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Presidency Intensifies Engagement with Washington over Trump’s Military Threat

Presidency Intensifies Engagement with Washington over Trump’s Military Threat

Soludo to US: Insecurity in Nigeria beyond Christian/Muslim dichotomy 

Says Christians killing people of same faith in South-east 

Kwankwaso urges diplomacy, says insecurity knows no religion, ethnicity

Gumi: Trump’s threat of military attack disrespectful to Nigeria 

CSOs condemn US over remarks, insist nation not sponsoring terrorism

Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja, Segun James in Lagos and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Nigerian presidency yesterday intensified diplomatic engagement with Washington, following threats by the US President Donald Trump to launch a military intervention in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.

On November 1, 2025, President Trump declared that he had instructed the Pentagon to begin planning for potential action in Nigeria, and warned that US aid would be immediately cut if the Nigerian government did not act decisively. 

Also yesterday, the the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, reacted to the threats by Trump, opining that the issues are more complex than the picture of a Christian/Muslim dichotomy being painted by the US.

Soludo, who spoke during a media chat broadcast live on Arise News Channel and several other national television stations, further maintained that if for any reasons the US must step in, it must be on the invitation of the Nigerian government with due respect for international laws.

In the same vein, the federal government has said that President Bola Tinubu was proactive concerning the emerging diplomatic row from the US administration of Trump, especially with his reorganisation of the military and a serious instruction to them to end all forms of insecurity bedevilling the nation.

In Abuja, THISDAY learnt that officials of government have moved swiftly to douse tension, with several contacts currently being made with the US government for a possible meeting.

The diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington is seen as crucial to manage what could become a major bilateral crisis. As of last night, Nigerian officials were still coordinating with their US counterparts to clarify the basis for Trump’s demands, to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to protecting all citizens, and to secure assurances that any military cooperation will not undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“We are talking to the White House. We are engaging seriously with them to ensure that the issue does not escalate,” a source told THISDAY.

Aside from the Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, others who attended some of the meetings yesterday included: the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, among others.

But during the media chat, Soludo said that the Nigerian government needed to respond with the facts in a “deeper conversation”, adding that although America has the right to hold an opinion about other countries, it must be done within the precincts of international law.

“As a country, America has its own rights to have its own views about what is going on elsewhere, but when it comes to what it does, I am sure it must also do what it does in terms of its own response within the realm of international law,” he stated.

For instance, the governor maintained that the killings in the South-east where he hails from were not motivated by religion, emphasising that those who are killing Christians in that part of the country are people of the same religion.

“People are killing themselves, Christians killing Christians, the people in the bushes are Emmanuel, Peter, John, all Christian names, and they have maimed and killed thousands of our youths, it has nothing to do with religion. Certainly, if Nigeria requests any assistance for the military, technology and hardware to deal with insurgency, then it is within Nigeria’s call,” he added.

Soludo dismissed the planned ‘invasion’, stressing that if Nigeria was to follow the same logic, when blacks were being killed in America sometime ago, African countries would have also threatened to invade the US.

“You had police men killing some blacks… I remember the #Black Lives Matter protest, and somebody will say maybe Africa should go and invade America because blacks are being killed? I am not quite sure.  Because that is the way I see it.

“I think there is a need for deeper conversation. It must end in conversation, and I am sure the government of Nigeria will respond very robustly on behalf of Nigeria. Nigeria is such a big country, and the government is doing a whole lot to safeguard the country.

“In this part of the country (South-east), we are 95 per cent Christian, and around the South-east are Christians. The people in the bushes killing people bear Christian names; it is wider than the categorisation of Christians, Muslims. Nigeria will overcome and it will end in a conversation,” the governor who is seeking re-election next Saturday stated.

He insisted that the facts needed to be properly dimensioned and understood, explaining that Nigeria could request for any assistance for the military, including technology and hardware and software to deal with the insurgents and bandits, and not on the basis of threats.

FG: Tinubu Saw Trump’s CPC Row Coming, Acted Proactively

But the presidency yesterday said President Bola Tinubu was proactive ahead of the emerging diplomatic row from the United States’ administration of President Donald Trump over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

This came hours after President Trump suggested that Nigeria might face direct military consequences under Washington’s renewed “focus” on the country, coming barely a day after designating Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) following alleged persecution of Christians.

Reacting to the threat of possible American military action in Nigeria, presidential spokesperson, Onanuga, said the recent reorganisation in Nigeria’s military structure by Tinubu and his instructions to the new service chiefs was an indication that he was well ahead of the American plots.

In a post on X via @aonanuga1956, Onanuga said Tinubu demonstrated foresight and firmness during the decoration of newly confirmed service chiefs last Thursday, giving a clear directive that Nigeria would tolerate no new security threats or external attempts to undermine its sovereignty.

According to him: “President Bola Tinubu was well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America as he told the new service chiefs on Thursday what Nigerians expect of them. No more excuses, he said. Nigerians want results.”

He cited the president’s assertive charge to the military leadership, delivered ahead of Trump’s latest comments, stressing that the administration would not permit insecurity to linger nor allow emerging threats to fester in strategic regions.

Tinubu had told the service chiefs: “Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.

“Nigerians expect results, not excuses… Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary.

“We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” the president charged.

The presidential media aide’s remarks came amid intensifying diplomatic exchanges after Washington’s CPC designation — a move Abuja has criticised as inaccurate and politically motivated.

Trump’s later public remark implying readiness to “act with force if necessary” against “religious intolerance” abroad heightened tension, drawing sharp reactions from Nigerian officials and civil society, who insist the move was unjustified and intrusive.

The Tinubu government has repeatedly maintained that Nigeria guarantees religious freedom and is simultaneously tackling security threats across regions without prejudice to any faith group.

Kwankwaso Seeks Diplomatic Engagement 

Meanwhile, a former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called for diplomatic engagement with the US to address the rising tensions over Trump’s recent remarks designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern”. 

The former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) wrote on X that the insecurity in Nigeria did not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political affiliation. 

“I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern.’ 

“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religion, ethnic or political beliefs,” he said. 

He also urged the US to shift from threats to constructive engagement, adding that technological and intelligence collaboration to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges would be the best solutions. 

His words: “The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country.

“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.”

He, however, called on Nigerians to rise above political and religious divides in the face of external pressures.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division,” he stated. 

Coalition Condemns Trump’s Threat 

A group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) under the banner of Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has condemned the threat by Trump to invade Nigeria over alleged killing of Christians in some parts of the country, saying the action was wrong and at variance with reality of the situation in Nigeria.

The group made its position known in a press statement by one of the convener, Nelson Ekujumi, who stated that: “As Nigerians, we are shocked, pained, insulted, abused and traumatised by the brazen, irresponsible, insensitive, provocative, reckless, bullish and condemnable designation and threat of invasion by President Donald Trump of the United States of America.”

According to the coalition, for the education and information of President Trump, “Nigeria and America share a long history of mutual friendship, cooperation and assistance which does not warrant the irresponsible, reckless, disrespectful, provocative talk down on and the threat of invasion by the American President.”

The group emphasised that as at the last count from all available facts, Nigeria was an independent and sovereign nation and not a conquered territory of the US.

“We are at a loss to rationalise or explain where in the American constitution, President Trump derived the powers or authority to issue threat of invasion and designation of Nigeria on religious lines on the basis of our security challenges,” the group stated.

The coalition admonished the American president to get his facts right on the security situation in the country which was being frontally tackled by the government and security agencies because the primary purpose of government was the security and welfare of its citizens.

It, therefore, urged him not to be misled to exhibit the character of crudity, barbarism and stone age despotism which his comment represents.

The coalition used the opportunity to call on Trump not to exacerbate Nigeria’s security challenges of which every country in the world is having its own fair share, on the basis of religion “because all life matters.”

The statement added: “What the Nigerian government and people needs at this critical moment of its political and economic re-engineering for peace, progress and prosperity by the President Bola Tinubu administration, is for the American government and other progressive countries, institutions and partners, to provide it with needed assistance, support, encouragement, cooperation and collaboration to overcome its challenges which are surmountable.

The group charged the American establishment to avail Trump courses on civility, respect, responsibility of public office, sovereignty of nations, international diplomacy and democratic ethos, because of his penchant for conducts and comments unbefitting of the occupant of the White House.

Gumi: Threat of Military Attack Disrespectful to Nigeria 

Also yesterday, Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, described the threat by the US president to deploy the country’s military in Nigeria as disrespectful.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Gumi condemned Trump’s threat as an insult to Nigeria’s sovereignty and called for an immediate diplomatic response, stressing that Tinubu should take decisive action.

He advised the Nigerian government to summon the US ambassador to Nigeria and demand a retraction, warning that failure to do so should lead to severing of diplomatic ties with the country.

He wrote: “For Trump to threaten a sovereign country with military attack is a profound disrespect to our authority, but we can rise above it. President Tinubu should summon the US ambassador; they either retract their threats or we sever diplomatic ties with this irresponsible regime. There are lots of other options for our economic expansion and military alliance.”

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Soludo to US: Insecurity in Nigeria beyond Christian/Muslim dichotomy  Says Christians killing people of same faith in South-east  Kwankwaso urges diplomacy, says insecurity knows no religion, ethnicity Gumi: Trump’s threat

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Diri: My Decision to Leave PDP, Join APC in Bayelsa’s Interest

Diri: My Decision to Leave PDP, Join APC in Bayelsa’s Interest

* State making progress due to unity, declares Oborevwori

* Suswam set to join ruling party from ADC

Deji Elumoye in Abuja, George Okoh in Makurdi and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa 

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his decision to quit Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in the interest of the state.

Diri made the comment ahead of his formal defection to All Progressives Congress (APC) today, Monday, November 3.

The governor, who spoke yesterday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, said someone had to take the decision and he took it on behalf of Bayelsans.  

Speaking at the occasion, Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, said the strength of Bayelsa’s progress and development was in the unity of the people. Oborevwori urged the people to remain united and supportive of the Diri administration.  

Relatedly, former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, announced his intention to join APC, from African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Diri’s remarks at the thanksgiving ceremony were his first public comments on the issue of party allegiance following his resignation from PDP on October 15.

He explained that some persons might not understand his reasons for joining the ruling party, but with the passage of time, it would become clear that his reasons were altruistic. 

The governor expressed delight at the gathering of different political leaders at the thanksgiving service, stressing that the unity of Bayelsa is crucial for its development. 

He stated that politics should be for development and not to bring people down, and his administration would continue to unite and develop the state.

The Bayelsa helmsman also said the current peace and security in the state, and its ongoing development were reasons to be grateful to God. He urged the people to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving. 

He stated, “Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP) and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now but later it will be clear to all. 

“When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God. 

“The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God. Politics is for development and not to kill your brother.  The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state.”

Oborevwori lauded Bayelsa State for sustaining the culture of thanksgiving, saying it is an attitude that attracts God’s blessings.

In his remarks, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said he was excited to attend the annual thanksgiving for the first time.

Lokpobiri described Diri as a unifier. 

‎He said the governor’s recent political move was timely as the state could no longer afford to be in opposition when key development decisions were being made at the centre.

‎Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described Diri as Godsend to the state, owing to his visible development strides.

Ogbuku prayed for God’s wisdom to guide the governor to continue to do his best for the state.

Delivering a sermon, titled, “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, said thanksgiving was important, as God was always present at the time of need and would not forsake His children. 

‎Suswam Set to Join APC, from ADC

Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, announced his intention to join APC.

Suswam, a two-term governor, said his decision reflected a readiness to work closely with President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure Benue fully benefitted from federal programmes and opportunities.

Describing the defection as a shift from partisan rivalry to people-focused governance, Suswam stated that cooperation with the federal government was essential to tackling Benue’s key challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, and poor infrastructure.

A statement by his Personal Assistant, Emmanuel Hangeior, said Suswam’s decision underscored his belief that “the time has come for Benue leaders to close ranks and put the people first”.

Hangeior added, “Senator Suswam’s move reflects a new spirit of collaboration – one focused on unity, progress, and the prosperity of Benue State.”

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* State making progress due to unity, declares Oborevwori * Suswam set to join ruling party from ADC Deji Elumoye in Abuja, George Okoh in Makurdi and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa  Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his decision to quit Peoples Democratic

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Ododo Lauds Tinubu’s Economic Reforms During Projects Inspection

Ododo Lauds Tinubu’s Economic Reforms During Projects Inspection

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja 

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has  commended President Bola Tinubu for his relentless efforts toward transforming Nigeria’s economy and ensuring improved resources for massive infrastructure development across the country. 

Ododo gave this commendation while inspecting  several ongoing and completed projects across Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of the state.

He described Tinubu as a leader who believed in consolidation and continuity, urging the people to continue supporting him.

“I thank a father, a leader, a president, who believes in giving back to his people, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“He is a man of the people, a leader, who leads from the front and does not play politics with the lives of his citizens. I appreciate him for giving us the opportunity and resources to deliver these projects for our people,” Ododo stated.

Ododo  further noted that Tinubu had urged sub-national governments to focus on projects that directly benefit their citizens, which aligned with his administration’s ongoing initiatives.

“Mr. President said we must look back home, and that is exactly what we are doing. These projects were initiated under his vision of justice and development for the people. We are here to inspect the progress, and within the shortest possible time — before the end of this year, these projects will be commissioned,” he added.

During the inspection, the governor charged citizens to take ownership of public facilities and infrastructure provided by the government, emphasising that such projects were meant to serve the people directly. 

He commended the contractors for the quality of work delivered across the local government area.

Ododo reaffirmed his commitment to the transformative development of Kogi State, stressing that his mandate was to serve humanity. 

He disclosed that about 90 to 95 per cent of Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) across the state would be completed and made operational before their official commissioning.

He also called on citizens to disregard the propaganda of individuals discouraging community engagement with government, explaining that such interaction helps identify pressing needs that can be addressed effectively. 

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Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja  Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has  commended President Bola Tinubu for his relentless efforts toward transforming Nigeria’s economy and ensuring improved resources for massive infrastructure development across the country. 

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Barau Welcomes over 1,000 Kwankwasiyya Defectors to APC, Says NNPP Lost Steam

Barau Welcomes over 1,000 Kwankwasiyya Defectors to APC, Says NNPP Lost Steam

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau,yesterday, received more than 1,000 members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Kwankwasiyya Movement into the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the opposition party has lost momentum in Kano State.

The event, according to a statement by his Media Aide,Ismail Mudashir, which took place in Kano metropolis, saw the decampees, under the banner of Kwankwasiyya one blood, discard their symbolic red caps as they announced their defection to the ruling APC.

Leader of the group, Aminu Murtala Minjibir, said their movement to the APC was inspired by the developmental strides of President Bola Tinubu and Senator Barau in Kano and across Nigeria. 

He added that the group had now adopted a new name, Barau Maliya One Blood, in honour of the Deputy Senate President.

Minjibir lamented that the NNPP had failed to meet the expectations of Kano people, despite the enormous goodwill it once enjoyed.

He said, “There are more than 1,000 in this hall today, and we have members spread across all the 44 local government areas of Kano State. 

“This is a historic day in our lives as we officially join the train of success,  the APC. Senator Barau has been a shining light for the people of Kano, and we are proud to identify with him,” Minjibir said.

In his remarks, Barau described the defection as a wise and timely decision, asserting that the NNPP has become a “mushroom party” limited to a few pockets within the Kano metropolis.

He said, “We are here to welcome a group of hardworking men and women, who have decided to join our great party, the APC. You have made the right choice.

“The APC is not just the largest political party in Nigeria but the biggest in Africa. Our government is delivering on development and inclusivity. I see no reason for anyone to remain in a party that has lost its direction.”

Barau also commended Tinubu for his consistent support for Kano, noting that the president had never turned down requests aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been doing a lot for the North and for Kano in particular. All he needs now is our support and prayers. With your commitment and our collective effort, we will continue to move this state and our country forward,” he added.

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Sunday Aborisade in Abuja  The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau,yesterday, received more than 1,000 members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Kwankwasiyya Movement into the All

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Ex-President Jonathan: How Obama Plotted My 2015 Defeat

Ex-President Jonathan: How Obama Plotted My 2015 Defeat

*Declares ex-US president was bias 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has accused a former US President, Barack Obama, of plotting his defeat in 2015, describing the him as overbearing and ‘condescending’ in his message to Nigerians ahead of the 2015 general election.

Jonathan, who railed against the conduct of Obama, said the former US leader displayed an unusual level of bias during the 2015 elections, issuing a video appeal to Nigerians which all but advised them on which candidate to give their mandate.

According to Jonathan, “On March 23, 2015, President Obama himself took the unusual step of releasing a video message directly to Nigerians all but telling them how to vote.” 

Giving the details in his new book, ‘My Transition Hours’ due to launch on Tuesday, Jonathan said, “In that video, Obama urged Nigerians to open the ‘next chapter’ by their votes. 

“Those who understood subliminal language deciphered that he was prodding the electorate to vote for the opposition to form a new government.”

According to Premium Times, which obtained a copy of the book hours before its unveiling in Abuja on Tuesday, Jonathan had kept the book secret in order to avoid excerpts of it being published ahead of its formal launch.

Jonathan lost the 2015 elections to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, marking the first time an incumbent president would lose reelection. 

He assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, getting his own mandate of four years at the 2011 presidential election.

The days leading to the 2015 election were crucial for both Jonathan and his cabinet officials. Only two weeks ahead, the election was postponed to March 28 from its initial date in February.

 The six-week postponement drew outrage from within and outside the country, and Jonathan’s opponents accused him of plots to perpetuate himself in office.

 But the former president said he was not the only one responsible for the polls shift, saying other former leaders were all part of the decision, which was informed by the security exigencies at the time.

“The message was so condescending, it was as if Nigerians did not know what to do and needed an Obama to direct them,” Jonathan said of the video message.

He lampooned Obama, who was American president from 2009 until 2017, for saying “all Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear,” but was reluctant to allow the Nigerian security forces drive Boko Haram insurgents away from the Nigerian territories they had been occupying in order to free Nigerian citizens there ahead of elections.

Jonathan also took a harsh aim at former U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, saying the diplomat was nonchalant in his attitude towards his government, despite all efforts to make him understand that the decision to postpone election was in the overall interest of Nigeria.

“How can the U.S. Secretary of State know what is more important for Nigeria than Nigeria’s own government? How could they have expected us to conduct elections when Boko Haram controlled part of the North East and were killing and maiming Nigerians?

“Not even the assurance of the sanctity of May 29, 2015 handover date could calm them down. In Nigeria, the Constitution is very clear: No President can extend his tenure by one day,” Jonathan said.

Nigeria’s former leader did not say what he did to offend the Western powers, but he painted a dreadful image of their attitude towards him in the waning days of his government.

His words: “The foreign pressure on the issue of election rescheduling was intense. They maintained the curious posture of one who had been deceived before and therefore had every reason to cede no credence to our position. But there was no reason for such posture.

“The United States and the United Kingdom were especially agitated. David Cameron, then the U.K. Prime Minister, called to express his concern about the election rescheduling, just as John Kerry came from the United States to express further worry. It was at best unusual and sobering.

“In fact, John Kerry did not accept our reasons for the rescheduling. It was unbelievable because at the back of our minds we knew why the agitation was beyond what meets the eyes.

“There were deeper political interests. In attendance at the meeting of the Council of State were the decision to reschedule the election was taken were almost all the living former Heads of State in this country. That should have convinced John Kerry of the good intentions of the government.

“He cannot claim to love and defend Nigeria more than all our former heads of state present at the meeting. I have stated earlier how Kerry’s visit was designed to humiliate a sitting Nigerian president and clearly take sides in the country’s election.

“Anyhow, the six weeks served us well. We received the military equipment we were expecting within that period and our Armed Forces commendable dealt a deserving blow on the terrorists and repossessed all territorial areas of Nigeria previously occupied by the terrorists. Boko Haram was deflated up to the point I handed over to my successor on May 29, 2015,” Jonathan stated.

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*Declares ex-US president was bias   Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has accused a former US President, Barack Obama, of plotting his defeat in 2015, describing the him as overbearing and

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N’Delta Youths Urged to Leverage on Federal Employment Programmes

N’Delta Youths Urged to Leverage on Federal Employment Programmes

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba 

Worried by the seemingly low participation of the region in national employment programmes, the Niger Delta Progressives Alliance (NDPA) has launched a sensitization campaign to educate young people across the region on how to access federal government programmes and policies designed to improve their lives.

Increased participation, especially of youths, in national empowerment programmes will most certainly impact the security of communities positively, the group noted. 

Speaking during a one-day sensitization forum held at the weekend in Asaba, with the theme, “Empirical Perspective on President Tinubu’s Offers in Two Years: A Strategic Engagement of Niger Deltans on Accessibility”, the Convener of NDPA, Victor Udoh, said the initiative was driven by the realization that many people in the region were not benefiting from several federal employment interventions, not due to their deliberate exclusion but because they simply cannot access the right and timely information.

“For instance, in the 2024/2025 NELFUND student loan programme, 65 percent of beneficiaries are from the North, while 35 percent are from the South – and most of that 35 percent are from the South-West,” Udoh explained. “It’s not that our people were denied; they simply didn’t apply. Many don’t even believe these opportunities are real.”

He said the group was aiming to equip citizens with the knowledge to access government programmes directly, without middlemen and devoid of illegal charges. 

Udoh stressed that increased participation in federal initiatives such as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) would strengthen the region’s economic base and deepen the peace processin the region.

“When people are economically empowered, communities become more secure and stable. That’s why we’re taking this message from state to state across the Niger Delta”, he said. 

In the same vein, Jator Abido, an engineer and National Co-ordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide who is also ‘Paramount Ruler of Niger Delta Communities in the North’, said that the gap in access to needed information between northern youths and their southern counterparts remained wide and worrisome.

He observed, “More northerners are taking advantage of these federal empowerment programmes than southerners. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to educate our people about these initiatives -NELFUND, SMEDAN and other presidential projects – and how they can change lives positively.”

He commended the federal government’s efforts to support the region’s growth in critical sectors, including the award of pipeline surveillance contracts to companies such as Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), which he described as deeply committed to the development of the Niger Delta.

“PINL has played a major role in ending pipeline vandalism and oil theft. Their operations have helped increase oil production from under one million barrels per day to nearly two million, while creating thousands of jobs for youths and funding scholarships, training, and skills acquisition programmes. 

“The President means well for the Niger Delta, I can assure you. Students can benefit from NELFUND loans, entrepreneurs can access SMEDAN funds, and even small producers in rural areas can get help to process and export their goods”, Abido said. 

The Secretary-General of NDPA and host of the event, Felix Ejenavi, said the sensitization drive, which was kicks-started in Rivers State, will extend to all nine states comprising the Niger Delta region.

Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. ThankGod Trakiriowei, commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State for “implementing programmes that have had tangible impact on citizens’ lives”. 

Nevertheless, he urged youths in the region to seize the available opportunities, through federal and state platforms, to empower themselves and build sustainable livelihoods.

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Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba  Worried by the seemingly low participation of the region in national employment programmes, the Niger Delta Progressives Alliance (NDPA) has launched a sensitization campaign to educate

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Anambra: Atiku, Obi Charge Amupitan on Free, Fair, Credible Governorship Election

Anambra: Atiku, Obi Charge Amupitan on Free, Fair, Credible Governorship Election

*Ex-VP rallies support for ADC candidate

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka 

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, have changed the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan to ensure that next Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State was free and transparent.

In a statement, Atiku said the Anambra State governorship election next weekend would be one in the number of off-cycle elections according to the country’s election timetable.

According to Atiku, “But, rather than being like any other, the election to elect the next governor of Anambra State on November 8 offers a unique opportunity to end the era of poor governance in the state in addition to ensuring that the ruling All Progressive Congress does not get the chance of practicing its notoriety of snatching and running away with the mandate of the people.

”The election next weekend calls our consciousness to a moment when we must rally round the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Nwosu Chima John and Nwobu Geoffrey Ndubisi to lead Anambra State to a new era of prosperity and economic stability.

”The election is also an opportunity for the electoral umpire under the leadership of Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, to prove to the world that it has turned a new page, and that the integrity of our election would not be sacrificed for the satisfaction of the ruling party.

“It is, therefore, important that every registered voter in Anambra not only determines to vote, but must mobilise huge support for the candidate of the ADC.

”Anambra is a place with so much good history about our great country. I believe that yet again, Ndi Anambra will open the chapter of a new beginning in Nigeria where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would bring lasting prosperity, peace and stability to our country,” Atiku said.

On his part, Obi, who spoke to journalists at the weekend after joining candidate of the Labour Party, Dr George Moghalu in a campaign rally in Nnewi, charged Amupitan to uphold the credibility of his office and ensure fairness for all. 

He reminded the chairman that how he discharged his job would impact on the name his children will carry on with in the future.

“Our expectation is that with the new INEC chairman, we will start on the right note of a free, fair and credible election. I want the election to be free, fair and credible, let it be the wish of the people. 

“I’m from Anambra State, and what can satisfy me is what I have just mentioned. I only urge the new INEC chairman to know that he is in a job where tomorrow people will judge him, and it is going to affect the name his children will bear forever. So it’s left for him to do the right thing.”

The former presidential candidate affirmed that he would run in 2027, while also clarifying controversy about his membership of LP and ADC coalition, insisting he remainedin the Labour Party.

His words: “I’m an aspirant for the 2027 presidential election. I’m strictly a Labour Party member for now, I was only a part of the ADC coalition for presidential election in 2027, but I remain in Labour Party for now.

“I just joined my party members today to campaign for our candidate. I’m in Labour Party and my candidate is Dr George Moghalu.”

Obi expressed worry about the initial deployment of foul words by Anambra governorship candidates, insisting there was no need for such.

“I was worried at the tone of the campaign initially, and I remember reaching out to those who were in my party and calling on them to ensure that the campaign is based on issues. I told them to avoid name calling and things like that and that is where I stand.

“Beyond all these, all those you see campaigning today are my friends and there is no need for the foul words people are using against each other. I urge the people to assess the candidates and vote according to their conviction,” he stated.

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*Ex-VP rallies support for ADC candidate Chuks Okocha in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka  Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, have changed the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),