Politics
Someone from South-East coming to fix Nigeria – Pastor Ayorinde
Someone from South-East coming to fix Nigeria – Pastor Ayorinde
… Nigerian soldiers can overrun terrorists in one month
Founder of World Bible Church, Prophet Samson Ayorinde, says someone from the South-East is destined to lead Nigeria and address majority of the problems facing the country.
He however said the time is not now but some 16 years’ time, adding that the fellow, a young man, was already being groomed for the job.
The clergyman who spoke in an interview with The Sun published on Saturday also declared that the Nigerian military is capable of ridding the country of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements constituting security threats.
Indeed, Ayorinde spoke on a number of issues including the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the state of the economy and Niger Republic crisis.
Excerpts from the interview are as follows:
What can the government do to tackle the high cost of living as a result of bad economic situation in the country?
We know that the situation has been very precarious for a long time, and many people did not want to take the bull by the horns. We are blessed with the present President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is God’s appointed for this present hour as shown with all my previous predictions for the past 14 years. The Lord had told me about him becoming the president of this country, and it is not hidden news. This is the man appointed for this particular time. I want to appreciate all Nigerians for our resilience, tolerance and forbearance. If what has happened in these last two months had been in many parts of the world, those countries would have been on fire and on rampage, but Nigerians are resilient and tolerant and we adjust. It’s painful. A lot of people are dying. People are frustrated. What the government needs to do is to look seriously into the plight of the people, not necessarily dolling out N5,000 or N8,000 per family, even though they have made up their minds to go along with that policy. But it goes nowhere.
This funding should have been used in getting amenities, infrastructure like generating more electricity, raising up modular refineries that will serve the populace. Instead of building massive refineries, they could go on for modular refineries that could not do more than 20,000, 30,000 barrels per day which can be in six geopolitical zones. There is no geo-political zone that does not have crude oil in Nigeria. The existing refineries should be made to work. There are three already so they need to produce two or three more because one is already in Nasarawa under construction. These refineries should not be run by the government. Privatise it so that it becomes self sustained and then it would work. Then give each of them a mandate to make certain level of revenue to the government as internally generated revenue. This will help us.
Nigeria has one of the most fertile soils on earth and we are yet to cultivate 60 to 70 per cent of it. So Nigeria can feed the world. Nigeria is bigger than Ukraine. Nigeria soil is better than that of Ukraine, and you can see the volume of grains that is coming from Ukraine. Population of Ukraine is 40 million, while that of Nigeria is 200 million. We need to bring in massive machinery that will make farming easy and interesting. Once there is a greater supply, and demand remains the same, price would drop. We are blessed with solar power, we can generate enough electricity from solar as well as from gas. The volume of gas in Nigeria is enough to serve the whole of Europe and we would still have more than excess.
Now that the whole world is looking towards Nigeria, we should not allow us to be distracted by anything such as the war in Niger. It is not our business taking our troops to go and fight a war that we must avoid. It is not as if we are not concerned about what is happening in Niger, but it is diplomacy. Confrontation, argument will only end up in diplomacy. We should learn from what is happening between Russia and Ukraine. We should also look at what is happening between America and Iraq and Afghanistan when they tried to impose their government. They will end up losing at both ends, it does not make sense. So the President must be advised, and he needs to really listen to his men and to us, too. We are not ready for war. In war, everybody suffers, so we should pull the soldiers back. We have enough terrorists in the forests that they need to go and combat within the country’s territory, making our farmers to be secured to farm instead of to be kidnapped. They can map out the whole of this country within two three, four weeks, and peace would reign in Nigeria and everybody would go about their businesses. We want the government to look at this area of what would go round all, rather than a privileged few. In two months now we have saved over a trillion naira. They should come out transparent with daily briefing from the President on how this money is being spent so that people can know where the money is going. People want to hear him speak. No matter how busy he is, he should communicate with the people.
There are still pending court cases concerning the Presidential election. Are you saying that litigants are wasting time and resources in court fighting for what they refer to as their mandate?
It is the right of disenchanted political parties to tender their opinions, findings and whatever they have to present to the court of law and the law will take its course. There were four contestants, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwakwaso and Peter Obi. There is no way, for balancing in the country, that a Northerner would leave the throne after eight years and power would be ceded to another Northerner.
Secondly, Kwankwaso was a member of PDP. Peter Obi was a very strong member of PDP. So PDP, Labour party, NNPP are formerly PDP. You cannot take three and divide it into one each and beat one major. Carry out this election 10 times, APC would win as long as the major players do not change. Our President that was looking very sickly is okay now. He is sound. Hands don’t shake again. Success has a way of healing someone, and who knows, it might be a political intrigue. That man is a political maverick in this country, a force to be reckoned with. He plays on the psychology of people. He knows what he is doing. For years he has been planning for this seat and he has gotten it. There is no way you would first of all handle a car steering that it would not stumble. There were some of the mistakes in his pronouncement, even though they are real and it is something that he needs to do. I believe that some of those things that happened at the few early days were just like a man trying to walk and he stumbled. Now things are getting stabilised with the appointment of the ministers. The Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio is doing a good job. You can see his control, calmness, smiles, demeanor, and body language. When everybody gets hot, he cools down the body temperature. That’s a thoroughbred politician and we are proud of him.
Power is going to come to the East but not yet now. When President Tinubu finishes his tenure of eight years, power would go back to the North for another eight years after which the power comes down to the South, and then it would go to the South East where a young man is being prepared. That is the man that would build the bridge and repair this country. I have been told about it since 1993. The man that would repair and really do the good job for Nigeria is from the South East. By that time, the Easterners would be ripe enough to produce the President, and you can be sure, Jagaban is going to breed that particular man up like what he did in Lagos State where he has already keyed several successive governments up because he knows what it is to govern and be successful. At his age, you should know that he is rich and not looking for any money to embezzle, but to build a lasting legacy so that his name can enter the Guinness Book of Record as one of the leaders in Africa. We are going to pray and give him support so that he will succeed.
What can you say about the number of ministerial nominees by the President considering the state of the nation’s economy?
When the Nigeria Labour Congress asked him about it, he said it will generate jobs because each of those ministers will have special assistants and so on. But the real fact is, there is a lot of disenchanted, disgruntled people as a result of this election. Things are really polarised and they are trying to mend fences. You just have to make that sacrifice. Building is not easy. To scatter is very easy. So he is looking at so many things to make sure that everybody is pacified. If the politicians and leadership are really interested and determined in reducing the cost of the governance, let everybody go on 50 per cent of their salaries. But you know, human beings are naturally selfish. Go to our universities – our teachers, Professors can’t afford a car, and this are people that are going to manage the destinies of our children. The government has to work harder like never before and God will intervene. A new Nigeria is being birthed.
Insecurity is one of the major problems of this country. What do you think the government can do?
Very simple. Google has the map of the whole world from the satellite. Put about five or six drones in the air and every part of this country comes under surveillance. Get the telephone to work, and get the soldiers to be alerted. Nigeria is not too big for Nigerian soldiers to map metre by metre. Within one or two weeks, everywhere would be quiet. But because a lot of people are feeding from it, that is the problem. Nigeria has enough capacity to stop these terrorists in weeks, not months. Once they match them power for power, they would all run away because most of them are being funded by foreigners. A lot of big farmers who are youths cannot sustain their business because they kidnap them in the farms. Then the local vigilantes, civil defence, state police, should all be allowed to be in operation, and they should be well-funded. Again, with the upcoming government banking system on credit facilities where you can own a car or house without necessarily having to pay all the cash, it would help. However, all these can’t be done in a day by one man. Even though we are exercising patience, time is tickling because if people should go on rampage Endsars would be a small thing. When you push a goat to the wall, it would bite like a dog. People are being pushed to the wall. Something needs to be done, and fast.
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Politics
2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima
2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has declared that the most difficult phase of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is over, promising Nigerians a period of economic recovery, growth and prosperity if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secures another four-year mandate in 2027.
Shettima gave the assurance on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State, while addressing party supporters at the APC presidential campaign rally, where he canvassed votes for President Tinubu, himself, Governor Bassey Otu and other candidates of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Vice-President described the economic reforms implemented since the administration assumed office in May 2023 as difficult but necessary decisions that had laid the foundation for a stronger Nigerian economy.
According to him, the sacrifices Nigerians have endured under the reforms would begin to yield greater benefits in the coming years, insisting that the next four years would be dedicated to translating the government’s economic policies into improved living conditions for citizens.
He maintained that the administration had already undertaken the most challenging aspects of its economic restructuring programme and argued that opposition parties lacked the capacity to significantly change the country’s economic direction.
“We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians,” Shettima declared.
He urged Nigerians to renew the mandate of Tinubu and himself, while also appealing for another term for Governor Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, describing the APC leadership as partners committed to progress, prosperity and opportunities for the people.
The Vice-President said the party was seeking another mandate because it believed its administration had more work to accomplish, adding that those entrusted with political authority must return to the electorate with an account of their stewardship and a convincing programme for the future.
Shettima, however, acknowledged that citizens had legitimate questions and concerns, stressing that political support should not prevent Nigerians from demanding accountability from their leaders.
He assured that the Federal Government would continue to listen to complaints about economic hardship, address neglected communities and correct policies or actions that failed to serve the public interest.
A major highlight of his address was the Federal Government’s infrastructure plans for Cross River State, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he described as a transformative project capable of opening up the state’s economic potential.
Shettima said the decision to embark on the coastal highway was informed by the administration’s determination to connect Cross River and other coastal communities to wider economic opportunities.
He explained that the project would facilitate the movement of people and goods, promote tourism, attract investments and generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The Vice-President expressed confidence that Cross River would become one of the major beneficiaries of the infrastructure-driven economic agenda of the Tinubu administration.
He also highlighted the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port, disclosing that the project had received Federal Government approval and support.
According to him, the administration is committed to ensuring that the long-awaited maritime project becomes a reality and positions Cross River as an important international shipping and commercial destination.
He said the deep seaport would attract shipping companies, stimulate industrial development, create employment and provide opportunities for businesses, factories and households through increased commercial activities.
Shettima further identified the proposed location of the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar as another opportunity to strengthen the state’s international profile.
He noted that hosting the regional institution would attract diplomatic and commercial activities, boost hospitality and tourism, create jobs and improve Cross River’s participation in regional economic cooperation.
On the longstanding dispute involving 46 oil wells, the Vice-President said the Federal Government recognised Cross River’s littoral status and appreciated the state’s efforts towards resolving the matter.
He assured that the government was prepared to work towards a resolution, which he said could strengthen the state’s maritime identity and create opportunities for greater participation in the blue economy, maritime investments and potential derivation benefits.
The Vice-President also highlighted the Federal Government’s education intervention programmes, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying Cross River had benefited from the disbursement of funds under the initiative.
He explained that the programme was designed to ease the financial burden on parents, prevent students from abandoning their education because of financial difficulties and expand access to higher education.
Shettima insisted that no parent should be forced to watch a child’s educational potential go to waste because of a lack of money.
He linked the initiative to Project HOPE Education, which he said was aimed at strengthening foundational learning, improving teacher development, enhancing school management and expanding access to quality education.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged the people of Cross River to support the party at all levels in the 2027 elections, describing Tinubu as a change agent deserving of another opportunity to lead the country.
Yilwatda cited the Federal Government’s support for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, efforts to revive the Calabar Port and the proposed Trans-Sahara Superhighway among the reasons Cross River residents should support the APC.
In his welcome address, Governor Bassey Otu praised Tinubu for what he described as the courage and foresight demonstrated in steering Nigeria through difficult economic circumstances.
Otu said the President’s policies in agriculture, education, industry and security were laying the foundation for sustainable national development.
He expressed confidence that Cross River residents would support Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that the benefits of the administration’s policies were already emerging and would become more evident in the years ahead.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, declared that Tinubu had performed creditably and deserved a second term.
Yari also dismissed suggestions that the North would not support the President’s re-election, expressing confidence in the ruling party’s chances in the forthcoming presidential election.
The campaign activities also included a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, where Shettima and other APC leaders paid homage to the traditional ruler.
The Vice-President said the visit was intended to familiarise the monarch with the party’s aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections and demonstrate respect for the traditional institution.
He commended the Obong for his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and values of the Efik people, describing his dedication as worthy of emulation by political leaders.
Governor Otu also sought royal blessings and support for the APC and the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
Responding, the Obong of Calabar thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the President’s willingness to undertake difficult economic reforms, which he said could produce long-term benefits for the country.
The monarch also called for greater unity and peaceful coexistence among traditional rulers and residents of Cross River State.
Prominent political figures at the rally included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, alongside members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and party leaders from across the South-South and other parts of the country.
The rally forms part of the APC’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the party seeking to consolidate its political support across the country and secure a fresh mandate for the Tinubu administration.
2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima
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Politics
Tinubu’s Re-election: Osun APC Leaders Reject Oyebamiji-Led Campaign Council
A fresh crisis has emerged within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election, as some members of the party’s State Executive Committee have rejected the newly constituted presidential and parliamentary campaign council led by its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The aggrieved party officials described the 168-member campaign council as flawed and non-inclusive, alleging that its composition violated established party guidelines, due process and the principle of inclusiveness.
The disagreement followed the announcement of the council by the Osun APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, on Monday, with Oyebamiji appointed as Director-General and Lawal as Deputy Director-General.
The development has further exposed disagreements over who should coordinate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign in Osun, following the earlier appointment of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the state’s presidential campaign coordinator.
In a joint statement, four members of the State Executive Committee — State Publicity Secretary Wole Adunola, Welfare Officer Deaconess Adesola Ayangbile, Assistant Organising Secretary Rasheed Adeniji and Ex-Officio member Abiola Ololade — expressed dissatisfaction with the composition of the new council.
They argued that several members of the State Working Committee, who should be statutory members of the campaign structure, were left out of the list.
The officials said the exclusion raised concerns about consultation, due process and respect for the party’s established leadership structure.
“We therefore reject the list in its present form,” they declared.
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They also questioned why another campaign structure had emerged despite an earlier presidential directive reportedly naming Adeleke as Director-General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council in Osun State.
The signatories recalled that Adeleke had subsequently inaugurated a broad-based campaign team following the directive, making the emergence of another presidential campaign council without adequate clarification a source of confusion.
They questioned whether the newly announced structure was intended to replace the governor-led campaign council or operate alongside it.
The officials suggested that the arrangement would be more understandable if the new list was intended for the parliamentary campaign rather than the presidential election.
They warned that having two competing structures could create confusion, duplicate responsibilities and generate unnecessary friction among party stakeholders.
The disagreement dates back to October 22, when Adeleke inaugurated a 344-member Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council in Osogbo after being appointed to coordinate the President’s re-election campaign in the state.
The governor’s appointment had generated controversy within the APC, particularly because several influential party figures, including former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Oyebamiji and Lawal, were absent from the inauguration.
Although Adeleke pledged to work for Tinubu’s re-election, he made it clear that his support would not extend to APC candidates seeking election into the National Assembly and the Osun State House of Assembly.
The state APC subsequently announced its separate 168-member presidential and parliamentary campaign council, with Oyebamiji as Director-General.
The new council also includes Oyebamiji’s running mate, Benjamin Adereti, and Kehinde Olamolu as assistant directors-general. Other prominent members include former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Foluke Etteh; former deputy governors Iyiola Omisore, Titi Laoye-Ponnle, Adegboyega Alabi and Adeleke Adewoyin; retired General Alani Akinrinade; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode.
The three APC senatorial candidates and nine House of Representatives candidates in the state were also included.
The protesting officials insisted that the State Executive Committee remained an important part of the party’s organisational structure and should not be sidelined in decisions concerning a state-wide campaign council.
They called for an immediate review of the list through consultations involving relevant stakeholders, particularly APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, and the state campaign Director-General.
According to them, the party needs a campaign structure that respects established leadership arrangements, accommodates critical stakeholders and promotes unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite their objections, the four officials reaffirmed their commitment to the APC and Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that their concerns were aimed at preventing internal disagreements from weakening the party’s campaign.
The latest development adds another dimension to the political contest within the Osun APC, as party leaders struggle to harmonise the different campaign arrangements ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tinubu’s Re-election: Osun APC Leaders Reject Oyebamiji-Led Campaign Council
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Politics
2027: ‘Oyebanji Seized Our Phones’ – Sowore Accuses Ekiti Gov of Withholding Recovered Devices
African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji of taking possession of mobile phones and other devices stolen from members of his team during an attack in Ado-Ekiti.
Sowore alleged that the governor personally instructed the commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), identified as Ogidan, to hand over the recovered devices to him instead of returning them to their owners.
The activist made the allegation in a statement posted on his verified X account on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, describing the reported development as an attempt to interfere with evidence connected to the October 30 attack.
According to Sowore, his team had been informed that Oyebanji directed the RRS commander to transfer the recovered devices to him on Monday.
“We have been informed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji personally instructed the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Commander, Ogidan, to hand over our recovered devices to him yesterday. Why would the governor take possession of evidence connected to the brutal attack on us?” he queried.
The latest allegation follows an earlier claim by Sowore that some of the mobile phones stolen during the incident had been electronically tracked to locations around the Ekiti State Government House in Ado-Ekiti.
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He had specifically alleged that one of the stolen phones was traced to the Governor’s Lodge, while other devices were located around the state capital.
The AAC presidential candidate had subsequently called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to release the CCTV recordings from Tawakalitu Restaurant, where he and members of his team were attacked.
He also accused the police and the DSS of remaining silent despite releasing videos purportedly showing individuals involved in the attack.
“Since we released the chilling videos exposing the faces of members of the armed gang that tried to kill us on October 30, the Ekiti State Governor, Commissioner of Police, and DSS have all suddenly gone silent!” Sowore stated.
He further alleged that key individuals linked to the attack had not been arrested, despite their alleged appearances at meetings relating to President Bola Tinubu’s forthcoming campaign activities in Ekiti State.
The October 30 incident occurred at Tawakalitu Restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, shortly after Sowore attended a radio interview at MIDAS FM 90.5.
Sowore and members of his entourage reportedly came under attack by a group of men, who allegedly assaulted members of his team and stole personal belongings, including mobile phones, wristwatches and shoes.
The activist described the incident as an assassination attempt, while the Ekiti State Police Command initially characterised it as an altercation involving Sowore and some individuals at the restaurant.
The police subsequently announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident. Items reportedly recovered included 13 mobile phones, two walkie-talkies, seven ATM cards, eight international passports and other materials.
Sowore, however, has continued to demand the arrest of those he considers the masterminds behind the attack, insisting that the investigation should go beyond those already apprehended.
The controversy has also extended to the CCTV recordings from the restaurant. Sowore alleged that police officers and DSS operatives took possession of the surveillance equipment and that the recordings were subsequently erased before the equipment was returned.
He has called for the release of the footage and an independent investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government had earlier denied any involvement in the attack, describing the allegations against it as unfounded and urging the police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
As of Tuesday, November 3, the governor had not publicly issued a specific response to Sowore’s latest allegation that he directed the RRS commander to hand over the recovered devices to him.
The allegations against Oyebanji and other individuals named by Sowore have not been independently established.
2027: ‘Oyebanji Seized Our Phones’ – Sowore Accuses Ekiti Gov of Withholding Recovered Devices
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