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Category: Politics

  • Government Raises Alarm As Bello Turji’s Attacks Escalate in Sokoto and Zamfara

    Government Raises Alarm As Bello Turji’s Attacks Escalate in Sokoto and Zamfara

    Many informed analysts across the globe that are well aware of the prowess and gallantry of the Nigerian army at war will marvel at how ragtag militias under the leadership of semi-literate individual like Bello Turji would be creating horrors for villagers within Nigeria.

    It is shocking therefore, that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, will step up his violent campaign in Sokoto, launching attacks across the Zamfara-Sokoto border and remain elusive.

     Former Governor of Sokoto, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has called for immediate government intervention, warning that Turji’s actions are wreaking havoc and disrupting local life. 

    READ ALSO: IPOB Opposes Ruga in South East, Warns Against Cattle Settlements

    Recent reports reveal that Turji, angered by the detention of his relatives by security forces, had demanded their release by January 1, 2025. 

    Failing to meet this ultimatum, he and his militia have launched a series of brutal assaults, particularly in Shinkafi Local Government Area, forcing hundreds to flee.

    Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara has firmly stated that his administration is not seeking peace talks with the bandits, instead focusing on strengthening support for military and local security forces to regain control of the state.

    Previously, on Christmas Day, Turji had threatened to start the new year with a violent rampage, including kidnappings and killings, targeting Shinkafi and its neighboring communities. 

    Following through on his threats, bandits abducted passengers from Gusau, setting their vehicle ablaze and taking the victims into the wilderness. 

  • Tinubu Visits Enugu for Project Commissioning Today 

    Tinubu Visits Enugu for Project Commissioning Today 

    President Bola Tinubu is about now in Enugu to commission a series of projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

     According to a statement from the State Government Secretary, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Tinubu will oversee the unveiling of several completed projects, including 30 smart schools and 60 healthcare centers. 

    The visit will also feature the opening of the newly constructed Enugu International Conference Centre, urban roads, a Command and Control Centre, and the launch of advanced security patrols with AI-equipped vehicles.

    Additionally, some rural roads will be inaugurated during the one-day visit.

    READ ALSO: China’s Foreign Minister to Visit Four African Nations, Nigeria

    This visit coincides with the challenge posed to the Nigerian leader by a member of the opposition, HE Mr. Peter Obi who challenged him to cut down on foreign trips and visits more states of the federation to feel the pause of Nigerians.

    Mr. Obi who was the second runner up in the 2023 presidential elections also hinged his admonition on the fact that such visit would enable Mr. Tinubu to appreciate the hardship his economic policies has wrought on the common Nigerian.

    Mr. Tinubu is reputed to have spent above a third of his time in office in foreign trips in search of so-called foreign investments that have remained largely elusive.

    READ ALSO: Ohaneze Nd’igbo Welcomes President Tinubu to Enugu, Asks Him to Order the Release of Nnamdi Kanu

  • Fintiri Appoints Seven New Traditional Rulers in Adamawa

    Fintiri Appoints Seven New Traditional Rulers in Adamawa

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has appointed seven new traditional rulers after the state recently introduced seven new monarchies.

     The new appointees include Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, the younger sibling of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. 

    This comes after the creation of five chiefdoms and two emirates on December 23, 2024.

     The newly appointed leaders will hold second-class and third-class titles, a decision aimed at improving local governance by addressing community demands for additional leadership representation.

     The new monarchs include Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, now Emir of Fufore; Alheri Nyako, Tol Huba; Bulus Luka Gadiga, Mbege Ka Michika; Ali Danburam, Ptil Madagali; John Dio, Gubo Yungur; Aggrey Ali, Kumu of Gombi; and Ahmadu Saibaru, Emir of Maiha.

    READ ALSO: Rev Fr. Alia of Benue State Unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

    Governor Fintiri commended the new rulers for their merit and popularity, encouraging them to perform their duties with fairness and integrity. 

    The appointments are effective immediately, expanding the state’s total number of chiefdoms and emirates.

  • Fubara Draws the Line Amid Tensions with Wike’s Loyalists

    Fubara Draws the Line Amid Tensions with Wike’s Loyalists

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared his resolve to move forward despite escalating tensions with allies of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

     This stance follows months of friction, culminating in Fubara’s announcement that he will no longer tolerate actions he perceives as undermining his administration.  

    During the signing of the ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget in Port Harcourt, Fubara addressed controversies surrounding the state’s legislative body. 

    He emphasized that the Assembly led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo remains the only recognized legislature, dismissing the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    READ ALSO: MY PREDICTIONS FOR 2025

    According to Fubara, their defection disqualifies them from reclaiming their seats.  

    Fubara acknowledged past efforts to reconcile differences but maintained that his focus remains on advancing Rivers State’s development.

     He highlighted achievements in infrastructure and set ambitious goals for education, health, and agriculture in 2025.  

    READ ALSO: PDP Expels Ex-South East Vice Chairman over Alleged Misconduct

    The governor also commended the three-member Assembly for facilitating the budget process and praised his cabinet for their collaborative efforts. 

    He urged state officials to build on their 2024 accomplishments, promising to uphold the interests of Rivers State and deliver on key commitments to its citizens.

  • Catholic Priest Arrested for Murder

    Catholic Priest Arrested for Murder

    Joseph Enyinaya, a Catholic Priest in Imo State, South East Nigeria, has been arrested for shooting and killing a boy in his church.

    The Priest of St Columbus Catholic Church, Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government of the state, was alleged to have shot the victim for setting off fireworks in the church on December 31, during service.

    Spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye told journalists that the suspect was arrested upon tip off, following which investigation commenced.

    St Columbus Catholic Church, Amaimo

    “The priest has been arrested, and the body of the boy has been deposited at a mortuary in Atta Ikeduru,” was reported as saying.

    The police spokesperson assured all concerned that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ascertain the correct situation of the incident.

  • Muhammad Buhari Int’l Airport, Maiduguri, Commences Int’l Ops

    Muhammad Buhari Int’l Airport, Maiduguri, Commences Int’l Ops

    The General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri, Borno State, has officially commenced full international operations as of January 1, 2025. 

    This significant development enhances connectivity for the North East Zone and positions Maiduguri as a pivotal hub for international air travel and cargo transportation. 

    In a collaborative effort to ensure the smooth operation of the newly upgraded airport, the Borno State Government has donated two state-of-the-art fire service trucks.

     This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the aviation sector and ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations.

    READ ALSO: Court Orders Arrest of Impeached South Korean President Yoon

    The establishment of an international airport in Maiduguri is strategic, aiming to receive international flights from the Middle East and other regions. 

    The airport’s capacity, infrastructure, and strategic location are expected to bolster economic activities and regional development. 

    The Federal Government, in partnership with the Borno State Government, has undertaken significant upgrades to the airport’s facilities, including the construction of a world-class runway and the installation of state-of-the-art equipment. 

    These enhancements are designed to meet international standards and accommodate a variety of aircraft, thereby facilitating increased passenger and cargo traffic.

    READ ALSO: Court Orders Seizure of Funds Linked to Ex-INEC Official

    The commencement of international operations at the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport marks a milestone in the region’s development, promising to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance the overall infrastructure of Borno State.

  • Rivers APC Opposes Fubara’s Budget Presentation, Warns of Growing Tensions

    Rivers APC Opposes Fubara’s Budget Presentation, Warns of Growing Tensions

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent budget presentation, calling it illegal. 

    The Governor presented the ₦1.18 trillion 2025 budget to only three members of the state assembly loyal to him, which the APC says violates legal and procedural norms.

     According to APC Chairman Tony Okocha, this move goes against a court ruling in January 2024, which recognized the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly as the legitimate legislative body for such matters.

    READ ALSO: Tinubunomics: Have We Crossed The Rubicon?

    Okocha expressed disappointment that the governor, with his experience in finance and governance, bypassed the full 30-member assembly, presenting the budget in a session that a court had deemed unlawful. 

    He described the event as a “forum of friends” rather than a legitimate legislative gathering, pointing out that it undermines the governance process in Rivers State. 

    He also criticized the governor for fostering division instead of promoting peace, noting that this could increase political tensions in 2025. 

    READ ALSO: Uniabuja Appoints Prof Aisha Maikudi Vice Chancellor

    Despite these challenges, Okocha emphasized that none of the 27 lawmakers who support former Governor Nyesom Wike have joined the APC, affirming their continued loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

  • Fubara Approves ₦1.1tn 2025 Budget Amid Assembly Crisis  

    Fubara Approves ₦1.1tn 2025 Budget Amid Assembly Crisis  

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has enacted the state’s ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget, ensuring its implementation until December 31, 2025. 

    The approval follows a week after the Oko-Jumbo-led State Assembly received the proposal.  

    Fubara declared the Oko-Jumbo Assembly as the sole legitimate legislative body in the state, taking into consideration the legal implication of the defection of Martins Amaewhule and 26 other legislators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    ALSO READ: Tinubunomics: Have We crossed the Rubicon?

     Despite their attempts to reverse their decision, Fubara maintained they are no longer recognized as lawmakers.  

    The defection has fueled tensions between Fubara and former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike, who supports the dissenting legislators. 

    Despite political challenges, the governor stated his administration’s commitment to advancing the state’s development agenda.

    Based on extant laws, a legislator who defects from the party on which platform he/she was elected, into another party, even when the original party is not in any form of serious crisis, that legislator shall lose his/her seat.

  • Gunmen Strike in Anambra, Seven Killed  

    Gunmen Strike in Anambra, Seven Killed  

    What a year of momentous tragedy. As the curtain falls on 2024, one of the horrific years of the new millennium, a bunch of daredevil gunmen are still drawing blood, killing and maiming in parts of the South East.

    In Ihiala, Anambra, gunmen launched an early-morning attack, leaving seven dead, including two bystanders. 

    The incident occurred at a location preparing for a burial ceremony, creating panic in the area. 

    Attackers also targeted a security post near the local government headquarters during their escape.  

    One victim was rescued and is receiving medical care. 

    The police commissioner has ordered a manhunt for those responsible. 

    This tragedy is the latest in a series of violent attacks in the state, including recent killings of a lawmaker and a priest.

  • Kado Estate Residents Struggle with Water Shortage, Urge FCT Minister’s Help

    Kado Estate Residents Struggle with Water Shortage, Urge FCT Minister’s Help

    For over two months, residents of Kado Housing Estate in Abuja have faced a persistent water shortage, leaving many without reliable access to this basic necessity. 

    The issue began in early November after a brief pipeline maintenance announcement, but instead of resolving the problem, water supply in most areas ceased entirely.  

    Residents report that only a few homes receive minimal water late at night, forcing many to travel long distances to fetch water even during the festive season. 

    The situation has raised concerns about potential health risks from inadequate sanitation.  

    READ ALSO: 25,000 Barrels/day Warri Refinery Resumes Operation

    Efforts to address the issue with the FCT Water Board have been unsuccessful, with some residents alleging that water meant for their estate has been redirected to other districts. 

    In frustration, the Kado Estate Residents Association has appealed directly to the FCT Minister, urging immediate action to restore water supply and alleviate the hardship.

    “The residents of Kado Housing Estate (Phases 1 and 2) are constrained to send a public appeal to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to urgently intervene to bring to an immediate end to the seemingly intractable water scarcity that the Estate has been subjected to for over two months,” they wrote in a statement signed by officials of the Estate Association, Dr. James Odaudu and Kola Olatode.