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2027: The Only Southern Candidate That Can Take On Tinubu Is Not Ready To Stress Himself – Momodu
AFOLABI
A former presidential aspirant, Chief Dele Momodu, has identified former President Goodluck Jonathan as the only candidate who can match President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
He, however, added that Jonathan would most likely not want to get involved in such political activities again.
According to Chief Momodu, Jonathan has demonstrated contentment with his achievements so far, as he never dreamt of achieving such political heights.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, added that the only other person Tinubu and his camp are afraid of going into the 2027 election is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and that is why they have been attacking him politically in order to demarket him ahead of the polls.
Naija News reports Momodu made the submission during an interview with New Telegraph in which he spoke about the current political landscape in Nigeria and expectations for the 2027 election.
He said, “No Southern candidate can take on Tinubu except a Goodluck Jonathan, for example. But I doubt if he would want to stress himself.
“He’s not the kind of person; you can see that he’s a man of contentment, and he’s an intellectual who believes that even where he goes, he never expected to get to that level. So, it might be difficult for him. The only man they fear, and that’s why they’re already demarketing him in advance, is Atiku Abubakar.”
The adopted son of Nigerian billionaire, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, Chidi, has taken action on his TikTok page following the mixed reactions that trailed his now viral ‘next of kin’ video.
Naija News reports that Chidi caused a stir after sharing a video on TikTok claiming to be the billionaire’s next of kin.
He captioned the video, “Nothing do my shoulder, I just realize say I be next of kin.”
In response, Obi Cubana posted a picture with his biological first son, Alex, on his official Instagram page, stating that he is his rightful next of kin.
However, Obi Cubana’s clarification sparked outrage online, with some netizens arguing that the socialite was right to address the misinformation, while others contended that the businessman should have handled the issue privately.
Amid the mixed reactions online, Chidi has not only taken down the video but has also locked his comment section on his TikTok page to avoid further comments on the issue.
Meanwhile, Obi Cubana, recently reprimanded his son for disrespecting the Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his 50th birthday party.
Naija News reports that the event, which was held in Abuja, was attended by notable figures, including Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kennedy Okonkwo, Cubana Chief Priest, Comedian AY Makun, E-Money, Daddy Freeze, Pastor Jerry Eze, Jowizaza a, Zubby Michael and many others.
In a viral video online, Peter Obi was seen approaching Obi Cubana while his son remained seated.
When Peter Obi extended greetings to the son, Obi Cubana scolded his son for not standing up to greet the former Governor of Anambra State.
The General Overseer of the Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has reiterated that Christians should not associate with the poor because Jesus detests poverty.
Naija News reports that Ibiyeomie recently earned backlash online after advocating for the rich and belittling the poor.
Despite the criticism, Ibiyeomie, in a follow-up statement, claimed that the Holy Spirit confirmed his stance on poverty, citing scriptures to support his view that poverty is a mentality.
The clergy advised believers to help the poor but not associate with them, likening it to avoiding sinners.
He said, “Some persons called me and said internet was on fire. I wasn’t interested, but out of curiosity, I checked. Then I asked the Holy Spirit to tell me if I’m wrong and I would take the blame.
“He was dictating God’s word to me verbatim in the bathroom, he said ‘you’re not wrong, you’re right.’ I said how? he said ‘I became sin for humanity, true?’ I said yes. He said ‘do you like sin’? I said No. He said you can only lead people to Christ, but you cannot be a friend to a sinner. He said if a believer is mixing with sinners, everybody gets angry. So if a believer mixes with the poor, everybody should be angry.
“He said, ‘I was made poor. so you can be rich’. So poverty is not of me.
“He said, ‘you can help the poor but don’t associate with the poor’. You don’t have money does not mean you’re poor. Poverty is mentality. And he gave me scriptures. He said ‘I paid a price for sin, poverty and sickness’. Why will you reject sin and accept poverty. And those who rejects poverty in line with God’s word, these three things will never be identified with you.”
₦10 Billion Aso Rock Solar Grid: Tinubu Is Building Comfort For Himself, Leaving Citizens In Dark – PDP Chieftain
AFOLABI
A Chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has condemned the approved ₦10 billion solar grid for the State House.
Naija News reported that the Presidency, through the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, defended the approved ₦10 billion to power the State House with solar, citing the United States’ White House.
In a statement on Tuesday, the former spokesman of former Vice President Namadi Sambo argued that the President’s decision to power the State House with solar would remove him from the realities of Nigerians on issues of electricity.
He decried that the President, rather than tackling issues of epileptic power supply in the country, has chosen to give himself energy security while Nigerians remain in darkness.
The 2019 spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization noted that the ₦10 billion approved for powering the State House with solar could be used to upgrade the nation’s power infrastructure, which would benefit every Nigerian.
He said: “At a time when the Nigerian government is urging citizens and public institutions to cut costs, the decision by the State House to spend N10 billion on a solar energy project raises serious questions about priorities and leadership.
“Yes, electricity costs are high but this is a problem that affects every Nigerian, not just the presidency. The real issue is not the cost of power in Aso Rock, but the chronic failure of the national power system: generation remains stuck at around 4,000MW, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria cannot expand the infrastructure needed to wheel more power across the country.
“Rather than leading systemic reform, the presidency appears to be opting out of securing energy for itself while leaving ministries, agencies, businesses, and citizens to struggle under the weight of erratic supply and exorbitant tariffs. If everyone follows Aso Rock’s example and migrates to solar independently, what then becomes of the Ministry of Power, the national grid, and the billions allocated annually to improve them?
“This N10 billion could have been used to upgrade national transmission lines or fund community-based power projects that would benefit millions, not just one complex. It sends the wrong signal: that governance is about isolating those in power from the very problems they are elected to solve.
“Instead of being a model for sustainable energy, this project may end up being another example of a government building comfort for itself while the rest of the country remains in the dark.”
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mandated the immediate detention of officers suspected of extorting ₦5.2 million from a traveler, following an instruction from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Naija News reports that this directive was communicated in a statement issued by NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, on Wednesday, April 23.
The incident, which attracted attention through a widely circulated social media post, allegedly involved officers extorting this sum from a young man journeying from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State.
In a prompt reaction, the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, denounced the officers’ conduct, describing it as unprofessional and a breach of the Corps’ Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedure.
The statement indicated that Audi has ordered the officers to be taken to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja for detention, and a disciplinary committee has been formed to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Commandant General further stated that any officer found culpable following the investigation would face penalties in accordance with the Public Service Rules.
He emphasized that under his leadership, the Corps would not condone any form of misconduct, highlighting the importance of accountability.
“Following the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for an immediate investigation into allegations of extortion involving officers of the Corps, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, has ordered the immediate detention of the alleged officers.
“He further directed that the culprits be whisked down to the Corps national headquarters, Abuja for detention, to pave the way for the disciplinary committee set up to carry out a full-scale investigation into the alleged extortion report as directed by the Minister of Interior.
“The Corps helmsman hinted that the management of the Corps awaits the outcome of the investigation and promised to deal decisively with the officers according to the Public Service Rules if they are found guilty of the alleged offence,” the statement read in part.
Audi urged the public to maintain their collaboration with the Corps by providing pertinent information, emphasizing that citizens need not fear intimidation or extortion.
He reiterated his dedication to integrity and transparency within the service, vowing not to protect any officer engaged in corrupt activities.
The new terrorist group, Mahmuda, has intensified its attacks at various communities in Kwara and Niger States.
Suspected members of the new terrorist group, Mahmuda, were said to have attacked communities in Ilesha Baruba and Kemaanji, Baruten and Kaiama local government areas of Kwara State on Sunday night.
They had on Friday reportedly killed some vigilantes in the state.
Daily Trust gathered that the assailants, who were on military camouflage riding motorcycles, stormed a market square at 9:30 pm and opened fire on the residents before they zoomed off.
Four Fulani, a vigilante and a 19-year-old teenager, who was hit by a stray bullet reportedly lost their lives during the attack.
According to a resident of the area, the fresh incident is coming in the wake of a similar attack the same day in neighbouring Kaiama where a vigilante was killed.
Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday on the Baruten incident, the source said: “We suspect that they came with a premeditated motive because they fired at the Fulani at close range shooting them in the head. The vigilante was holding a dane gun and they saw him as a threat. But the boy was hit by a stray bullet.
“The place is a very popular trading spot with a lot of business and commercial activities. It was a sudden attack believed to be a reprisal over alleged collaboration with the security agencies against the terrorists”, the resident said.
The new terrorist group was said to have been killing and kidnapping people at Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and communities in Yashikira District of Baruten LGA, also in Kwara as well as in Babana and Wawa districts of Borgu LGA of Niger State.
Despite the successes which the federal government said it had recorded in containing the attacks, security and intelligence experts say the escalated attacks by terrorists, especially the emergence Mahmuda, indicate that the fight against terrorism should be intensified.
Some of the experts, who spoke to Daily Trust, alleged that the emergence of the new terrorist group casts a doubt on the credibility of the country’s intelligence system.
Non-state actors targeting vigilantes in reprisal attack – Gov AbdulRazaq
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday led a delegation that comprised top military and intelligence chiefs to visit Kaiama to assess the security concerns and reinforce inter-agency collaboration across border communities.
Speaking during the “strategic security interface” with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh Muazu Shehu Omar and other critical stakeholders, said the incident was a reprisal attack by non-state actors targeting vigilantes.
He assured the state government was working with the military and other relevant agencies to bring peace to the affected communities and dislodge the terrorists.
“What we are seeing today is the non-state actors targeting the vigilantes in a reprisal attack and this will come to pass. This is because we are working with the military who have visited the place, made contact and had robust engagement”, he said.
The governor said the state government would ensure that peace returned to the Kainji National Park axis.
How Mahmuda emerged
Mahmuda was said to have migrated from Mokwa in Niger State and had visibly occupied the Kainji Lake National Park over five years ago when they raided the park and chased out the Range Guards.
Some reports have claimed that the Mahmuda group is another breakaway faction of the Shekau-led Boko Haram but with “moderate” ideology and connection to other groups in Benin/Niger Republic. They referred to themselves as the Mahmuda Group or Mallam Group, their leader’s name.
But the Kwara State Police Command had, in a statement by its spokeswoman, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, denied the existence of the Mahmuda terrorist group and the reported killing of 15 vigilantes by the group.
“Our comprehensive and continuous threat assessments, intelligence surveillance and tactical reconnaissance operations in these areas have yielded no evidence of insurgent activity, coordinated terrorist formations, or mass casualty incidents as described.
“The claim of 15 vigilantes being killed is entirely false and devoid of any factual basis”, she added.
Residents of Kwara State said the Mahmuda terrorist group had been operating in the affected communities of Yashikira district of Baruten including Kemaanji, Wajibe, and Nuku among others in Kaiama for over five years.
They said the group started as a religious body, giving sermons about their form of Islam.
Locals said the group had attracted many teenagers as fighters and informants.
“Before now, we had called the attention of the authorities and security operatives to their growing influence and it was only recently that the military led a major onslaught against them which included aerial bombardments, killing many of them,” a resident, Alhaji Haruna Idirissa, said.
Adequate security deployment in place – Police
The Kwara State Police Command assured residents of the affected communities that adequate security deployments were in place and being reinforced to forestall any threat to peace and order.
“Citizens are urged to go about their lawful activities without fear, while remaining vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement.
“Let it be clearly stated that any individual or group attempting to undermine the safety of our communities will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law”, the spokeswoman, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said in a statement on Tuesday.
We’re living in fear – Kwara monarch
The Emir of Yashikira Alhaji Umaru Seriki, yesterday said his subjects were living in fear over attacks by the new terrorist group.
“The attacks are not only in Baruten and Kaiama local governments of Kwara State, but also Borgu Kingdom in Niger State.
“Last week, the terrorists destroyed the security vehicle bought by the people for operations by the vigilantes”, he said.
Senate’s alert on Mahmuda in 2022
The Senate had, in 2022, alerted the military over terrorists’ hideouts in communities in the three local government areas of Kwara and Niger States.
The Senate had, at that time, specifically urged the military to carry out a detailed onslaught of bandits and criminal elements within Kainji Lake National Park and the identified communities.
This followed the consideration of a motion on the “worsening insecurity in Kainji Lake National Park and existential threat to communities in Kaima, Baruten and Borgu Local Government in Kwara and Niger States.”
The motion was sponsored by the lawmaker representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Senator Sadiq Umar and co-sponsored by the Deputy Whip, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, representing Niger North.
Last month, a media report quoted a security expert, Zagazola Makama, as alleging that a detained militant arrested in Kaima community by vigilante forces provided critical intelligence regarding the group’s latest movements and operational structure.
From 1 terrorist group to 5
Nigeria is currently grappling with deadly activities of five terrorist groups: Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Lakurawa, Ansaru and Mahmuda.
Boko Haram
The Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, popularly known as Boko Haram, began in Niger State but is now domiciled in Borno after the split that produced the late Abubakar Shekau.
The Boko Haram fighters have also attacked villages in Yobe and Adamawa States. Boko Haram is said to be also active in Chad, Niger, northern Cameroon and Mali. Since the insurgency started in 2009, the group has reportedly killed tens of thousands of people in frequent attacks against the police, armed forces and civilians.
The activities of the sect were said to have resulted in the deaths of more than 300,000 children and the displacement of 2.3 million people from their homes according to a UN report by Al Jazeera in June 2021.
The Boko Haram sect gained global notoriety when it reportedly kidnapped more than 200 school girls from Chibok village in Borno State in 2014.
Lakurawa
The Lakurawa militant group emerged within Sokoto and Kebbi states in north-western Nigeria and across the border with Niger. It initially promised to help the government tackle banditry but later became deadly with affiliations to groups in Mali and Niger. It was recently declared a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government and banned across the country following several attacks in local communities. It has killed several people in many North West states.
ISWAP
The Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), is said to be an offshoot of Boko Haram with which it has a violent rivalry. Until March 2022, ISWAP had reportedly acted as an umbrella organisation for all IS factions in West Africa, including the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (IS-GS) which gave it access to resources and technical assistance. It recently deployed four armed drones carrying locally made grenades in an attack on the Forward Operating Base in the Wajikoro area of Borno, reportedly leaving about five soldiers injured. Their ISWAP’s fighters’ use of weaponised drones marked a significant shift in the group’s tactics. The military had reportedly thwarted plans to establish bases in Plateau and Bauchi States from its base in the North East just like Boko Haram.
Ansaru
Ansar is observed to be active in the North-West and the North-Central where bandits and kidnappers also operate. It is reported to be a former faction of Boko Haram that rejected Shekau leadership after the death of Yusuf. The group announced in 2012 that it had pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and was independent. Despite this, Ansaru and other Boko Haram factions continued to work closely together until the former increasingly declined and stopped its insurgent activities in 2013. Unlike Boko Haram, which is largely based in Borno State in the North East, Ansaru operated in and around Kano State and some parts of North Central and its environs. It claimed responsibility for a prison break at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad headquarters in Abuja in November 2012 among several other kidnapping activities that involved foreigners.
‘Convert forests occupied by terrorists into productive centres’
A retired director of the Department of State Security (DSS), Dr Abdulsalam Bolakale Suleiman, the Nigerian government must be strategic and proactive in dealing with the situation, saying it is beyond throwing troops at the terrorist groups.
He said unless the government converts the large swathe of forests which the terrorists occupy in Sambisa and Kainji Lake, among others, into productive centres, it will be difficult to make progress.
“These vast forests with boundaries linking several states and countries must be occupied otherwise it will be difficult. They should also look towards engaging and equipping forest guards, many of whom have abandoned the forests now and most importantly the government should look seriously into the issue of human security in food, economy, health, community and environment among others.
“These terrorists are luring and enticing recruits and even locals in some instances with money. Taking troops to them who are not even well motivated will not help us”, the retired DSS director said.
‘NSA Office, security agencies have questions to answer’
An intelligence and counter-terrorism expert, Abdullahi Garba, in an interview with Daily Trust, wondered why there was no intelligence about Mahmuda group before it emerged.
“I think the DSS, DIA and NIA have questions to answer regarding how the new terror group penetrated the country, because their coming is not spontaneous.
“Why do we have intelligence agencies if we can’t determine this type of scenario in our country? In countering terrorism, intelligence agencies need to do more. They should ensure that no stone is left unturned.
“There is a way DSS and other intelligence agencies can get this type of information before it boomerangs if they want to genuinely get it. I won’t reveal this strategy, they also know,” he said.
Security agencies mum
When contacted, the spokesman of the Nigeria police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, directed our correspondent to the military for a reaction.
One of our correspondents contacted the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye and the head of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Centre, Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, but they neither answered several calls nor replied to messages sent their mobile telephone lines.
But a highly-placed source in the NCTC, who did not want to be mentioned, said the police and the DSS had swung into action to contain the activities of the new terrorist group.
He said, “As it stands now, the police and the DSS operatives are working round the clock to ensure that the activities of the new terror group are curtailed.
“It is not an external stuff, it is already an internal thing, and the police as a lead agency in maintaining internal security have taken over. The results will be obvious soon.”
‘Constitute intelligence expert committee’
A retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Saka Fagade, urged the federal government to “constitute a proper committee comprising of experts that have worked in intelligence outfits in the private and government sectors whether serving or retired on security issues that should be saddled with the responsibility of tackling the situation.”
“Security issues are very complex but Nigeria can handle this situation. If I have the best idea now, I will also have to be very conscious of my safety too but in an enclosed environment with no fear of exposure, I will be able to talk.
“Insurgents are intelligent people, whether we want to accept it or not. How are we sure that some of these officials are not their financials, these are the issues and it’s not something that we should handle with kid gloves otherwise, it will continue to get worse”, Fagade said.
On his part, Ajayi Okasanmi, one of the longest serving police Public reaction officers in the country before his retirement last year, told Daily Trust that the situation needs a holistic approach.
According to him, “70 percent can be attributed to political calculations and mechanisations.
“About 70 percent of the reason for this can be attributed to political calculations and machinations among the political gladiators.
“When this present government came on board, the security situation like kidnapping and banditry which Nigerians were not hitherto known for went down and all the security agencies collaborated. Suddenly as we get to the period of politicking again, we have started to experience the issue in various forms.
“What we can do as a nation is to put aside our political inclinations and unite as Nigerians to defeat this scourge. The federal and state governments are doing their best but there appears to be some people hellbent in making sure that the country does not have peace.
“While I want to believe the police that there is no terror group in Kwara, that does not say the security agencies should go to sleep with the belief that it cannot not happen.
“Rather they should put more effort into ensuring that the state remains peaceful. The moment it is planted in Kwara State, it may be very difficult to treat just as we are witnessing in Borno, Adamawa, Kebbi and the rest of the places. More importantly, this is a collective responsibility and everybody must unite to defeat it”, Okasanmi, who is not a security consultant, added.
Nigerians are worried as the security situation in Benue State worsens, particularly with regards to the herders-farmers conflict, banditry, kidnapping, gangsterism, and cult violence.
DAILY POST gathered that since the administration of the immediate past governor, Samuel Ortom and the coming on board of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state has been faced with a plethora of security challenges.
The state has experienced a significant decline in farming activities due to the activities of bandits and terrorists, who attacked farming communities, abducted, and killed several farmers and dislocated many communities.
At least fifty-six people have been confirmed dead in Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area and Logo Local Government Area, both in the Sankera axis of Benue state.
The state governor, Hyacinth Alia made the disclosure after confirming earlier that seventeen people were killed in the attack.
Also, the state police command in a statement, noted that while the Gbagir operation was ongoing, another group of militia simultaneously attacked the neighbouring Logo Local Government Area, killing scores of people.
DAILY POST reports that the governor had urged residents of the state facing attacks from suspected Fulani herdsmen not to resort to self-help.
“The prompt response in Ukum was made possible by early intelligence, which helped prevent an even more devastating outcome.
“The state government, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is developing a strategic plan to end the killings by suspected invaders. Remain vigilant and volunteer timely information to security agencies,” he said.
Unidentified gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have been launching attacks on the Otobi Akpa community in Benue State.
The recent one left at least 13 people dead, several others injured or missing, and over 50 houses destroyed.
The violence started around 6:00pm on the ill-fatted day near Otobi Junction when armed herdsmen launched an assault on the town, shooting sporadically.
“Otobi Akpa has historically been a peaceful part of Idoma land and had coexisted with herding communities for many years. However, tensions have risen in recent times over open grazing and related security concerns,” a community elder, Adikwu Ogbe said.
DAILY POST reports that the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Moses Ogbaji, had noted that the criminal activities of bandits before now had severely impacted food security in the state and the country, as many farmers were unable to return to their farms due to fear of attacks.
“Nipping the ugly trend in the bud, the State government established the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, which is aimed at complementing the conventional security agencies and ensure the safety of communities and farmers,” Ogbaji said.
Lending his voice, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation and chairman of the state traditional council, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, supported the adoption of non-kinetic solutions to the crisis, including massive repatriation of displaced persons back to their homes.
According to him, the effort has aligned perfectly with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration of protecting the lives and property of all residents of Benue State.
DAILY POST reports that the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Abba Moro, condemned in strong terms the attack on Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, describing it as an unprovoked and unacceptable act of violence.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo LGA. The unprovoked attack on them remains condemned,” the Senator stated.
“The attack and several others before it on Benue South communities by killer herdsmen are unacceptable,” he said.
He added that the people of Benue South have the right to live and do their business peacefully without fear, threats, or harm.
Speaking to DAILY POST, the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Angbo Kennedy, lamented the persistent bloodshed and called on security agencies to urgently intervene.
“It’s sad that innocent people are being slaughtered in their own homes. Our people cannot continue to live in fear in their ancestral homes.
“Residents should resort to self-defense since the needed help is not coming from the relevant authorities,” he opined.
Meanwhile, former Senate President, David Mark, has strongly condemned the recent wave of violent attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on several communities across Benue State.
Mark, who expressed deep concern over the spate of killings and destruction of property worth billions of naira in the affected areas, appealed for restraint and unity, warning against ethnic profiling or retaliatory violence.
A visibly distressed Senator Mark, however, acknowledged some progress by security operatives in addressing the crisis, stating:
“It is heartwarming that some of the beasts involved in the dastardly acts have been apprehended by security agents.
“I urge all concerned to do a diligent investigation and ensure that all the people immediately and remotely involved should be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
“I also call on the youths in our various communities to ensure vigilance and report any suspicious behaviour of people and their movements to law enforcement agencies to prevent reoccurrence,” he concluded.
Speaking to DAILY POST, the senatorial candidate All Progressives, APC, in the 2023 general elections, Comrade Dan Onjeh, frowned at the spate of insecurity bedeviling the state, especially, Benue south whose occupation is majorly farming, calling on the state and the federal government to expedite action and nip in the bud the ugly trend being perpetrated by the marauders and blood-sucking Fulani herdsmen.
Comrade Onjeh urged the people of Benue State to unite against rising insecurity and support Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, emphasizing that insecurity thrives in division.
Onjeh, a former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Project Development Institute (PRODA) Enugu, cited disturbing evidence of collusion between marauding herdsmen and unscrupulous elements within Benue communities.
“The testimony of a recent kidnap victim reveals the chilling reality: ‘his abductors were a mix of Fulani herdsmen and Idoma youths who brazenly seized him from his home in front of his family,” he said.
He lamented the fact that despite the Idoma people accommodating herdsmen in their communities for decades, the herdsmen brazenly perpetrate heinous crimes against their kind host.
“We least expect this from them. It’s akin to welcoming a guest, providing shelter and having them betray your hospitality by setting your house ablaze,” he stated.
[DailyPost]
Pastor Bayo Oluwayemi of Wonders Chapel has spoken on the importance of prioritising essential expenses over discretionary giving.
While preaching, he cautioned against compromising one’s financial stability for the sake of religious obligations, encouraging individuals to thoughtfully consider their financial responsibilities.
Oluwayemi argued that prioritising tithing over urgent needs can lead to financial hardship, stating the emphasis on on tithing can be manipulative.
He urged his congregation to ensure their family’s needs are met before making church financial decisions.
The cleric said: “If your children school fees is due, don’t bring money to church, don’t mortgage your children future. That’s what religion does, it put you under rules, it puts you into slavery. ‘If you don’t pay tithe God will not bless you’, whereas your children school fees is due and the devil will continue to deceive you. is it God that needs the money or the church. I want to let you know, if your children school fees is due, don’t bring money to church, don’t sell your children future. They’ve given you the mindset of curse.
” So on Monday you go to shop and somebody buys something from you and you don’t know where you place the money, and your heart goes to condemnation, ‘it’s because I didn’t pay tithe’, that is how manipulation comes”.
[TheNation]
Pope Francis’s open coffin was transferred Wednesday to St Peter’s Basilica for three days of lying in state, with thousands of people gathering to pay their respects to the leader of the world’s Catholics.
Bells from the basilica rang out as the wooden coffin was carried in procession past packed crowds in St Peter’s Square, accompanied by red-robed cardinals and the Vatican’s Swiss Guards.
Pilgrims and tourists snapped photos, with some applauding as the procession passed on its way from the Santa Marta residence, where the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff died Monday after a stroke.
Francis’s body had been held in the chapel of the Santa Marta, where he lived during his 12-year papacy, but will now lie in state at the basilica until Saturday’s funeral.
Anna Montoya, 33, from Mexico, was among those who arrived early to catch a glimpse of a man she said was like “a family member” to her.
“I had to come… it feels like I knew him,” she told AFP. “He was a good man. He represented what the church needs to be, what Jesus wanted to teach us.”
Francis’s coffin was placed before St Peter’s Altar of the Confession, where Bernini’s bronze baldacchino soars up towards Michelangelo’s famous dome. It was placed on a low bier, unlike the higher, more ornate platforms of his predecessors.
The funeral is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims as well as world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as Britain’s Prince William.
Afterwards, Francis’s coffin will be taken to his favourite church, Rome’s papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where it will be interred in the ground and marked by a simple inscription: Franciscus.
– ‘Sorely missed’ –
Italy is preparing a major security operation for the funeral, with the weekend already due to be busy because of a public holiday on Friday.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said authorities were expecting 150 to 170 foreign delegations and tens of thousands of people.
Barriers have already been installed inside and outside the basilica to control the crowds, security checks have been increased and staff have been distributing bottles of water due to the warm weather.
Pasquale Apolito, a 43-year-old Rome teacher, said he was leaving the city later in the day but wanted to see the pontiff if he could.
“I’m not sure I’ll be able to see the body but I wanted to be here today. I felt something inside me this morning that told me to come,” he said.
“He was a guide for his capacity to listen, to welcome. He will be sorely missed.”
Italy has declared five days of national mourning — longer than the three days observed for Polish pope John Paul II in 2005, but less than the week declared for Francis by his native Argentina.
– Cardinals meeting –
After the funeral, all eyes will turn to the process to choose Francis’s successor as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Cardinals around the world have already been sent letters from the Holy See instructing them to return to Rome to select a new pope.
Only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave, which should begin no less than 15 days and no more than 20 days after the death of the pope.
About 60 cardinals of all ages already in Rome met on Tuesday to choose the funeral date, in a so-called “general congregation”.
A second meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, led by the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is charged with running the day-to-day operations of the Holy See before a successor to Francis is chosen.
Francis’s death came less than a month after he was discharged from the hospital, where he spent five weeks battling pneumonia in both lungs.
Despite doctors calling for two months of rest, Francis continued to make appearances in public during his convalescence, where he appeared short of breath and without energy.
On Easter Sunday, the day before his death, he circled St Peter’s Square in his “popemobile” following mass and his traditional address to greet the crowds, stopping to kiss babies along the way.
He died the next morning at 7:35 am after suffering a stroke, a coma and heart failure, according to his death certificate.
Sister Maria Guadeloupe Hernandez Olivo, from Mexico, said it was “very hard, very sad” to hear news of his death.
“I did not expect it,” she told AFP in St Peter’s Square. “I believe he’s in a better place, no longer suffering, but I do feel this emptiness for our pastor.”
AFP
Niger State Governor Umar Bago has ordered the arrest of individuals sporting dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.
The directive was issued during Tuesday’s high-level stakeholders’ security meeting at the Government House.
Governor Bago instructed security agencies to not only arrest those with dreadlocks but also forcibly shave their hair and impose fines on them.
“We will have zero tolerance for rascality. Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine him,” Bago declared.
“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies.”
The meeting, attended by security operatives and traditional rulers, focused on clamping down on what the governor described as rising criminality and disorder in the state.
Bago also issued a stern warning to parents, urging them to caution their children as his administration would begin implementing stricter security policies.
“Parents should warn their children. From this moment, it’s 100% fire-for-fire,” he said. “Also, any house found harbouring criminals should be demolished. Niger State is not for useless people.”
Among other measures announced were restrictions on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, which are now banned from operating between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for emergency medical purposes.
The governor also directed traditional and community leaders, including district, village and ward heads, to ensure accurate documentation of all residents in their areas.
[Vanguard]
More...
As the world mourns Pope Francis, the race to choose his successor begins behind closed doors.
News of the pontiff’s death has cast a shadow over Rome and plunged 1.4 billion Catholics into nine days of mourning. While masses echo across continents and preparations for his burial move forward, a more discreet drama unfolds within the Vatican’s marble halls.
In whispers and quiet meetings, cardinals from around the globe begin the delicate, often political task of selecting the next spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.
Two of the candidates are of African origin: Cardinal Fridolin Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana. Could any of these African cardinals be the anointed candidate?
The last African popes — Victor I, Miltiades, and Gelasius I — served in the early centuries of Christianity, with the most recent, Gelasius I, reigning in the late 5th century. Since then, there has not been a pope of African origin.
BESUNGU
Aged 65, Besungu is the youngest African cardinal and has served as Archbishop of Kinshasa. Besungu represents the growing church of Africa and could appeal to a cross-section of cardinals in a conclave. He is also a member of the Capuchin Franciscan religious order – an order of friars which follows the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, the saint whom Pope Francis took a name after.
Besungu has been a strong defender of democracy and human rights. He repeatedly criticised the repeated attempts of then-Congolese President Joseph Kabila to push back elections from 2016 to 2018, and later led a mission of bishops to Lusaka, Zambia, to meet with President Edgar Lungu. He urged Lungu to advocate for peaceful elections in the DRC. Besungu has also criticised the exploitation of natural resources and believes that renewables will help alleviate the impact of climate change in the world.
Last year, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi announced an investigation that could lead to Besungu being charged with sedition for his sharp public criticism of the failures of the state to address chronic security challenges and injustices, especially in Congo’s contested eastern region.
The Vatican has yet to react publicly to the news. Should charges against Ambongo be filed, it could dampen his chances of being the next African pope.
TURKSON
Turkson has had a decorative episcopal career. Hailing from Ghana, he is another candidate who could make history as the first African pope in modern times. The cardinal has served as chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences since 2022. He was president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, focusing on social justice, climate, and migration from 2009 to 2017, and the inaugural prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development from 2017 to 2021.
Pope John Paul II made the former Archbishop of Cape Coast a cardinal in 2003. Since then, Turkson has been widely regarded as papabile, a candidate for election to the papacy. In 2013, he was described as “one of Africa’s most energetic church leaders” — a description that was not far-fetched given his stint as a guitarist in a funk band.
The 76-year-old studied in Ghana and Rome, earning a doctorate in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute. He is known for his advocacy on global poverty and environmental issues, and he played a key role in shaping Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato si’ on the environment.
Turkson speaks English, Fante, French, Italian, German, and Hebrew, in addition to understanding Latin and Greek.
Here are the other candidates.
1. LUIS ANTONIO TAGLE (PHILIPPINES)
- Age: 67
- Background: Ordained in 1982, Tagle served as Bishop of Imus and later Archbishop of Manila. He was made cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. He leads the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelisation, focusing on missionary work.
- Pedigree: Known as the “Asian Francis”, Tagle is a prominent advocate for social justice and inclusion, continuing Pope Francis’s progressive vision. He has also led Caritas Internationalis, a global Catholic charity network.
- Interesting fact: If elected, he would be the first Asian pope.
2. PIETRO PAROLIN (ITALY)
- Age: 70
- Background: A seasoned Vatican diplomat, Parolin has served as Vatican secretary of state since 2013, effectively the pope’s chief advisor and head of the Roman Curia. He has a background in diplomacy, including postings as nuncio to Venezuela and work on Vatican-China relations.
- Pedigree: Known for his moderate stance, Parolin is seen as a compromise candidate between progressives and conservatives. He is fluent in multiple languages and has extensive experience in international affairs.
- Interesting fact: He could restore an Italian papacy after 40 years, but the papal election remains unpredictable.
3. PETER ERDO (HUNGARY)
- Age: 72
- Background: Erdő is a canon law scholar and has been the Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest since 2002. He was made cardinal in 2003 and is known for his conservative theological stance.
- Pedigree: A leading conservative figure, Erdő has championed traditional Catholic teachings and ecumenical outreach to Orthodox Christians.
- Interesting fact: He was the youngest cardinal at the time of his appointment and is seen as a candidate who could steer the church back toward conservatism.
4. ANGELO SCOLA (ITALY)
- Age: 82
- Background: Scola is a long-time papal contender and former Archbishop of Milan. He has a reputation as a traditionalist with a strong theological background.
- Pedigree: He was a favourite in the 2013 conclave but lost to Francis. His age may be a limiting factor this time.
- Interesting Fact: Despite being older, Scola’s traditionalist views appeal to those favouring a more centralised church.
5. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA (ITALY)
- Age: 60
- Background: Newly made cardinal in 2023, Pizzaballa is the Vatican’s leading official on Middle Eastern affairs, having spent much of his career in Jerusalem.
- Pedigree: Known for his diplomatic and pastoral experience in volatile regions, he is seen as an international figure somewhat removed from Vatican politics.
- Interesting fact: Pizzaballa could also restore the Italian papacy, but his age could be a limiting factor. Older candidates are often favoured in preference of a shorter administration.
6. MATTEO MARIA ZUPPI (ITALY)
- Age: 69
- Background: Archbishop of Bologna since 2015 and cardinal since 2019, Zuppi is associated with the Sant’Egidio community, known for humanitarian and conflict resolution work.
- Pedigree: Seen as a progressive candidate aligned with Francis’s focus on the poor and migrants.
- Interesting fact: He has openly supported pastoral outreach to LGBTQ+ individuals and was appointed as a special envoy for Ukraine.
7. GÉRALD LACROIX (CANADA)
- Age: 67
- Background: Lacroix’s focus on a missionary church is likely to be seen favourably in a papal election. Francis chose him as a member of the council of cardinals, the body that advises the pope on crucial matters.
- Pedigree: Serving as Archbishop of Quebec, Lacroix is considered an accomplished leader and pastorally sensitive, with experience guiding a local church in a country with high rates of secularisation.
- Interesting fact: Lacroix faced an allegation of sexual abuse in the 1980s by an unnamed female who was 17 at the time, but the cardinal strongly denied the claim. A retired judge, commissioned by the Vatican to investigate the allegations, later found no evidence of sexual misconduct. The allegation could damage Lacroix’s candidacy, but the judge’s finding might also be viewed as Lacroix having already been vetted.
[TheCable]
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has taken a swipe at some governors of the party purportedly planning to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described the act as a betrayal of the platform that gave them their political relevance.
George’s comments come in the wake of reports that three to four PDP governors are preparing to defect to the APC to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.
While Akwa-Ibom state Governor, Umo Eno, has publicly declared support for Tinubu, others, including Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, Enugu’s Peter Mbah, and Rivers’ suspended Governor, Sim Fubara, are reportedly weighing their options without officially decamping.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, George frowned at the actions of the governors who are abandoning the party that backed their rise to office.
He questioned what the APC presented to them to consider switching allegiances mid-term.
He said, “We are running a system here that is very despicable, very disheartening. A platform that gave you all the necessary tools, the opportunity to represent your constituency—now, halfway into your tenure, you’re jumping ship? I’m very disappointed with these governors. Very disappointed.
“The electorate in their states supported them because of the programmes of the party. Now you want to go back? What is it that they [the APC] have presented? 24 hours in politics is a long time; who knows what will happen?”
It Belongs To My Landlord - 18-year-old Arrested For Being In Possession Of Illegal Firearm In Akwa Ibom Tells Polic
AFOLABI
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom state police command have arrested an 18-year-old identified as Amanam Bassey Abraham, for the unlawful possession of a locally made pistol.
Disclosing this to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, in a statement released, said the arrest was made following credible intelligence.
According to the statement, during interrogation, the suspect claimed that the firearm belonged to his landlord, who allegedly gave it to him as collateral for a loan of N5,000.
“On April 18, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, acting on credible information, operatives of the Command apprehended one Amanam Bassey Abraham, an 18-year-old male from Akpautong Village.
A search conducted on the suspect at the time of arrest resulted in the recovery of a locally made pistol.
During the initial interrogation, the suspect claimed the firearm was given to him by his landlord—name yet unknown—as collateral for a N5,000 loan. He also stated that he intended to hand the pistol over to his father for safekeeping.”
DSP John further disclosed that an investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the said landlord for questioning.
A Police Inspector, identified as Maxwell Zabu, has committed su!cide in Rivers State.
Zabu allegedly shot himself d3ad in his room at the Eagle Island residence of a former Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Ihunwo.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
It was gathered that the incident was reported at the Police post at Eagle Island, under the Azikiwe Police Division, and detectives from the division visited the scene as part of preliminary investigation procedures.
Until his d3ath, Zabu served as an orderly and close aide to Ihunwo.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that it is suspected that the Police officer k!lled himself.
However, the command said it is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Port Harcourt, for a detailed investigation.
