Ismail Ahmed, a former National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed the possibility of Nigerians publicly stoning President Bola Tinubu, APC leaders, and government officials due to their dissatisfaction with the country’s situation.
According to him, all hope is not lost, and Nigerians should listen to leaders and trust the process.
According to reports, Ahmed made the submission on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television in which he discussed the Tinubu administration’s performance in its first two years in office.
When asked by the presenter to justify what the APC-led government has done for Nigerians in the previous two years to avoid being stoned, the party stalwart stated that the APC and President Tinubu have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy.
He stated that the current administration has not destroyed Nigerians’ hopes and expectations, and that while some citizens’ expectations have not been reached, the government still has two years to make good on its pledges.
Ahmed supported the Tinubu administration’s increased borrowings, stating that the funds are not being wasted or embezzled, but are being channeled to infrastructural development in the country, and Nigerians can witness the results of multiple massive projects being finished.
According to him, despite complaints from some quarters about issues including as economic hardship, insecurity, and increased hunger in the country, which they blamed on the president’s misguided policies, the APC-led Tinubu administration has not fared poorly in its first two years in office.
“I believe Nigerians would be open-minded and listen to us. It is not yet a lost hope.
We have saved the country from bankruptcy. Everyone, whether a corporation, corporate organization, or a government, must operate on debt. Now, debt may be a sustainable debt, in which you borrow to invest in your infrastructure, to invest in your enabling structures, to be able to attract additional firms and create jobs.
It’s another thing for you to borrow money to spend, pay salaries, eat, have it drained away by corruption, and spend it on foolishness that can go on. But right now, we’re borrowing to invest in our infrastructure, which began with Buhari, as you’re well aware. We completed a large amount of infrastructure that had appeared to be unfinished. And look at what we’re doing across the board under this government; I don’t think we’re doing too badly.”
He did, however, highlight the importance of keeping the public informed on government policies, activities, and projects in order for them to have a better grasp of what is happening in the country.
“But I understand perception.” Let me make it obvious that I understand people’s bottom lines; many people are dissatisfied, which is why I stated we needed to do more than just sit in rooms and give endorsements that are completely useless and superfluous,” the APC chairman continued.
Makurdi, Nigeria— Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has passionately addressed the persistent insecurity in the state, expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his timely intervention and concern for the people of Benue. Governor Alia made these remarks during the President’s visit to the state following the tragic attack on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area on June 13, 2025.
In his speech, the Governor praised President Tinubu’s decision to cancel other state engagements to personally visit Benue, describing it as “a clear demonstration of true leadership.” He lauded the President’s show of solidarity during what he called “one of the darkest moments for the peace-loving people of Benue State.”
Governor Alia highlighted that the security challenges facing the state have persisted for decades, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of communities, and occupation of ancestral lands. He noted that the President’s visit was the first time a sitting Nigerian leader had come specifically in response to the insecurity crisis in Benue, a gesture that he believes will mark a turning point for peace and stability.
“Our hearts are ignited with hope by your visit,” the Governor stated. “You have truly rekindled a new leaf of hope in all of us, and your presence provides unimaginable reassurance that never again will our people be subjected to this degree of undeserved and barbaric inhumanity.”
While commending security agencies for their efforts, Governor Alia called for intensified actions and more drastic measures to end the attacks. He urged the Federal Government to establish a special intervention fund to aid the rehabilitation of displaced persons, rebuild destroyed infrastructure, and restore the livelihoods of affected families.
Governor Alia also reiterated his strong support for the establishment of state police as a lasting solution to the security crisis. He emphasized that with proper federal guidelines and regulatory frameworks, the concerns surrounding state policing can be effectively addressed to prevent misuse.
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu and all dignitaries who joined the visit, calling on God to console the bereaved families and bless the collective efforts toward peace. “Your visit rekindles our hope and energizes us to continue striving for peace and unity,” the Governor said.
Present at the event were key dignitaries including the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara; Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governors of Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba, and Kebbi States; APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Service Chiefs, traditional rulers, and other senior officials.
An Anambra State High Court, a sexual and gender-based assault court located in Awka, has sentenced a 34-year-old school teacher to 12 years in prison for raping an 11-year-old student.
Mr Pascal Ofomata, the instructor, was found guilty of defiling the kid, who is a Junior Secondary one student at St Christopher’s Junior Seminary in the 3-3 area of Onitsha.
The sitting judge, Justice Peace Otti, spoke shortly after handing down the judgment, praising the prosecution counsel, Chinelo Akorah Esq., for his diligence and intelligence in taking the case to its conclusion.
She was cited as noting that Akorah’s closing speech was riveting and comprehensive. She stated that it is extremely rare for instances involving sexual offenses against boys to be resolved and criminals punished.
The defendant had previously denied having canal knowledge of the boy, claiming that he never penetrated the victim’s anus. However, he did confess that the victim swallowed his penis and told him to kiss him.
The court, however, upheld the case following an intense and compelling trial that included testimony from the investigating police officer and the doctor who examined the victim.
The defendant was convicted and sentenced to twelve years in jail.
Pascal Ofomata had already pleaded not guilty to the three-count allegation filed against him.
He was accused with rape and physical harm to the youngster, all of which are criminal under Anambra State’s Violence against Persons Prohibition Law, Sections 3(1) and 4(1), respectively.
The third charge against him is sexual abuse, which is punishable under Anambra State’s Child’s Rights Law, Section 35 (2).
Furthermore, the court forbade him from working in any establishment that employs people under the age of 18, including primary, secondary, and higher institutions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Wednesday that he has learned from those who make fun of him all the time.
This was said by the president at a town hall meeting with political leaders in Benue State, where at least 100 people had recently been killed by armed herdsmen.
They will insult me no matter what I do. Since I can’t see everything, I read the publications and take note of their comments,” Tinubu stated.
He said to Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State, “Your political rivals do not want you to be successful. Are you only now becoming aware of that?
He urged regional leaders to cooperate.
“We can’t function without another.
To develop a plan for enduring peace, I will want us to immediately establish a leadership council that will convene in Abuja. And I’m prepared to make an investment in that tranquility,” he declared.
Additionally, the president gave Alia instructions to collaborate with all parties involved and take on the role of a father figure to all residents of the state.
In order to assist in determining a course for peace, he declared the formation of a Committee of Elders, which will comprise the present governor of Nasarawa State and all previous governors of Benue.
In an effort to resolve the ongoing farmer-herder conflict, Tinubu also requested the governor to grant ranching property.
Tinubu urged all Benueans to come together and cooperate in order to achieve enduring peace.
In addition, he urged traditional leaders to work together with the government to bring about peace and stability.
“Be prepared for insults—that is the yoke of leadership,” Tinubu advised Alia. Obtain your lamp. Look for those leaders and work together to solve problems.
Makurdi, June 18, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Makurdi, Benue State, this morning in a solidarity visit following the tragic attacks on Yelwata and surrounding communities. The visit, prompted by the escalating violence that has left scores dead and thousands displaced, underscored the federal government’s commitment to addressing the security crisis and fostering national unity.
Upon arrival at the Makurdi Airport, President Tinubu was welcomed by Governor Hyacinth Alia, senior government officials, and traditional rulers. Without delay, the President’s convoy proceeded to the worst-hit areas where destruction from the attacks remains stark. Tinubu personally toured the ruins of burned homes, met with displaced residents in temporary camps, and inspected ongoing relief operations. Offering heartfelt condolences, he assured affected families of immediate federal intervention for medical care, shelter, and enhanced security.
Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders
In the afternoon, the President held a town hall meeting at the Makurdi Local Government Secretariat. The gathering brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, youth representatives, women’s groups, security chiefs, and lawmakers.
During his address, President Tinubu described the Yelwata tragedy as “a wound on the nation’s conscience,” emphasizing that “Benue’s peace is Nigeria’s peace.” He called for calm, cooperation, and unity in confronting the challenges.
Key Announcements:
Security Measures: Deployment of federal-backed mobile police units, aerial surveillance operations, and the establishment of a special local security task force.
Humanitarian Support: Approval of a ₦2 billion emergency fund to aid survivors, rebuild homes, and restore livelihoods.
Peace Efforts: A federally backed peace conference to be hosted in Benue, bringing together all stakeholders for long-term reconciliation.
Stakeholders’ Contributions
Community representatives appealed for urgent relocation of displaced persons to safer areas and stronger collaboration in local security. While they welcomed the federal government’s support, they urged swift implementation and inclusive participation in peacebuilding.
In an interactive session, Tinubu responded to concerns on security strategies, reconstruction timelines, and reconciliation mechanisms. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on communal violence and promised close monitoring of all pledged interventions through an inter-agency task force.
A Call for Unity
The President concluded with a passionate plea: “Let this pain bind, not break, our unity. Benue’s strength is Nigeria’s strength, and together we will heal.” He urged leaders at all levels to reject divisive rhetoric and work for enduring peace.
Outlook
President Tinubu’s visit, marked by empathy and decisive pledges, has sparked cautious optimism across Benue communities. While residents expressed relief at the President’s personal engagement, they look forward to concrete action that will translate promises into lasting peace and security.
Senator Orji Kalu, the senator who represents Abia North in the National Assembly and is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization, has said that he will wait to run for president until President Bola Tinubu has finished his second term.
Even if he wants to run for president, Kalu stated that he cannot challenge the party since it is supreme and has already endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term that ends in 2031.
The senator said his presidential dream is on hold and will be resurrected when Tinubu finishes his second term in office, while speaking to reporters in Igbere, in the Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, on Tuesday.
I’m an APC member, and our party has overwhelmingly supported President Tinubu,” he said. Because I am unable to oppose the party, my goal to become president is currently on hold. The party is supreme. “President Tinubu will enjoy it and we will elect him President.” He is enjoying the party’s dominance. In God’s time, if I still possess the necessary means and energy when President Tinubu leaves office in 2031, who says I can’t run for president? It’s feasible.
If the public thought he was deserving of a second chance, the lawmaker added that he would run for the Abia North senatorial district seat in 2027.
He declared, “I will seek reelection to the Senate in 2027. If I am deemed worthy by our people, I will run. In my six years as a senator, a man has completed more than 187 highways, while I have completed more than 123 elementary schools.
“I work closely with President Tinubu,” Kalu remarked in reference to his success over the past two years. The President has performed admirably in just two years. There will likely be significant improvements in the economy if we can provide him the advantages of completing a further two years and serving another term.
The senator from Abia stated that the party made the correct decision in pushing President Tinubu to do more and that his support for a second term is not as hurried as some have suggested.
We are in the midterm and we need to push the President to do more, therefore the party did the correct thing, he said. The incumbent president is entitled to run again, and we will fully support him.
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives and Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Hon. Philip Agbese, has delivered a scathing critique of the Benue State Governor over the worsening security crisis in the state. Speaking passionately on the tragic killings perpetrated by armed herders and the alleged indifference of the state government, Agbese admitted failure on the part of political leaders and demanded urgent action to save Benue people from further carnage.
Agbese did not mince words as he lamented the apparent helplessness of the Benue State government in addressing the persistent massacres, stating, “It is quite unfortunate, and from the look of things, there’s nothing so far to suggest that we are ready to tackle this problem.” He acknowledged the collective failure of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at both the state and federal levels, saying, “Our government has failed.”
According to Agbese, the governor’s ineptitude lies at the heart of Benue’s security woes. He described the governor as ill-prepared for leadership, comparing him to “someone who was just learning how to drive a Beetle car” but was handed “a Marcopolo luxury bus to drive.” This analogy underscored the lawmaker’s belief that the governor’s inexperience has transformed a complex security challenge into a full-blown catastrophe. Agbese accused the governor of dismantling existing safeguards, such as the anti-open grazing law, and instead pursuing actions that have worsened the plight of Benue’s citizens.
The federal lawmaker further alleged that political compromises during the election period contributed to the crisis. He claimed that groups who financed the governor’s campaign may have influenced his decision to relax laws that previously curtailed the activities of violent herders. “Some persons somewhere visited somebody, and a group of people mobilized resources and gave to somebody to contest election to become the governor of the state,” Agbese alleged. As a result, he argued, the governor abandoned the APC Party Manifesto and “relaxed the existing legislation that made it impossible for herders to graze all over the state and cause the kind of havoc we are experiencing today.”
At this point in the unfolding tragedy, it was clear that the impact of the crisis resonated far beyond Benue’s borders. Mr. Chibueze Udume, who followed the conversation narrative of Dr. Hon. Philip Agbese on TVC News Rundown, had tears in his eyes as he was writing this report for TheNigerian News. Deeply moved by the painful realities and the lawmaker’s heartfelt confession, Udume sympathized with the people of Benue, capturing not only the facts but also the human anguish behind the headlines.
The situation, Agbese lamented, has degenerated to the point where even international figures had to intervene before the governor acknowledged the killings. “It took the Pope, it took the United Nations Secretary General to tell us what is going on in Benue State before the governor owned up to the fact that yes, people are being killed,” he said. Agbese condemned the governor’s earlier attempts to downplay the violence as mere “communal clashes” or “skirmishes” and criticized his failure to show empathy towards the suffering citizens.
Agbese decried the lack of collaboration between the state and federal governments, blaming the governor’s false narratives for obstructing security interventions. He revealed that despite multiple warnings and calls for help from federal lawmakers, the governor “decorated the situation with languages that are quite unfounded” and fed misleading reports to the presidency. The lawmaker expressed concern that even as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to visit Makurdi to sympathize with the people, efforts are being made to choreograph scripted statements to misrepresent the true state of affairs.
Over 500 lives have reportedly been lost in the wave of attacks by killer herdsmen, and Agbese warned that more lives could be at risk if the current leadership remains in denial. He said, “The man who is supposed to brief the President on the right steps has decided to tow the path of falsehood. I’m surprised at that because he’s from the same party. There’s a roadmap, but the man has abandoned the roadmap.”
In what appeared to be both a confession and a plea, Agbese called on his fellow leaders to acknowledge their failures before God, their constituents, and the nation. “We have failed our people. That is why the situation is there. And if we do not make this truthful confession, we—first, we must go before our creators to say, God, we have failed you. Two, we must admit before our people to say we have failed.”
Agbese called on the governor, as the chief security officer of the state and custodian of its resources, to take primary responsibility for the security collapse. “He should be the first to tell the Benue people that ‘I have failed,’” he emphasized, urging the governor to be honest about the limitations of his administration.
The lawmaker further proposed that the governor should humbly seek the intervention of the President, even if it means stepping aside temporarily to restore peace. Drawing a parallel with the situation in Rivers State, Agbese said, “If I were governor, I would humbly ask Mr. President to intervene directly, even if it means stepping aside temporarily for stability to return.”
He slammed the governor’s inconsistency in attributing the crisis to various sources — foreigners, herdsmen, politicians, and locals — describing it as a deliberate attempt to deflect responsibility and confuse the public. “These stories are just to cover up incompetence,” Agbese said, adding that such narratives have only deepened the confusion surrounding the security situation.
Despite the grim situation, Agbese commended President Tinubu for his proactive stance on Benue’s security, particularly his latest directive for security chiefs to act decisively. He expressed hope that the renewed commitment from the federal government would mark a turning point in the state’s fight against insecurity.
However, he stressed that real change will only come if the state government stops interfering with security operations and aligns itself with genuine solutions. “Let’s allow them [security agencies] to work without interference,” he pleaded.
In a final word of caution, Agbese reminded all political leaders in Benue of their sacred duty to protect lives. He rejected the notion of party loyalty being used to mask the truth or justify inaction. “Before I became a member of the APC, I was human. I will still be human after the party, after the office. I cannot, in the name of party loyalty, decorate the killing of my brothers and sisters in Benue State. This is not the time for party politics — it’s time to resolve this issue.”
Agbese’s speech has resonated with many in Benue who have grown weary of political platitudes amid ongoing bloodshed. His blunt admission of failure and direct challenge to the governor’s leadership may intensify calls for accountability and swift federal action.
As President Tinubu prepares to visit Benue, eyes are now on the state’s leaders to see if they will rise above politics and finally deliver the peace that has eluded the state for far too long.
On the Naval Base Lake Chad, troops from the Maritime Component of Operation Hadin Kai prevented suspected Boko Haram terrorists from attempting to infiltrate early on Wednesday.
The base is said to be in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, specifically at Fish Dam, Baga.
Zagazola Makama spoke with intelligence sources who said the insurgents began the attack at around 1:00 a.m.
In order to clear rivers in the Lake Chad area, the Borno State Government recently purchased swamp boggeys, which they targeted.
The naval personnel and the attackers engaged in a heated gunfight as a result of the attempted sabotage.
A nearby station in Baga quickly sent reinforcement troops to the spot.
“Minor damage was reported despite the base’s resistance to the attack. One of the sources disclosed that some troops were hurt during the conflict, and that an ambulance and two other vehicles were damaged.
The terrorists were forced to flee without obtaining access to the Swamp Boggeys, which were still intact, when the fighting, which apparently lasted more than two hours, ended.
To date, the Air Component Command (ACC) has conducted follow-up aircraft operations along the Lake Chad waterways to locate and eliminate the escaping insurgents.
More information is being gathered and will be released as events unfold, according to military officials.
Well-known media figure Ifedayo Olarinde, better known by his stage as Daddy Freeze, has claimed that he was threatened with murder years ago for his criticism of Nigerian pastors.
The co-host of The Honest Bunch, Daddy Freeze, clarified in a recent broadcast that his family members were also threatened with death.
He also said that his vocal condemnation of Nigerian pastors gave others the confidence to hold clerics across the country accountable.
“My pastor attempted to make amends with my ex-wife after my divorce, but I told him I wasn’t interested,” he claims. I was so prohibited from assisting at church functions and from occupying the front row. Jesus never chastised the woman who had been married five times and was living with a sixth man she wasn’t married to, which made me feel rejected. My religion is treating me like I committed murder, even though I just had one divorce. As a result, I quit attending church and began reading the Bible in its original languages. I began reading the scriptures more and more closely. Any Nigerian preacher would make sense to you, but you can’t perform that work for a year. It isn’t doable.
“I am the only one who has ever been persecuted by Nigerian pastors and their henchmen. They swore at me. My family members were given death threats against me. It’s been ten years. And the reason why people are standing up to the church now is because of the work I accomplished.
Nigeria is at a very risky moment in its history, according to Nigerian rapper Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor, better known by his stage name Illbliss.
The musician voiced concerns about growing insecurity, economic hardship, wanton corruption, and the government’s propaganda apparatus during an interview on a recent episode of the Real Shareholders podcast.
He described the removal of his politically conscious song “Country” from the radio due to its criticism of the administration.
He bemoaned the use of digital propaganda tools by the government to spread lies and stifle dissent.
“I had this record in 2020 called ‘Country,'” he continued. They removed it from the radio. I published other conscious songs like “A Different Kind Of War” and “National Cake” prior to “Country.” However, OAPs frequently claim that they are not allowed to perform such tunes due to the possibility of fines. Occasionally, when you release a record, you receive at least 100 tweets asking, “Why are you always trying to make a mockery of the country?” The nation is not as terrible as it seems. And you can tell that it’s a digital reaction to something, or maybe a manufactured pushback. Because I am aware that propaganda is no longer limited to traditional media. Just to claim that the government is doing well, propagandists can create a podcast. “But this government has created jobs,” you’ll see folks from our generation declare as they sit with their faces proudly displayed. You can tell.
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“That’s our location. The period in our history where the government is matching our energy is really perilous. We assumed we had social media, but with everything that occurs on these platforms, you start to question whether the government has started to support theories of distraction or if it has become much more sophisticated. Look around us, I mean.
