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Fix Insecurity Or Step Aside, Reps Tell Tinubu
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives yesterday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either refocus governance on tackling national security challenges and economic hardship or step aside, warning that Nigeria is facing what it described as deepening insecurity, judicial controversy, and democratic backsliding ahead of the 2027 elections.
The lawmakers also called on the president to suspend political activities for his reelection and squarely address the rising security challenges and economic problems facing the country.
Minority Leader of the House, Fred Agbedi, made the call during a press conference by opposition lawmakers at the National Assembly, Abuja, where they accused the administration of prioritising politics over urgent national challenges.
Daily Trust reports that the call by the opposition lawmakers is coming on the heels of the escalating security challenges across the country including the recent mass abductions of Borno and Oyo schoolchildren who are still in captivity; the kidnapping of pupils in Kogi and the death of a former military spokesperson, Major-General Abubakar Rabe (Retd) in kidnappers’ den, among others.
Communities across states such as Plateau, Kwara, Niger, Benue, Sokoto and Zamfara had witnessed attacks and killings by bandits leading to displacements of hundreds of residents.
On Tuesday, Nigeria’s top Muslim and Catholic leaders expressed concern over the country’s security situation, jointly urging the federal government to take urgent steps to curb persistent killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes.
Ekiti APC primary dispute: Appeal Court Affirms Oyebanji’s Candidacy
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the candidacy of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State in the forthcoming governorship election as it dismissed the appeal by a member of the All Programmes Congress (APC), Mrs. Abimbola Olawumi who challenged the outcome of the party’s primary.
In a unanimous judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, held that the appeal filed by Mrs. Olawumi was incompetent.
The Court of Appeal found that the appellant’s brief of argument was filed in contravention of the court’s rules having exceeded the numbers allowed and proceeded to hold that the appeal was unsorpoted by any arguments and therefore incompetent.
The appellate court allowed the cross-appeal filed by Oyebanji and held that the trial court was in error when it held that Mrs. Olawumi qualified to be classified as an aspirant within the contemplation of the Constitution and Electoral Act 2022.
Insecurity: Gov Radda Meets Daura, Katsina Emirs
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has met with the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk Umar, as well as district heads and village heads across Katsina to discuss the security situation and other critical issues affecting local communities.
The meeting brought together traditional leaders and top government officials to review ongoing efforts aimed at addressing insecurity, promoting peace, and enhancing community development across the state.
During the meeting, Governor Radda stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between government and traditional institutions in tackling security challenges, noting that traditional rulers remain key stakeholders in intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, and community mobilisation.
He commended the role of emirs, district heads, and village heads in supporting government initiatives and maintaining peace at the grassroots level, urging them to sustain their efforts in fostering unity and vigilance within their respective domains.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with traditional institutions to strengthen security measures and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
The engagement is said to have formed part of the state’s ongoing consultations with critical stakeholders to strengthen security and accelerate development in communities across Katsina State.
Kwankwaso demands decisive response to insecurity in Katsina
The vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called for renewed efforts by the Federal and state governments to tackle insecurity in Katsina and across the country.
Kwankwaso made the call in Katsina on Wednesday, while addressing loyalists, during a condolence visit to Katsina, over the death of Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar.
He stressed that insecurity remained Nigeria’s greatest challenge and urged governments at all levels to take decisive steps to end banditry and other violent crimes.
“This security issue is very important. I urge the Federal Government and all the state governments to do everything possible to end insecurity and banditry in Nigeria,” he said.
The former Kano governor, also described late Gen. Rabe, as a patriotic military officer who served Nigeria with dedication and distinction.
Kwankwaso prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and prayed to God to grant his family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
According to him, an NDC-led government would prioritise security, youth empowerment and good governance to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
