Amaechi denies claims of Lobbying U.S. to influence 2015 elections

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed claims that opposition leaders met with American officials ahead of the 2015 general elections to lobby for international pressure against the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Speaking at the National Conference of Editors in Abuja on Thursday, Amaechi—who was a prominent figure in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari—insisted that the only meeting held with U.S. officials at the time focused strictly on ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

“There have been talks about some clandestine meetings in America. No, there was no meeting in America like that,” he said. “There was just one meeting, and we were invited. The Americans only asked that there should be no violence during the election.”

The former governor also took a swipe at the Nigerian media, accusing journalists of losing the courage they displayed during the military era.

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“I have friends who are editors. I asked them: are these not the same people that fought with us then? So what has changed?” he queried. “There was a difference between journalists under the military and journalists in a democracy.”

According to him, the perceived silence of journalists on governance issues stems from a “bigger pot” of benefits in the democratic system, compared to the military era when access to power was limited.

He further argued that ethnicity has deepened both politics and journalism, with many unwilling to criticise leaders from their own regions.

“Nigerians don’t hate bad government; they only hate bad government when the president is not from their area,” Amaechi said. “But if he is from their area, he becomes a wonderful man.”

Amaechi stressed the need for citizens to use the ballot to remove non-performing administrations, adding that Nigeria must evolve into a country where everyone can live and thrive anywhere, irrespective of origin.

On insecurity, he blamed rising poverty and lack of economic opportunities.

“If you deny people legitimate means of livelihood, they will create illegitimate means of livelihood,” he warned.

Amaechi denies claims of Lobbying U.S. to influence 2015 elections

Toyota to wow customers with new innovations at Abuja motor fair

Nigeria’s automotive powerhouse, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, is set to make a grand appearance at the 25th Abuja International Motor Fair, promising a blend of innovation, excitement, and exclusive customer rewards.

The company will “storm” the fair, scheduled for November 18-21 at the Eagle Square, Abuja, with its latest vehicles, customer engagement activities, and offerings designed to deepen loyalty to the Toyota brand.

Visitors to the Toyota pavilion will enjoy exclusive discounts on purchases, after-sales services, spare parts, and accessories, while experiencing the Toyota “Kaizen” focus. The lineup includes the Urban Cruiser, Hilux, RAV4, Rush, Landcruiser, Prado, Hiace, and more, showcasing Toyota’s full range.

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Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, says the brand’s participation aligns with its Customer First philosophy, adding, “The fair offers a perfect platform for us to engage directly with customers, showcase our product range, and demonstrate our commitment to satisfaction throughout every facet of our customer touch point.”

Representatives of Toyota’s seven accredited dealers will attend to visitors’ needs, providing detailed information and guidance on every Toyota model.

The Abuja International Motor Fair marks a milestone, celebrating its silver jubilee under a fully covered exhibition pavilion, creating a world-class, climate-controlled environment.

The event will highlight the future of transportation, including electric mobility, logistics solutions, and vehicle financing, drawing decision-makers, top fleet managers, government agencies, and auto enthusiasts.

Entertainment, product presentations, and interactive sessions with finance and insurance firms will add to the experience. For Toyota Nigeria, the fair is an opportunity to reaffirm its leadership in Nigeria’s auto market while engaging customers in a dynamic, rewarding experience.

Toyota to wow customers with new innovations at Abuja motor fair

Civil group faults US over Nigeria’s ‘country of concern’ tag

Calls for collaboration, not confrontation, in global security efforts

A civil society organisation, the Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), has expressed concern over the recent decision by the United States government to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), warning that such a move and the accompanying threat of military intervention could undermine the nation’s ongoing security and diplomatic efforts.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, the group said that while extremist violence has indeed led to tragic loss of lives, the situation in Nigeria is a complex, multi-dimensional crisis that cuts across ethnic and religious lines, rather than a one-sided religious conflict.

“While we acknowledge with profound sorrow the murderous killings by extremist groups and the tragic loss of innocent lives, we must categorically state that the victims cut across all religious and ethnic divides,” the group said.
“This is not a one-dimensional religious conflict but a complex, multi-dimensional security crisis affecting Christians, Muslims, and adherents of all faiths alike.”

HAI urged U.S. President Donald Trump and the American government to adopt a collaborative approach in addressing Nigeria’s challenges, noting that cooperation — rather than confrontation — would be more effective in enhancing regional stability and strengthening the global war on terrorism.

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“We therefore urge President Donald Trump and the U.S. government to pursue collaboration rather than confrontation — working jointly with Nigeria to enhance regional stability, strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, and ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” the statement read.

The group emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s most populous nation and highlighted the country’s long history of contributing to peacekeeping missions, decolonisation efforts, and the emancipation of the black race. It said Nigeria deserves respect and understanding from the international community as it continues to confront its security challenges.

HAI pointed to several government-led efforts, including enhanced intelligence coordination, community-based security initiatives, the implementation of the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the expansion of the Interfaith Dialogue Platform, all of which demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and stability.

“Contrary to claims that Nigeria has been sitting idle, the government has committed substantial resources and implemented comprehensive initiatives. These include increased year-on-year security and defence budgets, multiple military operations, and non-kinetic measures that show our unwavering commitment to protecting all Nigerians,” the group explained.

The organisation appealed for greater international support, urging global partners such as the U.S., U.K., China, the EU, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in areas of intelligence sharing, border security, and capacity building.

“Nigeria needs the understanding and cooperation of the global community in its determination to overcome its security challenges,” HAI stated.

Civil group faults US over Nigeria’s ‘country of concern’ tag