of Administration; Chris Uyot, Director of Mobilisation; Hamisu Turaki, Director of Mobilisation; Chris Iyovwaye, Director of Finance; Chris Azor, Director of Mobilisation; Mark Adebayo, Director of Mobilisation; Mustapha Nwaokobia, Director of Communications; Peter Akah, Director of Publicity; Kamal Ahmed, Youth Coordinator; and Hauwa Mustapha, Deputy Head of Secretariat.

 

(PREMIUM TIMES)

Quit illicit drug trade now or get ready for more hard time, Marwa warns barons, cartels

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

Thanks President Tinubu for his reappointment to continue ongoing efforts against drug menace

 

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has warned drug barons, traffickers and their cartels to quit the criminal trade or face more hard time during his second tenure.

Marwa who was reappointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second tenure of five years on Friday 14th November 2025 told jubilating management staff, officers, men and women of the Agency who gathered to welcome him at its National Headquarters in Abuja following the presidential announcement that his second tenure will be hell and bleak for those who fail to quit the illicit drug trade. He expressed appreciation to the president for the recognition of ongoing efforts against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

 

 

“First of all, what a surprise, I did not expect to come back from jumat service to meet these great felicitations, dancing and singing by our personnel. Thank you very much. We would like to thank the almighty God, because always the glory has to go to Him for everything. We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate for us to continue with the war against drug abuse and trafficking. I thank the management, officers, men and women of the agency, who continue to provide service to the nation 24/7, in spite of the risks that you all face”, he stated.

He also acknowledged the unflinching support by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun while also expressing thanks to “all our local and international partners, with whom we have continued to collaborate towards ridding Nigeria of illicit substances.”

For the drug cartels, Marwa has a message: “First, this word must go to the cartels. The cartels have not seen anything yet. I promise them this second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria.” He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment towards President Tinubu’s mandate, assuring that “in line with our Act, we will continue to do our level best. I remember in my inaugural speech, the day I took over, and I said very clearly that NDLEA will be feared by the drug cartels. And that’s just the beginning.”

“At the same time, I must appeal to those who are engaged in illicit drug trafficking that this is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate. It is in line with that that we established the Alternative Development Unit, which seeks to persuade those who are perpetrating the illicit drug activities, particularly cannabis growers, who are our greatest challenge in Nigeria, to desist from the habit, collaborate with us. We are going to support towards licit cultivation of crops that are legitimate, legal, and you can sleep with your two eyes closed.

 

 

“But those who refuse to do that can be sure that the NDLEA is up and able on its task of law enforcement. You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. So, you come out from jail, there will be nothing left.”

He also assured that the Agency will remain committed to its drug demand reduction efforts. “I’ll take the opportunity again to announce the rededication of our efforts towards prevention, sensitization, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of our children in our 30 rehabilitation centres. And with the support of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven more rehab centres are coming up under the 2025 budget that will now make every state to have its own rehab centre.

“And as well, there will be zonal rehab, more rehab centres and we are getting full collaboration from the Honorable Minister of Health. We appreciate his efforts also, and the Honorable Minister of Education, who has accepted our recommendation for drug tests for our children on admission to tertiary institutions, so that with this we can catch them young before it gets into addiction stage. May the Almighty God bless our President, bless all those that are supporting us, bless the officers, men and women of NDLEA.”

Wike speaks on clash with naval officer, says Obasanjo, T.Y. Danjuma contacted him over land issue

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence on the recent confrontation with a naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, concerning a disputed plot of land reportedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).

Speaking to journalists on Thursday ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike criticised what he described as the retired naval chief’s “impunity” for deploying serving officers to protect the contested property.

Responding to those who questioned his decision to personally visit the site, the minister said he could not ignore reports of government officials being assaulted while carrying out their duties.

“How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up, officials at the level of directors? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked.

Earlier reports indicated that Wike and Lieutenant Yerima had engaged in a heated exchange on Tuesday at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja — a piece of land said to belong to the retired naval chief. The minister accused Gambo of illegally developing the property and condemned the alleged assault on Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) staff who attempted to stop the ongoing construction.

Addressing the issue further, the former Rivers State governor decried the use of military personnel to obstruct lawful enforcement by FCT officials.

“Many influential Nigerians have had similar land issues. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former head of state and president, will simply call me. He’ll say, ‘Minister, I have a problem on this land, can you help?’ and I’ll solve it.

“That is a former head of state — a former president — who has the courtesy to call the minister. General T.Y. Danjuma will do the same. They never sent soldiers to attack anybody. They just call,” Wike said.

He also faulted the naval officer for allegedly referring to police officers on the scene as “bloody police.”

“Nobody talks like that. A security man saying, ‘Bloody police! Who are these bloody police that will talk to you?’ You say you’re a commissioned officer, to God be the glory, but it is these same government officials you’re beating — the ones who made you what you are,” he stated.

Wike, however, clarified that his actions were not targeted at the Nigerian military as an institution, stressing that he holds deep respect for the armed forces.

“I have respect for the military, and I’ll continue to respect them. I know what the institution stands for. I’m not a fool; I went to school. So anyone trying to suggest I have problems with them is wrong. I have no problem with the military, and I never will. Why would I have issues with the government? But this is a private matter,” he said.