News

Four Edo Assembly Members Join APC

Published

10 months ago

March 12, 2025

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The lawmakers that defected are: Hon. Donald Okugbe , (Akoko Edo Constituency II, PDP); Hon. Bright Iyamu, (Orhionmwon South Constituency II, PDP ), Hon. Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency, LP) and Hon. Sunday Ojezele, (Esan South East, PDP).

As it stands, the ruling APC leads with 13 members in the House while the PDP has 11 members.

Receiving the defectors,
acting chairman of the party, Jarret Tenebe, said the defection of the lawmakers remains a significant moment for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

He assured the lawmakers that the party would accord them the same right and privileges just like any other members of the party.

He said, “These honourable members, who bring with them a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, have recognized that the APC offers the most promising path for Edo State and our nation, Nigeria.

“They have seen the clarity of the policies; the integrity of the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the unwavering dedication to make the lives of Edo people better.

“We understand that the decision to change political allegiance is not taken lightly. It requires courage, conviction, and a belief in a better future.

“We commend these honourable members for their bravery, and for their willingness to stand with us as we join hands with Governor Monday Okpebholo to build a stronger economy, improve education, promote social harmony, and secure the lives of Edo people.

“This is not merely a matter of increasing our numbers. It is about strengthening our collective resolve. It is about bringing together individuals who share a common purpose and a desire to make a real difference.

“We value the contributions of each and every member, and we are confident that our new honorable members will play a vital role in our journey towards success.”

Highlight of the event was the presentation of brooms, which is the symbol of the APC, to the lawmakers by the State Party Chairman.

News

Trump’s Airstrikes: Halt Military Cooperation With US Immediately – Sheikh Gumi Tells Tinubu Govt

Published

2 hours ago

December 26, 2025

Editor

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all military cooperation with the United States following reported US airstrikes.

Gumi warned that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty.

Gumi made the call in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday.

He said while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions should only be carried out by what he described as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead such efforts because of its global military record.

According to the cleric, Nigeria made a mistake by allowing foreign powers to play a role in its counterterrorism operations, insisting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often result in civilian casualties and hidden political motives.

Gumi warned that allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war would attract anti-US forces into the country, further destabilising it.

He also cautioned that US involvement, particularly under claims of protecting Christians, could polarise the country along religious lines.

The cleric further argued that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires strong ground operations, which he said Nigeria has enough personnel to carry out if properly organised.

“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’.

“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies.

“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” part of his statement reads.

News

Shehu Sani Reacts To Trump’s Military Strikes In Nigeria

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2025

Editor

Former lawmaker, senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to reports of United States military strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West, saying foreign powers cannot permanently handle the country’s security challenges.

Sani made the remarks on Friday via his X handle while responding to a post by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, which indicated that the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

According to him, if the reported strikes were indeed a joint operation with Nigerian security agencies, then such action was justifiable, given the threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.

He described terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria as “cancerous cells,” stressing that they survive through violence and should be confronted decisively.

Sani also dismissed narratives suggesting that terrorist attacks target only one religious group, describing such claims as false and misleading.

He said: “If actually, the military strikes against the terrorists targets in the North Western part of Nigeria were a joint operation with the ‘Nigerian Authorities’ as posted by the US AFRICOM on their verified X handle, then it’s a conscionable action.

“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country.They live by the sword.The narrative that the evil terrorists only targets one faith, remains absolutely false and misleading.

“Again, the ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power. They can complimentarily or unilaterally strike, but they can’t eternally fight our battles.”