Obasanjo, Adams, Afenifere leaders discuss South-West security, other issues - Newstrends
Connect with us

News

Obasanjo, Adams, Afenifere leaders discuss South-West security, other issues

Published

on

Issues relating to the security situation in the South-West Nigeria and the interest of the people of the region were the focus of a meeting held in Lagos on Wednesday attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere.

The meeting held at the private home of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, in Lekki, was also attended by the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, and Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin.

Although it was learnt that the meeting was also called to reconcile former President Obasanjo and Gani Adams, Obasanjo said there was no rift between him and Adams to warrant any reconciliation.

The meeting, according to sources, was at the instance of Obasanjo to also discuss the future of Yorubaland following the rising wave of insecurity in the country.

Afenifere recently condemned the rising cases of insecurity in the region following the murder of a first-class traditional ruler in Ondo State, Oba Israel Adewusi.

Several kidnapping cases were last week recorded in the region with Afenifere calling for a rejig of the security architecture of the country.

Odumakin, who confirmed the meeting, said it was also to reconcile former President Obasanjo and Adams apart from the consideration of other issues found critical to Yoruba interests within Nigeria.

But Obasanjo in a statement in Abeokuta, Ogun State, by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, said there was no rift to warrant reconciliation between him and Adams in the first place.

He, however, admitted that he had issues with Adams’ past way of life “which was not in accord with my standards and principles.”

He also noted that he had refused to grant Gani’s request to visit him both in and out of government.

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