₦airaland Forum

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, cautioned a ministerial nominee, Kingsley Udeh (SAN), against responding to any questions relating to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Nigeria.

Udeh, who appeared before the Senate for screening, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned last month amid controversy over his academic qualifications.

Nnaji, the only cabinet member from Enugu State, stepped down following mounting public pressure and calls for his replacement, leaving the state temporarily unrepresented in the Federal Executive Council.

During the screening, Akpabio invited Udeh to introduce himself before senators began asking questions.

“The only question I will urge you to ignore is commenting on Trump,” Akpabio said.

After a brief session, the Senate President moved for Udeh’s confirmation. “Is it the will of the Senate that the nominee, being versatile and not responding to questions on Trump, should take a bow?”, he asked.

After putting the question to a voice vote, Akoabio said, “The ‘Ayes’ have it,” marking Senate confirmation of the nominees as minister.

Trump had, in a recent public statement, accused Nigerian authorities of turning a blind eye to what he described as “systematic persecution” and “genocide” against Christians — comments that sparked controversy and divided opinion among Nigerian lawmakers earlier in the week.

When the matter came up for discussion during Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio had diplomatically declined to take a position, saying, “Who am I to reply Trump?”

There comes a time in every nation’s story when the people demand clarity. Not cleverness. Not caution. Clarity.

This is my answer to those asking where I stand on the question of Biafra, separation, and the disintegration of Nigeria.

Let me begin here:

I Have Nothing but Love and Honor for the Igbo People
My beloved spiritual father—Professor John Ofoegbu, the most Christ-like man I’ve ever known—was a proud Igbo man from Ngugu, a small village near Owerri. It was in that village that he laid his hands on me in prayer and passed his mantle. And it was there, a few years later, that we buried him.

To me, Owerri is my Nigerian hometowm.

My first several trips to Nigeria were through the southeast—Owerri, Port Harcourt, Umuahia, Aba. And I have always felt welcome there. The people I know from there are among the most joyful, upright, resilient, hospitable, and generous people I’ve encountered anywhere in the world.

I have been honored with the name Eze Okechukwunenye, “King whom God has greatly blessed.” And I wear that name with humility.

I’m tribe-blind by nature. I don’t see facial structures, names, character traits or dialects through a tribal lens. I see people. Maybe that’s naïve to some, but I don’t plan to change.

I Know the History. I See the Wound.
I’m not ignorant of the British colonial engineering that drew lines across a land that was never meant to function as one. I’m aware of how Nigeria was built—not for peace, but for profit. The way this country was stitched together, it was designed to fail. And it has failed—at least by human standards.

But failure is not final when God is involved.

Out of ashes, He can raise a remnant. And out of betrayal, He can forge a new brotherhood. Whether Nigeria stays as one or breaks into pieces is not mine to say. God has not shown me. So I will not speak.

But I Will Say This With Full Conviction:
I will not speak about the disintegration of Nigeria. I will speak only about the destruction of the jihad-genocide machine—until that evil is uprooted, exposed, and judged.

There is a cancer in the land: militant terror, state-backed slaughter, ethnic cleansing disguised as “clashes.” And while this demonic machine rolls over villages, slaughters families, burns churches, and fills IDP camps—I will not waste my voice arguing over flags.

Now is not the time for Biafra debates.
Now is not the time for tribal politics.
Now is not the time to chase independence while our neighbors are being buried in mass graves.

This is the hour of one fight: the eradication of the jihadist terror system and the deliverance of Nigeria’s innocent.

If we do not unite to destroy that evil, it will destroy all of us—no matter what tribe we come from, or what border we redraw.

To My Biafran Brothers and Sisters:
I hear your cry. I carry your pain. I will never dismiss your story.

But right now, I urge you—do not divide the army while we’re in the middle of war. Don’t let your legitimate dream be used as a tool of division while the true enemy butchers your kin.

If your heart is set on independence—then fight this terror first, and pursue your flag after the fire is out.

That’s how you build a peaceful future. That’s how you ensure strong neighbors—not enemies at every border. That’s how you show the world you weren’t just angry—you were righteous.

My Final Word:
Justice first.
Truth first.
Life first.

This is my position. And until the Lord tells me otherwise, I will not shift. You may not agree. That’s fine. But at least now, you know exactly where I stand.

May the blood of the righteous not be ignored.
May the wolves be exposed.
And may the remnant rise.

Nigeria may have been built to fail. But if we walk in truth, justice, and unity against evil—Nigeria will rise, and then chart her future.

#EarthShaker

Kudos to @MobilePunch Punch Newspaper for removing all references to me and Mr. Gibbs from their paid-for article filled with @renoomokri's lies denying genocide.

It had slanderously lumped us in as stooges for his evil scheme to defile the blood of martyrs. Clearly pre-written! I guess since they kept the story up, and only removed us, they don't owe him a full refund! 🤣🤣🤣 Now he's standing alone for the permanent record as the Joseph Goebbels of the Nigerian Holocaust -- in infamy, where he belongs.

See - the truth can win, but you've sometimes got to push it! (A world class lawyer helps!) :-)

If you come across another of his paid-for, planted articles which besmirches our character in this way, please send me a link. We'll get them ALL taken down.

Never Stop Fighting For The Truth!

#EarthShaker

Please be careful out there. You never know when you might encounter one of Reno’s nuggets hidden in the grass.

Dear Eze,

Thank you for your feedback. Much as I love and admire the Igbo people of Nigeria, I have taken a vow NEVER to promote any merchandise of Igbo origin, except if I am in a public office and have to do it as part of my duties.

The reason is that I have NEVER been as insulted as the day I wore Aba-made shoes to promote that industry. What was my gain in wearing those shoes? Nothing. I just did it out of sincere detribalised patriotism.

The funny thing is that it was people of Igbo origin who were insulting me. Throughout General Buhari's eight year tenure, I promoted Borno cap though I was fighting the President. Northerners appreciated it.

Such a thing is not suitable for my mental health.

The insults trended for three days and made the front pages of two national newspapers, putting my #GrowNairaBuyNaija efforts at risk. I would rather wear a foreign shoe than an Aba-made shoe, not because I do not love Ndi'Igbo. I do.

Regarding my charitable contributions to society, Igbos have benefited more than my own Itsekiri kith and kin.

In terms of activism, I fought General Buhari and became an enemy of the state for eight years because I felt he was unfair to Ndi'Igbo.

I am not sure that some of our people have an institutional memory of good deeds that were previously done to them. Some of us only know what you do today.

But because I love my mental health, I believe there are better-suited persons than myself to promote Aba-made shoes.

I wish Aba shoemakers well, and as God sees my heart, I tried to help them without seeking any benefit. But some of our people are not the easiest to deal with, and I have to be mentally stable for my family and country.

Thanks again, and may God bless you.

Reno Omokri.

The Katsina State government has confirmed that bandits demanded the construction of schools, hospitals, and grazing reserves as part of ongoing "peace efforts" in the state.

The Security Commissioner, Nasiru Mu’azu, told the BBC that the requests emerged from community-led negotiations with the gunmen in local government areas including Dan Musa, Jibiya, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, and Musawa.

He acknowledged that the collapse of the state’s earlier amnesty programme worsened insecurity, spreading attacks from five LGAs between 2011 and 2015 to 25 LGAs by 2023.

Mu’azu explained that the initiative to negotiate did not come from the government but from village leaders who sought dialogue with the gunmen to halt years of killings, cattle rustling, and abductions.

“It was not the Katsina government that initiated the peace agreement with the militants – it was the community that demanded it.

“It was the village leaders who negotiated with the repentant gunmen, which led to the signing of peace agreements in the local government areas of Dan Musa, Jibiya, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, and Musawa.”

Confirming the development, the Katsina State Commissioner for Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, told the BBC that the bandits had tabled a list of demands.

“These demands include the construction of schools, the construction of hospitals, and support for animal husbandry,” Mu’azu said.

Meanwhile, in the first quarter of 2025, a report by Nigerian security research firm Beacon Consulting revealed that 341 people were killed and 495 kidnapped in 247 attacks across Katsina State.

In response, the Katsina State government announced in July plans to launch a programme aimed at reforming repentant gunmen who recently surrendered their weapons.

The initiative will offer literacy classes and vocational training to help reintegrate these individuals into society.

The State’s Adult Education Agency has been tasked with designing the rehabilitation programme. Under the scheme, gunmen who hand over their arms will have the chance to study both modern and Islamic education, while also learning about the consequences of violence, murder, and revenge.

However, earlier this week, the state government convened a high-level meeting to address the ongoing security crisis.

The state Commissioner for Security briefed stakeholders on the current situation and confirmed to the BBC that the government plans to meet some of the bandits’ demands in a bid to restore peace.

Is the father of BIGOTRY crying??

RENO 🫵🤧

Dear police,army, dss please I am only trying to help,Nigerians bare me witness before they kdn@p me, I am only trying to help,I have no intention of disrespecting anyone in this video.

Supporting the APC openly in Canada is now considered an Act of Terrorism. Be warned!

I will Rule for 4 Years Only. If I spend more than one-term, stone me

Atiku Abubakar is now the leader of the North.

That man is the reason I’m not in my country. I was placed on a no-flight list, labeled a terrorist and my passport seized.

I had to grow away from family, suffer in isolation & horrors, restart my life from scratch for demanding for good governance.
How can he rest well?

Nigeria's two main opposition leaders have joined a new political party to challenge President BolaTinubu and his ruling party in the next election.

Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have chosen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their new political home after breaking away from their respective parties - the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

This is one of the biggest shake-ups in Nigerian politics since the end of military rule in 1999.

Some political heavyweights from Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) party have also thrown their weight behind the formation.

Why have they joined forces?
The announcement of the ADC is the culmination of a series of talks between the leaders to put up a united front in the 2027 election, rather than splitting their vote.

Tinubu won the 2023 election with just 37% of the vote after opposition supporters were divided between Abubakar who got 29%, and Obi with 25%.

Obi had broken away from the PDP after the party chose Abubakar as its presidential candidate.

At the unveiling of the ADC, interim chairman David Mark said it was an attempt to save the country’s democracy and to stop Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.

Both the PDP and LP are also battling internal crises which some believe were instigated by external forces.

Analyst Shehu Iliyasu said Abubakar and Obi are learning the lessons of the last election.

"Both Atiku [Abubakar] and Obi felt they came so close in 2023 and would have maybe won on a joint ticket so they want to amend their mistake by working together this time around," he told the BBC.

Who are the main characters in the ADC?

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is expected to run again in 2027.
Tinubu's biggest challengers in the last elections, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are the face of the coalition.

Although there’s a long way to go before candidates are officially announced, political commentators are predicting that 78-year-old Abubakar will have another shot at the presidency - it would be his fifth attempt - with former Anambra governor Obi, 63, as his vice-presidential pick.

Other political heavyweights in the coalition include former Senate President David Mark, who like Atiku is leaving the PDP, former Tinubu ally turned foe Nasir El-Rufai and powerful minister in the last dispensation Rotimi Amaechi.

What are their chances in 2027?
Analyst Ben Kenneth say he believes the coalition has a better chance of defeating Tinubu than last time.

"If you look at what Atiku and Obi got in the last election, it's clear to see that they would've won assuming they worked together, so it’s a good thing they have realised they need each other,” he noted.

However, another analyst Sani Hamisu feels 73-year-old Tinubu has a better chance now than in 2023.

"In Nigeria and Africa, when a leader is in office seeking a second term, he hardly loses, it is very rare and that's why I feel Tinubu has a better chance now than when he wasn't in office in 2019," he said.

Is the ruling party worried?
The ruling party says it is not bothered in the least by the coalition which it does not see as a real threat.

Acting chairman Ali Bukar Dalori told BBC Hausa the coalition would have no impact on the APC.

"Nobody is talking about a coalition except in Abuja. Even in Abuja, they are in a hotel, and when they are defeated in elections, they will leave the country," he said.

What are the main political parties saying?
The country's biggest opposition party, the PDP had since ruled out joining the coalition, preferring to face the APC on its own.

The Labour Party also called on its supporters to remain focused and resolute behind the party, denying any plans to join a coalition.

A 25-year-old Nigerian woman, Ifeoluwa Akinwunmi, risks up to 20 years jail in India after she was allegedly caught in possession of drugs worth over N1.8bn.

Akinwunmi, reportedly a hairstylist and nail artist, was arrested last Tuesday by operatives of the Anti-Narcotics Wing of the Central Crime Branch in Bengaluru.

She was apprehended at the Tarahunase village, along Rajanukunte Main Road, after arriving from Delhi with a suspicious bag.

According to The New Indian Express, which was cited in a report by PUNCH Metro on Monday, the bag contained 5.325 kilograms of MDMA crystals, a banned party drug.

The contraband was concealed among 11 new churidars — traditional Indian outfits.

“She is a courier. She had come to hand over the drugs to a group of African peddlers.

“We noticed four men on two scooters in the area, but they did not collect the parcel. Akinwunmi was arrested while standing with the bag,” a police officer involved in the operation was quoted as saying.

The suspect, who claimed she travelled to India to establish a beauty salon, is now facing charges under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.

Section 23 of the NDPS Act stipulates severe penalties for those caught importing, exporting, or transhipping narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

According to the Indian legal code reviewed by PUNCH Metro, offenders found with a commercial quantity, such as the MDMA seized from Akinwunmi, face a minimum of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, in addition to heavy fines.

The section reads in part, “Where the contravention involves commercial quantity, [the offender shall be punished] with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to twenty years and shall also be liable to a fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees.”

Under the Foreigners Act of 1946, the Indian government also has the authority to prosecute and deport foreigners involved in criminal activities.

Akinwunmi’s arrest comes just two days after another Nigerian national, Emmanuel Bediako, also known as Maxwell, was apprehended by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau for alleged drug trafficking.

Kaduna ko si pẹlu Tinubu rara

AS A CATHOLIC I AM REALLY UPSET THAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DENIGRATE MY RELIGION

First of all, this is NOT His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Secondly THIS IS NOT CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

Stop making a mockery of my religion just because you want snaps and pics.

You are there on official duties as every Nation is.
All countries especially those with huge catholic faithfuls are invited to the inauguration, you’re there to represent the country’s Catholics and this is what you do with it, denigrate our religion with lies and FAKE NEWS.

The Vatican is a sacred place.
Are you so out of touch with your surroundings that you don’t even know who you ate with?

Or you were in just such a rush to post pictures in Rome that you didn’t even bother to get the name of the person that granted you audience.

Wait for the inauguration and then you can take all the pictures you want. There’s no rush. Don’t be so much in a hurry to look relevant and then post FAKE NEWS

Why the terrible hunger for international relevance?
This is the same stunt you pulled when you brought fake bishops to denigrate on Christianity. Respect every religion.

His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin who was so dear to Pope Francis has been the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013.
This is Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin⬇️

STOP THE FAKE NEWS BOLA TINUBU.

Newly installed Olujare of Ijare in Ifedore local government area, Oba Adekolajo Aladeseyi, Okilorigbokun II, has been arrested for installing himself as Oba without authorisation.

Oba Aladeseyi was arrested with four Chiefs on Wednesday evening on the orders of the Ondo State Government.

The embattled monarch was installed on April 17th, 2025 and was to commence 30-day traditional rite before he was arrested.

Ijare community has been without a king since 2011 when the former king, Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun, died.

All efforts to install a new king have failed due to feud among the ruling houses and court processes.

However, the Aarinmo of Ijare and head of Sejeokun Ruling House of Ijare, Chief Oluwole Oni, in a petition to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said Ijare kingmakers and Chiefs were forced at gunpoint at about 2:30am to perform the installation.

He said the community would be thrown into crisis if the installation were allowed to stand.

Ondo Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, who confirmed the arrest, said the installation of Aladeseyi was illegal and fraudulent.

“There was impending crisis in the community. Some kingmakers were compelled to go to the installation. Such a thing should not be allowed. Such could lead to communal clash. It can lead to total breakdown of law and order. This should serve as a warning to others who will wake up and take laws into their hands. We will make sure the extant laws are obeyed.”

He said the arrested monarch would be arraigned today (Thursday).

Nigerians 🇳🇬 must apologize to the continent.
How can a normal person vote for such

In an interview with Parrot FM, an Oyo-based media platform, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain said he is ready to shift gears from legislative duties to the demands of executive leadership.

“This is the third time I would be a senator and the fourth time I would go to the national assembly. I’m a core legislator. I’ve tried,” he said.

“But what I really want to do, if God grants me, is to become the governor of Oyo state.”

Buhari ruled out the possibility of returning to the red chamber, even if the senate ticket is zoned to his local government.

“Even if they bring the senate to our side again or and the Oke Ogun are given another thing, I won’t come out as a senator anymore — unless it is for governor,” he said.

“Let another person do it. We will train some of those coming behind us to contest. We will train him, and he will excel.”

Afeez Kilani, senior legislative aide to the senator, confirmed that his principal will run for the Oyo governorship seat in 2027.

“For clarification, he said the people in Oyo State want him to contest for the governorship in 2027. Having served for three terms as senator, they feel he is qualified to be governor,” Kilani told TheCable on Sunday.

Buhari’ s political career began in 2003 when he was elected into the house of representatives to represent Ogbomoso north, Ogbomoso south and Oriire federal constituency.