₦airaland Forum

APC and rigging. 🤦‍♂️

Can The Muslim-Muslim Ticket Stop President Tinubu In 2027?

As we approach the 2027 Presidential election, the issue of religion in Nigeria is springing up, with people trying to use the same faith ticket that President Bola Tinubu ran on to torpedo his reelection bid by calling for a balanced ticket.

Unsurprisingly, manipulative people, like Nasir el-Rufai, the scorned former Governor of Kaduna, who had allowed the bitterness of losing out on a ministerial position to poison his mind, were pushing this script either directly or through surrogates.

But let us examine the postulation factually. In a Muslim-majority country like Nigeria, there is nothing wrong with having a Muslim-Muslim ticket for eight years. This was my position even before President Tinubu was elected. Please fact-check me. I said then that we should focus on a candidate's qualifications.

We should be more concerned with competency and ethnic balance than with religious balance. Especially as our major religions in Nigeria are imported, while our ethnicities are God-given.

And people who profess Christianity as a religion have got to look back to history and not allow el-Rufai and his newfound partners in political desperation to deceive them.

Muslims have shown more political tolerance for Christians in Nigeria than vice versa. Oh, you doubt me?

For nine solid years, from Monday, August 1, 1966, to Tuesday, July 29, 1975, Nigeria was ruled by the duo of General Yakubu Gowon, a Christian belonging to the Anglican denomination from the Ngas ethnicity of Plateau State, who was Head of State, and Vice Admiral Akinwale Wey, a Yoruba Christian of the Methodist denomination from Lagos State.

Nine good years!

And this occurred in a Muslim-majority country. Yet, there were no protests by the Muslim Ummah.

Now, for those who would say that Nigeria is not a Muslim majority country and that we are half Muslim and Christian, as an Orthodox Christian myself, I would say, wake up and smell the coffee!

In 2023, we had our most religiously charged election ever because of the hullabaloo occasioned by the protests against the APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket.

This led to a situation where Peter Obi was ferried from church to church by political parties like Paul Enenche, preaching his 'Church take back your country' gospel publicly and simultaneously proselytising his 'religious war' against the Muslim Ummah secretly with selected clerics.

Peter Obi was the only Christian Presidential candidate from a major political party.

He ran against three powerful Muslim candidates, including Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Waziri Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who were all stronger than him politically.

This meant that while Peter Obi received the bloc Christian vote, the Muslim Ummah's votes were divided three ways.

Yet, a Muslim, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, won the election with 37.62% of the total votes cast, 8,794,726, while another Muslim, Waziri Atiku Abubakar, polled 29.88% of the votes cast, 6,984,520.

Peter Obi, the Christian candidate, received 26.10% of the total votes cast, with 6,101,533, whereas Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso secured 6.40% of the total votes cast, with 1,496,687.

To cut a long story short, in an election that was sadly turned into a referendum on religion by Peter Obi, the church-to-church jumper, Muslims were able to secure 73.9% of the total votes cast with 17,275,933 votes, while the only major Christian candidate secured 26.10% of the votes with 6,101,533.

So, if you are still emotional rather than factual about Nigeria's population and are clinging to the old assumption that Nigeria is a 50/50 IslamoChristian nation, then explain to me why, even though no Muslim candidate campaigned even once in a mosque, while Peter Obi consistently politicked in churches, a divided Muslim Ummah generated 17,275,933 votes, while a united Body of Christ could only counter with one-third of that totalling 6,101,533?

Barrister Elizabeth Arinde, Head of the Legal Department at Oke Ero Local Government in Kwara State, has been kidnapped by some gunmen.

According to a statement from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and signed by S.M.H Kosemani Esq, the Chairman NBA, Ilorin Branch, Barrister Arinde was abducted on Friday, April 25, 2025, while travelling from Oke Ero Local Government Area to Ilorin, alongside the Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPM) of the Local Government.

“We are deeply concerned to inform you that Barrister Elizabeth Arinde, Head of the Legal Department at Oke Ero Local Government in Kwara State, has been kidnapped,” the NBA statement said.

The association further explained that Barrister Arinde’s contact number was no longer going through, and there was no information about her whereabouts.

“Her contact number is no more going and there is no information about her whereabouts yet,” the NBA stated.

The NBA assured the public that it would provide further updates as more information becomes available.

“We will provide further updates as more information becomes available,” they added.

The NBA also urged the public to spread the information widely to assist in her rescue, stating, “Please share this information widely to aid in her rescue and pray for her release alive.”

The Ilorin Branch of the NBA has also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure Barrister Arinde’s safe release.

Something about this Ibrahim Traore PR doesn't sit right with me. It is no longer just online, it has gone offline too.

I got into a conversation with a taxi driver in London, and he was praising Ibrahim Traore like he was the messiah. He kept lambasting Nigerian leaders (I told him I am from Nigeria) and saying we need someone like Traore

I just kept nodding and saying, "You’re right, man."

Nigeria's economy in 18 years

Jonathan Administration (+53.97%)
2010: $374.10bn
2011: $419.94bn
2012: $467.16bn
2013: $521.86bn
2014: $576.00bn

Buhari Administration (–3.61%)
2015: $494.31bn
2016: $405.02bn
2017: $375.75bn
2018: $421.74bn

2019: $474.52bn
2020: $432.30bn
2021: $441.07bn
2022: $476.47bn

Tinubu Administration (–41.78%)*
2023: $363.82bn
2024: $187.64bn
2025: $188.27bn*
2026: $192.34bn*
2027: $211.80bn*

Note: The figures are in current prices (not adjusted for inflation). The 2025–2027 values are IMF projections.

<IMF>

#TheCableIndex

At least four hunters were killed by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on April 20 at about 1:10 p.m. in the Ajiri Gongo village area when the victims, all members of the Lawanti Ward Hunters Group, were ambushed during a hunting expedition.

The victims were identified as Bukar Hajjabe, 50; Bulama Karim, 45; Idrisa Gote, 40; and Modu Aisami, 38. They were attacked by the insurgents who also carted away four pump action rifles.

Chairman of the hunters group, Ali Kulloma, 45, reported the incident on April 21 at about 5:45 p.m.

A combined security team was later mobilised to the area, and the bodies of the slain hunters were recovered and taken to the General Hospital in Dikwa, where they were certified dead and later released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

In parts of Northern Nigeria, electricity has become a luxury, with some areas reportedly receiving as little as two hours of power a day or none at all.

Small business owners say they are watching their livelihoods collapse as perishable goods spoil and operations grind to a halt.

Just look at the word used 'Sink' for 4th position what will Morocco at 5th will say then.

Tola,

You can make a 'B' in a course and still beat yourself for messing up while Tolu can make a 'D' in the same course and go for thanksgiving.

What's the difference?

#Statisense

Dear @StatiSense,

Thank you for your release. However, this data is inaccurate. Nigeria does not have a GDP of $188.27 billion. Please fact-check me. Lagos State alone has an economy of $259 billion. If a state within Nigeria has such a large GDP as verified by multiple independent ratings agencies, then how can Nigeria have a GDP below that of Lagos State?

Furthermore, on Friday, February 7, 2025, the World Bank, speaking through its Country Director for Nigeria, Ndiame Diop, affirmed that Nigeria is still Africa's largest economy.

Your figures may be wrong because you are based on projections rather than actualities.

Please reconsider releasing these types of information as it could cause panic in the economies that you downgrade using imprecise data.

Thanks again, and may God bless you.

Dear @renoomokri

Thank you for taking the time to present your understanding of the data we shared that was sourced from IMF.

GDP in Nominal & PPP terms:
We have addressed your points some weeks back on the likely misunderstanding of GDP metrics:
-- Nominal GDP in US Dollars
-- GDP at Purchasing Power Parity [PPP].

There is a tweet on that below.

The size of Lagos GDP:
What is the size of Lagos GDP relative to Nigeria's GDP? There is a tweet on that below - but definitely not up to 30%.

IMF World Economic Outlook report is published twice annually [Apr & Oct], the data we shared was published 22 Apr 2025.

Please refer to the report, available on IMF website and fact-check us on any data we have presented on Nigeria's GDP.

x.com/StatiSense/sta…

x.com/StatiSense/sta…

x.com/StatiSense/sta…

x.com/StatiSense/sta…

x.com/StatiSense/sta…

Thanks again.

#Statisenss

I am Dauda Lawal, a bona fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Disregard the fake news from detractors determined to distract us from the RESCUE MISSION we have embarked on.

The North was silent in 8yrs of Buhari rule while we were here defending his Policies and misdeeds. But now knows how to form a Coalition against Tinubu. Well I love this Bcoz when Tinubu eventually returns in 2027 the so-called northern power will be depleted to nothing.

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen are currently invading some communities in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, SaharaReporters has gathered.

According to sources, the herdsmen armed with AK-47 rifles stormed the community around 04:15pm on Thursday.

“Our lives are in danger this evening, armed Fulani herdsmen, about 600 in numbers have taken over our communities this evening,” a resident told SaharaReporters.

“They're currently moving around towns in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state. No security personnel at all, Governor Alia didn’t send security, they said operation will start soon once they (herders) have observed the place.”

The insecurity situation in Benue has been alarming in recent weeks with attacks from gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.

SaharaReporters had reported that suspected herdsmen again unleashed terror in Benue State, attacking three communities in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) on Wednesday, just a day after 11 people were killed in a deadly raid on Otobi community.

The latest victims of the escalating violence were Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju, communities that had previously suffered an attack in February, which left five people dead.

However, the renewed attack has created fear and mass displacement among residents, with women and children fleeing to safety.

Local sources say the death toll from the fresh attack remains unclear, but several casualties are feared.

They cannot stop Tinubu re-election or victory in Borno. The person I pity in all of these intrigues and power games is VP Shettima who is overly loyal to Zulum and sees the governor as his friend and ally.

Mohammed Monguno, senator representing Borno north, says any government that fails to guarantee the safety of its citizens does not deserve to remain in power.

Speaking to News Central in Maiduguri after a security meeting, Monguno, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said the gathering was convened to address the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno state.

“We decided to meet the security chiefs against the background of the resurgence of the Boko Haram insurgency in the nooks and crannies of the state,” the chief whip of the senate said.

“We decided to see them with a view to alerting them about the resurgence of the Boko Haram insurgency and also the need to deploy more men and resources back to the theatre that has been hitherto redeployed to the north-western part of the country.

“To be redeployed back to the theatre in the north-east and in particular in Borno state in order to combat the Boko Haram insurgency.”

The senator stated that security is the fundamental purpose of government.

“Security is the primacy of governance. The whole essence of government is to guarantee the peace, order, and good governance of its citizens, as well as protecting the lives and property of the people,” he said.

“That is the primary purpose of government.

“Any government that fails and or neglects to perform that primary duty of guaranteeing peace, order, and good governance, that government is not supposed to last a minute longer than absolutely necessary.”

He said all actors within the security architecture were brought together to brainstorm on restoring peace to Borno.

“So, it was against this background that we decided to bring together all actors in the security architecture under one roof with a view to bonding, cross-fertilising ideas,” Monguno added.

“For the purpose of ameliorating the security challenges that we have in our senatorial district, especially against the background of the fact that our senatorial district has been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.”

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, recently expressed concern over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings across the state.

Zulum spoke on April 8 at a high-level security meeting attended by military commanders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.

By Saying Kwara and Kogi People Are Yoruba Rather Northerners Nasir el-Rufai Is Destroying Northern Unity

By Saying Kwara and Kogi People Are Yoruba Rather Northerners Nasir el-Rufai Is Destroying Northern Unity pic.twitter.com/EHCAmS6nrI

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) April 13, 2025

Abobi there has never been any "DEA report." What you're referring to was an IRS affidavit (Kevin Moss was a IRS agent, not a DEA agent).

Apart from having the honesty of a bush rat, you also have the reading and comprehension ability of a monkey with dyslexia. But never mind, what is coming out will clear you once and for all.

You go "study" tire!

I've dreamt of this day since 2022, and it's a shame that I can't do this with my @DavidHundeyin account.

But long story short, Aaron Greenspan and I have won our FOIA lawsuit against the @FBI, @DEAHQ, @StateDept and @TheJusticeDept regarding @official Abates heroin trafficking records.

THE UNREDACTED FILES WILL BE RELEASED!

LMAO well done o. You wrote this whole article and carefully avoided mentioning my name even though it was literally MY LAWSUIT 🤣🤣 as in I paid for the whole thing 😂😂

What I'm going to miss the most about my @DavidHundeyin account is the 24,000+ block list.

Carefully curated and well maintained 10 year-old block list gone 🥴

They’re like USA, if anybody touch their citizens them go overreact, Yoruba gentility is now becoming stupidity

Concerns over the potential exit of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been amplified following a recent meeting between former President Muhammadu Buhari and APC governors.

The visit, which took place on Monday in Kaduna, was initially perceived as a routine courtesy call but has since sparked speculation about its deeper purpose.

It was gathered that the governors reportedly sought Buhari’s intervention to halt defections from the party, particularly by key members of the CPC bloc.

The governors’ appeal reportedly arose from growing concerns about potential defections ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defunct CPC, a key bloc within APC, remains highly influential, with Buhari regarded as its central figure.

There are fears within APC that the exit of this bloc could spell disaster for the party on a national scale.

The Monday meeting took place amid a wave of defections by Buhari’s allies from APC to SDP. Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai was the first to publicly announce his departure, claiming he had secured Buhari’s blessing before leaving the party.

Several former ministers who served in Buhari’s cabinet are also reportedly finalising plans to join the SDP, and in Buhari’s home state of Katsina, numerous APC members have already defected to the SDP.

The CPC, founded in 2009, merged in February 2013 with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to form what is now known as the APC.

A source told Daily Trust that the governors feared Buhari’s enduring cult-like followership in the North could become a major liability for APC if he backs his CPC associates. His bloc vote, they feared, could be catastrophic for the party in 2027.

It was gathered that the governors specifically urged Buhari to dissuade his CPC associates from leaving APC. However, the former president reportedly declined to make any such commitment. While reaffirming his loyalty to APC, he insisted that others must be allowed to make their own political choices—a principle he said he has upheld throughout his political career.

This stance aligned with a statement issued after El-Rufai’s defection to SDP, where El-Rufai claimed he had informed Buhari beforehand.

“Without referring to any individual, a cast of characters or issues, principles and ideals currently being discussed by party leaders at various levels, the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has reiterated what he said time and again in the past: that he is a member of APC and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party,” a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, read in part.

Buhari also said he wanted to leave no doubt about his continued allegiance to the party that gave him two terms in office, pledging to do whatever he could to promote it.

“I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” he said.

He further noted that the sacrifices made by the founding fathers to establish a strong party committed to constitutional governance and democracy should be preserved.

El-Rufai’s defection, along with his claim that he informed Buhari beforehand, fuelled speculation about a mass defection of the entire CPC bloc within APC, raising concerns about the party’s future.

Consequently, the APC governors’ visit to Buhari was seen as timely, as the party grapples with internal strife and external pressures ahead of the 2027 elections. The APC has been battling internal disputes, including disagreements over the selection process for the party’s presidential candidate.

In 2022, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) adopted indirect primaries for choosing its presidential candidate, rejecting a consensus arrangement. This decision was particularly unpopular among members of the CPC bloc, to which Buhari belonged before the formation of APC on 6 February 2013.

The potential defections of key figures like Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Abubakar Malami, and others could further weaken APC, especially if they defect to another party. This possibility is believed to have prompted the governors’ urgent outreach to Buhari.

Buhari’s decision to stay out of the matter may be viewed as consistent with his longstanding position on individual political freedom. However, it also underscores the uncertainty surrounding APC’s future as it navigates these internal challenges.

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Tim Smith met yesterday with former Vice President H.E. Atiku Abubakar to discuss his views on Nigerian politics. @atiku

Twenty-one governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have met with former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna and begged him not to dump President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party that made him president ahead of the 2027 elections.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the APC governors met former President Buhari in his newly remodelled Kaduna residence in a closed-door meeting where they begged him not to support the opposition coalition championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi, among others.

One of the sources told our correspondent: “The meeting of APC governors was basically to plead and beg former President Muhammadu Buhari to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. You know the opposition coalition is gathering momentum, and many former President Buhari’s allies are heading to the coalition to challenge Tinubu’s second-term ambition.”

Recall that former Kaduna state governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, one of Buhari’s closest allies, had revealed that he got the blessing and prayers of ex-President Buhari before his defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to Social Democratic Party, SDP.

However, speaking with journalists after the meeting, Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described Buhari as a father in politics.

“We came to pay former President Muhammadu Buhari a courtesy visit. You know former President Muhammadu Buhari is the only former president produced by the APC.

“We came and saw him in good health. We fraternised with him, stayed with him and are ready to return to our various businesses.

“We met with him, and he was pleased with our party. He expressed surprise at our visit. We are happy and thankful to Almighty God because we met him in good health. He is our father in politics. He is well pleased with our party and all of us, his children. He is well pleased with our visit.”

Describing the APC as the biggest party in Africa, he said its members would continue to work hard to make it stronger.

For his part, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.

“We are here along with other APC governors to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari. We are happy the way former President Buhari is supporting our party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Sani said.

The APC governors were said to have pleaded with former President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) elements within the APC to leave the party and join the coalition movement.

A source told LEADERSHIP that the governors, at their meeting with Buhari, appealed to him not to abandon President Tinubu.

They recalled how Tinubu supported Buhari for the eight years.

It was further learnt that the governors resolved to facilitate a meeting between the CPC elements and President Tinubu to assuage their concerns.

LEADERSHIP recalls that former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai revealed that he cleared with Buhari before he joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but Buhari has since dismissed insinuations that he would dump the APC for the SDP.

The President Bola Tinubu-led administration has said it installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, as part of a broader initiative to improve safety and security on the critical infrastructure.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this during an interview on Channels TV, on Friday.

He explained that the surveillance system is designed not only to monitor security breaches but also to prevent suicide attempts on the bridge.

“We have put CCTVs down under the deck so that anybody who is excavating sand within the 10-kilometre radius will be spotted. We have built, beside the bank of the sea on Third Mainland Bridge, an examination house where we have the police, navy, army and local security,” Umahi said.

“They will all be there watching the CCTV so that anybody who is trying to take his life on the Third Mainland Bridge, they will spot the person. With this CCTV, there will be no more excavation of sand under the deck around the piles,” he added.

The minister also addressed the recent temporary closure and reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos.

He said the closure was necessitated by a structural fault involving the approach slab, which failed due to a flawed design and subsequent erosion of the sand beneath it.

According to Umahi, the slab, originally built using a cantilever method, was structurally unsuitable for the location, leading to its collapse.

In a related development, the minister provided updates on the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and announced that a major section of the road will be ready for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu on May 25, 2025.

“The beginning of section one, as at today, about 15 kilometres by two carriageways on average has been achieved, and at the end of the project at Eleko where section one stopped, about 5 kilometres has been achieved,” he stated.

“So, the idea is by the 25th of May, 30 kilometres continuously will be made available for Mr President to commission from the beginning of section one down to kilometre 0 to 20,” he said.

Psychiatric experts have raised the alarm over rising cases of economic-induced mental disorder amongst Nigerian youth, thereby calling for quick intervention by the government.

The experts also stressed the need for emotional support while recommending physical exercise as part of ways to curb the situation.

According to the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), the most pressing issue concerning mental health in Nigeria was the shortage of mental health professionals.

Only about 200 psychiatrists and 1000 psychiatric nurses serve over 200 million people in Nigeria, whereas the standard practice is for one psychiatric doctor to care for 10,000 patients, the association revealed.

However, speaking with THISDAY, the Head of Department (HOD), Occupational Therapy, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Lawrence Nwankwo, pointed out that Nigeria’s current economic situation “has caused stress, affecting the mental health of many, especially young adults.”

He disclosed that, “there’s a rising rate of youth and young adults dealing with mental disorders, likely linked to economic hardship and trauma.”

According to Nwankwo, “some youth have turned to wishful thinking, illegal means of survival, and hard drugs to cope with their frustrations.

“The pressure to make ends meet and the weight of their struggles have taken a devastating toll on their mental health. The alarming rate at which this is happening demands urgent attention and action from all concerned stakeholders.”

Speaking further, Nwankwo noted that, “Mental illness, we all know, is a medical condition which affects our thinking, emotions, and behaviours. Also, it’s a condition that involves changing a person’s feelings.

“When mental illness is mentioned, many people dismiss it, saying, ‘That won’t happen to me’ But the reality is, mental illness can affect anyone, just like diabetes, heart disease, or HIV/AIDS. Medication can help manage symptoms, but it’s essential to address the root cause.

“Mental illness often arises from an imbalance in the brain, caused by over-stressing or overworking.

“Mental disorders can stem from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors, including child abuse, trauma, neglect, social isolation, loneliness, and economic challenges.

Also speaking with THISDAY, a Psychiatric Nurse at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Mr. Rabiu Opeyemi, revealed that there has been a rise in the number of young people seeking mental health services.

This, he said was “a stark testament to the economic hardships they face.”

“Compared to two years ago, there has been a drastic increase in the number of youth requiring care. Shockingly, nine out of 10 patients with mental disorders at our facility are young people.

“The primary cause of their mental health struggles is substance abuse, triggered by frustration and desperation. Many have turned to illegal means of survival, such as fraud, due to the inability to secure a decent living despite having a degree.

“This downward spiral often leads to drug abuse, which further erodes their mental stability. The economic factor is, therefore, a major contributor to the mental health crisis affecting Nigerian youth,” he added.

Furthermore, Opeyemi pointed out that mental stability was not a destination, but rather a continuous process.

“It’s a journey that requires ongoing effort and attention, as it’s not something that can be achieved once and then left unchanged. Instead, it’s a dynamic state that can fluctuate over time, influenced by various factors such as life experiences, relationships, and personal growth.

“It’s when an individual struggles to maintain a balance in their mental state, and can’t cope to a reasonable extent, that their internal struggles begin to manifest outwardly.

“At this point, the emotional turmoil they’re experiencing internally starts to affect their behavior, mood, and interactions with others, making their mental health struggle more visible.

“Every individual faces internal battles, and it’s the ability to remain calm and composed amidst these inner storms that defines our emotional resilience.

“This capacity to manage our internal struggles is what makes us appear grounded and stable to others. Conversely, when we’re unable to cope with our inner turmoil, it can manifest externally, revealing the depth of our emotional struggles.

“Also, when it comes to mental health, it’s essential to consider the genetic makeup of individuals. Our genetic blueprint, passed down through generations, can play a significant role in our mental well-being.

“If there’s a history of mental illness in a family, even if it’s several generations ago, the genetic predisposition can remain dormant, only to resurface in future generations. This is because genes can be rewritten and re-expressed over time, making a previously recessive gene become dominant again.

“This genetic factor can also explain why two people may respond differently to the same situation or substance. For example, two friends may use the same substance, but one, who has a family history of mental illness, may experience severe adverse effects, while the other may not.

“Chronic stress, like traumatic life experiences, can also increase our risk of developing mental illness. For example, someone in Nigeria’s current economic climate may be bottling up their emotions and struggling to cope. If they then experience a significant loss, such as a loved one, money, or property, it can disrupt their emotional balance.

“What’s often overlooked is that mental health is closely tied to the interactions of different chemicals in our body. Our ability to remain calm and composed is influenced by chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. When these chemicals are out of balance, it can affect our mental well-being.

“The state of the economy also plays a significant role in the current mental health crisis among Nigerians, particularly the youth. As a social determinant of mental health, economic instability is a substantial contributor to mental stress,” he added.

Regarding solutions, Nwankwo noted, “Prevention is key in managing mental illness. Strategies like promoting mental health awareness by governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), addressing risk factors, and providing access to supporting services can make a significant difference.

“While there’s no sure way to prevent mental illness, taking steps to control symptoms and reduce risk factors can help.

“To combat this, exercise and rehabilitation programs for those struggling with substance abuse and mental illness are essential. These programs can help individuals abstain from harmful substances and develop healthy habits.”

Also, proffering solutions, Opeyemi noted that, “To address the mental health crisis in Nigeria, we need to focus on the actions of those around individuals struggling with their mental health. It starts with actively checking in on each other, providing emotional support and encouragement to family and friends, regardless of our financial situations.

“The government also has a crucial role to play. Establishing more psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities is essential to address the shortage of mental health services in Nigeria.

“Creating meaningful employment opportunities is also vital, as unemployment is a significant contributor to mental health issues among young people. By providing jobs and economic stability, we can reduce the pressure that leads to mental health struggles.

“Lastly, implementing social welfare programs and family support systems, similar to those in other countries, can provide a safety net for individuals and families affected by mental health issues.”

A popular commercial driver, Muihili Adebayo, has been abducted by armed bandits in Ondo State, with the assailants killing his son and injuring his wife during the attack.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night at Adebayo’s residence in the Shagari area of Owo Local Government Area.

Adebayo, who operates the Akure-Lagos route, was reportedly ambushed and taken away by the gunmen.

A neighbour who spoke to Daily Trust on Thursday disclosed that Adebayo’s wife was shot while resisting the kidnappers.

He said one of their children was killed during the struggle.

“She is currently recovering in a private hospital, but the boy died on the spot. The mother sustained a bullet wound to her hand but managed to escape,” the source said.

The injured woman was later rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, where she remains in a coma.

A family member, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the kidnappers have demanded a N20 million ransom for Adebayo’s release.

The family has appealed to the government and the public for assistance.

Efforts to reach the state police spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami, for comment, were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has said that gunmen attacked the company’s bus, killed the driver and one passenger and abducted 12 others.

The company’s information officer, Johnson Ehi, disclosed this in a statement in Makurdi on Friday.

The company is owned by the Benue State government.

The statement explained that the bus, with registration number PP512, was travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo when the incident happened.

According to Mr Ehi, the incident occurred on Thursday, near Otukpo Burnt Bricks.

The management condemned the fatal attack in very strong terms.

It stated, “Regrettably, the driver of the 18-seater bus, Mr Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers. While the gunmen attempted to abduct the remaining passengers, three individuals managed to escape, and another passenger had disembarked earlier at Taraku Town before the incident.

“The management extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity. We assure the general public that we are in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers.

“We appreciate the swift response of the law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.”

When contacted, the Benue police command confirmed the incident.

The state police public relations officer, Sewuese Anene, said, “The incident was reported but details would be made available later.”

Fulani terrorists set fire to the yam market located in the Plateau state, Nigeria.

Bashir Ahmad @BashirAhmaad and @Waspapping, why is this photo not trending?

Have you all seen how the so-called Arewa influencers turn a blind eye whenever the crimes of the Fulani are mentioned?

There is no other way to describe this pure evil and wickedness. This is not only misinformation, it is also a form of the terrorism we face today because spreading such fake news can cause killings and destruction. They are weaponizing lies, manipulating emotions and stoking hatred to twist the truth against the Fulani. How can someone hate so deeply that does that just to fuel an agenda of division?

A photo that has been on the internet since 2021, with absolutely no link to the Fulani or any form of violence, is now being repackaged in 2025 by a faceless online terrorist and falsely presented as evidence that Fulani set a yam market on fire.

Sadly, thousands of gullible and uninformed followers believed it. The dangerous post has already gathered over 4,000 RT/share, with over 377,000 views and thousands of engagements. This is the dangerous price of profiling and hate. When the truth is no longer enough, and lies are easier to be accepted than facts.

For fact checking here is a link to the facebook post from 2021

Based on the evidence, the news about Fulani terrorists setting fire to a yam market in Plateau state in 2025 seems false. The image used is from 2021, showing a charcoal site, not a recent market fire. No reports confirm such an event this year, though past fires and Fulani conflicts exist. Likely misinformation. grok.x.com

A bricklayer identified as Bayo Jeje has allegedly absconded from home after his wife gave birth to a set of triplets at a private hospital in Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Jeje was said to have disappeared after some midwives and nurses at the hospital told him his wife, Iyanu Ehuwa Jeje, gave birth to three baby boys.

The incident took place on Tuesday, causing confusion inside the facility of the Aribo Hospital in Ilaje as the health workers raised the alarm about the whereabouts of Jeje.

Sources at the hospital told Daily Trust that the man left his wife and the newborns stranded in the hospital.

One of the sources said Mrs Jeje’s ordeal began around 5 am at Igbokoda Health Centre, where she experienced a prolonged delay due to the unavailability of a doctor on duty.

“It was after her condition worsened that she was rushed to Aribo Hospital, where she delivered the triplets.

“But instead of celebrating the joyous occasion; her husband, who had been murmuring about his financial state and situation fled, abandoning her wife with no financial support to care for the babies,” he said.

Meanwhile, a health worker in the hospital who spoke in confidence revealed that Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has intervened in the case.

He said the Ondo senator instructed one of his aides, Juwon Ade-Aworetan Juwon, the coordinator of Ondo South Advancement and Welfare Consultative Association (OSAWA) to provide them with immediate financial assistance.

To be fair since I became politically conscious a Yoruba man have never been electoral commission chairman. Humphrey Nwosu,Okon uya, Dagogo Jack,Ephraim Akpata,Abel Guobadia, Maurice Iwu, Attahiru Jega and Mahmud Yakubu.

So a Yoruba man should rightly be INEC chairman next

Hausas Have Traditionally Been Hunters For Centuries

I lived in Sokoto and Kebbi. The claim circulating on social media that Hausas and other Northerners do not hunt is false. It is borne out of ignorance. Fulbe people, also known as Fula or Fulani, generally do not hunt. However, Hausas and many other Northern ethnicities hunt, and they hunt more than Southerners.

Because of their skill at hunting, they were employed in large numbers as houseguards in Southern Nigeria. When you see a mai guard with a bow and arrow, that is what he and his ancestors employed to hunt game in the past and till today.

In Kebbi, they used to hunt and bring game for my late father, Justice Jean Omokri.

Pius Utomi, a photographer from Okpanam, Delta State, took this photo almost a decade ago. These fellows are local Hausa hunters. Look at their guns. Is it not similar to that of the Uromi sixteen?

Before Independence, the British found Hausas helpful for their colonial police force due to their hunting and warrior skills. That is why the first police force in Nigeria was the Hausa Constabulary, formed in 1879 with 1200 Hausas.

The Hausa Constabulary evolved into the Royal West African Frontier Force and then the Queen's Own Nigeria Regiment, which eventually became the Nigerian Army.

There is nothing like Hausa-Fulani. That is a coinage of the Lagos-Ibadan media. You are either Hausa or Fulani.

Now, many of the bandits who abduct, kidnap, kill and maim are not even Nigerians. They are rarely ever of Hausa origin. Some may be foreign Fulani. However, many are former members of Muammar Gaddafi's mercenary army, with a lot of them being of Malian origin.

The reason that insecurity spiked in Nigeria in 2011 is because after Gaddafi was killed on Jumu'ah, October 20, 2011, his Black mercenary army fled Libya Southward. Today, they are disturbing the peace of West African countries, not just Nigeria.

Sadly, the same President Obama who caused this did not lift a finger to help us in West Africa. We are still suffering the consequences of his disastrous foreign policy in Libya.

In conclusion, there are over 250 ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria. Not every Northerner is a Hausa or Fulani.

Please stop lynching and mobbing people out of ignorance.

Reno Omokri.