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Apostle Festus Alilu Apologizes to Pastor Korede Komaiya Over Facebook Video

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I regret my actions – Apostle Alilu apologises to Pastor Korede Komaiya

The Senior Pastor of Word of Power Gospel Church International, Apostle Festus Alilu, has publicly apologized to Pastor Korede Komaiya of The Master’s International Church, Warri, Delta State.

This follows a recent defamatory comment made by Apostle Alilu against Pastor Komaiya via a video on his social media page, a move that sparked reactions from various quarters.

Consequently, some supporters of Pastor Komaiya reported the case to the police, leading to Apostle Alilu’s arrest and detention.

However, in a formal apology letter dated March 23, 2025, Apostle Alilu stated that he had removed the controversial video from his Facebook page and had also uploaded a new video apologizing for his actions.

He admitted that his comments were inappropriate and had negatively affected Pastor Komaiya’s reputation.

He wrote, “I write to express my sincere and unreserved apologies for a video I posted on my Facebook page on the 8th day of March 2025, where I criticized your style of preaching.

“I regret all the offensive content of the video and the negative effects on your reputation, congregation, and the entire body of Christ.

“I have removed the video from my Facebook page, and I have also posted an apology video on the same platform.

“I humbly request your forgiveness and understanding on this matter so we can put it behind us and focus on our shared commitment to spreading the Gospel.”

Reacting to the apology, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum described the move as a welcome development.

The group, in a statement by its convener, Adama James Paul, applauded the reconciliation and urged others to follow suit.

“We believe that the Christian faith and its leaders should be respected and protected against defamation and cyberbullying.

“Do NOT defame or tarnish the reputation of anyone while criticizing their actions. Remember, you are only sharing your perception or opinion, and this must be done within the confines of the law.

“A criminal offense isn’t just against the victim but against the entire state. So do not come up with lame excuses that the victim is a Christian or Pastor and ought to have forgiven.”

Breaking: Court Adjourns Case as Police Fail to Produce TikToker ‘Tumma’ Gabriel

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After being placed in solitary confinement for more than a month, Gabriel was arrested for reportedly making disparaging statements about Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Popular TikToker Timothy Gabriel, popularly known as “Tumma,” was not brought to court by the Nigeria Police Force on Monday for a trial, thus the judge had to postpone the case until April 29, 2025.

After being placed in solitary confinement for more than a month, Gabriel was arrested for reportedly making disparaging statements about Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to court documents, the IGP is the primary cause of the case as well as the complainant. According to the Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prohibition, etc.) Act 2025 (as amended in 2024), Gabriel is accused of cyberstalking by the IGP.

The first count against Gabriel is that he made up the claim that the governor of Lagos State is an armed robber with a penchant for robbing the state coffers. His TikTok account, OFFICIAL_TUMMA, was used to make the statement, which was purportedly intended to harm the governor’s reputation. This is punished under Section 24(2)(c)(i) of the Cybercrimes Act and is deemed an offense under Section 24(2)(a).

Count Two: Gabriel is also charged with uploading a video that allegedly threatened the IGP’s reputation, a violation of the Cybercrimes Act that carries a similar penalty.

On February 6, 2025, highly armed officers invaded Gabriel’s location in Mpape, Abuja, and took him into custody. He was then moved to the Nigeria Police Force’s Cybercrime Centre.

Read Also: Nigerians Don’t Know Tinubu, He Is An Expert In Deceit And Selfishness – Lamido

According to earlier reports, Gabriel’s detention was ordered by IGP Egbetokun because of statements he made in his videos. He has been detained for more than a month, but he has been refused bail, which raises questions about human rights abuses and the abuse of authority to suppress opponents.

The incident on Monday feeds into rumors that the police are purposefully obstructing court cases in order to hold Gabriel for an extended period of time.

Nigerians Don’t Know Tinubu, He Is An Expert In Deceit And Selfishness – Lamido

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Sule Lamido, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former governor of Jigawa State, has blamed Nigerians for the nation’s persistent problems.

Speaking at a Ramadan fast-breaking celebration on Sunday at his Bamaina home, Lamido claimed that Nigerians had voted the PDP out of office without taking into account the serious repercussions of their choice.
He claimed that Nigerians are ignorant about President Bola Tinubu and characterized him as a master of dishonesty and self-centeredness.

Nigerians don’t know much about Tinubu, as I’ve been saying. He is a master of dishonesty and self-centeredness,” Lamido remarked.
His remarks came after Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, called for opposition leaders to band together under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in order to save Nigeria from the current government.

However, Lamido rejected the notion, contending that Tinubu can only be opposed by the principles of nationalism and truth.

“You cannot use anger, greed, hatred, jealousy, or evil to oppose Tinubu. He is an expert at all of that.

Lamido asserted that only the principles of nationalism and truth could successfully oppose him.

Lamido, meantime, has maintained that the PDP is still the only political party that can defeat Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections.

Additionally, he urged Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Aliyu Wamakko—all former PDP members who defected to the APC—to rejoin the party in order to increase the odds of the opposition winning.

Citing severe poverty, hunger, insecurity, and overall apprehension among Nigerians as results of the APC’s poor governance, the former governor voiced profound concern about the country’s declining status.

“The leadership in Nigeria has lost focus, and as a result, everyone is now confused,” he said. It will be challenging to defeat Tinubu if politicians fail to maintain focus and steer clear of personal preconceptions in the quest for a solution.

“You shall not think of fighting state institutions on the basis of personal disappointment and succeed, but you can only succeed when you put the collective national interest and make sure everyone around is bound by that philosophy,” he added, underscoring the significance of a team effort.

Demand the Return of Former PDP Members
Lamido asked former PDP members to rejoin their party after they were persecuted and marginalized after defecting to the APC.

Returning to the party that exalted you and provided you all with chances to succeed in Nigerian politics is not a sign of weakness. You have to learn to avoid political resentment. Anger is incompatible with leadership,” he continued.

Read Also: Opposition Coalition Against Tinubu is a “Wild Goose Chase” – PDP Leader

In particular, Lamido urged former governors and political leaders, including as Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Aliyu Wamakko, to unite under the PDP and strive toward what he called Nigeria’s freedom from the horrors of the APC.

Lamido maintained that only the PDP possessed the organization and power to put up a strong fight against Tinubu’s government, dismissing the possibility of other parties like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) doing so.

Opposition Coalition Against Tinubu is a “Wild Goose Chase” – PDP Leader

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The proposed coalition of opposition parties to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 has been characterized as unworkable and lacking in strategic direction by Adetokunbo Pearse, a former candidate for governor of Lagos and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In an exclusive interview, Pearse, who is also the Convener of the Reset Lagos PDP and a member of the PDP National Presidential Campaign Council for 2023, voiced his worries.
He called the project a “wild goose chase,” but he acknowledged that the coalition’s intentions were admirable given what he saw as the ruling party’s subpar leadership.

Pearse made the case that previous political partnerships have generally failed, citing Nigeria’s political history.
He mentioned the 1960 alliance between the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC), led by then-President Nnamdi Azikiwe, and the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), led by then-Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, which disintegrated in two years.

He pointed out that the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), a breakaway section of the Action Group (AG), and the NPC formed another failed alliance as a result of this failure.

He said that political instability, such as civil unrest in the Western Region and the 1966 military coup that resulted in the Nigeria-Biafra war, was exacerbated by the manufactured coalitions.

Pearse also cited more recent instances, like the failed attempts to join the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) prior to the 2019 general elections.

He blamed their loss on internal strife, a lack of cohesive leadership, and acrimonious rivalries, all of which contributed to the opposition’s eventual weakness and the APC’s reelection.

He clarified that the 2013 merger of Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) was successful because both parties needed each other.

Pearse cautioned against putting “quantity over quality” in opposition tactics, stating that bolstering the PDP’s current structure rather than forming a coalition is the most efficient approach to beat the APC in 2027.

He maintained that Atiku would have doubled Tinubu’s vote total, ensuring a PDP victory, had Peter Obi not added LP as a third force in 2023.

He insisted that the PDP should concentrate on strengthening its current base of support, especially in the South East and among Christian groups in the North, rather than changing its name.

Read Also: “I Have No Links to Militants” – Fubara Fires Back, Cautions Bloggers

PDP is still Nigeria’s only credible opposition party, according to Pearse, with 12 governors, 38% of the Senate, 43% of the House of Representatives, and broad influence at the state and local government levels.

In conclusion, everyone in Nigeria who wants to protect their nation from the APC’s catastrophic rule should help the PDP overthrow Tinubu in 2027. Supporting a phony alliance will only serve to keep the APC in power, he said.

He added that the APC’s emphasis on internalizing the PDP is evidence that the ruling party views it as its primary opponent.

He asked, “Why has the APC devoted all of its resources to weakening the PDP internally if it is not afraid of it?”

“I Have No Links to Militants” – Fubara Fires Back, Cautions Bloggers

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Rivers State’s suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has disassociated himself from a widely shared video that connected his followers to a terrorist organization in the Niger Delta and the explosion of the state’s gas and oil infrastructure.
The governor said that the video recordings are malicious and fraudulent in a statement released on Monday by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
The localities where the purported events took place, he pointed out, have already rejected “any claims of explosions on oil and gas facilities in their domains.”

Fubara “has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal group or elements, anywhere in the State or Niger Delta, to undertake any action inimical to the peace of the people or safety and security of oil and gas facilities, and by extension, the economy of the country,” according to the governor’s spokesperson. The governor had stated at every public event that maintaining the peace in the State is of utmost importance to him and that he would pay any cost to ensure its continuation, since development and governance can only flourish in such an environment.

The governor’s name should not be used, he added, and those who support violence and economic sabotage in the state should not try to “capitalize on the present political crisis to foment trouble in the State.”

Read Also: Sani Criticizes Lawmakers: ‘Media Isn’t the Place for Objections’

“It is also crucial to caution bloggers and social media hirelings to immediately halt their campaign to sow discord, chaos, and anarchy in the State, as their fabricated posts and reports over the past few days have led to enough poor decisions that would hinder the State’s progress.

According to the statement, “security agencies should take note of these fake videos intended to mislead the public and further paint the State in a negative light, and take all necessary steps to contain them and bring those behind them to book.”

Sani Criticizes Lawmakers: ‘Media Isn’t the Place for Objections’

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Lawmakers who went to the media to voice their opposition to the use of voice voting for the confirmation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State have come under fire from a former senator who served in the Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

Any politician who wanted to voice such a concern, according to Shehu Sani, should have done so in the National Assembly’s chambers rather than the press.
Remember how the National Assembly members voted on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers?

However, the leadership of both chambers chose to use voice voting instead of following the law’s requirements to count members in order to determine whether the Assembly had a quorum.

Ireti Kingibe, a current congressman, denounced the voting procedure shortly after it was widely denounced by Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and the People’s Democratic Party, among others.
Sani responded to this by saying that any objections ought to be made inside the chambers rather than outside or in the press.

Read Also: Sowore Blasts SDP, Calls It an Extension of Tinubu’s Regime

“Any lawmaker who has a problem with voice votes or quorum should raise a point of order on the floor and insist on being heard; if they are silent in the chamber, they should then go to the media to voice their concerns,” he wrote on X.
According to Sani, “if there is no quorum, it’s because some lawmakers purposefully chose to abstain.”

Sowore Blasts SDP, Calls It an Extension of Tinubu’s Regime

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Omoyele Sowore, a former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, has stated that opposition politicians cannot use the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to overthrow President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
According to reports, Sowore said that President Tinubu controlled the SDP before to his victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.
He said that any coalition against Tinubu through the SDP would fail to accomplish its goal in an interview with TVC on Sunday.

He said that other opposition leaders might have dispatched former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to learn about the party’s operations before he left.
In his own words: “I shall reveal here that the SDP is also a family of Ahmed Bola Tinubu. It is among his ministry’s branches. It will be difficult for this newcomer to advance very far in the SDP if it was the party before he won the APC primaries. I’m not sure if he has lost interest in the party.

Read Also: Dalung Confirms Discussions with Senators, Former Ministers on Anti-Tinubu Alignment

Another prediction I would like to make is that it might not work out because it seems like they sent El-Rufai to SDP as a circus act. Additionally, it appears that the first lion mauled El-Rufai as he arrived. I’m not sure which lion mauled him; either it was Adebayo or the SDP members who anticipated this.

And I have a suspicion that fewer people who had planned to switch to SDP will do so after learning that there is a turtle there who will likely treat them differently.

But as I previously stated, I’m not affiliated with the party; I’m just sharing my personal political perspective with you. Given these people who are constantly jumping around, I’m not sure how far they can go.

Additionally, I firmly believe that the goal of this coalition is not electoral success. It’s a coalition for negotiations, in my opinion. Although these are APC operators, the coalition is intended to divert Nigerians’ attention by giving the appearance that there will be resistance to the existing APC government.

Dalung Confirms Discussions with Senators, Former Ministers on Anti-Tinubu Alignment

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The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is currently in talks with notable individuals, such as former senators and ministers, as part of a plan to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the general elections of 2027, according to Solomon Dalung, a former minister of sports and youth development.
Speaking to Punch on Sunday, Dalung said that important political players from all around the nation participate in these talks, but he underlined the importance of maintaining their privacy for the time being.
With assurance, he said, “We are in talks with a lot of people nationwide, including senators and previous ministers. A sizable portion of Nigeria’s political elite from all major parties are considering joining the SDP.
Dalung reportedly emphasized that the SDP is now regarded as a significant force in Nigerian politics because it adheres to justice principles rather than because of its white horse image.

“SDP is a party of justice, which is why it is now a bride in Nigerian politics,” he remarked, highlighting the party’s longstanding function in bringing Nigerians together. He brought up the instance of 1993, when Nigerians were denied the opportunity to vote for a party that promised a better future because the election was canceled.

In his further criticism of Nigeria’s political history, Dalung cited the country’s 16 years under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its 10 years under the APC. According to him, Nigeria has to get back to its roots since it has strayed from its potential.

“Until we return to where we were lost, Nigerian democracy will not advance.” We ought to go back and do it again,” he continued.

Read Also: Just In: Gov. Fubara Debunks Bayelsa Relocation Claims with Public Appearance in Rivers

Dalung said that the SDP’s vision of prosperity is still quite clear and that the party is dedicated to ending poverty and establishing social equality.

Since the SDP was where their hopes were dashed, Nigerians are thrilled to join. “All political ideologists have welcomed poverty into Nigeria since they canceled the election, despite Abiola’s campaign slogan of ‘farewell to poverty,'” Dalung said.

A grudge On the way to Dalung also conveyed his deep displeasure with President Tinubu’s management of the nation, specifically in regard to the elimination of fuel subsidies.
He pointed out that Tinubu’s presidency lacks widespread support, explaining that the president was elected with only 36% of the vote, making him the first Nigerian president to assume office without securing at least 60% of the vote.

He questioned why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not call for a rerun after the election, despite the low voter support for Tinubu.

“In a normal democracy, INEC should have gone for a rerun, but the electoral body never did. Instead, INEC declared Tinubu the President,” Dalung said.

Dalung continued, criticizing Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal, describing it as a major misstep. He stated, “The fuel subsidy removal has a monumental effect on the lives of the people of Nigeria. People have been crying across the country… In his maiden presidential chat, the President said he had no regret whatsoever.”

He accused the president of declaring “war against Nigeria,” especially against the common people.

Dalung refrained from directly labelling the political opposition as “gangs,” but he suggested that the growing dissatisfaction with the government has driven political leaders to attempt to salvage the situation.

Just In: Gov. Fubara Debunks Bayelsa Relocation Claims with Public Appearance in Rivers

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According to reports, Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, attended the service at Salvation Ministries.

President Bola Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing rising political tensions and security concerns, just days prior to this visit.
Ibok-Ete Ibas was named the Sole Administrator to manage the state’s business for a first six months, while Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and every member of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended as part of the announcement.

Civil society organizations, legal professionals, and political stakeholders have all had differing opinions about the ruling. Ibok-Ete Ibas, the recently appointed Sole Administrator, has taken up his responsibilities quickly, nevertheless, and has already held emergency security briefings with heads of local government administration, law enforcement, and traditional leaders. Additionally, he ordered the prompt processing of payments for local government employees and verified the release of withheld funds.

Read Also: Gunmen Strike in Abuja, Abduct Naval Officer and Two Others

In order to preserve political stability, Ibas has also pledged to see that the State House of Assembly Complex’s ongoing redevelopment is completed on schedule.

According to certain accounts, Governor Fubara moved to Bayelsa State when Tinubu suspended him.

Gunmen Strike in Abuja, Abduct Naval Officer and Two Others

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Lt. Cynthia Akor, a Nigerian Navy officer assigned to the Defense Headquarters, and two other people have been kidnapped by gunmen in Abuja.
The victims were reportedly abducted on Friday night from their home in the Federal Capital Territory’s Mpape neighborhood.
The development was revealed on Saturday by a source who asked not to be named for security concerns.
The source, who lives in the same neighborhood as the victims, claimed that the kidnappers had gotten in touch with the hostages’ relatives and demanded ₦100 million in ransom to free them.

Read Also: FG Reveals How Shettima Nominated and Convinced Bishop Kukah for Tinubu’s Appointment

Lt. Akor, a DHQ official, is one of the three individuals who were abducted on Friday night in the Mpape area. According to the source, the kidnappers have already contacted their relatives and are requesting a ransom of ₦100 million.

The Director of Defense Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, and the Director of Defense Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, were not reached at the time this report was filed. Messages had not been answered at that time.

Josephine Adeh, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command spokesperson, said she would verify the event and provide more information when contacted.

She said, “I’ll check and get back to you soon.” However, at the time this report was filed, no additional information had been supplied.