RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor

Mr. Peter Akpe, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has been officially confirmed as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State following approval by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

The confirmation comes after a thorough vetting process by the state assembly, which assessed Akpe’s qualifications, leadership experience, and eligibility to hold the office of Deputy Governor under the Nigerian Constitution. Lawmakers expressed confidence in his ability to support the Governor and contribute to the state’s developmental agenda.

Peter Akpe’s appointment fills the longstanding deputy governorship vacancy and positions him to play a critical role in policy implementation, governance oversight, and coordination across state ministries and agencies.

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The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly praised the smooth confirmation process, describing it as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to transparency, political stability, and due process.

Akpe is expected to be sworn in shortly, marking the formal commencement of his duties as the state’s second-in-command. Sources indicate that his priorities will include enhancing governance efficiency, supporting development projects, and strengthening collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.

As an RCCG pastor, Peter Akpe is also expected to bring his experience in community engagement, mentorship, and faith-based leadership to the office.

BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

Senior government and security officials confirmed that the decision was reached after a closed-door meeting between the president and the outgoing police chief at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

Following the meeting, President Tinubu nominated Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, as Egbetokun’s replacement. Preparations are already underway for a formal handover ceremony at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, although an official announcement by the presidency is still pending.

Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector General of Police in June 2023, with his appointment later ratified by the Nigeria Police Council in October of the same year.

His tenure placed the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under intense public scrutiny, particularly over issues of tenure elongation, succession planning, and compliance with statutory retirement provisions. At the time of his appointment, Egbetokun was close to the mandatory retirement age of 60, a development that triggered legal debates and criticism from civil society groups and constitutional lawyers.

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In response to the controversy, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024, allowing an Inspector General of Police to complete a single four-year tenure irrespective of age or prior years in service. Based on the amendment, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 2027.

Despite the legislative backing, his continued stay in office attracted mixed reactions, with critics questioning the broader implications for institutional norms and seniority within the police hierarchy.

Tunji Disu’s emergence as the new police chief places him at the helm of one of Africa’s largest law enforcement institutions, with the responsibility of stabilising internal morale, strengthening operational capacity, and restoring public confidence in policing amid persistent security challenges across the country.

Security analysts say the leadership change reflects President Tinubu’s growing willingness to recalibrate key security appointments as his administration confronts complex national security realities, including violent crime, insurgency, and public distrust in law enforcement.

As of the time of filing this report, the presidency has yet to issue a formal statement confirming Egbetokun’s resignation or announcing Disu’s appointment. However, sources within the presidency said an official announcement is expected later on Tuesday.

BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief

U.S. Congress Submits Report to Trump on Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria

The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a comprehensive report to President Donald Trump detailing their findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and ongoing security challenges in the country.

The report follows President Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under U.S. religious freedom criteria and was the result of months of investigation led by Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole. The investigation involved hearings, expert testimonies, and bipartisan fact-finding missions to Nigeria.

Congressman Moore confirmed the submission on his X handle (@RepRileyMoore), noting that the report draws on on-the-ground assessments, interviews with internally displaced persons, meetings with government officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and consultations with religious leaders.

During the Nigeria visit, congressional delegates visited IDP camps in Benue State, assessed the impact of terrorist attacks, and observed first-hand the security risks facing Christian communities. Moore emphasized that the findings provide a clear picture of the threats in Nigeria, including attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed militias, which have led to killings, abductions, and widespread displacement.

“This report underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to address these pressing security challenges and protect vulnerable communities,” Moore said. He also urged the Nigerian government to strengthen ties with the United States to jointly combat violence and ensure the safety of civilians.

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Key Recommendations in the Report

The report contains specific recommendations aimed at protecting civilians and promoting security, including:

• Establishing a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement to safeguard Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks.
• Conditioning U.S. aid on measurable actions by the Nigerian government to prevent violence against civilians.
• Implementing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals or groups responsible for religious persecution.
• Providing technical and strategic support to Nigerian security forces to counter attacks by Fulani militias and other armed groups.
• Encouraging reforms of restrictive laws, including Sharia and blasphemy statutes, that may contribute to discrimination.
• Collaborating with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom to coordinate security and humanitarian responses.

Moore described the report as a blueprint for action, reflecting firsthand observations and expert consultations. “We hope this report will guide policy to protect innocent civilians, strengthen bilateral relations, and promote long-term stability in Nigeria,” he said.

The report has drawn attention to the complex security landscape in Nigeria, where religious and ethnic tensions, terrorism, and armed banditry continue to threaten communities, particularly in the northern and central regions.

The Nigerian government has previously rejected allegations of genocide or targeted persecution of Christians, describing such claims as misinformation, while reaffirming its commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the security of all citizens.

U.S. Congress Submits Report to Trump on Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria