Former AGF Urges US to Extend Air Strikes to Benue to Flush Out Terrorists, Bandits - Newstrends
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Former AGF Urges US to Extend Air Strikes to Benue to Flush Out Terrorists, Bandits

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Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa

Former AGF Urges US to Extend Air Strikes to Benue to Flush Out Terrorists, Bandits

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has called on the United States government to extend its air strikes to Benue State in a bid to eliminate terrorists and armed bandits allegedly operating across the state.

Aondoakaa made the call during a late-night consultation dinner with political stakeholders in Makurdi, attended by leaders of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His remarks followed recent US air strikes on Islamic State-linked camps in Sokoto State’s Bauni forest, which were reportedly carried out on Christmas Day.

According to Aondoakaa, the security situation in Benue has deteriorated to a level that warrants similar international military intervention.

“There are terrorists in Benue State. The US air strikes should have started here before going to Sokoto. The air strikes are long overdue in Benue,” he said.

The former AGF lamented that several local government areas in the state had allegedly been overrun by armed groups posing as herders, accusing them of destroying farmlands, displacing residents, and occupying ancestral lands.

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He argued that the presence of heavily armed groups had crippled local economies and worsened humanitarian conditions, insisting that aerial military operations would significantly degrade their operational capacity.

Aondoakaa, who has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Benue governorship election, criticised the state government for what he described as a lack of urgency and sensitivity in addressing the security crisis.

He assured residents that if elected governor, the protection of lives and property would be his top priority, promising decisive action against insecurity.

The former justice minister also condemned recent killings in the state, particularly the reported massacre in Yelwata community, where about 200 people were allegedly killed in one day.

While calling for intensified security efforts, Aondoakaa commended President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing measures to tackle insecurity nationwide and urged sustained federal support to prevent further attacks in Benue.

He also acknowledged the roles of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and former governor Samuel Ortom in fostering unity in the state, urging continued collaboration for Benue’s development.

Speaking at the event, Ortom described Aondoakaa as a humble and experienced leader, praising his record of service as Attorney General under two different administrations.

Ortom stressed the importance of cross-party cooperation, calling on political actors to set aside differences and work together to address insecurity and underdevelopment in Benue State.

Former AGF Urges US to Extend Air Strikes to Benue to Flush Out Terrorists, Bandits

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“You’re Not Sensible” — Daddy Freeze Fires at Yul Edochie in Viral Row

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Daddy Freeze, Roby Ekpo and Mayowa, and Yul Edochie

“You’re Not Sensible” — Daddy Freeze Fires at Yul Edochie in Viral Row

Media personality Daddy Freeze has reacted strongly to comments made by Nollywood actor Yul Edochie after he mocked broadcaster Roby Ekpo over his emotional breakdown while discussing his failed marriage.

The controversy started after Roby Ekpo appeared on a podcast where he became emotional while speaking about his marital crisis and separation from his ex-wife. The interview sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over whether men should openly express emotional pain in public.

Reacting on X, Yul Edochie criticised Ekpo for crying during the interview, arguing that men should not display such emotions over a relationship. He went further to suggest that instead of mourning a breakup, a man should “move on” by taking multiple wives and getting them pregnant at once.

His comments immediately triggered backlash, with many social media users accusing him of being insensitive and promoting unhealthy views about relationships and masculinity.

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In response, Daddy Freeze released a video where he questioned Yul’s reasoning, describing his remarks as illogical and insensitive. Speaking partly in Pidgin English, he mocked the actor’s suggestion about polygamy and childbearing, saying it was unrealistic and out of touch with reality.

He also criticised the idea that men should be shamed for showing emotion, arguing that public figures should be more thoughtful when discussing sensitive personal struggles like divorce and heartbreak.

Daddy Freeze’s reaction has intensified the online debate, with users now split between those supporting emotional openness for men and others defending Yul’s belief that men should handle relationship issues privately.

The exchange has continued to trend across social media platforms, with many also referencing both men’s previous public statements and controversies as part of the wider conversation on masculinity and mental health.

“You’re Not Sensible” — Daddy Freeze Fires at Yul Edochie in Viral Row

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Ruto Sparks Outrage Over Comments on Nigerian English Accent

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Kenyan President William Ruto
Kenyan President William Ruto

Ruto Sparks Outrage Over Comments on Nigerian English Accent

Kenyan President William Ruto is facing a wave of criticism across Africa after comments suggesting that Nigerians speaking English are difficult to understand and may require a “translator”.

The remarks were made during a diaspora engagement event with Kenyans living in Italy, where the president praised Kenya’s education system and highlighted what he described as strong English language proficiency in Kenya.

“If you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you don’t know what they are saying — you need a translator,” Ruto said, adding that Kenyans speak “some of the best English in the world.”

The statement immediately triggered a social media backlash, with many users across Nigeria and other African countries accusing the Kenyan leader of being disrespectful and reinforcing stereotypes about African accents and identity.

The controversy sparked wider discussions about the role of English as a colonial language in Africa, with critics arguing that fluency or accent should not be used as a measure of intelligence or national progress. Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said English should not be tied to ability or development, stressing that it is a colonial inheritance rather than a cultural standard of superiority.

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The incident also reignited long-standing Nigeria–Kenya online debates, where users often clash over politics, economy, sports, and cultural identity. Nigeria’s English usage is shaped by its linguistic diversity, with more than 500 local languages influencing accent, tone, and expression. Kenya also has multiple language groups, including Bantu, Nilotic, and Cushitic influences, which shape its English variation.

Social media users defended Nigerian speech patterns, arguing that differences in accent do not affect communication clarity or intellectual ability. Former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani also reacted, referencing Nigeria’s global literary contributions, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and writers Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Some critics urged the Kenyan president to shift attention to pressing domestic challenges such as cost of living, unemployment, and economic development, rather than comments seen as fueling online controversy. Others described the remarks as part of recurring political social media tensions between African nations, often amplified on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

While the comments drew widespread condemnation, some Kenyans defended Ruto, arguing that his statement was either misinterpreted or intended as light-hearted commentary during the engagement. There has been no official clarification from the Kenyan presidency regarding the remarks as of the time of reporting.

Analysts say the incident reflects how accent politics, language perception, and digital nationalism continue to shape online interactions among African countries.

Ruto Sparks Outrage Over Comments on Nigerian English Accent

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CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections

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Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, have called for professional and responsible judicial reporting, warning that accurate communication between the media and the courts is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Both officials spoke through representatives at the 2026 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) held in Abuja, where stakeholders examined the theme: “The Role of the Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria.”

Justice Babatunde Adejumo, representing the CJN, described the judiciary as the guardian of constitutional order, stressing that court decisions only achieve full democratic value when they are properly understood by the public. He warned that misrepresentation of court rulings and sensational journalism could weaken public trust in the justice system, especially at a time when Nigeria is preparing for a critical electoral cycle. According to him, journalists must avoid acting as “parallel courts” by independently interpreting judgments outside legal context or presenting incomplete judicial narratives.

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He further cautioned that inaccurate reporting of court proceedings could attract legal consequences, including contempt of court. Justice Adejumo also referenced past experiences where he summoned editors over what he described as false reports, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy over sensationalism. He warned: “Before you publish any sensational news that may put you behind the bar for years, be careful,” adding that lawyers who hold press briefings outside court premises in a manner that influences media coverage could also face sanctions.

Hussein Oloyede, who represented the AGF, stressed that the media must avoid being used as a tool for division, misinformation, or political manipulation. He said political actors must not be allowed to use the press to “tear the fabric of the nation,” insisting that national stability and unity must come before political competition. He added that government would not tolerate hate speech or incitement capable of undermining public peace, warning that Nigeria must remain stable before political contests can be meaningfully pursued.

The CJN’s address also emphasised the judiciary’s critical role in handling electoral disputes, noting that upcoming elections will test the strength of democratic institutions. She stressed that accurate and balanced judicial reporting is essential to maintaining public confidence in court decisions, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.

The conference brought together judges, legal practitioners, and journalists to explore how the judiciary and media can jointly strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria. Participants highlighted the importance of continuous engagement between the courts and the press to improve understanding of judicial processes and reduce misinformation in public discourse. Analysts say the discussion reflects growing concern over the impact of media narratives on rule of law, election credibility, and public trust in the judiciary as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections.

CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections

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