Atiku will never be Nigeria’s president — Oba of Lagos

 The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never become Nigeria’s president, saying destiny has not aligned in his favour despite decades of political ambition.

Speaking with journalists at his Iga Iduganran Palace as part of activities marking his 22nd coronation anniversary, the monarch described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rise to power as divinely ordained.

“The future belongs to God. But let me say it plainly: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never be President of Nigeria,” Akiolu said.

He insisted that Tinubu’s emergence was not a coincidence but an act of divine will.

“Tinubu’s victory was the will of God. I have known him for many years as a compassionate and visionary leader. After his victory, he showed humility and respect by presenting his certificate to me first,” the monarch noted.

Akiolu commended Tinubu’s leadership qualities and urged Nigerians to support his administration, stressing that unity and patience were essential for national progress.

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“Lagosians and Nigerians should rally behind him to fulfil God’s purpose for the country,” he added.

Atiku’s Long Road to Aso Rock

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made several attempts to occupy Nigeria’s highest political office since the early 1990s.

• 1992: Sought the presidency under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) but lost to late M.K.O. Abiola.
• 2007: Contested on the Action Congress (AC) platform, coming third behind Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
• 2011: Lost the PDP presidential ticket to Goodluck Jonathan.
• 2015: Participated in the APC primaries, losing to Muhammadu Buhari.
• 2019: Became the PDP presidential candidate but lost to Buhari.
• 2023: Again ran on the PDP ticket, finishing third behind Bola Tinubu (APC) and Peter Obi (Labour Party).

Despite his consistency, Atiku’s dream of becoming Nigeria’s president remains elusive — a situation the Oba of Lagos attributed to divine destiny rather than political failure.

Atiku’s Camp Reacts

Reacting to the monarch’s remarks, Paul Ibe, spokesperson for the Atiku Media Office, dismissed Akiolu’s comment as “an expression of personal opinion with no bearing on Nigeria’s democratic process.”

He said the former Vice President remained committed to the country’s democratic future and would not be distracted by “palace politics or media statements.”

“Only God and the Nigerian people can decide who becomes president. Atiku Abubakar has always believed in democracy, the rule of law, and the will of the electorate — not pronouncements from individuals, however highly placed,” Ibe said.

He added that the PDP leader would continue to advocate for good governance and credible elections in Nigeria.

Atiku will never be Nigeria’s president — Oba of Lagos

UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity

The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria over worsening insecurity, terrorism, and kidnapping threats across the country.

In the updated advisory published on GOV.UK and reviewed by Newstrends on Sunday, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said insecurity was on the rise in all regions of Nigeria, urging British nationals to remain alert and update their safety plans.

“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions,” the advisory read.

High-Risk States Listed

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, citing a growing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
It also discouraged non-essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba States, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja.

The UK government warned that “violent crime involving firearms has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas” of Abuja, adding that British officials in Nigeria have been advised to restrict movement to within the city’s main metropolitan area.

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Protests and Regional Threats

The advisory cautioned that protests in Abuja could turn violent, urging travellers to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow instructions from security agencies.

It painted a bleak picture of the North-East, where military operations against insurgents are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States. Travellers in Maiduguri were warned that if security deteriorates further, “it could be extremely difficult to leave the city.”

In the South-East and South-South, the FCDO advised against travel to “riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States,” citing militant activity, attacks on oil infrastructure, and a high risk of armed robbery and kidnapping.

The advisory also flagged violence involving secessionist groups in the South-East, warning that although foreign nationals are not usually targeted, they could be caught in crossfire during clashes.

Caution in Lagos and South-West

While large-scale terror attacks remain rare, the FCDO noted that violent crimes such as mugging, car-jacking and kidnapping are “common, particularly in larger cities including Lagos.”
It recalled that Islamic State West Africa claimed responsibility for two attacks in 2022 and advised travellers to avoid night movements, especially on the mainland.

The advisory concluded by urging British citizens in Nigeria to stay alert, follow local security guidance, and ensure contingency plans are in place.

“Take advice from your hotel, employer or hosts, and make sure your safety procedures are up to date,” it stated.

Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, separatist violence in the South-East, and militancy in the Niger Delta.

UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity

Outrage in Bayelsa as policeman assaults his three children over witchcraft claim

— Victims rescued by security patrol; rights groups, ministry demand justice

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — Outrage has trailed a shocking incident in Yenagoa after a police inspector allegedly brutalised his three children, accusing them of being witches.

The officer, identified simply as Inspector John, attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Igbogene Division, reportedly launched the attack over the weekend, leaving his young children severely injured.

Neighbours, alarmed by the children’s screams, alerted operatives of the Doo Akpor Security Patrol Team, who stormed the residence, rescued the victims, and rushed them to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Medical officials confirmed that the children are in stable condition, though traumatised by the ordeal.

Human rights and advocacy groups have condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and inhumane.” The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa Chapter, led by Dr. Bomq Toney Miebai; the National Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence, headed by Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry; and the Do Foundation, chaired by Dianna Iluma, have all vowed to ensure the officer faces prosecution.

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According to the groups, a case of criminal assault and attempted murder has been filed against the inspector at the Akenfa Police Station.

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Gender Development has also stepped in, with its Permanent Secretary visiting both the police station and hospital to gather facts about the incident.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Goddy-Harry said:

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the arrest of the officer and the transfer of the case to the state headquarters. He has assured us that the investigation will be thorough and justice will be served. These children must not be left to suffer in silence.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammed, confirmed the arrest but noted that preliminary details were still being compiled.

Meanwhile, child rights activists have renewed calls for stricter penalties against individuals who brand minors as witches — a practice that has led to severe abuse and deaths in several parts of the country.

“This case highlights a recurring evil — the dangerous superstition of witchcraft accusations against children,” said a member of FIDA. “It’s time society and law enforcement agencies take a firm stand.”

The rescued children remain under medical observation while welfare agencies move to secure their protection.

Outrage in Bayelsa as policeman assaults his three children over witchcraft claim