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Tinubu Vows to Secure Nigeria, Declares Unity Non-Negotiable Amid Worsening Insecurity

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3 months ago

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Tinubu Vows to Secure Nigeria, Declares Unity Non-Negotiable Amid Worsening Insecurity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Vows to Secure Nigeria, Declares Unity Non-Negotiable Amid Worsening Insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to tackle Nigeria’s security crisis and preserve national unity, declaring that the country’s ethnic and religious differences must not be allowed to tear it apart.

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration is determined to ensure sustainable security and national unity in Nigeria, even as the country grapples with a wide range of security and socio-economic challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the International Conference on National Security for Socio-economic Development, organised by Jama’atu Izalatil Bidiah wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS Nigeria) in collaboration with the Muslim World League of Saudi Arabia. Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President, conveyed Tinubu’s message in Abuja at the conference, which was themed “Diversity and Social Peace: A Partnership for a Promising Future”. The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, brought together religious leaders, policymakers, traditional rulers, academics, and other stakeholders to examine the link between peace, security, and socio-economic development. The conference came at a critical time when Nigeria and other countries are battling multifaceted security threats, including the rise of criminal groups that have made incursions into various parts of the country, from the North-East and North-West to the South-West, with attacks reported in Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Ogun states.

Jibrin said Tinubu’s administration is working to address Nigeria’s security challenges and ensure that the country remains united. He emphasised the timeliness of the conference, noting that Nigeria is glad the event is being held at this very important period in the life of the entire world. “Mr President is glad to assure the organisers of this very important conference of the federal government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the realisation of sustainable security in our country and, indeed, the entire world,” he said. “This government is working very hard to ensure security in our nation and is also collaborating with other countries in the world to ensure global peace. Against this background, the conference is expected to deliberate on emerging trends that pose threats to our nation, as well as international security systems, and chart the way forward as a contribution to consolidate the government’s efforts to address our national security challenges”. He added that the government is determined to make sure that Nigeria remains united as a country, despite differences, and that the people should talk and remain in this country, allowing it to remain a united nation.

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The President’s call for unity resonated with other speakers at the conference, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who said Nigeria does not lack solutions to its challenges but needs greater commitment to implement agreed decisions. He urged religious leaders and stakeholders to deepen dialogue, strengthen mutual trust, and identify common ground in addressing the country’s challenges, while calling for stronger Christian-Muslim relations through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). Similarly, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a strength rather than a source of division, and warned political leaders against exploiting religion and ethnicity for temporary political advantage. Yilwatda, speaking from personal experience of communal conflict and displacement, said that when violence comes, it does not discriminate between Christians and Muslims, and urged religious leaders to preach faith without hatred, conviction without contempt, and truth without incitement. The Executive Secretary of NIREC, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, also said humanity remains the strongest bond among Nigerians in spite of religious differences, and that religion should promote mercy, compassion and love rather than division.

The conference also heard from Sheikh Abdullahi Lau, National Chairman of JIBWIS, who said the government must sustain efforts to address insecurity while investing in education and economic empowerment for young people, which would reduce their vulnerability to radicalisation and recruitment by criminal groups. He noted that JIBWIS Nigeria and the World Muslim League would provide a forum for regular dialogue between adherents of the two major religions in Nigeria to foster peaceful coexistence. The two-day conference, which runs from Tuesday to Wednesday, is aimed at promoting tolerance, acceptance of diversity, interfaith dialogue and cooperation among religious, ethnic and civil society groups toward building social peace.

The conference comes amid growing calls for more drastic action to address Nigeria’s security crisis. The Northern Elders Forum has demanded that President Tinubu declare a national security emergency, warning that worsening violence, kidnappings, and bandit attacks across the country pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability and economic survival. The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre has also called for a comprehensive probe of defence expenditure and security votes, warning that the worsening wave of kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks has exposed deep flaws in Nigeria’s security architecture, despite the Federal Government’s allocation of N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget—the largest security allocation in the country’s history. President Tinubu has previously outlined several initiatives to address security threats, including the proposed establishment of state police forces to decentralise Nigeria’s policing structure—a reform he has actively championed, with safeguards against abuse. He has also announced plans to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to reduce response time, strengthen the Forest Guard to pursue criminal gangs in forest reserves, and deepen intelligence gathering. The President has also maintained a firm policy of refusing to negotiate with kidnappers and other criminal groups, declaring “no deal” with criminals who demand ransom or the release of detained gang members. The government has linked part of Nigeria’s security challenges to instability in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic, which has intensified cross-border threats.

Tinubu Vows to Secure Nigeria, Declares Unity Non-Negotiable Amid Worsening Insecurity

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Despite Tegbe’s 72-Hour Promise, Nigerians Still Battle Power Outages

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14 hours ago

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November 10, 2026

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Despite Tegbe's 72-Hour Promise, Nigerians Still Battle Power Outages
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe

Despite Tegbe’s 72-Hour Promise, Nigerians Still Battle Power Outages

Nigeria’s electricity generation has risen to 4,020.41 megawatts (MW), up from about 3,500MW, but the improvement has yet to translate into reliable power supply for households and businesses across the country.

The development comes amid growing frustration over prolonged power outages, particularly in Lagos and other states, despite assurances by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, that electricity supply would improve within 48 to 72 hours.

Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) showed that generation increased on Monday, November 9, 2026, following disruptions linked to maintenance at the Egbin Power Station, gas supply constraints and damage to critical transmission infrastructure.

The increase followed the Federal Government’s intervention to restore damaged transmission infrastructure and return affected generating units to operation. However, electricity consumers continued to report inadequate supply, highlighting the gap between improved generation figures and the actual amount of electricity reaching homes and businesses.

According to the reported figures, electricity generation reached a peak of 4,253.6MW on Sunday before standing at 4,020.41MW on Monday. The Afam VI power plant contributed the largest share at 519MW, followed by the Shiroro hydroelectric plant with 445MW and the Azura-Edo plant with 438MW.

However, the Egbin Power Station, which has an installed capacity of 1,320MW, was generating only 108MW at the time of the reported assessment.

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The combined electricity allocation to the 11 distribution companies (DisCos) stood at approximately 3,195MW by late Monday afternoon, with Abuja DisCo receiving 581MW, Ikeja Electric 467MW and Eko Electricity Distribution Company 458MW.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, had earlier attributed the worsening electricity situation to planned maintenance at the Egbin Power Station, inadequate gas supply to some thermal power plants and the vandalism of critical transmission infrastructure.

In an update issued on Friday, November 6, Tegbe explained that maintenance activities and gas supply constraints had reduced the volume of electricity available on the national grid, forcing operators to introduce load shedding in some areas.

He also disclosed that the vandalism of key transmission lines had restricted alternative routes for delivering electricity, particularly to Lagos.

The minister subsequently apologised to Nigerians over the disruptions, acknowledging the difficulties experienced by households, businesses and public institutions.

He said the government was working with generating companies, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), NISO and electricity distribution companies to restore affected facilities and improve supply.

Tegbe had promised that the first affected generating units would return to operation within 48 to 72 hours, while repairs to damaged transmission infrastructure would be accelerated.

In a further update on Monday, the minister announced that the vandalised Benin-Egbin 330-kilovolt transmission line had been repaired and returned to service.

According to him, the restoration increased electricity supply to the Lagos electricity complex to more than 1,000MW, bringing it back to the level recorded before the disruption.

Tegbe said electricity had been restored to several previously affected areas in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory, although some locations were still awaiting full restoration.

He also disclosed that the government was working to repair another important transmission route, the Osogbo-Ikeja West 330kV line, which has reportedly remained out of service for about 18 months.

The line could deliver an additional 400MW to Lagos when restored. However, about six transmission towers along the route have been vandalised, making repairs difficult because of the swampy terrain.

The minister said the government expected the restoration work to be completed by the end of November.

Despite the recent disruptions, Tegbe has expressed confidence that Nigeria could achieve more stable electricity supply within the next three to five years.

He said the Federal Government was considering a proposed $2 billion east-west super grid designed to strengthen the country’s transmission infrastructure and increase its capacity to 19,000MW.

The proposed project is expected to connect several locations, including Funtua, Gwagwalada, Ikot Ekpene, Benin, Epe and Ilorin.

Tegbe said the government had commenced the procurement process and expected the project to improve the resilience of the national electricity network.

He also stressed the need to address longstanding infrastructure problems, noting that some electricity equipment was between 40 and 50 years old.

Meanwhile, he maintained that the government was working to improve electricity supply through better coordination among generation, transmission and distribution operators.

The latest development highlights the continuing challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector, where improvements in generation do not automatically guarantee adequate supply to consumers because of limitations in transmission and distribution infrastructure.

For millions of Nigerians, the major concern remains whether the increased generation figures and government interventions will translate into more consistent electricity supply.

 

Despite Tegbe’s 72-Hour Promise, Nigerians Still Battle Power Outages

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Edo APC Chieftain Hacked to Death by Son Over Alleged Prophecy

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14 hours ago

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November 10, 2026

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Julius Bello, popularly known as De Lord Ogata
Edo APC Chieftain Hacked to Death by Son Over Alleged Prophecy

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Julius Bello, popularly known as De Lord Ogata, has reportedly been hacked to death by his son following claims that a prophet blamed him for the younger man’s financial struggles.

Bello, who was the APC Ward Three Chairman in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, was allegedly attacked with a sledgehammer by his son, identified as Irobudo, on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the suspect returned from Lagos over the weekend.

According to reports, the suspect struck his father on the head with the weapon, inflicting fatal injuries.

Family sources linked the attack to an alleged prophecy that reportedly portrayed Bello as being spiritually responsible for his son’s prolonged poverty and inability to make financial progress.

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The claims were said to have fuelled resentment against the deceased before the fatal attack. However, the alleged prophecy and its connection to the killing have not been independently verified, and the police have not established it as the motive.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the killing and said an investigation had commenced.

The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that the suspect was still at large as of Monday, November 9, while police operatives were working to apprehend him.

According to the police, investigations would establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and the events that preceded the attack.

The incident has thrown Bello’s family and residents of Fugar into mourning, particularly because the suspected attacker is his own son.

The killing has also raised concerns about the potential consequences of unverified spiritual accusations when they fuel suspicion, hostility and violence within families.

The police investigation is expected to establish the full circumstances of the incident, determine the motive and bring the suspect to justice.

Edo APC Chieftain Hacked to Death by Son Over Alleged Prophecy

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INEC Flags 268 Voter Records Over AI-Generated Photos, Begins Cleanup Ahead of 2027 Elections

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1 day ago

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November 9, 2026

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2027 Elections: INEC Reveals Why Pantami, Adebutu, Others Were Excluded

INEC Flags 268 Voter Records Over AI-Generated Photos, Begins Cleanup Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the removal of questionable records from Nigeria’s preliminary Register of Voters after its biometric verification system flagged 268 entries over suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other irregularities.

The development comes amid growing public concerns over the credibility of the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the discovery of suspicious photographs, duplicate registrations and names of deceased persons in the preliminary database.

INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed the development during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, explaining that the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) had identified 268 records requiring further examination.

Bayode said the commission had begun reviewing the affected entries and removing those confirmed to be irregular.

He also explained that some registration officers allegedly exploited their authorised access to introduce questionable records into the database.

According to him, some of the irregularities involved the misuse of a special registration option designed for persons with disabilities who have incomplete or missing fingers.

However, the INEC official clarified that not every photograph enhanced with artificial intelligence would lead to the exclusion of the affected voter.

He distinguished between genuine photographs improved with AI-powered applications on mobile phones and images generated entirely by artificial intelligence, stressing that only confirmed fraudulent images would be removed.

The controversy followed INEC’s publication of its preliminary Register of Voters online on October 26, which triggered public outrage after screenshots showing suspicious photographs and other questionable entries circulated on social media.

Some of the disputed records reportedly included entries from parts of Edo State, prompting questions about the commission’s registration and verification procedures.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, subsequently confirmed that the commission was examining the questionable records and would take corrective action based on verified findings.

The commission has maintained that the preliminary register is not the final certified document, explaining that the verification and public scrutiny exercises are intended to identify inaccuracies and irregularities before certification.

INEC has scheduled December 15, 2026, for the certification of the final Register of Voters after completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes.

The commission has also encouraged Nigerians to participate in scrutinising the register and report suspicious entries to help safeguard the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

INEC Flags 268 Voter Records Over AI-Generated Photos, Begins Cleanup Ahead of 2027 Elections

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