Month: June 2025

By Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFRPresident & Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria I am deeply saddened and outraged by the series of tragic events that have shaken our nation in recent days. From the cowardly suicide bombing in Konduga, Borno State, to the horrifying lynching of innocent travellers in Plateau State, and the deadly explosion in Kano, these attacks on innocent Nigerians are heinous, senseless, and must not stand. In Borno, the suicide attack that claimed the lives of peaceful citizens was a cruel and desperate attempt to spread fear and chaos. I have directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide support to survivors and affected families. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Borno State. I also urge our security forces to intensify their operations to eliminate the remaining elements of Boko Haram and ensure they can no longer harm our people or destabilise our communities. In Plateau State, the brutal murder of 12 wedding guests—peaceful Nigerians returning from a joyous celebration—is an unforgivable act of barbarism. I have ordered the Nigerian Police Force to work with relevant intelligence and security agencies to ensure those responsible are swiftly identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. I further call on the Plateau State Government to work with federal authorities to break this cycle of senseless violence and use this incident as a watershed moment to establish lasting peace. Let me be clear: freedom of movement is a constitutional right, and no Nigerian should ever be afraid to travel, celebrate, or live freely anywhere within our nation. We will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or terrorize Nigerians into submission. In Kano, I mourn the tragic loss of lives caused by the explosion at a scrap metal facility. I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Kano State. This unfortunate incident underscores the urgent need for greater adherence to industrial safety standards. I have directed the appropriate federal agencies to investigate the cause of the explosion thoroughly and take steps to ensure such tragedies do not occur again. To the families of the departed, to the wounded, and to the communities in Borno, Plateau, Kano, and Kaduna States, I stand with you in grief and resolve. These tragedies will not break our spirit. They will strengthen our unity, deepen our commitment to justice, and renew our dedication to peace. We will not rest until justice is done. We will not be deterred until security is restored in every part of our country. May the souls of all the departed rest in perfect peace.May God continue to protect the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Published June 22, 2025 | By Kamal Yalwa Justice E.G. Umokoro of the Bayelsa State High Court was abducted by unidentified gunmen on Saturday evening in Yenagoa, the state capital. The incident reportedly occurred around 7:00 pm in front of a popular eatery in the Ekeki area, located along the Chief Melford Okilo Expressway. Witnesses say the attackers seized the judge and sped off in a vehicle before security operatives could respond. The motive behind the abduction remains unknown at the time of this report. The incident has intensified public anxiety amid a recent surge in cult-related violence across Bayelsa, which has claimed several lives and stoked fears of deteriorating security in the state. As of press time, the Bayelsa State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the judge’s abduction. More details to follow.

By Kamal Yalwa, June 21, 2025 A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports that the politician and his group have adopted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as their new coalition platform, amid mounting speculation about Atiku’s exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Demola Olarenwaju, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy, clarified on Friday that while the group—Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG)—has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register ADA as a political party ahead of 2027, it has not yet been adopted as the coalition’s official platform. “A group is in the process of pursuing party registration, just like any other Nigerian, but they need to coordinate this with the coalition,” Olarenwaju posted on X. “ADA has not been adopted by the coalition, and when the time is right, the public will be informed.” Looming Exodus Sparks Confusion Within PDP The development has heightened anxiety within the PDP, especially as prominent figures like former Senate President David Mark and former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal are reportedly aligned with Atiku’s camp and are expected to follow suit if he leaves the party. David Mark is said to have presided over the NNCG meeting where the decision to register ADA was reached. There are growing fears that the defection of Atiku and other top PDP stalwarts could severely weaken the party, which has already lost two sitting governors—Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the past month. While the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declined to comment, insiders revealed that internal divisions—especially over the role of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu—have delayed the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and threatened preparations for a planned national convention in August. Saraki Committee Tipped to Reconcile Warring Factions With the party teetering under growing pressure, some members are reportedly leaning toward allowing the Senator Bukola Saraki-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee to mediate between the pro-Wike faction and Atiku loyalists. Sources say the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming Anyanwu’s authority has bolstered FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s position within the party, leaving his rivals with fewer options. Atiku Loyalists Defend Coalition Move Reacting to the developments, Prof. Tunde Olusunle, a long-time Atiku associate, defended the former VP, blaming internal saboteurs for the PDP’s disintegration. “The defections of two governors haven’t rattled the PDP as much as Atiku’s possible move. It just shows the quantum of goodwill he still commands,” he said. Olusunle argued that the coalition being built by Atiku and others represents a genuine push for democratic reform. He added that with growing support from northern political heavyweights and a possible alliance with Peter Obi, the new platform could dominate both the North and South East in 2027. “Atiku won’t compel anyone to leave PDP. He’s a democrat. But if Obi joins this coalition, it will definitely secure the South East,” he said. For now, the PDP leadership remains silent amid rising uncertainty, as political realignments ahead of 2027 begin to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.