Home Blog Page 243

‘Key IPOB Figures Neutralized, Sit-at-Home Now Ineffective’ – Ribadu

0

According to National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, the Monday sit-at-home order has lost its effectiveness as important members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) have been apprehended and neutralized.
Ribadu reportedly disclosed this on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national conference while giving a presentation on the security accomplishments of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) secessionist agitations in the south-east, tribal/herder-farmer conflicts in the north-central region, Boko Haram in the northeast, and armed banditry in the northwest are the five major security crises that Ribadu claims Tinubu’s administration inherited.
Security agencies have been able to stop the widespread murders, kidnappings, and destruction committed by criminal elements around the nation by working together, according to the NSA.

With more than 11,000 weapons collected and destroyed, the NSA highlighted the accomplishments, stating that over 13,543 Boko Haram fighters had been neutralized in the previous two years.

124,408 Boko Haram fighters and their families have turned themselves in to the military, he continued, and attacks on security personnel have drastically decreased since Tinubu’s administration began.

Read Also: Baba-Ahmed Presses NASS, FG to Explain N6 Trillion in 2025 Budget

“The sit-at-home orders are becoming increasingly ineffective in the southeast, which is a welcome development,” he said.

“Key ESN/IPOB figures were neutralized or captured. Numerous police posts as well as more than 50 police stations have been restored.

“Security forces were attacked much less frequently. Economic and social activity is becoming more regular.

“A decrease in mass abductions and the release of 11,250 hostages in the northwest marked a turning point in the war against banditry.

“Determining strikes to powerful warlords Boderi, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, Damuna, Halilu Sububu, Ali Kachalla, and others were removed.

Baba-Ahmed Presses NASS, FG to Explain N6 Trillion in 2025 Budget

0

President Bola Tinubu’s former Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has called for an explanation of the ₦6.93 trillion that was purportedly padded into the 2025 budget.
A non-governmental civic and transparency organization called BudgIT Nigeria was reported to have claimed that 11,122 projects totaling ₦6.93 trillion were added to the 2025 budget by the 10th National Assembly (NASS).
According to BudgIT, analysis revealed that 238 projects totaling more than ₦5 billion each, with a total value of ₦2 trillion, were added with little to no explanation.

Read Also: Coalition: Okonkwo and Lawal Strategize, Call on Nigerians to Oppose APC

BudgIT claims that 1,119 projects ranging between ₦500 million and ₦1 billion, and 984 projects totaling ₦1.71 trillion, were arbitrarily added.

A closer examination revealed that 1,972 projects totaling ₦444.04 billion were allocated to senatorial districts while 3,573 projects totaling ₦653.19 billion were allocated directly to federal constituencies, according to the report released on Tuesday.
Baba-Ahmed remarked that NASS and the Presidency must explain to Nigerians how trillions were added to the budget in response to BudgIT’s findings.

Additionally, if the federal government believes that BudgIT’s report was fraudulent, he suggested that it sue the latter.

If BudgIT’s claims of trillions being added to the 2025 budget is untrue, then NSS and the Presidency ought to sue it. The other option is to acknowledge the validity of the published results. Regardless, the government ought to provide Nigerians with an explanation,” he said on his 𝕏 Twitter on Thursday.

Coalition: Okonkwo and Lawal Strategize, Call on Nigerians to Oppose APC

0

Nigerians are being urged to join the alliance against the All Progressives Congress (APC) by Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesperson for Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed’s Presidential Campaign Organization.
According to reports, the lawmaker who formerly worked in Nollywood stated that the only way to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 election would be for the opposition to unite.
According to the former chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Tinubu cannot be overthrown in 2027 by either the LP or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) without a cooperation.

The APC is a group of professional criminals out to ruining the country, according to Okonkwo.

Read Also: ‘The Indices Cannot Lie’ – Yahaya Bello Addresses 2027 Presidential Ambition Against Tinubu

In 2023, the opposition made the error of splitting up. For them to win the 2027 presidential election, they must unite. He declared, “The APC is an Association of Professional Criminals.”
On Thursday, following his visit to former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal in Abuja, he made the call on his 𝕏 account.

He revealed that he focused on the coalition move during his conversation with Lawal.

He called on Nigerians to do their part to protect the country from the APC’s mismanagement.

The coalition is still in talks. conversation that was constructive with Babachir Lawal, one of the Coalition’s leaders. All of us have a responsibility to create a great Nigeria. In a place where God has blessed us, we have no excuse to keep suffering. Vote out this misguided All Progressives Congress (APC) to contribute your share to the march towards a great Nigeria. As we help ourselves, may God help us,” he wrote.

‘The Indices Cannot Lie’ – Yahaya Bello Addresses 2027 Presidential Ambition Against Tinubu

0

Yahaya Bello, Kogi State’s immediate former governor, has denied rumors that he would run against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
It states that in a statement released on Friday, Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, called the campaign poster in circulation “false, misleading, and the work of mischief makers who wanted to bring down the former Governor at all costs.”
Reiterating his unwavering devotion to Tinubu’s reelection in 2027, Yahaya Bello reiterated that he had no aspirations to become president.

He asserts that in spite of the global difficulties, the President has performed remarkably well for Nigeria.

“Our attention has been drawn to another senseless post by mischief makers, who have no job other than to fabricate falsehood and disseminate it to mislead unsuspecting Nigerians,” the message says in part.

“In their “bring him down at all means” mission against His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate former governor of Kogi State, they have made several attempts but have consistently failed miserably.

This is not the first time that critics and fellow travelers have spread outright lies to incite the former governor to oppose our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, the recent trend of publishing a 2022 surge and implying that it is simply taking place suggests nothing but madness.

Read Also: Two Convicted of Armed Robbery, Sentenced to Death by Hanging

Nigerians should be cautious of naive bloggers who fabricate things without thinking in order to appease their equally naive paymasters.

“They neglected the 2022 dates that were prominently displayed on the banners in their last-ditch effort to fabricate a crisis where none exists. However, they expect rational people to not perceive this as the product of irate critics.

We wish to emphasize that our Principal, His Excellency former Governor Yahaya Bello, remains steadfast in his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection in 2027, even if we firmly declare that he has no presidential aspirations for that year.

The indexes are not deceiving. Despite international difficulties, the President and his team have performed remarkably well for the nation. He merits the support of well-meaning Nigerians.

“Nigerians should ignore the playful post suggesting a new presidential support rally as it is—a thoughtless post from a dimwitted, bewildered mind.”

Two Convicted of Armed Robbery, Sentenced to Death by Hanging

0

On Thursday, the Abeokuta High Court condemned two men to death by hanging and one to 21 years in prison for armed robbery and attempted murder.

The convicts, Wale Adedeji, Akeem Sulaimon, and Wahabi Idowu, were found guilty and condemned on four counts of conspiracy, armed robbery, and attempted murder.

Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora stated in his decision that the court was convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the charges.

Ogunfowora ruled the accused guilty as charged and sentenced the trio to 14 years each on counts one and two for conspiracy and armed robbery.

He sentenced Idowu to 21 years on counts four and five of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.

The judge then condemned Adedeji and Sulaimon to death by hanging, while Idowu received 21 years in prison with hard labor.

Earlier, the Prosecuting Counsel, Mrs Bolariwa Adebowale, informed the court that the convicts committed the offences on October 29, 2018, at 12:30 a.m., at No 40 Merroy Road, Safari Junction Onikolobo area in Abeokuta.

Adebowale claimed that the prisoners, armed with knives and a cutlass, broke into Mr Rasheed Fajinmi’s home, attempted to murder him, and stole his Ford Jeep with the registration number MUS 769FF.

She further stated that the offenders took the complainant’s clothes, shoes, four mobile phones, two ATM cards, jewelry, a 32-inch plasma screen, and N64,000.

Read Also: Mass Defections: Ganduje Reveals Why PDP Members Are Flocking to APC

She further claimed that the prisoners robbed Miss Boluwatife Fajinmi of her iPhone, five Nokia phones, and wristwatches.

According to the counsel, the acts violated sections 21(b) and 1(1)(a)(5) of the 2016 law prohibiting forceful entry, occupation of landed estates, armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and other anti-violence and associated offences.

She further stated that the offences violated Sections 324 and 320 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Natasha: Group calls on security services to investigate Sandra Duru.
Discover
Chidinma explains why he did not report Michael Ataga’s killing to authorities.
Discover
USA Visa Consultant is sponsored by Taboola USA. Work Visa: Nigerians with a degree can apply in only two minutes.
Read more.
Skip the drama surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s legal representation in court. Learn more.
Police arrest NDLEA officer for attempting robbery and shooting a bolt driver.

Mass Defections: Ganduje Reveals Why PDP Members Are Flocking to APC

0

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje has asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the primary opposition party, is “gasping for breath” as a result of the ruling party’s performance and political acumen.
At Thursday’s APC National Summit held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Ganduje said he was confident the APC would win the next Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election.
He said this was due to the party’s effectiveness and political strategy, implying that the APC was ready for the election.

Additionally, Ganduje talked about the difficulties the PDP is currently facing and blamed internal infighting and defections for its deteriorating standing.

He underlined the importance of these defections, suggesting that the discontent with the PDP’s internal conflicts and leadership issues is reflected in the APC’s expanding membership base.

Read Also: Senator Kingibe Explains Support for Wike’s N1 Trillion FCT Budget

The APC chairman cited the party’s attainment of 22 of Nigeria’s 36 states as evidence of its political clout. Ganduje went on to say that another governor would likely join the APC shortly, highlighting the party’s growing power.

Talking about the APC’s future plans, Ganduje pointed to the party’s triumph in the most recent off-cycle elections as a sign of things to come.

In order to set itself up for future victories in the general elections in 2027, he said the APC was already getting ready for the next elections in Anambra State and other states.

Senator Kingibe Explains Support for Wike’s N1 Trillion FCT Budget

0

Online attacks on Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for supporting Nyesom Wike’s 2025 budget have been denounced.
Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, reportedly defended a ₦1.78 trillion proposed budget for the capital city before the Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday.
A member of the Labour Party, Senator Kingibe, praised the fact that capital expenditures account for 70% of the budget.

Her online followers had conflicting feelings about her support for the budget, arguing that the ₦1.78 trillion budget was excessive.

The MP from the Labour Party stressed that her internet followers must set aside their political disagreements and prioritize the common good.
She emphasized that among other important issues, the proposed budget aimed to address housing, health, education, and infrastructure issues that affect residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

It said: “In a widely shared viral video, I was seen endorsing the budget that the Honourable Minister of the FCT had submitted. Even though some people are talking about this, I think it’s important to make my stance clear.

As everyone is aware, I am the kind of senator who always speaks the truth. The idea that doing what is right, not what is popular or politically convenient, should always be my compass.

We must occasionally set aside our political disagreements in order to concentrate on our shared objective, which is the advancement and welfare of our people. I hope that the FCT budget will address some of the long-standing problems that my constituents face, which is why I support it. A well-executed budget should have less than 30% allocated to personnel and overheads and more than 70% allocated to capital projects.

Read Also: Five Governors Break Silence on 2027, Reveal Their Preferred Candidate

“There are certain pressing needs that cannot wait.” Our healthcare and education systems require significant attention, our youth require opportunities and meaningful empowerment, and our brothers and sisters in IDP camps require improved living circumstances and support. Political talking points are not what these are. These are the realities that many of our people deal with on a daily basis.

I’m hoping that this budget will be a positive action. It can enhance the life of our people in the FCT and provide some alleviation if properly executed. At every stage, I will continue to demand responsibility and openness because I am still committed to the people.

Keep in mind that governance is not about individual interests. Service is the key.

Five Governors Break Silence on 2027, Reveal Their Preferred Candidate

0

North Central political leaders, including governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have publicly advocated for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection.
This decision was reportedly made at a meeting that took place in Abuja on Wednesday night, where five party governors and other APC leaders from the area gathered.
As the 2027 presidential election approaches, the politicians emphasized how crucial it is that Tinubu be re-elected for a further four-year term in order to guarantee the continuance of his positive measures.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, moved the motion to endorse the president for reelection in 2027. He stated: “At this meeting held on May 21, 2025, in Abuja, attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the State Governors of the zone, members of the National Assembly, Honourable ministers, and other critical stakeholders, we, members of the APC North Central geopolitical zone, have watched with complete satisfaction and admiration the sterling performance of the APC-led government of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and have resolved as follows: To endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to run for another four-year term to continue his good works; that the North Central APC will continue to support all people-oriented programs and projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Excellencies, our esteemed National Chairman. This motion is made by me on your behalf. I make the move.

Read Also: APC Stakeholders in North Central Throw Support Behind Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

“After critically analyzing the current trajectory of national governance and recognizing the bravery, foresight, and tenacity with which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has guided the ship of state amidst daunting challenges, we unanimously pass a vote of confidence on his administration,” stated Abdullahi Sule, the governor of Nasarawa State, as he read the meeting’s communiqué.

In support of this belief, we fully support President Tinubu’s bid for a second term as head of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027, to build on the successes of his reforms and see them through to completion.

“We sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the many developmental achievements being made in the North Central region. From road repairs and educational improvements to rural electricity and agricultural projects, the benefits of his Renewed Hope Agenda are steadily turning our area into a center of development and opportunity. We recognize that the president’s genuine dedication to justice and national development is evident in his efforts.

Under the capable direction of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, we applaud the APC’s national leadership for advancing internal democracy, party cohesion, and progressive government. We declare our complete faith in the APC’s leadership’s capacity to guide us to future electoral triumphs and reaffirm our steadfast allegiance to and alignment with its key principles.

APC Stakeholders in North Central Throw Support Behind Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

0

Citing his revolutionary leadership development accomplishments in the area, the All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central region has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

The APC North Central Stakeholders adopted a vote of confidence in the president’s leadership at the meeting, which took place in Abuja.

The endorsement was proposed by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and backed by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The stakeholders praised President Tinubu’s development initiatives and transformative leadership, pointing out the positive impact his administration has had on Nigeria and the North Central Region.

The President’s creation of the North Central Development Commission and forest guards was praised by them.

Read Also: FCT Minister Wike Hailed by National Assembly for Performance

Abdullahi Sule, the governor of Nasarawa State and the chairman of the North Central States Governors Forum, promised in his speech that the region will remain united and work to consolidate its growth.

APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje also pointed out that President Tinubu’s initiatives are working.

Prominent individuals, including governors, past governors, ministers, MPs, and members of the North Central Region’s APC national working committee, attended the conference.

FCT Minister Wike Hailed by National Assembly for Performance

0

Nyesom Wike’s performance as the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) minister has been praised by National Assembly members.
When Wike came before the lawmakers on Wednesday to defend the ₦1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget proposal for the 202 fiscal year, they commended him.
It was claimed that parliamentarians from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Congress (APC) praised the FCT’s infrastructure development.

Wike and Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for FCT, were praised by Senator Ibrahim Bomai, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, for their outstanding performance in their brief tenure as FCT minister.

Bomai declared, “This is the first time FCT is proposing to generate about ₦1.7 trillion,” expressing his admiration for the FCT’s 2025 revenue and fiscal framework. So far, FCT’s budget is among the best.

“The estimated ₦608 billion in internal revenue for 2025 also indicates a notable improvement,” he added.

Additionally, the minister received praise from Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central, PDP) for the complete transformation of Abuja as the capital of Nigeria.

However, Ningi asked the minister to take further action to enhance the security of the FCT, comparing its current state to that of Cairo and Johannesburg.

“Everyone that knows where Abuja was two years ago and what it is now knows that you have done well,” stated Senator Ali Ndume of the Borno South APC.

“My friend even told me yesterday that Wike was doing well, and I replied that the Senate was doing well because he couldn’t do anything without the Senate approving his budget.”

To help him succeed, Ndume promised the Senate’s ongoing support.

Senator Osita Ozunaso (Imo West, APC) stated that the FCT budget performance was excellent, especially the decrease in human costs to free up more money for capital projects.

“Every time we sit on budgets, people come here and raise the cost of personnel, but in the proposed budget for 2025, you have cut the cost of personnel by N21 billion compared to the amount allotted in 2024.”

Secondly, your capital expenditures exceed your recurring expenses. “This is admirable,” Ozunaso remarked.

Read Also: Opposition Leaders Unite: Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai Target Tinubu in 2027 Race

Wike is among the best ministers in the APC government, according to Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North).
Oshiomhole stated that “what Wike has done is worth noting and commendation,” pointing out that too much money was being spent on overhead and not nearly enough for infrastructure.

Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT, LP) also praised the minister for the performance, saying it was unquestionable.

Wike was praised for the continuous development of the nation’s capital by Muktar Betara, the Chairman of the Committee on FCT, earlier at the House of Representatives.

Wike pleaded with the MPs to accept the ₦1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget proposal for the fiscal year 2025 during the budget defense.

According to him, of the ₦1.78 trillion, ₦1.28 trillion (72.3%) was allocated for capital projects, while ₦494.1 billion (20.7%) was allocated for ongoing expenses.