Television Nigerian

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has confirmed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has returned the $20,000 he provided for Obasanjo’s travel logistics ahead of Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration. The refund follows a fresh clash between the two political figures, who have had a long-standing estrangement spanning nearly two decades.

In an interview with AF24 News monitored by Legit.ng, Fayose explained that he reached out to Obasanjo through a mutual friend, former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, to invite him to the birthday event. Although Obasanjo attended, he made remarks that Fayose described as critical and unwelcoming. Fayose insisted that his initial call was not an apology, stating, “I never called to go and apologise to Baba. I did not offend him. He was the one that removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is him.”

The former governor said he provided $20,000 to cover Obasanjo’s logistics at the former president’s request, adding, “How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spiting that person?” Following a text message from Fayose, Obasanjo returned the money, which Fayose converted to naira and confirmed is now in his possession.

Fayose also raised a separate issue regarding N10 million he and other PDP governors had donated to the Obasanjo Presidential Library in 2005, stating that he now seeks the return of his personal contribution. He stressed that public figures should not disparage those who provide support, warning against misappropriation.

The controversy has reignited political tensions between the two, with Fayose publicly criticizing Obasanjo’s remarks at his birthday while affirming that he was pleased to recover the funds.

Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the South-South Senate Caucus, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate a comprehensive political process aimed at resolving the separatist agitation led by detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In an official statement titled “Nnamdi Kanu: The Imperative of a Political Solution,” Senator Dickson emphasized the need for dialogue to end violence, restore normalcy, and address long-standing grievances in the South East and across Nigeria.

Dickson aligned himself with other leaders advocating for a resolution that could lead to Kanu’s release under conditions promoting peace and reintegration. He stressed that such a move should be framed as a national effort rather than a regional demand, noting that Nigerians who value unity, peace, and justice support this approach.

Condemning the violence in the South East and the terrorist attacks in the North, Dickson expressed sympathy for all victims. Drawing from his experience as a former police officer and Attorney-General, he highlighted the distress caused by the killing of security operatives and insisted that lawlessness must be rejected everywhere.

According to the senator, while arrests and prosecutions have historically been the state’s response to separatist movements, punitive measures alone have never brought lasting peace. He argued that sustainable solutions are achieved through political processes guided by leaders who prioritise national interest over sectional or personal considerations.

Dickson cited global and local precedents, including Nelson Mandela in South Africa and Isaac Adaka Boro in Nigeria, noting that political engagement ultimately yielded peace. He also referenced the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme under Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, and highlighted General Yakubu Gowon’s decision to pardon Boro and integrate him into federal forces during the civil war as examples of broad-minded statesmanship.

The senator urged President Tinubu, in his capacity as a statesman, to lead a peace initiative addressing the root causes of separatist agitations, ensuring Kanu’s renunciation of violence while correcting historical injustices and structural imbalances. He also called for humane treatment and secure custody for Kanu, warning that new conflict zones could strain already overstretched security forces.

Dickson pledged support for national mobilisation against terrorism, extremist attacks, and banditry, while appealing to the South East, particularly the youth, to remain calm and participate in political processes fostering a fair and inclusive Nigeria. As chairman of the South-South Senate Caucus, he disclosed ongoing consultations with colleagues from the South East and other regions to promote national stability.

The statement concluded: “As everyone knows, I am available for any engagement that can lead to a restructured Nigeria that will work for all.”

Security agencies are fully aware of the identities and locations of the bandit groups responsible for recent mass kidnappings, including the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga revealed the information on Monday in an interview with Prime Time on ARISE News.

According to him, although security officers have the requisite intelligence, their operations are often hampered by the potential of collateral damage to citizens being held by the bandits.

“Every bandit working on that axis is known to the security personnel. They are familiar with them. “They are aware of where they work,” he remarked.

Onanuga emphasized that the government cannot just attack the designated enclaves with airstrikes.

“Where they operate, our people reside. Therefore, you can’t simply get there. They must exercise extreme caution to avoid bombing innocent Nigerians while pursuing these bandits, he stated.

The presidential assistant brought up a previous instance in Borno State where civilians were erroneously hit by the military.

“The military bombed the wrong people in Borno State a few years ago because they believed they had the correct satellite link. They have to steer clear of that kind of error,” he stated.

He continued by saying that because neither the school nor the Christian Association of Nigeria’s Niger State branch had produced comprehensive records, there is still uncertainty on the precise number of kidnapped pupils.

The number of those that are truly missing is currently unknown to the authorities. You mentioned that pupils are absent; please provide their names. Tell us what you’re looking for,” he said.

Additionally, Onanuga asserted that the principal of the school had “disappeared,” making the verification procedure more difficult.

“The security felt that their lack of cooperation was quite odd. “What is the agenda?” he inquired.

He went on to explain why, following kidnappings, security agents do not instantly raid bandit camps.

Sometimes the possibility of collateral damage keeps them from pursuing them. He claimed, “They kidnap our people and use them as a shield so they won’t be attacked.”

The bandits are aware of the repercussions of resisting government pressure, Onanuga continued.

He stated, “They understand that the government will launch a kinetic action and attack their base if they hold those people and refuse to release them.”

Onanuga stated that the President’s order to reassign personnel from VIP protection to front-line responsibilities will greatly enhance security in high-risk regions.

“I read today that VIPs are protected by 100,000 police officers. It will make a big impact if you distribute them to areas that are susceptible, he said.

Onanuga stressed that the administration acknowledges the gravity of the current security situation in response to criticism from church leaders.

The fact that Nigerians are being slain has never been denied by this government. We are working to make sure that we stop all of these issues, even though we are aware of our shortcomings,” he stated.

The presidential aide revealed that after continuing security consultations, the president is anticipated to address the country shortly.
He stated, “I believe he will do so very soon.”

The establishment of a state-owned cement factory in Ebonyi has been announced by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.

According to the governor, the plan was a component of the state’s industrialization initiatives.

This was revealed on Monday when Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru formally presented the 2026 budget proposal to the public for their feedback.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was commended by the governor for his audacious economic initiatives.

He said that the President’s audacious measures caused the economy to develop astronomically in a number of industries.

“What was once unattainable is now feasible. Our budget would not have increased from N89 billion to over N800 billion without the provision of subsidies. The governor stated, “That is the proof and advantage of eliminating fuel subsidies.

The 2026 budget was dubbed the “Budget of Hope and Actualization,” according to Governor Nwifuru.

He clarified that the 2026 budget was created to guarantee the completion of ongoing projects and the growth of human capital.

In order to continue carrying out their responsibilities, he urged Nigerians, particularly the opposition parties, to cooperate with the Presidential Renewed Hope Agenda and his People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.

He insisted that all projects are time-bound and promised that contractors will use the dry season to finish all ongoing projects, all the while refuting concerns and rumors of sluggish project execution.

The Nigerian President will visit Ebonyi to commission at least ten projects, according to the Governor, who plans to start project commissioning by May of next year.

The governor was praised for include worthy sectors in the 2026 budgets by leaders of the traditional rulers council, women’s societies, elders council, and student organizations in their respective addresses earlier.