There is a surge in insurgency in Nigeria. There is a ferocious return and dominance of the Boko Haram, the terror group in Nigeria linked with Al Qaeda and ISIS at various times, but which has now become so domesticated that the Nigerian government proves helpless to fulfill its obligations to the Nigerian people under Section 14(2) of the !999 Constitution. The primary duty of the government is to ensure the security and welfare of the people. In April, Professor Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State cried out that the federal Government was not serving this purpose whereas he as a sub-national leader was doing everything to liaise with the Federal Government to secure peace in Borno State and the North East. Babagana Zulum is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

What was meant as a honest confrontation within the APC family soon turned into an occasion for verbal conflict. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris more or less told Zulum to keep quiet. Idris would later walk back his original statement blaming it on fake news, again confirming how so conveniently politicians readily blame the media for their own omissions and commissions, even if it is true that fake news and charlatanism represent the scourge of the age. On the issue of insecurity in the North East, other people contributed to the debate, including members of the National Assembly who decried killings, kidnapping, community displacement, armed robbery, disempowerment of persons, internal refugee crisis, and the general descent into a state of anomie, to varying degrees in Borno, Yobe and Gombe states. Borno would seem to be the most affected of the states. The situation in Borno state has worsened since Professor Zulum raised the alarm in April. 

It is worth noting that the Borno State Governor had to raise an urgent appeal for help over the weekend. In an official statement, the State Governor lamented that Marte Local Government Area was about to fall completely into the hands of Boko Haram. Out of about 300 towns and villages in the LGA, the only community still standing is Marte. Over 20, 000 residents had already fled to Dikwa, so concerned was the Governor that he had to sleep in Marte with the help of the military. Now he begs the Federal Government to come to the rescue. Zulum may well feel vindicated that what he had forewarned in April, as the man on the ground in Borno state has now come to pass. But he is not triumphant about that, rather he has taken his matter to God, by declaring Monday, May 19, a day of prayers and fasting in Borno State. This is typically Nigerian and hypocritical. When Nigerian leaders fail in discharging their responsibilities, they blame God. When they fail to arrive at a needed understanding of situations, they ask God to collect the baton, and run the race. Please, is it the fasting and the praying in Borno state yesterday that would drive away the insurgents? Religion has become the deus ex machina for Nigerian problems and the failure of leadership. We must stop blaming God. Professor Zulum labelled the day, a day of voluntary praying and fasting, to seek “guidance, healing and peace for our state”. He adds: “Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, our resilience, and restore our collective purpose.” Prayers alone cannot do it.  

Persons of faith would be quick to quote Christian Bible passages such as Matthew 7: 7 -11, Mark 11:24, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 21: 22, Matthew 6: 9-13, James 5: 15-16, 1 Chronicles 16:11 in affirmation of the power of prayers.  Similarly, the Islamic faith emphasizes the salah or salat, an act of worship that brings man in closer contact and communication with God through prayers as in Surah Baqarah 2:45, 2:110, 2:238, and Surah Hud, 13:22. The most annoying fact of the Nigerian reality is that Nigerian leaders remember religious teachings only when they are overwhelmed. It would be difficult to know the number of volunteers who heeded Zulum’s call for fasting and praying, but we can hazard a guess that the people of Borno State who have been killed, maimed, displaced in Marte, Pulka, Gwoza, Nguro Soye and uprooted in all the 27 Local Government Areas of the state, unable to go to the farm, market or schools would readily confess that they have prayed long enough, over the past 17 years. The problem is not with God, it is with the Nigerian government. Government is the people’s god. And the problem is not restricted to the North East. The North West is also insecure. The Middle Belt has become a killing field. Life is short, nasty and brutish in other parts of the country. Nobody should be surprised if there are reports of violent attacks in the North East before this week runs out: the criminals riding roughshod over Nigeria have a way with morbid humour. They may be tempted to respond to prayers offered in their own way. They have turned themselves into tin-gods. While the people are praying and fasting, and Governor Zulum continues to whip up sentiments of faith, the criminals are probably busy working on strategies to overrun the whole of Borno and Yobe States. 

Successive Nigerian governments have continued to live in denial. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Minister of Information told us that Boko Haram had been “technically decimated”, government was winning the war, and that Boko Haram has “no caliphate” anywhere in Nigeria. As recently as April 2025, Alhaji Mohammed at a Spokespersons Summit was busy boasting that he changed the narrative about the Boko Haram over-running local governments in Borno state. Which narrative? Has he heard Zulum’s latest cry for help? It is easy to build castles with spittle, until morning dewdrops collapse the entire structure. But it is all in the line of business for Nigerian leaders to lie to the people and deceive them. Why has the Nigerian government failed to secure the land? The same approach has been adopted over the years: security architecture, increased funding for the military, operation this, operation that, kinetic, non-kinetic, revision of national security strategy, statements of assurance, and yet when each tragedy occurs, government issues apologies, and statements of condolence, but the situation remains the same. Obviously, the security of government officials is more important than that of the people. As 2027 approaches, the politicians will feed the people with hope and expectations once again, but the impediments will remain.

The latest in the government’s bag of promises is the report that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of forest guards to secure about 1, 129 forests in the country. The National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Environment have been directed to ensure full implementation. The plan is to recruit 130, 000 armed operatives, about 2,000, or 5,000 per state depending on carrying capacity and together, the states and the Federal Government can secure our forests. The forests have been the main base of insecurity in Nigeria be it the notorious Sambisa Forest, the Old Oyo National Park, Kainji National Park or the many ungoverned spaces in Niger, Benue, Kwara and other parts of the country. The Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 is meant to flush out terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs and enable the country to take back its forests. The intention sounds noble, jobs will be created for many Nigerians, but the true test is to be seen in the implementation. The proposal raises more questions than answers.

To start with, the idea of forest guards is not new. Nigeria has always had a Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), which was eventually renamed Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) in 2024. Originally set up to protect the country’s forests, wildlife and natural resources, its role was soon expanded to include security to check the menace of criminals who use the forests as hideouts for insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry. How would the proposed establishment of Forest Guards be different from the existing NFSS. Ambassador Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin who is the current Commander General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service has since issued a statement praising President Tinubu for the establishment of Forest Guards. The same Osatimehin reports that “we are fully on ground in 36 states of the Federation and the 774 Local Government Areas nationwide and our officers and men have been professionally trained by the Nigeria Police, the DSS, Nigeria Army, NSCDC and other formal security agencies within and outside the country…” If this is truly the case, why the need for a new structure and outfit? It will be recalled that late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu as Governor of Ondo State had repeatedly called on the Forest Guards, this same NFSS to secure the forest reserves in Ondo state. I am therefore surprised that some commentators have praised President Tinubu’s establishment of what may look like a parallel outfit. If the existing NFSS does not work, what is the guarantee that a new creation would be able to do the job?  

The best way to secure Nigeria is not by creating new outfits, it is by strengthening existing structures. Nigeria’s borders are known to be porous. It is widely believed that most of the criminals wreaking havoc in the country are not only home-grown, they also infiltrate the country from the Sahel region. Our borders are so porous any bandit from Niger or Chad can just walk across, or rather ride on the back of a motorcycle into Nigeria, do maximum damage and then vanish across the border. Recruiting 130, 000 forest guards cannot deal with the enormity and complexity of the problem. Rather than create a new outfit, the military can be better equipped to form a special unit whose task will be to comb the forests and flush out all the criminal elements hiding therein. What are the policemen doing? They appear to be underworked. The police force can be expanded and all the pot-belied officers extorting money on the roads can be deployed into the country’s forests to hunt down the insurgents. The NFSS can be expanded too, and its new recruits made to live permanently in the forests, and lay ambush for criminals. The Federal Government cannot keep creating new agencies or new bureaucracies having promised, before now, to implement the Oronsaye Report and run a lean, efficient government.

The security of lives and property is far too important to be left at the level of rhetoric. Government officials have spoken more than enough about the problem, they need to apply concrete solutions. By now Nigerians must be tired of hearing fanciful phrases and expressions of good faith. Or that an MOU has been signed with China to supply military equipment, or that DICON has engaged some contractors, or that a certain fund has been specially set aside. The ineffectuality of these measures explains why there is now an increasing call for self-defence by victims of insurgency and banditry. A resort to self-help can only breed anarchy. It would be a rejection of the state, a vote of no confidence in those who run it. When every Nigerian has to protect himself or herself, because the state has failed, that would be the final violation of the contract with the people. As it is, Nigerians have to worry about electricity, security in their homes, and safety at work and on the streets. Many of the people who travel abroad do so just to get away from it all, this life of strife and perpetual anxiety that the average Nigerian is saddled with. They do not necessarily do well abroad, but there are many who get lucky, and there are others who are just happy to live in an organized society where they can gain access to basic amenities of decent living. Forest guards cannot reassure such persons that Nigeria will become a safe place to live in. Just in case the diversionary talk about forest guards is an excuse to avoid the bigger subject of state police, we miss the point.

The best legacy that President Tinubu can construct on all fronts is to make Nigeria better, safer and more enabling than he met it.

Saudi Arabia authorities have reportedly arrested two women believed to be the wife and mother of Ado Aliero, one of Nigeria’s most notorious bandit leaders.

Sources disclosed to Daily Trust that the arrest occurred in Medina following an intelligence-led operation, with the duo allegedly living under false identities.

The arrest is part of a growing effort to crack down on transnational networks aiding terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s Northwest.

Aliero, who has orchestrated numerous abductions and violent attacks across Zamfara and neighbouring states, has been high on Nigeria’s most-wanted list. His criminal network is believed to benefit from both local and international support.

Authorities say the women may possess critical intelligence on Aliero’s location, movements, and funding streams. Nigerian and Saudi security agencies are now closely coordinating as investigations intensify.

If confirmed, the arrests could mark a turning point in dismantling the command and logistics network of terror cells destabilising northern Nigeria.

THE 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, yesterday, said his involvement in the coalition of opposition parties, ahead of the 2027 election, wasn’t about positions but replacing bad governance with a better one.

Obi said this in response to reports that he had agreed to a deal with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to serve as Vice President in the 2027 polls.

It was alleged that, as part of the agreement, Atiku committed to serving a single term of four years and was prepared to sign a written agreement.

However, plans for a major opposition coalition, ahead of the 2027 general elections, are being closely guarded, with details of the agreement between Atiku and Obi remaining under wraps.

Sources disclosed that the two political heavyweights, alongside other opposition leaders, are working diligently to build a robust and viable coalition platform to challenge the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The coalition’s formation is seen as a strategic move to unite Nigeria’s fragmented opposition and present a formidable challenge to the APC in the 2027 elections.

For now, however, the opposition leaders remain tight-lipped, focusing on ironing out the final details of their alliance.

Obi on VP slot deal

However, Obi, who was not definite on the existence of such a pact, spoke on the sidelines of an event where he donated N10 million each to a school and hospital building project undertaken by the Anglican Church in Kubwa, Abuja.

The former Anambra State governor said: “I’m in coalition against hunger, a coalition against poverty, a coalition against ill health, politics for me is not about positions, it is about doing the right thing.

“Whatever you make of it (the report), I can tell you that, I Peter, have told you where I stand. I just came back (from Rome), I didn’t talk about politics, I’m talking about the education of these children. I’m not talking about positions.

“In this country, we are not talking about what we should be talking about. What we should be talking about is how we are going to educate our children.”

While making a N20 million donation to the Anglican Church School and hospital building projects, Obi described investments in education and healthcare services as key to national development.

He expressed sadness that the high rate of corruption in Nigeria was robbing the nation of the required funds to invest in critical areas of national life.

Obidients dismiss 2027 VP slot dealThe Obidient Movement on its part refuted the report linking its principal, Peter Obi, to the alleged pact with the former Vice President to serve as running mate for the 2027 polls.

The Director, Strategic Communications of the movement, Nana Kazaure, in a statement, said the refutal became necessary in the light of suggestions that Mr Obi has accepted the alleged offer in the proposed coalition of opposition parties.

Kazaure said: “The Obidient Movement has been inundated with calls from our members within and outside the country, including other members of the public, regarding a media publication claiming that our principal, Peter Obi, has been offered the running mate position to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the new coalition being formed ahead of 2027.

“Even as we know that the publication is imaginary to the author, we are tempted not to ignore it because of the possible far-reaching misconception it will have in the public space.

“While frank and cordial engagements with our partners and stakeholders towards a coalition continue amicably, the Obidient Movement would like to state emphatically that there is no truth or basis to the reports whatsoever.

“Without any risk of contradiction, we would like to reiterate that Mr Obi has maintained that his objective and his involvement in a coalition, is to provide a united front against and to tackle issues of bad governance, corruption, hunger, poverty, poor healthcare, out-of-school children and the myriad of other problems daily afflicting the people of Nigeria.

“At this point, Mr Peter Obi remains in the Labour Party, and if ever this changes, he will make that announcement himself.
“The Obidient Movement would like to advise against sensationalism and speculation on these matters. At this difficult time, all Nigerians and the media, inclusive, should emphasise and contribute to building a better country.”

Atiku, Obi coalition details secret — Ex-VP’s aide

When contacted, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, told Vanguard that while significant progress had been made in the coalition-building process, specific details, including power-sharing arrangements, were still being finalised.

Ibe said: “What I can confirm is that Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and all the opposition leaders are working diligently towards building a viable and robust coalition platform.

“The details are currently being ironed out, though I can’t confirm specifics at this stage. What I can say is that significant progress has been made, and it’s only a matter of time before the coalition is finalised and brought to fruition.

“As for the issue of the platform and other related matters, these are being carefully worked out. At this point, I believe the leaders are keeping their cards close to their chest. However, once the coalition is fully established, all the details will be unveiled.”

Coalition’ll defeat Tinubu on election day, if… — PDP

While alluding to forming a coalition, the PDP yesterday declared that a coalition involving political figures could deliver a swift and decisive victory over President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 presidential election.

The party, however, expressed optimism that such a coalition could conclude the election by 1 pm, provided key conditions were met.
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, in a chat with Vanguard, said the success of the coalition hinged on genuine commitment, unity and the ability to harness widespread public discontent.

Osadolor said: “If these talks are pursued sincerely and reach a logical conclusion, and if ego doesn’t get in the way among these gentlemen, Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai, then Nigeria could, indeed, be looking at a winning team.

“If Atiku and Obi truly commit to this alliance, as it appears they are already doing, and with El-Rufai also playing his part, I don’t believe Nigerians would be opposed to such a coalition ticket. Ultimately, this would be a case of Nigerians versus Bola Tinubu and the APC.”

The PDP NEC member highlighted the rising levels of hunger, insecurity, frustration, and depression across Nigeria as critical factors that could drive voters to support the coalition. He said: “Let’s not forget, less than four years ago, these two gentlemen together received over 13 million votes, compared to the 8 million votes INEC allocated to Bola Tinubu. ‘’So, if they join forces again, given the rising levels of hunger, insecurity, frustra

tion, and depression in the country, I don’t see why they couldn’t conclude the election by 1 pm on election day.

“My response to that is simple: kudos to the federal government. Let them keep releasing more funds. After all, the money doesn’t belong to them, it belongs to the Nigerian people. So, the more they release, the more it highlights the heartlessness with which they treat public trust and public funds. “No serious country hands out money for political patronage the way this government is doing. And let’s be clear; the political class makes up less than 10% of the Nigerian population.

‘’So how do you justify to the remaining 90% that this small group is misappropriating vast, almost unimaginable sums in naira and dollars, money meant for every Nigerian, born or unborn.

“The more they do this, the more they infuriate right-thinking Nigerians and motivate them to vote the APC out quickly. I encourage the President to continue on this path, so that Nigerians remain determined to remove him in 2027.

“What the President should be doing at this point is compiling a list of his life’s achievements and finding a quiet vacation place to retire to, saving himself the humiliation that awaits him at the ballot box.”

ADC remains a coalition party in Nigeria—Nwosu

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, a platform said to be under consideration by promoters of the coalition, is making adjustments to its Constitution to accommodate new entrants.

National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Nwosu, who confirmed this development, explained that he was stepping down from his position to pave the way for new hands to take charge of the party’s affairs.

Nwosu said: “We will be having our national convention very soon, and I won’t be contesting for chairman. I’m stepping down for fresh hands to take over. “We have also agreed to make it a lot easier for new members to come in and use our platform to contest elections. “Before now, you were required to spend at least two years as a member before contesting, but now, as soon as you join, you will begin to enjoy the rights and privileges of membership.”

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has filed a no-case submission in response to the N6.9bn fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos heard the no-case submission and subsequently reserved a ruling on it.

Fayose was represented by a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), while Olalekan Ojo (SAN) reprsented Spotless Investment Limited joined as the second defendant.

The EFCCm through its lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), pressed 11 counts, bordering on stealing and money laundering, against Fayose and the firm.

At Monday’s proceedings, Fayose’s counsel, Agabi, argued the no-case submission dated July 16, 2025, insisting the EFCC had failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-governor.

 Agabi also pointed out that a central figure in the alleged transactions, Abiodun Agbele, was not charged alongside Fayose.

“The predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water,” Agabi said. “Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct charges, and no co-conspirator was docked with the defendant.”

The second defence counsel,  Ojo, adopted the no-case submission filed on March 21, 2025, and supported by further documents on May 16.

He argued that the credibility of the prosecution’s 13th witness, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, had been seriously eroded.

Ojo noted that Obanikoro had admitted under cross-examination that there was no direct communication between Fayose and the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, undermining the prosecution’s narrative.

In response, EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the no-case submissions.

He cited a counter-affidavit and written address dated May 8, 2025, arguing that the defendants had failed to explain suspicious financial transactions.

Jacobs questioned why Fayose did not use his personal bank account for the transactions if they were legitimate.

He cited the testimony of EFCC investigator Abubakar Madaki, who stated that Fayose used associates to purchase properties both in Nigeria and abroad — associates who later denied ownership of the properties, even though Fayose had claimed them in his statement.

“If the money was clean, why didn’t he acquire the properties in his name?” Jacobs asked.

He added that Obanikoro’s testimony that Fayose personally requested the funds in cash and introduced Agbele to handle the delivery required a defence from the accused.

Following the conclusion of arguments, the court granted Fayose permission to travel abroad for medical treatment, as requested by Agabi.

Justice Aneke adjourned the matter to July 10, 2025, for ruling on the no-case submission.

Fayose was initially arraigned in 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who later retired. The case was subsequently reassigned to Justice Aneke.

The EFCC alleges that Fayose received N1.2bn to finance his 2014 election campaign and took $5m in cash from Obanikoro, bypassing financial institutions.

He was also accused of laundering over N1.6bn through proxies and companies including De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd — all in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has declared that a coalition involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai and other political figures could deliver a swift and decisive victory over President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 presidential election.

The party predicts that such a coalition could conclude the election by 1 pm on election day, provided key conditions are met.

Hon. Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, told Vanguard in Abuja on Monday that the success of the coalition hinges on genuine commitment, unity, and the ability to harness widespread public discontent.

He emphasised that Atiku and Obi’s combined vote count of over 13 million in the 2023 election, compared to Tinubu’s 8 million, demonstrates the potential strength of a united opposition.

“If these talks are pursued sincerely and reach a logical conclusion, and if ego doesn’t get in the way among these gentlemen; Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai, then Nigeria could indeed be looking at a winning team.

“If Atiku and Obi truly commit to this alliance, as it appears they are already doing, and with El-Rufai also playing his part, I don’t believe Nigerians would be opposed to such a coalition ticket.

“Ultimately, this would be a case of Nigerians versus Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC,” Osadolor said.

The PDP NEC member highlighted the rising levels of hunger, insecurity, frustration, and depression across Nigeria as critical factors that could drive voters to support the coalition.

The party chieftain argued that Nigerians are eager to remove the APC from power, citing historical precedents such as the ousting of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Zamfara APC demands immediate arrest of PDP women leader over alleged threats
“Let’s not forget: less than four years ago, these two gentlemen together received over 13 million votes, compared to the 8 million votes INEC allocated to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“So, if they join forces again, given the rising levels of hunger, insecurity, frustration, and depression in the country, I don’t see why they couldn’t conclude the election by 1pm on election day,” he stated.

The PDP leader also criticised the APC’s counter-strategies, including the release of funds to state governors for political patronage, as evidence of mismanagement and corruption.

He stated that such actions only deepen public anger and motivate Nigerians to vote against the ruling party.

“My response to that is simple: kudos to the federal government. Let them keep releasing more funds. After all, the money doesn’t belong to them; it belongs to the Nigerian people.

“So, the more they release, the more it highlights the heartlessness with which they treat public trust and public funds.

“No serious country hands out money for political patronage the way this government is doing. And let’s be clear; the political class makes up less than 10% of the Nigerian population.

“So how do you justify to the remaining 90% that this small group is misappropriating vast, almost unimaginable sums in naira and dollars, money meant for every Nigerian, born or unborn,” Osadolor asked.

For the coalition to succeed, Osadolor stressed the need for effective mobilisation and campaigning, particularly among the youth and marginalised groups.

He called on all stakeholders to set aside personal ambitions and work together to present a clear alternative to the APC.

“The more they do this, the more they infuriate right-thinking Nigerians and motivate them to vote the APC out quickly. I encourage the President to continue on this path, so that Nigerians remain determined to remove him in 2027.

“In fact, what the President should be doing at this point is compiling a list of his life’s achievements and finding a quiet vacation place to retire to, saving himself the humiliation that awaits him at the ballot box,” he added.

The PDP chieftain emphasised that with the right strategy and unity, the coalition could mark the end of the APC’s reign and usher in a new era for the country.

Canada has introduced stricter rules in its Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), raising concerns among skilled foreign workers, including many Nigerians, who now face greater risks of deportation due to tighter hiring conditions.

Under the new regulations, employers must raise wages for high-skilled foreign hires to at least 20% above the regional median wage.

Companies can now only fill a maximum of 10% of low-wage roles with foreign workers.

These reforms, which took effect between September and November 2024, are designed to prioritise Canadian citizens for available jobs.

The government has also reclassified an estimated 34,000 positions from the high-wage to the low-wage stream, exposing more foreign workers to stricter oversight, fewer benefits, and increased job insecurity.

Many employers, particularly in sectors like hospitality, construction, and agriculture, said the changes are forcing them to scale back foreign hires or avoid renewing contracts due to rising labour costs.

For temporary foreign workers, this means expiring permits without renewal and limited options to secure new qualifying job offers, both of which can lead to deportation.

The caps and wage hikes are also reshaping Canada’s reputation as a top destination for skilled international talents.

Critics warned the policies may deter future applicants, disrupt travel and seasonal employment sectors, and trigger a loss of much-needed labour.

While the Canadian government insisted the reforms protect domestic employment, businesses and migrant advocacy groups are urging for a more balanced approach that recognizes the vital role foreign workers play in sustaining the country’s economy.

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign, says there is nothing wrong in Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi meeting for talks.

On Monday, there were reports that Abubakar’s campaign team was offering Obi a running mate role ahead of the 2027 vote.

Obi was Abubakar’s vice-presidential pick in the 2019 election on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform. They lost the election to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, Okonkwo said it is typical of politicians to negotiate and discuss at every turn.

“In politics, candidates have the choice to get into their own discussion and negotiation. My own take is that whoever believes he is qualified to be president should submit himself for a free and fair primary election,” he said.

“The toughness of the primaries will determine who has the capacity to face the tough challenge in the general election.

“I’m not in the league of people trying to persuade anybody to step down for anybody; that should be the decision of the candidate himself. So whatever Atiku and Obi are discussing should be left to them.”

Okonkwo also highlighted the need for opposition unity ahead of the next election.

He said a divided opposition in 2023 handed the presidency reins to the APC on a platter.

Okonkwo urged opposition parties to form coalitions that would offer Nigerians viable alternatives.

“The way forward is that the opposition should come together in a coalition, and when they come together, they would give Nigerians the alternatives in integrity, character and knowledge,” he said.

“The opposition must come together, set their houses in order and then take out this government that has become a scourge on the Nigerian people. There is a saying that your biggest teacher is your last mistake.

“In 2023, the opposition made a mistake of dividing itself, and a minority party that got about 37 percent of the votes now became the ruling party.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says the country’s banking sector remains resilient and safe.

In a statement on Monday, Hakama Sidi-Ali, acting director of corporate communications at the CBN, dismissed recent media and online reports suggesting instability in the operations of “a regulated financial institution”.

The apex bank described the reports as misleading and urged the public to disregard unverified claims.

“The CBN wishes to categorically reassure the public, depositors, and stakeholders that the Nigerian banking sector remains resilient, safe, and sound,” the statement reads.

“Like all other regulated institutions, the institution referenced in these reports is held to stringent regulatory requirements, and there is no cause for concern regarding the safety of depositors’ funds.”

The regulator said strong supervisory mechanisms are in place to safeguard the financial system, including frameworks for early warning signals and risk-based supervision.

The bank said the tools would help identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

It also cautioned against the spread of sensational information, encouraging Nigerians to rely only on official sources for updates on the banking sector.

“We urge the public to disregard sensational or unverified claims and rely solely on official channels for information about the financial system,” CBN added.

The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure and stable financial environment, pledging to continue evolving its regulatory strategies to protect depositors and the wider financial ecosystem.

“The CBN remains dedicated to fostering a secure banking environment where depositors can be fully confident in the safety of their funds,” the bank said.

The apex bank also promised to continue to monitor and adapt strategies to safeguard the financial interests of all Nigerians and stakeholders in the financial system.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disqualified six registered athletes from competing at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun.

In a statement on Tuesday by Kehinde Ajayi, NSC media director, the commission said the athletes’ disqualification was due to “doping issues”, which is “in line with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency ( WADA) code.”

The disqualified athletes are Ogunsemilore Cynthia representing Bayelsa state in kickboxing, Omole Dolapo Joshua representing Bayelsa state in kickboxing, Ayabeke David Opeyemi representing Bayelsa state in Gymnastics, Kareem Shukurat representing Lagos state in kickboxing and Animashaun Sofia representing Lagos state in para powerlifting.

Bukola Olopade, the director-general of NSC, advised all the participating states to take note of this and reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every athlete competes very clean.

“The issue of anti-doping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drug problems at both domestic and international competitions,” he said.

“We are happy now that the National anti-doping law has finally been passed by our Sports-loving President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the ripple effect of such a landmark feat must swiftly be felt in our Sports, starting with the current Sports Festival.”

The 22nd National Sports Festival holds in Ogun state from May 16 to 30.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly arrested an alleged notorious bandit and kidnapper in Sokoto during the screening of intending Muslim pilgrims.

According to Daily Trust, the suspect, identified as Sani Galadi, was arrested on Monday at Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, after he was trailed by the operatives.

The arrest comes about 24 hours after security forces nabbed a suspected bandit and kidnapper at the hajj camp in Abuja.

A source at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) told TheCable that the suspect, identified as Yahaya Zango, is linked to multiple kidnapping incidents in Abuja and Kogi.

TheCable learnt that Zango was arrested by security operatives, including the DSS, on Sunday during the screening of intending pilgrims.

On May 12, NAHCON completed the airlift of intending pilgrims in four states to Saudi Arabia, while 64,188 Nigerians are expected to take part in this year’s pilgrimage.

There has been an uptick in violent attacks in the northern part of the country, with military bases not spared.

On Friday, Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff, said the military has procured new equipment to strengthen efforts against insecurity, including the resurgence of insurgent attacks.