Adopt national confab recommendations on security, others, S’West leaders tell FG - Newstrends
Connect with us

News

Adopt national confab recommendations on security, others, S’West leaders tell FG

Published

on

South-West leaders including state governors, traditional rulers and ministers have demanded a review of the nation’s architecture and reports of the 2014 and previous national conferences and adopt relevant recommendations on security and other troubling national issues.

The meeting hosted by Lagos State Government hosted was at the instance of all the six governors of the region, to forge a common front with traditional institutions in addressing the issues that led to the recent nationwide youth protest, which ended in violence.

President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

Current members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) from the region and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu, attended the event.

This obviously is the fallout of the threat resulting from the recent destruction of key public and private assets in Lagos and other states in the unrest that followed the #endSARS protests and sought to find the way forward.

The leaders, in a communique issued after the meeting stated and signed on behalf of the participants by Chairman of the South-West governors, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, stated, called for a “review of reports of constitutional conferences including 2014 National Conference and implement some of the recommendations, especially with reference to security, economy and equal treatment for citizens all over the country.”

They stated, “The security architecture of the country requires adjustment to adequately address the threats and realities of insecurity in the country. There should be more police presence in communities in the South west states.

“While there are legitimate concerns contained in the initial ENDSARS movement, these have been hijacked by criminal and other elements with ulterior and negative forces and degenerated into anarchy.

“There is a need to undertake preventive actions aimed at prevention of repeat of what happened in the country following the ENDSARS demonstrators. Security needs to be strengthened in all states.

“We wish to encourage the Nigeria Police by responding to their needs and appeal to them to do more to protect lives and properties and enhance security all over the country.”

They noted that the prolonged closure of the border had caused economic difficulties and sought its review with a view to permitting the resumption of economic and trading activities.

The need to address youth unemployment and empowerment was also raised and demanded a comprehensive programme on this.

“We recognize the damaging and negative impact of fake/false news and worry about its destructive and dangerous potency of fake news. We call on Federal Government to use the instrumentality of existing laws and those regulations bench-marked from other countries to provide safeguards against the spread of fake news. 2015 Cyber Act will also be fully used.

“The Federal Government should ensure that technology is used effectively for the advancement of the Nigerian security and not its destruction by working with the technology cum social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. The regime of checks and gate keeping should be fully employed,” the communiqué stated.

On the prolonged faceoff between the FG and university lecturers, the leaders called for urgent resolution of the crisis so that students could return to school in earnest.

They also “endorse the call by traditional rulers call for regular consultations with state governors and federal authorities on challenges facing the state and for appropriate recognition of their role in the constitution.”

Earlier at the meeting, President Buhari, who spoke through Professor Gambari, had said the political class must go beyond the lip service and equip the young people with skills that would make them competitive in market.

He said, “Our government’s efforts are emerging from multiple levels. The vice president and governors are designing an engagement framework through the National Economic Council that will be rolled out across states of the federation.

“Chief among them is police reform across all its dimensions; community policing as an additional layer that can resolve some of our security issues.”

Ministers who attended were Lai Mohammed (Information and Culture), Babatunde Fashola (Works and Housing), Olurunnimbe Mamora (Health – State), Rauf Aregbesola (interior), Olamilekan Adegbite (Mines and Steel Development), Niyi Adebayo (Industry, Trade and Investment) and Sunday Dare (Youth and Sports).

Royal fathers in attendance are The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Akinruntan Obateru, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.

Also at the forum are the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Sotobi; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Olateru Olagbegi; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, among others.

News

US Lawmakers Raise Fresh Alarm Over Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria

Published

on

US lawmaker Riley Moore
US lawmaker Riley Moore

US Lawmakers Raise Fresh Alarm Over Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria

Several United States lawmakers have raised fresh alarm over alleged Christian persecution and genocide in Nigeria, urging diplomatic intervention, policy action, and international attention to the country’s ongoing security crisis.

Republican Representative Riley Moore highlighted violence by armed groups, including Boko Haram and Fulani militias, which have displaced hundreds of thousands of Christians, particularly in Benue State. Moore described the attacks as “genocidal” and has called for stronger U.S. engagement to protect vulnerable communities.

In Congress, lawmakers have introduced resolutions condemning violence against Christians in Nigeria, with some pushing to designate the country as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”, a U.S. foreign policy measure that could trigger sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Supporters argue the move is necessary to compel Nigeria to strengthen security, while critics caution that such a designation could strain U.S.–Nigeria relations.

READ ALSO:

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed the genocide narrative as propaganda and misinformation, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges affect both Christian and Muslim communities. Abuja has also hired U.S.-based lobbyists to communicate its security efforts and clarify that the violence is linked to terrorism and communal conflict, not targeted religious extermination.

Religious and civil society voices remain divided. Some emphasise the real threat to Christian communities, while others warn that framing the situation as genocide oversimplifies Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and communal violence.

As debate intensifies, the controversy continues to influence international perceptions, diplomatic relations, and discussions on religious freedom and security policy in Nigeria.

US Lawmakers Raise Fresh Alarm Over Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria

Continue Reading

News

Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations

Published

on

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo met privately with ex-military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at Babangida’s residence in Minna, Niger State, in a closed-door meeting that has sparked widespread speculation about potential political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, drew attention as both leaders emerged as key elder statesmen whose counsel and influence are often sought by Nigeria’s political elite. Neither Obasanjo nor Babangida spoke to journalists after the session, and no official statement was released, fueling discussions about behind-the-scenes strategic planning and coalition-building for 2027.

READ ALSO:

Political analysts note that such high-profile consultations are common ahead of major elections, as party leaders, former presidents, and influential figures explore alliances, policy priorities, and national governance strategies. Observers also link this meeting to recent PDP and APC elder consultations, signaling continued efforts by senior politicians to shape the electoral landscape.

The rendezvous underscores Obasanjo’s continuing role as a political kingmaker, leveraging his network and experience to influence party strategies, candidate selection, and national discourse. With the 2027 elections approaching, similar closed-door meetings among Nigeria’s top political figures are expected to intensify in the coming months.

Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations

Continue Reading

News

Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing

Published

on

Vice‑President Kashim Shettima

Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing

There has been widespread anger in Borno State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) omitted Vice‑President Kashim Shettima from the official banner at the party’s North‑East zonal public hearing on constitutional amendments in Maiduguri. The banner, which featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the five APC governors from the region, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, conspicuously left out Shettima, a native of Borno State.

The omission prompted immediate backlash from party leaders, including Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, who described it as “provocative and unfair,” stressing that it was inappropriate to sideline a senior party official in his home state. The speaker recalled a similar controversy at an APC event in Gombe State last year, highlighting persistent sensitivities within the party’s North‑East faction.

READ ALSO:

Attendees of the Maiduguri hearing, convened to discuss proposed constitutional amendments, expressed support for Lawan’s remarks, with loud applause and calls for the Vice‑President’s recognition. In response, the APC Deputy National Chairman dismissed the exclusion as an oversight by organisers, insisting there was no intention to diminish Shettima’s status and affirming that the hearing’s focus remained on party reforms rather than politics.

The incident comes amid speculation about internal APC dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, including questions around representation and leadership within the North‑East. Analysts note that repeated omissions of Shettima at high-profile events could fuel perceptions of internal rifts and affect party cohesion in the region.

Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending