The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has enjoined Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the polls come 2027 because the administration has failed to address the menace of insecurity over the years.

The CUPP specifically queried the Federal Government’s perceived failure to address the nation’s security challenges which have become a source of concern to citizens, local and foreign investors.

Spokesperson of the CUPP, Mark Adebayo, said: “This condemnation follows the recent massacre of 40 farmers in Borno State by the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, on January 12.”

Adebayo described the incident “as a tragic example of the government’s inability to protect its citizens.”

The CUPP highlighted the escalating insecurity across various states in Nigeria, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced due to terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

He accused the ruling APC of neglecting its duty to safeguard the nation’s security, despite significant investments in counter-terrorism efforts.

The CUPP spkesman called for a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing the need for a government that can effectively combat insecurity.

He asked Nigerians “to reject the APC in the 2027 elections, warning of dire consequences if the current administration remained in power beyond that year.”

Adebayo expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for a decisive action to restore peace and stability in the country.

Former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to focus on a newly established platform, the Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYEI), recently launched at Arewa House, Kaduna.

Bafarawa, who served two terms as Governor of Sokoto State, presented his resignation letter to the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, dated 8 January 2025. The letter was officially received by the party’s national office on 13 January 2025.

In the letter made available to journalists in Sokoto, Bafarawa explained that his decision to leave the PDP was to avoid a conflict of interest between his party membership and his leadership of the youth empowerment NGO co-founded in late 2024.

“I will now focus my attention on creating awareness for youth entrepreneurship and empowerment initiatives aimed at making them self-productive, reducing redundancy, and fostering self-reliance,” Bafarawa stated.

He extended his goodwill to the PDP, saying, “I wish the People’s Democratic Party and its leadership the very best in all their future endeavours.”

Expressing gratitude for his time in the party, Bafarawa added, “I appreciate the opportunity given to me to contribute my quota to the development of the party as a card-carrying member.”

Until his resignation, Bafarawa was a key figure in the PDP, providing strong support for Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s successful re-election bid in 2019 after parting ways with his political mentor and godfather, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto).

An indigene of Imo State, Wisdom Chukwuemeka, has blamed the harsh economic situation and joblessness among the youths in the country as some of the reasons forcing the young ones to embark on the deadly trip to Europe through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean.

Chukwu is one of 10 victims of suspected human trafficking rescued during a midnight raid in a community in Babura Local Government Area last Sunday.

While parading the rescued persons, comprising eight females and two males between 24-30 years of age, on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in Dutse, Jigawa, the state NIS  Comptroller Tahir Abdullahi disclosed that the interception was carried out based on “Operation Salama” team, carried out  at Tsamiyar Kwanche.

He subsequently handed them over to the State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), which promised a thorough investigation before taking further actions.

The immigration chief said the victims, comprising eight females and two males, were en route to Europe through the illegal migration channels.

Musa explained that the victims were from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Imo.

Apart from the 29-year-old Chukwu, others rescued included Alatise Damilola, 29, from Oyo State,  Ayomide Adeyemi, 24 Ondo, Lateef Jumoke, 30 from Ondo and Emyola Adeoye 24, from Ogun.

They also included Soneye Abigeal, 22 from Ogun, Ogunleye Temitope, 29, from Ogun,  Osirowo Rebecca,  21, from Ogun, Oniyide Kabirat, 27,  from Ogun and Azizat Adaranijo  26, also from Ogun.

He said that interrogations revealed that they were being trafficked from various locations to Kano and onward to Babura, with plans to cross into Niger Republic, then to Libya, and eventually Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.

He expressed concern over the rising cases of human trafficking and illegal migration, urging parents and guardians to monitor their children and prevent them from falling prey to traffickers.

He however emphasised that with the support of the Comptroller-General of the NIS Kemi Randap and the Jigawa State Government, the ongoing commitment to reducing irregular migration in the state would be successful.

Mohammed Yunusa, NAPTIP’s Head of Operations in Jigawa, who spoke on behalf of the State Commandant of the agency appreciated the cooperation they were receiving from the immigration and promised closer working relation to ensure that the obnoxious practice is eradicated in the state.

But speaking with reporters, Chukwu confirmed that his friend, who has left the shores of the country, encouraged him to make the trip. 

Chukwu, who described himself as an iron bender, said he was not aware of any danger associated with trip, saying, “I’m not aware of anything bad there and even here in Nigeria, we do not have a better work either as the ones we have in Nigeria is not paying enough that can sustain us.”

Asked if he was aware of the risk involved in the illegal immigration to Europe, he said, “All I believe is that everything in life is about risk-taking. If you don’t take risk in life, you can’t make it in life. You have to take a risk before you can make it, so for that reason I can take any risk.” 

Restating his belief in the dangerous trip, he said he was not happy that he would be forced to return to his community in Imo, saying he had no regrets embarking on the trip, noting that, if presented with a second chance, he would continue with his trip till he reaches Europe.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed his respect for President Bola Tinubu amid clarifying his stance on government policies.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the senator noted his relationship with Tinubu and reiterated his commitment to constructive criticism for the betterment of Nigeria.

“I am not a critique of the government. It is our government. President Tinubu is one of my mentors.”

Clarifying a viral picture of him and Tinubu in a cheerful mood, he said, “He always says that I don’t come to the Villa. I told him that he didn’t ask me to, and he said I can come tonight.

“Then he [Tinubu] said he is attending my daughter’s wedding, even though it coincided with the Nigerian Army Remembrance Day. So after the ceremony, I was expecting him to leave. He said he is not going anywhere; that he is going to attend the wedding. That is what actually happened.”

Ndume then went on to clarify his approach to governance and criticism, stressing that he does not criticise Tinubu but rather his policies.

“In all of my critiques, I don’t criticise my elders. Tinubu is my senior, I respect him, though I disagree with him in some cases in order for us to agree for the better of Nigeria. I criticise policies, not Tinubu. I criticised policies of Buhari, but I’m closer to Tinubu than Buhari.”

Recall Ndume had in November stated that the tax reform bills sent by President Bola Tinubu are “dead on arrival.”

He argued that the Federal Government should be looking to reduce, rather than increase, the tax burden on Nigerians.

Ndume explained, “Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill, they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival,” urging President Tinubu to heed the advice of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum and withdraw the bills immediately.

Meanwhile, Ndume has urged the President to prioritise implementing the federal budget and focus on critical areas like security and welfare.

“I have always said it to Mr. President: implement the budget, and Nigerians will be happy. Concentrate on two things: security and welfare of citizens, and then every other thing will come,” Ndume said on Tuesday during Channels Television’s Politics Today.

President Bola Tinubu has extended palliative support to Student Union Government Presidents across the country. 

Special Adviser on Students Engagement to the President, Asefon Sunday, announced the development on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

He added that SUG Presidents nationwide would get their rice soon, assuring them that the food item had already arrived in Abuja.

He said, “Today, the SUG Presidents across the Federation, by God’s grace, will also receive their rice from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man who understands the importance of students as leaders not only of tomorrow but also of today.

“The President gave them the rice, but unfortunately, the rice arrived in Abuja very late, around December 28th last year. So, this year, we thought it wise to ask them to come to Abuja so that we could personally hand over the rice to them. We selected two SUG Presidents from each zone to represent them and manage the distribution of the palliative.

“It has never happened in the history of this country that the President will reach out to stakeholders and student leaders, particularly SUG Presidents, in December. This is the first time it’s happening.”

It would be recalled that in 2024, Asefon promised that would benefit more from President Tinubu’s initiative.

“This will be a time for Nigerian youth and students to reflect and express their thoughts while engaging with the government. The students and youth of this country are now feeling the presence of the government and experiencing its impact,” he said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sanctioned nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) with a cumulative fine of ₦1.35 billion for failing to dispense naira notes through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) during the Yuletide period.

Each of the banks was fined ₦150 million for violating the CBN’s cash distribution guidelines. The penalties followed spot checks conducted at various branches of the affected banks, revealing their non-compliance.

The sanctioned banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.

Confirming the development, the acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, stated that the fines would be directly debited from the accounts of the defaulting banks with the apex bank.

“The CBN will not hesitate to impose further sanctions on any institution found violating its cash circulation guidelines,” she said.

Mrs. Ali emphasised that the CBN’s monitoring efforts would continue, with investigations aimed at exposing cash hoarding and rationing practices at bank branches and by Point-of-Sale (POS) operators.

“The Central Bank is working with security agencies to crack down on illegal cash sales and operational violations, including enforcing the daily cumulative withdrawal limit of ₦1.2 million for POS operators,” she added.

The enforcement action came on the heels of repeated warnings from the CBN to financial institutions to ensure seamless cash availability, particularly during periods of high demand.

LEADERSHIP reports that CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, had earlier cautioned banks to adhere strictly to cash distribution policies or face stringent penalties. Speaking at the Annual Bankers’ Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in November 2024, he reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to ensuring efficient cash circulation across the financial system.

“Our focus remains on fostering trust, ensuring stability, and guaranteeing seamless cash circulation across the financial system,” Cardoso stated.

The Kebbi State Police Command has revealed that its officers rejected a bribe of ₦1 million cash offered by suspects linked to the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, identified the suspects as Umaru Garba, 53, of Dangandu village; Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji Mamman, 51, of Maimaichi village, both in Arewa local government area of the State, and Usman Muhammadu, 50, of Bakaramba village in Argungu local government area of the State.

According to the PPRO, the suspects attempted to bribe the lead investigator with ₦1,060,000 to compromise an ongoing investigation into a banditry case involving suspected Lakurawa terrorists operating in northern part of Kebbi State. The incident occurred at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) premises in Gwadangaji, Birnin Kebbi.

“The suspects conspired to offer the bribe to influence the outcome of the investigation and prosecution,” CSP Abubakar said. He confirmed that the three suspects were immediately arrested, adding, “Investigations are ongoing, and they will be charged to court upon its conclusion.”

The State’s Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, praised the detectives for their integrity and professionalism in rejecting the bribe. He urged all officers in the command to emulate this example in the fight against crime.

“This act of professionalism demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Kebbi State Police Command to upholding justice and ensuring the rule of law,” the statement added.

He further assured residents of Kebbi State that the command remains resolute in its efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities, emphasising that such efforts are vital to promoting socio-economic development in the region.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state and the commutation of 6 death row sentences to life imprisonment.

Sanwo-Olu made this decision based on recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

A release signed by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the Governor’s order also permits the immediate release of 35 inmates, while the remaining 17 inmates will be released after serving an additional term of 3 to 6 months.

Pedro stated that the decision was made under the governor’s powers as outlined in Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He also maintained that the decision aligns with Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms.

The AG said, “The Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy exercised due diligence in evaluating the applications presented before it. Its recommendations were based on guidelines, including information from correctional facility authorities, the nature of the offences, the length of incarceration, the age and health condition of the inmates, and their behaviour while incarcerated.

“Before their release, correctional centres must confirm that arrangements are in place for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates into society.

“The governor has also urged the inmates to maintain good behaviour after release.

“The release order will be enacted upon completing the necessary administrative processes by the correctional facilities,” Pedro stated.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Tuesday, said the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland has significantly reduced the tension in the South-East part of Nigeria.

The defence chief stated this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence for the 2025 budget proposal defence session.

According to him, the arrest of Ekpa, coupled with the setting up Operation Udoka by the Defence Headquarters, was restoring peace in the South-East region.

General Musa said, “With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension. Also with Operation Udoka, we’re also doing that, picking up most of the leadership that are there, taking them out, and then making sure that the place is peaceful.

“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because we understand, like I say always, we need to have the local support because without it, it’s difficult. You know, the terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving.

“Like we always appeal for Nigerians to understand that they have to take ownership of their Armed Forces, they have to take ownership of the security challenges we are facing. It’s not the challenge for the Armed Forces alone or security agencies, it’s everybody’s responsibility to do.

“And we’re happy that we’re beginning to get that support from everywhere. Human intelligence information is coming, it’s flowing quite very well and we are taking adequate action and that’s why we see things are improving.

“What we have done is that we have established and enhanced kinetic efforts for the three Services for our operations. We have the Delta Safe, which is in the South-South for oil theft and militancy. At least for the first time now, we have been able to reach our OPEC oil quota for Nigeria and we intend to do more.

“Our target is to hit 2.2 million barrels a day for Nigeria. It’s not something that we can also do alone. We also need the other stakeholders in the oil industry to also play their own role. We are doing more, providing more security. We are close to 2 million barrels per day. We intend to do more. This year, we want to intensify our operations.

“We have formed groups that are discussing with the locals. And we have found that, that discussion has helped a lot. So we have the religious leaders, the cultural leaders, and every stakeholder is also part of it. We realize that if we carry everybody along, it makes it a lot easier. Like we say, the best General is that General that does not need to shoot. If you are able to solve the problem without firing, it is better.

“So that by the time we do that, those ones are willing to move, we move them out, and those ones that are unwilling, then we go after them. But the kinetic and the non-kinetic must continue to go hand in hand. And it is working very well,” the CDS said.

While calling for the improvement of border management to address the problem of smuggling, the four-star General said: “We have rescued a number of children being trafficked across Nigeria to other countries. And then trafficking of drugs, small arms, light weapons.

“We’re working in tandem with the Customs. When we make such arrests, we call either the NDLEA or call the Customs and hand over to them. So these are extra things that we’re doing.

“Now what is our other concern? Troops’ welfare. We know generally the economy, everybody is having the heat. And we’re no different. So we’re looking at the aspect of also improving the welfare for our troops, the RCA (Ration Cash Allowance). We’re still struggling at less than N2,000 per soldier per head to feed.

“We’re happy that Mr. President has recently increased the salaries to some extent of the junior class, which is the junior grade of personnel, which has also enhanced their ability. We know the country is going through so much and it’s not only the military that needs support, but I think we want to get more, we can do more.

“We also need accommodation. Every year we are recruiting almost 25,000 for all the services. And those ones going on retirement, every year they are not up to 5,000. So you see we’re getting almost 20,000 into the system. The issue of new barracks, construction, old barracks, renovation, these are issues we have to addess because now that we’re beginning to get peace.

“Gradually we’re going to return to barracks. We don’t want to go back to barracks and then we’ll start living in tents or in batchers like it was before. So it’s important that we’re able to work ahead to establish new barracks that have been established and then to be able to carry out renovation.”

The House committee’s chairman, Hon. Babajimi Benson, assured that as representatives of the people, it was the lawmakers’ duty to ensure that every Naira is judiciously spent to strengthen the operational capacity of the Air Forces and deliver tangible results.

“We must leverage intelligence, technology, and best practices to neutralize emerging threats and safeguard our citizens. As we deliberate on the 2025 budget, I urge all defense agencies to prioritize strategic initiatives that align with national security objectives,” he said.

The committee also resolved to increase the budgetary provision of the Ministry of Defence to sustain the successes being recorded in the fight against insecurity in the country.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Philip Agbese, who commended the military for their efforts when the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, appeared to defend the Ministry’s budget for 2025.

Matawale said the sum of N50 billion allocated for the Ministry in the 2025 budget was grossly inadequate and appealed for an upward review.

He said: “we have some challenges. One, we have an inadequate budgetary provision. The headquarters and civilian personnel unit are unable to meet their obligations resulting in the accumulation of debt on services and staff entitlement.

“We have non-payment and accumulated bills of group life Insurance, which is very important. The very important issues that we have is non-payment and accumulated bills of group life insurance for military personnel, which I requested from the committee for consideration of maybe the sum of N20 billion as an additional funds for payment of families of deceased military personnel. That is one of our challenges.

“Mr Chairman, if you look at the budget of 2024, most of the barracks, the allocation we met is zero. How do we expect the personnel of the military to perform while their living standard is inadequate? All the provisions that we made, the allocation in 2024 is zero. And these are the people that we expect them to perform magic.”

Following the presentation of instruments of office to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, nine royal families, otherwise known as Atiba 9 have declared that they will not accept the appointment of the monarch.

The Atiba 9 in opposing Oba Owoade, alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde presented the staff of office to the new monarch following a proclamation by United States-based Awise Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola, that he was picked by Ifa as the next Alaafin of Oyo.

They also alleged that the appointment of Owoade as the Alaafin-designate was contrary to the custom, culture and tradition of Oyo, adding that the process was also against the rule of law.

The 9 royal families who also are laying claim to the throne, stated these in a statement issued on Tuesday on their behalf by Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family.

The other eight princes from the Atiba royal families included Prince Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa); Prince Lamola Olanite (Olanite); Prince Agboin Adelabu (Adelabu); Prince Raji Adeniran (Adeniran); Prince Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun); Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode): Prince Adesiyan (Adesiyan) and Prince Bello Rasheed (Abidekun).

They noted that they were not against the persons of Owoade and Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, another contestant earlier selected by the Oyomesi, as they have the legitimacy to aspire for the throne, but insisted that the process that produced the former was not in tandem with the tradition of ancient Oyo town.

The Atiba 9 added that they were still pursuing the case they filed in court against the process that produced Owoade and Gbadegesin, as the two contestants to the throne, before the final emergence of the former as the Alaafin-designate.

According to Afolabi, the process that produced Owoade was “Against the custom and tradition of the Oyo Royal Houses as regards the making and installation of the Alaafin.”

He further explained that Governor Makinde, who had been an advocate of due process, erred, saying: “What the governor did was totally against the highly revered Alaafin stool. His action has reduced the throne to an object of ridicule.

“It was expected of Governor Makinde, an apostle of due process, to have followed a just line of action and avoid reducing the Alaafin stool or the Alaafin to an Oba Gbandu or Oba Yebuyebu (an ordinary oba without honour).

“When the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, was to be made the oba, he entered Ipebi and everything was done in accordance with the custom and tradition of Ife before he was proclaimed as the Oonirisa.

“We don’t want our revered stool or the Alaafin to become an object of ridicule and mockery in the future. We don’t want him to be referred to as an oba that was anointed in Ibadan, precisely at the Office of the Governor. We don’t want people to refer to him as an Alaafin that did not enter Ipebi.

“The Alaafin of Oyo is a prominent and first-class traditional ruler in the entire Yoruba land. We, the Atiba 9, are against the process embarked upon by the state government to make Omooba Owoade the Alaafin. It should be stopped and the right thing must be done in appointing a new Alaafin.

“We don’t have anything personal against Omooba Owoade who was appointed as the Alaafin on Monday. He too made efforts to become the oba. We don’t have any personal issue with Omooba Lukman Gbadegesin too.

“However, our grouse is against the process through which Owoade and Gbadegesin emerged as candidates to the Alaafin stool. And what Governor Makinde had done by making Omooba Owoade the Alaafin is an attempt to ridicule the throne. We, the Atiba 9, don’t want it!

“We respect Professor Wande Abimbola who consulted Ifa, but if he wants to be fair to all, he should come and consult Ifa at Ojude Ogun here in Oyo,” Afolabi stated.

The Atiba 9 also charged the Oyomesi, under the leadership of Basorun, High Chief Yusuf Akinade to amicably resolve whatever disagreement they have among themselves, noting that they are the only ones that can initiate the process of selecting a new Alaafin.

“Whatever is the grouse or disagreement between the Basorun and other members of the Oyo Mesi should be resolved. They should call themselves together and settle their crisis amicably before any process of installing a new Alaafin can be embarked upon,” the statement added.

Afolabi noted that with the current arrangement, any occupant of the Alaafin stool would lose respect from other Yoruba Obas, especially those who were supposed to be taking instructions from him.

“If we should look at it critically as things stand now, some Obas who are supposed to be taking instructions from the Alaafin will not be doing that; they will not respect him as they will see him as not being properly appointed. The Alaafin should not be reduced to an ordinary Oba.

“These are our grouses. We are not against whoever is appointed as the Alaafin, but the process must be in accordance with our established custom, culture, tradition and the rule of law. Whoever that emerged through such a process will be acceptable to us,” he stated