General News
Nothing troubles me more than insecurity in Nigeria — President Tinubu
By Saint Mugaga
President Bola Tinubu has stated that insecurity troubles him more than anything else in Nigeria, noting that “Unless trust is rebuilt, security challenges will persist, economic stagnation will deepen, and educational deficits will widen.”
Represented by the Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the president spoke at the 25th Anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the launch of the forum’s Endowment Fund on Saturday in Kaduna.
In his address titled ‘A Generation Summoned by a Crisis,’ President Tinubu said that though his administration inherited the security challenges, he is working round the clock to address them with the urgency required.
He said, “Nothing troubles me more gravely than the security crisis bedevilling Nigeria, especially Northern Nigeria. Affliction in any part of the country is a setback for every part. We cannot prosper when one limb of the national body is paralysed.
“The layers and sophistication of the security challenges we inherited are daunting, but what should inspire confidence is the urgency with which my administration is pursuing solutions.”
The President stated that “there has never been a time when the North more urgently needed honest, courageous voices. Yes, there have been missteps. Yes, there have been moments of drift. But we cannot say the North has failed unless we abandon our responsibility to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
“We fail the day we sleep comfortably while millions sleep with empty bellies, the day fear becomes a permanent companion for travellers moving from one village to another.
“But let no one believe that hope is lost. The dysfunction inherited over decades fractured bonds and strained unity. Yet the ethnic and religious diversity gathered here today is a declaration of the collective resolve to overcome polarisation and resist any agenda designed to divide.
Speaking on the insecurity in parts of the North, the President said, “We are not only determined to ensure that terrorist and bandit groups tormenting the North are eliminated, we are equally committed to reversing the region’s economic decline.”
Noting that he has “unwavering optimism in the North’s promise,” President Tinubu stated that “I eagerly anticipate the day when the first tankers of crude oil from Kolmani and other Northern oil fields roll out.”
The President added that this is why his administration is accelerating critical road, rail, and river transport projects across the region, most notably the transformative Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway, which is billed for inauguration in Kano “in the coming months.”
President Tinubu emphasised that every generation is visited by a calling peculiar to it. “For some, it was to reclaim this nation from the restraints of colonial domination. For others, it was to design the architecture of a democracy that could hold our diversity together. For yet others, it was to define the moral and social character of a people emerging into modernity.”
He, however, posited that this generation has arrived at a time when Northern Nigeria faces “one of the gravest tests of its endurance, the corrosion of security, the erosion of communal values, and the distortion of the moral compass that once held communities as one family.”
He added: “We came at a time of a jarring rupture in the social ethics of a region whose stability is indispensable to our nation’s collective peace and prosperity. This is why we are here today, and I am honoured to stand with you for this sacred gathering of conscience and reflection.”
The President also noted that for 25 years, the ACF has stood as an enduring conscience of Northern Nigeria. “It has assembled patriots, brilliant minds, moral fortresses, and selfless negotiators whose dedication has ensured that the North remains a central pillar in every serious national conversation,” he said.
President Tinubu also stated that the ACF has not only advocated solutions to regional challenges, “it has fought for dignity, fairness, and equality for millions who call this vast region home.”
He said the Silver Jubilee is therefore a celebration of “courage, advocacy, and principled service by some of the finest voices the North has produced.”
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
DSS is prepared to appeal to achieve death penalty for the two Ansaru terrorist group commanders given life sentences in Abuja were given by Emeka Nwite. The were sentenced on Monday after they pleaded guilty to a 32-count terrorism charge.
The convicts: Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar, described as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (a.k.a Malam Mamuda), his deputy and chief of staff.
The judge handed down the sentence after the convicts changed their plea from not guilty to guilty and, through their lawyer, appealed for leniency.
A senior DSS official, speaking after the judgement, said the agency considers the punishment inadequate given the gravity of the offences.
According to the official, the two men had initially indicated they would plead guilty but later changed their position around the period pupils and teachers were abducted in Oriire LGA of Oyo state by suspected members of the same group.
“For the nearly 60 days the kidnappers held on to the pupils and teachers of Oriire, the Ansaru commanders in our custody changed,” the official said.
“One of the top conditions the abductors gave was the unconditional release of these same Ansaru commanders in exchange for the Oriire kidnap victims.”
The DSS official said the defendants, who had earlier pleaded not guilty, later told the court they were undecided on the plea they intended to enter.
“Justice Nwite even had to hand them an ultimatum to make up their minds on or before Monday’s sitting.
“After the Oriire rescue, they came to court to plead guilty to all the charges.
“Allowing the two terror commanders walk away with life sentences will not serve the cause of justice for the two Oriire teachers beheaded by their abductors.
“The reason the terrorists beheaded the two Oriire teacher’s was to put pressure on government to release these two Ansaru commanders.
“It, therefore, wouldn’t be fair to see two men beheaded and their families are made to live with the losses without adequately bringing the culprits to book.”
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, (Retd) has denied as malicious and an entirely fabricated rumour circulating across various online and social media platforms alleging that he has expressed an intention to step down from his position.
Debunking this as fake news, a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde
SA (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence stated unequivocally, and in the strongest possible terms that:
“These rumours are absolute falsehood borne out of complete mischief.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) remains fully focused on his national security mandate, deeply committed to his duties, and completely dedicated to piloting the nation’s defence strategy with results already being seen.
The release further called the public to disregard the fake news. It also strongly called on the media to desist from spreading unverified information falsehood from the internet and social media platforms but to verify from it before going public.
“The general public is hereby urged to completely disregard this fake news. We strongly advise media outlets and internet users to desist from spreading unverified information and seek clarifications from the office.”
By Michael Lim, Jos
Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor, apologised to the Igbo community for the role the state played during the Nigerian Civil War, saying the people of Plateau “were deceived” into participating in the 1967 – 1970 conflict.
The governor while in an interactive session with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state stated so at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, over the weekend.
Mutfwang urged both sides to put the past behind them and instead strengthen the bonds of unity.
He commended the Igbo community for its contributions to the socio-economic development of Plateau State, saying they are an integral part of the state’s progress.
Mutfwang stressed that Plateau remains one of the most accommodating states for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war, noting that compensation was paid for some losses suffered during the conflict. In his words:
“I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. We have become one family because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward.
“We must unite. We want the Igbos to regard us as their brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where everyone can prosper.”
He canvassed the goodwill of Igbo businessmen in Plateau to support indigenous entrepreneurs through mentorship and investment saying:
“Nigeria is a great country, and no ethnic group has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo. I encourage you to replicate that same spirit in Plateau. I also appeal to Igbo business owners to employ and train young Plateau indigenes.”
During the meeting, leaders of the Igbo community endorsed Mutfwang for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as his inclusive leadership, prudent management of resources and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The endorsement was announced by the President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah.
“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement is based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and commitment to equity …
“He has promoted peaceful coexistence and created a business-friendly environment. He stood by us during the demise of our traditional ruler and has consistently engaged stakeholders to promote unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Plateau State.”
Onah further commended the governor’s developmental strides, saying Plateau now enjoys a more conducive environment for business and investment.
“Igbo people have lived in Plateau since before Nigeria’s independence. We appreciate the governor for compensating some of our members over disputed properties and urge Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to support his administration,” he added.
Also speaking, former President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke, described the Igbo as peace-loving people committed to the economic development of Plateau State.
He said the community would support Mutfwang’s re-election bid based on his performance rather than political affiliation.
“We will vote for personalities, not political parties. Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated capacity by creating opportunities and reducing unemployment. We will mobilise our members across the 17 local government areas to support him,” he said.
Okunonke added that the endorsement reflected the cordial relationship the governor has built with the Igbo community through genuine partnership and inclusiveness.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, commended Mutfwang for creating an enabling environment for the Igbo community to thrive in Plateau State.
He urged members of the community to support the governor’s second-term bid and continue partnering with the government to create employment and business opportunities for young people.
Earlier, Hon. High Chief Felix O. Akpunku welcomed members of the Igbo community on behalf of the governor and praised Mutfwang’s developmental projects across the state, describing his administration as one committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
The meeting also featured the formal presentation of the new President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Chidi Onah, by the immediate past President-General, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke.
Other speakers, including Chief Dr. Nelson Mkparu and Hon. Maureen Odilimuo, lauded the governor for his inclusive leadership and support for the Igbo community, pledging continued cooperation with his administration.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments by both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community to strengthen peaceful coexistence, deepen collaboration and promote sustainable development across the state
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