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• June 16, 2025
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Benue killings national emergency, my heart heavy – 2Face Idibia cries out

Nigerian music icon and Technical Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Entertainment and Community Outreach, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has described the ongoing killings in parts of the state as a national emergency. Idibia expressed deep sorrow over the persistent violence, lamenting that the attacks continue to recur without any lasting
Benue killings national emergency, my heart heavy – 2Face Idibia cries out

Nigerian music icon and Technical Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Entertainment and Community Outreach, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has described the ongoing killings in parts of the state as a national emergency.

Idibia expressed deep sorrow over the persistent violence, lamenting that the attacks continue to recur without any lasting solution from authorities.

In a video broadcast, the legendary musician called on all Benue stakeholders to rise above politics and personal interests and work together to end the crisis.

He said, “My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad and angry. What is happening in Benue State has become a national emergency. I can’t wrap my head around it anymore. I don’t even know what to say at this point. This has to stop.

“My sadness, my anger, my frustration, it’s overwhelming that this keeps happening over and over again. This is no longer something we can just condemn in words. Serious action needs to be taken.

“Every stakeholder in Benue must join hands. We can end this. I believe there is a solution.”

Benue killings national emergency, my heart heavy – 2Face Idibia cries out

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• June 16, 2025
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CAN mourns Plateau chairman, Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo, sympathises with family

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has mourned the passing on of the CAN Chairman of Plateau State and Treasurer of Northern CAN, Rev. Fr. Dr. Polycarp Lubo. In a statement signed by the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Joseph Hayab, he said Fr. Lubo
CAN mourns Plateau chairman, Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo, sympathises with family

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has mourned the passing on of the CAN Chairman of Plateau State and Treasurer of Northern CAN, Rev. Fr. Dr. Polycarp Lubo.

In a statement signed by the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Joseph Hayab, he said Fr. Lubo died on Sunday following a brief illness resulting from injuries he sustained in a recent accident.

The statement described the late cleric as a courageous and devoted servant of God who lived for truth, justice, peace, and protection of the vulnerable.

“His declaration during the Plateau Peace Walk that ‘we deserve to live’ captured the collective cry of victims of violence, displacement, and injustice in Plateau and across Nigeria,” he said.

Until his death, Fr. Lubo served as the Parish Priest of St. William’s Catholic Church, Zawan, where he was widely known for his humility, jovial spirit, and cross-community engagement.

The late priest also played a key role in interfaith collaboration, working with other faith leaders under the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development to promote immunization and support the eradication of polio in Nigeria.

According to the statement, late Lubo brought financial accountability and administrative strength to the association in his role as treasurer, adding that his demise had created a significant void within the Northern Christian community.

CAN extended heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, the Plateau State CAN leadership, his parishioners, and the broader Christian family.

CAN mourns Plateau chairman, Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo, sympathises with family

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Eldest son of late Emir of Jama’are dies in auto crash

The Iyan Jama’are and eldest son of the late Emir of Jama’are, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Wabi, has died in a fatal motor accident. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, June 15, 2025. The late Wabi, who had also served as the District Head of Hanafari, was widely respected for his humility, dedication to traditional leadership,
Eldest son of late Emir of Jama’are dies in auto crash

The Iyan Jama’are and eldest son of the late Emir of Jama’are, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Wabi, has died in a fatal motor accident.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

The late Wabi, who had also served as the District Head of Hanafari, was widely respected for his humility, dedication to traditional leadership, and service to his people.

Governor Bala Mohammed described the news of Wabi’s death as “deeply shocking and painful,” noting that the young leader’s life was cut short in his prime.

The governor’s condolence was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.

“This is not just a loss to the Jama’are Emirate but a painful blow to the entire state. Ahmed Nuhu Wabi was a beacon of hope and an embodiment of service, justice and peace,” the governor said.

DAILY POST reports that the late Iyan Jama’are was the heir to the revered Emir of Jama’are, Alhaji Ahmadu Muhammadu Wabi III, who reigned for 50 years until his death in February 2020.

His burial is scheduled to take place today, June 16, 2025, at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi by 10:00 am.

Eldest son of late Emir of Jama’are dies in auto crash

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Admit failure, let citizens defend themselves – Apostle Suleman to FG

Popular cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has called on the Federal Government to admit that its security system is failing and should allow Nigerians to defend themselves. In a post on X on Sunday, Suleman expressed deep frustration over the continued killings in Benue State and other parts of the country. “If the federal government knows
Admit failure, let citizens defend themselves – Apostle Suleman to FG

Popular cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has called on the Federal Government to admit that its security system is failing and should allow Nigerians to defend themselves.

In a post on X on Sunday, Suleman expressed deep frustration over the continued killings in Benue State and other parts of the country.

“If the federal government knows it’s overwhelmed or its security architecture has failed, they should be humble enough to tell the citizens,” he wrote.

He reminded Nigerians that self-defense is a constitutional right, especially when the government cannot protect lives and property.

“Self-defense is enshrined in the constitution. I said it when I went to Jos and Benue. We can’t watch this to continue.”

Addressing the people of Benue directly, Apostle Suleman urged them not to wait helplessly.

“People of Benue, defend yourself. What is happening in Benue State is evil, barbaric, and a mayhem.”

He also criticized political leaders who are already thinking about the 2027 elections while citizens are being killed in 2025.

“It’s ridiculous that people are thinking of 2027 whilst mayhem is being unleashed in 2025 on citizens they are supposed to govern. What happened to your humanity?”

Suleman ended his post with a painful reflection: “There was a country…” indicating his sadness over the state of the country.

Admit failure, let citizens defend themselves – Apostle Suleman to FG

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Why Tinubu deserves second term – Buni, Zulum

Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Babagana Zulum of Borno states have stated that President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term due to the accomplishments of his administration. Buni and Zulum made this statement during the All Progressives Congress (APC) North East Consultative Forum meeting held in Gombe. While speaking at the event, Buni
Why Tinubu deserves second term – Buni, Zulum

Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Babagana Zulum of Borno states have stated that President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term due to the accomplishments of his administration.

Buni and Zulum made this statement during the All Progressives Congress (APC) North East Consultative Forum meeting held in Gombe.

While speaking at the event, Buni stated that Tinubu had demonstrated effective leadership in steering Nigeria through both local and global challenges, ensuring the nation’s continued progress.

The Yobe State Governor said Tinubu introduced reforms over the past two years aimed at placing Nigeria on the path of growth and national development.

The governor stated that Tinubu’s policies and programmes require more than four years to be effectively implemented and sustained for meaningful impact.

He emphasized that Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 would ensure the continuation and advancement of the ongoing reforms for the nation’s benefit.

In regards to security, Buni pointed out that Tinubu’s administration has introduced new measures to tackle insecurity in the North East.

He stated that these measures would allow residents to return to their farms, enhancing food sufficiency and reinforcing food security.

“In the last two years, President Tinubu’s administration introduced bold reforms to improve citizens’ lives,” Buni stated.

He recognized that while the reforms have introduced hardships and challenges, they also offer renewed hope for a brighter future.

“These policies require careful strategic planning and sufficient time, and a single term may not be adequate for their full implementation.

“To deliver lasting results, more than one term may be needed for effective and efficient execution of these initiatives,” Buni added.

Buni called on residents of the North East to maintain their support for the federal government and security agencies in the pursuit of lasting peace in the region.

He then called on the APC North East Forum to endorse Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election to complete the administration’s agenda.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno also commended Tinubu’s efforts in tackling insecurity in the North East.

Zulum noted that Tinubu’s government is restoring peace in the region, with the results of those efforts becoming increasingly visible.

He supported Buni’s call for Tinubu’s return in 2027 to maintain progress in various sectors across the country.

NAN

Why Tinubu deserves second term – Buni, Zulum

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Anambra guber: INEC chairman should not be appointed by President alone – Nwosu, ADC candidate

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, Mr John Chuma Nwosu, has thrown his weight behind those who are asking that the appointment of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should not be left in the hands of the President alone. In this interview,
Anambra guber: INEC chairman should not be appointed by President alone – Nwosu, ADC candidate

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, Mr John Chuma Nwosu, has thrown his weight behind those who are asking that the appointment of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should not be left in the hands of the President alone.

In this interview, he spoke on a wide range of national issues, including the claim that Governor Chukwuma Soludo was yet to turn Anambra into Dubai-Taiwan, as he promised.

Two years after President Bola Tinubu assumed office, would you say Nigeria is on the right course or merely moving round a circle in terms of governance and managing the economy?

The past two years have come with real challenges. While the president and his team have shown commitment through certain reforms, gaps in execution have held back the results Nigerians hoped for. With better coordination and a more aligned strategy, there’s still strong potential to move the country forward.

Some people have been calling for the restructuring of Nigeria as the only way of the current political problems bedeviling the country, what is your take on that?

We need to restructure to stabilize and develop fully. Our present structure has made the nation dysfunctional and our federalism very weak; power and resource sharing remain contentious. If need be, let us formalize the seven political zones structure. Each zone has some comparative advantage that they enjoy and can bring to the table. The present over-centralized power structure weakens the zones and states; clearly, most feel there is no equity.

Despite the Federal Government and Supreme Court’s ruling on fiscal autonomy of local government councils, it is apparent that state governors are still fiddling with council funds. Is that a problem for you?

That is correct. By fiddling with local governments’ funds, the concerned state governors disobey existing Court orders and provisions of the 1999 Constitution.  The 1976 Local Government reform made the Local Governments the third tier of government and a federating unit.

I believe certain provisions of the 1999 Constitution also provide the LGs with legislative and statutory powers similar to those of the federal and state governments. Local Government autonomy gives them the discretion to regulate their affairs. The aim is to promote rapid grassroots development.

Nigerians blame state governors for the poor democratic culture in the country, as a governorship hopeful what would be your attitude towards grassroots governance at the LGs?

Governance is simply about expeditious and sustainable service delivery. I am bringing into governance a commitment to best practices and efficient service delivery with our Security, Health, Education, Economy, Environment, Markets and Social Welfare, SHEEEMS, governance platform. We will replicate and improve on Peter Obi’s ANIDS governance model.  Most of our leaders no longer have the fear of God. So, they make promises they don’t intend to keep and siphon public resources that are not theirs. I offer, with all humility, a different approach to governance. Our governance performances will always be grassroots-friendly, benchmarked and measurable.

There are indications that the November 8 gubernatorial ballot in Anambra State would be conducted by a new INEC chairman, what would be your advice for appointing a competent and unbiased head for the electoral body?

We should not be overly concerned about individuals as we should be about weak national institutions. But, given our sad past national electoral experiences, we must put into electoral offices, people who are credible and accountable, as well as people who show moral probity and respect for the rule of law. Since the INEC chairman is a referee, he should not be appointed by a player, in this case the president. There should be a way of communally selecting or electing the INEC chairman, so he is not beholden to the person who appointed him, but to the Constitution.

At this point of Anambra’s historical evolution as a state, what do you think are the needs of the state?

Anambra as a state should be first among equals. We have the financial and human capital resources. We are an oil producing state. Historically, Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka, the so-called ONA-axis, tilt naturally to commerce, industry and enterprise. We need to leverage these core areas. We are mindful that there are problems which are peculiar to Anambra. Therefore, those governance needs that are peculiar to Anambra must be accorded the highest priority. There will be less window-dressing. We will consult broadly and listen to advice and superior logic. We shall also walk the talk.

In 2003, a governorship aspirant asked if Anambra state is cursed or the people are the cause of its value disorientation. After 20 years of democracy, what do you think will be the possible answer to that poser?

It was Peter Obi that asked that question. Anambra is not cursed. The value disorientation you refer to pervades the entire nation. In response, we will continue to rejig our mindset and our priorities. There are core values that must be respected and upheld at all times. Leadership is by example, and I’m sorry to say that some of our past leaders have not exactly been exemplary.

Again in 2017, another individual said Anambra was not broken and did not need mending. Do you agree that the state truly is not broken and needs no mending?

Those remarks are attributable to the incumbent Governor Charles Soludo. Interestingly, he is either struggling or working hard now to fix a state he said was not broken. There are inherent contradictions or elements of deceit and mischief at play. Today, he is focusing on infrastructure at the expense of peace, security and quality of life in Anambra. He promised the people Dubai and Taiwan, and delivered zilch.

Anambra has 326 political wards and 21 LGs; what do you think could be the best strategy to pursue rural development?

Former Governor Peter Obi developed and bequeathed to his successors an optimal governance model, called ANIDS. The model was aligned to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). That blueprint remains available as the best option and model for developing the 21 local government areas and 179 communities of Anambra State simultaneously.

Security remains a key challenge in the state because the current knee-jerk or kick-and-move approach seems ineffective. How do you think the trend can be reversed so that communities will have a hold of their space?

What is being done is not working and it can never work. It has never worked anywhere. Today, we are talking about technology. You must marry technology vis-à-vis the conventional security system. You must train the conventional security men, pay them well, and equip them with the right modern paraphernalia.

Then, we have to apply the use of technology in areas of command and control, putting Artificial Intelligence, power, CCTV, in the key locations of our state, especially Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and Awka, the state capital.

And then, our airport; it is unbelievable that our airport, the only airport we have in the state, has no CCTV. So, we don’t know who comes in and who goes out. As a matter of fact, the people we are fighting may be coming in through that means with ammunition and going away.

So, talking about security, again light is a major factor. If you light up the state, then 50 percent of the security problems are solved.

I remember that His Excellency, Peter Obi, during his term, was involved in a Public-Private Partnership to build a power plant in Onitsha, which is a major industrial centre for our state.

I don’t know what has become of that. We are going to revive that and make sure that there is electricity in the state. With that, we will light up the cities overnight, and I can bet you 50 percent of security will be solved.

Without security, you can’t talk of bringing in both foreign and local investors. The state must be secured before anybody can do any meaningful thing in the state.

What is your view about integrity and pedigree in leadership recruitment?

Integrity is like pregnancy. You are either pregnant or not. You either have integrity or you don’t. If you lose your integrity, it’s like a miscarriage. There is hardly any recovery. Pedigree is a given. If you have it and you protect it, there will always be benefits. Integrity and pedigree work in tandem with leadership recruitment. But, above all, we must restore faith and trust in our leaders. The distrust gap between our leaders and the followers remains quite wide.

What is your impression about the 2023 general election; would you say Nigeria’s Electoral Act or the electoral umpire is to blame for the less than excellent outcome of that elections?

INEC manifested fully the weakness of our national institutions. Its handling of the 2023 general elections was sub-optimal. As an umpire, the blame for the less than stellar performance and the resultant electoral outcome rests squarely with that institution.

Anambra guber: INEC chairman should not be appointed by President alone – Nwosu, ADC candidate