Reno Omokri, former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has issued a comprehensive rebuttal to Peter Obi’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s condolence visit to Benue State following the tragic Yelewata massacre. Omokri condemned Obi’s complaint that Tinubu wore a celebratory agbada instead of black mourning clothes, describing it as a clear sign of Obi’s ignorance about Islamic traditions. He explained that President Tinubu, a Muslim, adhered to Islamic customs which forbid wearing black during mourning events and instead prescribe white attire, citing a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) narrated by Ibn Abbas: “Wear white clothes, for they are the…
Author: Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central was arraigned on June 19, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on charges of defamation brought by the Federal Government. The charges stem from statements she allegedly made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, filed the criminal charge, accusing the senator of making false claims during a live television broadcast on April 3, 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly stated that Akpabio withdrew her security to make her vulnerable and conspired with Bello to have her killed in Kogi…
The Tor Tiv of Benue, James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has accused certain politicians of politicizing the ongoing crisis in the state with the aim of pushing for a state of emergency declaration. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Makurdi on Wednesday, the paramount ruler expressed concern that some politicians prefer the crisis to worsen to justify such a declaration. He stated, “The second apprehension we have is the politicization of the crisis, politicians in the state are busy politicizing the crisis, passing blames instead of joining hands to address the crisis. We hear that there are…
In a strongly worded reaction to President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, expressed deep disappointment over what he described as a lack of compassion and appropriate leadership during a time of national tragedy. Obi questioned the tone and nature of the presidential visit, saying, “What has happened to our compassion as a People?” He highlighted the expectation that the President would show solidarity with the families affected by the recent massacre in Benue State, where over 200 innocent Nigerians lost their lives, as well as the devastating floods in…
In a bid to combat rising food prices and supply disruptions, the 36 governors of Nigeria have agreed to partner with the Federal Government to harmonize levies, eliminate illegal checkpoints, and facilitate the smooth transit of goods between states. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation on Thursday morning. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who read the communiqué, said, “The Forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser… on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation…
President Bola Tinubu is expected in Kaduna State on Thursday (today) to inaugurate several critical projects under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, marking two years of the governor’s tenure. The projects include a 300-bed Specialist Hospital in Millennium City, constructed to improve healthcare services for Kaduna residents. The President will also commission the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, as well as road projects in Soba and Samaru Kataf LGAs. The 24-kilometre Kafanchan Township Road is another key infrastructure slated for commissioning. Additional projects include the Tudun Biri Road, a 22-kilometre road linking Kauru and Kubau LGAs, and…
In the aftermath of the devastating massacre that claimed nearly 200 lives in Yelewata village, Benue State, President Bola Tinubu convened a high-level peace committee on Wednesday to chart a path toward sustainable peace in the troubled region. The committee features prominent figures such as former Military Governor Gen. Atom Kpera (retd.), Senators George Akume and Gabriel Suswam, former governors Samuel Ortom and others. Paramount traditional rulers, including HRM Prof. James Ayatse (Tor Tiv) and HRM Dr. John Elaigwu (Ochidoma), were also appointed. At a town hall meeting in Makurdi, the President underscored the necessity of broad-based collaboration involving federal…
President Bola Tinubu has responded to the recent massacre in Yelewata community, Guma LGA, by demanding urgent action from security agencies to arrest those responsible for the deaths of over 100 residents. Speaking during a town hall meeting with Benue political leaders, Tinubu addressed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa: “Christopher… We need to get our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out.” The President’s visit included a compassionate stop at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where he consoled survivors of the violent attack. In a pointed conversation with Governor Hyacinth Alia,…
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Benue State’s capital, Makurdi, amid escalating violence that has left many dead in recent weeks. The visit underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in the region. Touching down at the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force Base at 12:58 pm, the President is set to visit Yelwata community in the Guma Local Government Area, one of the areas severely affected by the recent killings. In a show of solidarity and to facilitate the visit, the Benue State government declared a public holiday, signaling the importance of the President’s…
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, has raised alarm over the United States’ imposition of visa restrictions on all ECOWAS member states. Speaking at the 54th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council in Abuja, Tuggar described the policy as a serious impediment to trade, diplomacy, and regional prosperity. He cautioned that the restrictions threaten to stifle efforts aimed at deepening US-West Africa relations during a period when the region is primed for enhanced economic cooperation and security collaboration. “It would be most unfortunate if it comes to…