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The Benue Good Governance Network (BGGN) has lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his recent visit to Benue State to coordinate military operations aimed at restoring peace and order in conflict-affected communities.

The group described the Army Chief’s actions as bold, timely, and deeply reassuring to the people of Benue, many of whom have endured years of violent attacks and displacement without visible federal intervention.

In a statement signed by the Convener, Dr. Amase Paul, the BGGN said General Oluyede’s presence in the state — personally assessing the situation, meeting with troops, and engaging with key stakeholders — sent a strong message of renewed federal resolve to bring an end to terrorism and protect innocent lives.

“For many of our people, this visit came like the first rainfall after a long drought. It was a powerful demonstration that Benue is not alone and not forgotten. Lieutenant General Oluyede has restored our faith in the Nigerian Army and in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Dr Paul said. 

Benue State has witnessed a series of brutal attacks by armed militias and terrorists, especially in rural communities where state protection has been minimal. Dozens have been killed, properties destroyed, and families forced to live in IDP camps for years. In recent months, this violence intensified, leaving residents feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

According to BGGN, the military chief’s proactive decision to visit the flashpoints and directly coordinate troop deployment marks a turning point in the fight to reclaim the state from lawlessness.

“His boots-on-ground approach shows courage and sincerity. It gave our people a sense of safety they have not felt in years. Our women now sleep without fear, and our youths feel that the government finally understands their pain,” he added. 

The statement further praised the renewed military coordination as evidence of President Tinubu’s determination to tackle insecurity in all parts of Nigeria, particularly in regions where terror has lingered too long without response.

“Before now, there was a growing belief that Benue had been left to its fate. But the actions of General Oluyede and the clear support from the President have changed that perception. Our people now feel reassured that all will be well again,” he added. 

The Benue Good Governance Network said the federal government must ensure this momentum is sustained. It called for more troops, intelligence operations, and continued community engagement to eliminate criminal hideouts and build trust between civilians and the military.

“We urge the Chief of Army Staff not to allow this visit to be a one-off gesture. Let it mark the beginning of sustained and well-coordinated efforts to permanently end terrorism in our land,” Dr. Paul stated.

The group also pledged the full cooperation and support of Benue youths to complement the military’s efforts. It noted that local knowledge, civilian intelligence, and inter-generational partnerships will be key to restoring lasting peace.

“The youths of Benue are ready to support this new direction. We will organise, sensitise, and mobilise our communities to work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Army in defeating terror. It is our land, and we will defend it — through unity, lawful engagement, and honest partnership,” the group stated. 

The BGGN said it has already begun deploying its networks across affected local government areas to facilitate communication between youth leaders and military commanders on the ground.

“We believe peace must be built by both the gun and goodwill. While the soldiers defend us, our duty is to help create an environment where peace can grow and survive,” Paul added.

The group further urged the Army and federal government to pay attention to the post-conflict phase, including the reconstruction of schools, hospitals, roads, and homes destroyed by violence.

“Lasting peace goes beyond the battlefield. It requires healing, rebuilding, and restoring the dignity of displaced families. We appeal to the Chief of Army Staff to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the military’s success is followed by relief, recovery and development.”

Dr. Paul concluded by reaffirming the network’s commitment to advancing good governance, civic responsibility, and public accountability in the state. 

He also called on traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society groups to rally behind the peace efforts initiated by the military leadership.

“Lieutenant General Oluyede has done what true leaders do. We thank him. And we stand ready to support him in this courageous mission to restore peace in our dear Benue State,” the group concluded.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has counselled the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, to purge herself of the hatred she is harbouring against the FCT Minister and stop seeing issues from the angle of “I hate Wike.”

Describing the Senator’s comment on the enforcement of payment of Ground Rent as ridiculously illogical, the FCT Minister’s Spokesperson said land allocation is not unconditional, there are conditions that must be met and one of them is annual payment of Ground Rent.

Olayinka said Ireti Kingibe recent diatribe against the FCT Minister was a further advertisement of her ignorance of the Land Use Act and penchant for seeking cheap political gains on every issue.

He said; “It is ridiculously embarrassing that a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose duty is to make laws is ignorant of the provisions of Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

“For the education of Senator Kingibe, Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act provides that ‘The Government may revoke a Statutory Right of Occupancy on the ground of; (a) a breach of any of the provisions which a certificate of occupancy is by Section 10 deemed to contain; and (b) a breach of any term contained in the Certificate of Occupancy.

“Now, is annual payment of Ground Rent not part of the terms contained in the Certificate of Occupancy? Or Senator Kingibe just chose to advertise her myopic attitude to anything Wike?”

The FCT Minister’s Spokesperson said she should rather have said that “land owners in the FCT have rights to refuse to pay necessary bills stated in the Certificate of Occupancy issued to them, and that when they so do, the government should simply pick samba and tambourine, and sing their praises.

“Now, if land allottees refused to pay Ground Rent for 10 to 43 years, Senator Ireti Kingibe will just look away if she was the FCT Minister?”

…Hails Wike’s Performance

Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has called on Nigerians to set aside political affiliations and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to transform the country, particularly through the work being done in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by Barr. Nyesom Wike.

“Mr. President alone cannot fix Nigeria. We need to join hands with him, irrespective of party affiliations. Let us put politics aside and support what is good,” Ortom stated during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in Abuja alongside the FCT Minister.

Ortom, who served as Minister under President Goodluck Jonathan and has been active in Nigerian politics since 1982, said he has never seen the level of infrastructural development currently taking place in the FCT under Wike’s leadership.

 “I’ve seen several Ministers of the FCT, but this is the first time I am witnessing monumental development in Abuja,” Ortom said. “I am very proud of what my friend and colleague, Nyesom Wike, is doing.”

He commended President Tinubu for putting national interest above politics by appointing Wike, a prominent opposition figure, to head the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory.

“If Mr. President was a partisan leader, he wouldn’t have appointed Wike, who is from the opposition. But he saw capacity, and that’s leadership,” Ortom noted.

The former governor expressed admiration for the transformation taking place across Abuja, including major roadworks, the construction of world-class bus terminals, and the introduction of a painted taxi system aimed at reorganizing the city’s transport sector.

“I’ve seen Kugbo and Mabushi terminals these are facilities we usually see abroad,” he said. “To now see them in our own capital is something to celebrate.”

Ortom revealed that despite being a long-time resident of the FCT, the speed and scale of developments under Wike had left him needing a guide to navigate the city.

“I have lived in Abuja since 2008, but with what I see today, I need a guide to move around. That’s how much the city has changed in just one year,” he added.

…Pulls out of all agreements previously reached

…Vows to fight on till justice is served

1. Since after the 2023 General election, the PDP has been wantonly swinging from one part of a slippery precipice to another, owing fundamentally to dishonesty and lack of trust amongst its key stakeholders. To stem this ugly trend, efforts have been made to arrest this pernicious virus of dishonesty and treachery and enthrone fidelity to agreements with a view to stabilizing the party and moving it forward.

2. To this end, a meeting of the G5 was held in Lagos. In that meeting, I made it clear to the Governor of Oyo State, HE. Seyi Makinde, that he was the architect of our problems, pointing out to him that non-adherence to agreements reached was the bane of the party, and that he was the chief culprit of this anomaly. At the end of the meeting, we resolved to bury the hatchet and make progress.

3. As a follow-up to the aforementioned meeting, there was an expanded meeting in Abuja involving HE. Seyi Makinde, HE. Umaru Fintri, HE. Bala Mohammed, HE, Bukola Saraki, and I in Saraki’s guest house. In that meeting, I made it clear that I had no personal problems with HE. Bala Mohammed, except that he hides under the facade of Chairman of PDP Governors Forum to serially renege on agreements. Tensions rose mightily in the meeting and it took all concerned to calm frayed nerves. At the end of the meeting, we came to some resolutions, including:

a. That Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of the PDP in tandem with the Supreme Court judgement.

b. All legal matters relating to Rivers State must be withdrawn by the National Legal Adviser.

c. The suit on the State of emergency be withdrawn forthwith.

d. Nobody should deviate from the agreements so reached.

In the light of the foregoing, they pleaded with me to attend the stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi Government Lodge, regardless of my many engagements. I attended the meeting and clearly reiterated my earlier concerns, and to this end and in order to resolve all other lingering and pending issues, a committee was formed, headed by HE. Bukola Saraki.

4. It is disheartening to note that even before the Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee began its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached at Saraki’s Guest House was already being crudely violated. 

To my chagrin, Seyi Makinde had connived with Peter Mba of Enugu State to orchestrate the summoning of the meeting of so-called South-East leaders to recommend that if Ude Okoye was not adopted as Secretary, they would pull out of the PDP. I have since granted an interview to the effect that, that resolution of the South-East leaders can not hold.

Again, Seyi Makinde organized some people in the National Secretariat to insist that the Deputy National Secretary should act as National Secretary, in violation of the agreement earlier reached. 

To attempt to give credence to this farce, a letter was written by the Deputy National Secretary, calling for a meeting of the NEC of the party. Furthermore, the letter confirming the candidacy of the Governorship candidate of the party in the forthcoming Governorship elections in Anambra State, duly signed by the National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu and the acting National Chairman, was portrayed as rejected by the party through a rebuttal letter signed by the National Publicity Secretary, acting on the orders of Seyi Makinde and Peter Mba. 

All these actions are in complete violation of the agreements reached and would not do the party any good whatsoever. On the 24th of May 2025, in Jos, for instance, a well publicized and properly attended zonal elective congress of the PDP was aborted because the letter inviting INEC to the congress was signed by the Deputy National Secretary of the party. 

INEC refused to attend because the proper signatory recognized by law, that is Senator Samuel Anyanwu was not a signatory to the invitation notice. This is undeniably distasteful, provocative and annoying, to say the least.

5. I have painstakingly put out all these facts so that PDP members and the general public would know the truth. I have been in this party since 1998 and have worked tirelessly for the survival of this party with all my strength and it is on record that none of these persons have done anything close to what I have done to sustain this party. What is more painful is that I contributed substantially to most of these governors winning their elections, yet I have not made any personal demands on any of them and I would never do so.

Most importantly, I had thought that we could keep the trust amongst us, but since it is now obvious that they would continue to play games to the detriment of the party, as is the case in the current debacle in the North-Central zonal elections, I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained.

…Builds ₦10 Billion War Chest to Wrestle

…Says Zamfara Won’t Be Like Rivers

The Northern Patriots for Justice and Democracy (NPJD) has accused Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, of launching a political war against President Bola Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over mounting calls for a declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday and signed by its president, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Gwandu, the group said Governor Lawal has pulled out ₦10 billion from local government funds to bankroll a nationwide and international propaganda campaign aimed at deflecting pressure from the presidency and portraying Zamfara as politically stable.

“We have credible intelligence that Governor Dauda Lawal has withdrawn over ₦10 billion from Zamfara’s local government account to fund media propaganda, mobilise surrogate groups locally and internationally, and mislead the world into thinking Zamfara is not on the brink of collapse,” Gwandu said. 

“This war chest is being used to shield his administration from scrutiny, distract the world from the state’s ongoing legislative coup, and dissuade President Tinubu from acting decisively.”

The group also alleged that part of the governor’s media strategy is to sponsor fictitious civil society groups to launch a coordinated smear campaign against Matawalle, including authoring phony petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“These groups have been paid to fabricate petitions against Matawalle and frame him as the enemy of progress in Zamfara,” Gwandu said. 

“They are manipulating the narrative, trying to make it seem like the former governor is being hounded for corruption, when in reality, it is Matawalle’s close ties to President Tinubu and his firm stance on insecurity that have made him a target.”

Gwandu further accused the governor’s camp of “weaponising falsehood” against the federal government.

“There is now a calculated attempt to shift public anger toward the presidency by pushing the narrative that Tinubu is responsible for the hunger in the land. But the truth is, Dauda Lawal has squandered the resources of Zamfara State and has virtually nothing to show for his almost two years in office,” he said.

Zamfara has faced growing calls for a state of emergency in recent weeks. Armed attacks have intensified across several local government areas, displacing thousands and deepening the state’s humanitarian crisis. 

At the same time, the political structure has fractured, with 10 suspended lawmakers forming a parallel assembly and claiming legislative authority—effectively splitting the house into two warring factions.

The NPJD warned that Governor Lawal’s actions amount to an open confrontation with the federal government.

“This governor says Zamfara is not like Rivers. But what does that mean? The people of Zamfara are dying daily. Children, farmers, traders are caught between bandits and political egos. And instead of cooperating with federal authorities, he’s preparing for war against the same government elected to secure our lives,” Gwandu stated.

“It is irresponsible and dangerous for any sitting governor to wage a political battle against the Commander-in-Chief while his state burns. The message from Gusau is clear: Dauda Lawal is more concerned with 2027 than with the lives being lost in Zurmi, Anka, Maru, and beyond.”

The group condemned the use of state funds to influence public perception, calling it a grave abuse of power.

“Let it be known that Zamfara State is not a monarchy. The constitution does not give any governor the right to withdraw billions of naira without transparency and accountability. That money belongs to the people. Yet we hear of payments made to PR consultants, political lobbyists, and social media influencers to defend the governor rather than defend the people,” the statement added.

Gwandu said NPJD had already submitted petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the alleged financial infractions. 

He warned that civil society groups across the north would soon embark on mass action if the federal government fails to act.

“We will not watch in silence as Zamfara is turned into a personal kingdom. If nothing is done, we will mobilise peaceful protests across major cities in the north to draw attention to the abuse of office and worsening insecurity. Enough is enough.”

The group also urged President Tinubu to remain resolute in his mandate and not be swayed by “stage-managed” appearances of stability.

“President Tinubu has a duty, not just to the constitution but to every Nigerian, to act in the interest of national security. Zamfara cannot be allowed to descend further into anarchy because one man wishes to avoid federal oversight. The law must take its course.”

Gwandu further called on traditional rulers, community elders, and religious leaders in Zamfara to speak up, saying their voices are crucial in preserving the state’s democratic integrity.

“Zamfara is bleeding. The people deserve a leadership that puts their safety above politics. This is not a time for fence-sitting. If they remain silent, history will judge them as enablers of the current rot.”

As the federal government considers its next steps, the unfolding drama in Zamfara is fast becoming a test case of constitutional authority, state accountability, and the limits of political grandstanding in the face of national security.

The pioneer chairman of Unity Party Of Nigeria,  Otunba Dr. Femi Soluade PHD, fellow British American University has emerged the Chairman of African Democratic Congress,  ADC in Ogun State.

Otunba Femi Soluade emerged the ADC Chairman during the resolution passed at the National Working Committee meeting held on Wednesday 27th November, 2024 which necessitated the need to reposition the Party in both states powerfully for future elections.

The National Chairman of the party , Ralph Okey Nwosu in his remarks said ” We write to notify the Independent Electoral Commission commission of the above development as regards our Great Party and also to introduce: Otunba Patrick Olufemi Soluade as the new chairman of African Democratic Congress,  ADC in Ogun State.

“This follows the resolution passed at the National Working Committee meeting held on Wednesday 27th November, 2024 which necessitated the need to reposition the Party in both states powerfully for future elections.

We are counting on your usual Co-operation.

As in our tradition, please accept our fraternal warm HANDSHAKE and esteemed regards”.

Otunba Dr Femi Soluade Fellow BAU is the pioneer Chairman of ACPN in OGUN State Pioneer Chairman of Rescurcitated UPN and constitutional drafting committee for the Party. 

Dr. Femi Soluade also served out as Vice  Chairman OGUN STATE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT BOARD. He was also the Deputy Governor of PPA in 2007 election with Professor Seun Omotayo an erudite professor of physical education.

He has introduced the 3Rs during his brief interaction with Abeokuta North Executive during his thank U tour to the South West Chairman Hon Rasaq Eyiowuawi who has been holding forth during the Lacuna in viable leadership after the general Election-Rebuild, reconstruction snd 

Reconciliation to position the party for Election in 2007 for all strata of Political positions in Ogun State and Governorship been our primary focus.

‎Christmas is a time for giving, and cherish the opportunity to share joy with the people around through thoughtful gifts. On this note, the Honourable Commissioner of the Ogun State Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment, Mr. Adebola SOFELA FCA (popularly called SHOFI), extended a hand of love to friends, family, and party members across Ogun Central Senatorial District.

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‎It was a period of joy and relief for the beneficiaries, who came out in large numbers from the 74 wards in Ogun Central Senatorial District to receive gifts from SHOFI. “I believe in extending this spirit of giving to the broader community,” he said, as he distributed bags of rice and cash gifts to individuals and local charities. Volunteering at shelters has also become a part of my Christmas tradition, SHOFI added.

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‎These tokens of appreciation serve as a way to express gratitude for the love and support I’ve received throughout the year. Beyond material gifts, I also plan to offer the gift of time and togetherness by organizing a Christmas party. In a world that often rushes by, these shared moments remind us of what truly matters. It’s my way of ensuring the festive season feels warm, personal, and unforgettable, he continued.

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‎Lastly, this not only spreads joy to those in need but also inspires the people around me to embrace the true essence of the season. By sharing kindness and generosity, I hope my gifts—create ripples of happiness that last far beyond the holiday season.

Popular Juju gospel musician, Evangelist Opeoluwa Samuel Ojo has appreciated the House of Reps member, representing Ibarapa North/Central Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, popular known as Ibarapa Kan, over his appointment as Special Adviser on Religious Matters 

The New appointee, popularly known as Omo Iya Tisa, described the appointment as a call to serve.

Ojo, in a statement signed by his media Consultant, Seyi Ipadeola, said his appointment is a statement that Adepoju is unprecedented in the anal of political space in Ibarapa axis.

The young musician explained that the leadership of Adepoju in blending both the youth and adults made him stand out among his predecessors.

“I sincerely appreciates Dr Adepoju’s leadership and trust he has in my ability to serve as an adviser in his cabinet”, he said.

The Action Alliance (AA) has issued a stern warning to the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) to immediately cease recognizing Mr. Abayomi Sanyaolu as the party chairman in Ogun State. According to AA, any dealings with Mr. Sanyaolu in this capacity are legally invalid and contrary to the party’s constitution.

The notification was communicated to OGSIEC and released to the press in Abeokuta on Monday, November 11, 2024. Citing judgments from multiple courts, including the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, AA stated that Mr. Sanyaolu is no longer the party chairman in the state.

The party clarified that Mr. Kenneth Udeze, a former National Chairman of AA who allegedly appointed Mr. Sanyaolu, has been suspended and expelled from the party and thus has no authority to make appointments on behalf of AA.

OGSIEC has been directed to recognize Professor Tunde Adebola as the legitimate Chairman and Pastor Taiwo Ademola as the State Secretary of Action Alliance in Ogun State. The party emphasized that Mr. Sanyaolu holds no official position within its Ogun State Chapter.

Meanwhile, OGSIEC has confirmed its readiness to conduct the scheduled local government elections on November 16, 2024, assuring the public of a smooth and transparent process.

“This clarification aims to set the record straight regarding the valid leadership of Action Alliance in Ogun State and to dispel any misconceptions,” the notice concluded.