Headlines

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed concerns over the growing issue of individuals in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state taking multiple wives despite being unable to adequately support their families.

In a viral video shared on social media, particularly TikTok by Kawu Garba, Governor Zulum criticized both state and national politicians for avoiding the topic due to fears of losing votes during elections.

Zulum questioned, “The question is, which Islamic teacher has spoken out against this? Which member has kicked against this situation?” He went on to point out that politicians are often more focused on contesting elections than addressing critical issues in the IDP camps. “All they say is, ‘Ha, I will not talk.’ Rather, they are concerned with contesting and winning their elections. They refuse to speak out so that the IDPs will not vote against them,” he added.

The Governor cited the example of a man who arrived at the camp in 2011 or 2012 with one wife, but now has four, highlighting the economic strain this behavior places on the state’s resources

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has officially revoked the membership of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, according to Olalekan Folorunsho, the Southwest Zonal Chairman of the union, also known as Lekan Salami.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 18, Salami revealed that MC Oluomo had lost his membership in 2022 after a disciplinary incident in which he tore his union identity card in protest against a query issued by the national leadership. Salami explained that the NURTW constitution clearly stipulates that any member wishing to return to the union must submit a formal application to the national leadership for approval, and must also work at the grassroots level for at least two years before being eligible to contest for any leadership role.

Salami emphasized that MC Oluomo had not fulfilled these requirements, thus rendering him ineligible for any position within the union. This decision, according to Salami, reflects the NURTW’s commitment to adhering to its internal regulations and maintaining a structured leadership.

Additionally, Salami reaffirmed the leadership of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, whose presidency was recently upheld by the Court of Appeal. He called on the government and relevant bodies to respect Baruwa’s leadership, emphasizing that the court ruling had validated his position and should not be disputed. Salami condemned any acts of disorder within the union, particularly referencing ongoing tensions in Osun State, where Baruwa’s leadership remains intact.

“The NURTW in Osun State is still under the leadership of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa. We will not tolerate gangsterism in our union, and it is crucial that MC Oluomo be held accountable for his actions,” Salami stated.

The Nigeria Youths Frontiers and Peace Advocates (NYFPA) has condemned social media activist Reno Omokri for his recent remarks about Nigerian clerics, particularly Pastor Becky Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.

Omokri, in a social media post, referred to Pastor Enenche as a “Yahoo girl on the altar,” following her comments on the importance of paying tithes. His statement has sparked widespread outrage, especially among members of the Christian community.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Samuel Geofrey, the NYFPA labeled Omokri’s comments as “inflammatory, baseless, and deeply irresponsible.” The group expressed disapproval of the remarks, criticizing Omokri for a lack of respect for Christian values and for disregarding the principles of respectful dialogue in a civilized society.

The statement continued, “Reno Omokri’s statements are an affront to millions of Nigerians who revere their faith and spiritual leaders. His choice of words reflects a profound lack of respect for Christianity and the principles of dialogue and mutual understanding.”

The NYFPA also addressed Omokri’s controversial history, pointing to alleged inconsistencies in his career, personal life, and political affiliations. The group accused him of using divisive rhetoric to stay relevant, often at the expense of national unity and constructive discourse.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and justice, the NYFPA called on Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and work towards building a society based on mutual respect.

“Omokri’s statements are not only an attack on Pastor Becky Enenche but also an affront to millions of Nigerians who hold their faith and spiritual leaders in high esteem,” the group said. “His words betray a profound lack of respect for Christianity and the principles of dialogue that underpin a civilized society.”

The NYFPA’s statement concluded with criticism of Omokri’s history of inconsistency and self-serving actions, highlighting his tendency to stir unnecessary controversy.

President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed his intention to declare a national emergency on border security and utilize military resources to carry out a large-scale deportation of undocumented migrants.

The announcement aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to address immigration concerns, which were a central theme of his electoral campaign. He pledged to deport millions of undocumented migrants and secure the U.S.-Mexico border following a surge in illegal crossings during President Joe Biden’s administration.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump amplified a statement from a conservative activist claiming he was “prepared to declare a national emergency and use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.” Trump responded to the post with a simple affirmation: “True!”

Trump’s return to the presidency, marked by his November 5 victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, has been followed by cabinet announcements featuring prominent immigration hardliners. He has appointed former acting chief of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Tom Homan, as his “border czar.”

Homan, speaking at the Republican National Convention in July, delivered a stark message to undocumented migrants: “I got a message to the millions of illegal immigrants that Joe Biden’s released in our country: You better start packing now.”

Authorities estimate approximately 11 million undocumented migrants currently reside in the United States. Trump’s deportation plan is expected to directly impact an estimated 20 million families.

Daniel Bwala, former aide to Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has officially resumed duties as the spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu.

Bwala’s appointment as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications (State House) was announced last week by President Tinubu. He succeeds Ajuri Ngelale, who stepped down from the position in September due to health-related reasons.

Speaking to State House correspondents on his first day in office on Monday, Bwala affirmed his commitment to his new role, emphasizing that he would remain focused despite potential criticism.

“The position I have been appointed to was previously held by Ajuri Ngelale. My role, as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication (State House), is self-explanatory,” he said.

Bwala highlighted the collaborative nature of his office, describing all presidential aides as united in achieving the mandate of President Tinubu.

“The President is the team leader. Every other person functions as the President wishes,” he stated.

Ngelale, who served in the role before Bwala, had earlier disclosed that his resignation was prompted by the need to address health challenges within his nuclear family.

The Labour Party governorship candidate in Ondo State, Ayodele Olorunfemi, has attributed his defeat in Saturday’s election to the actions of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner after he secured victory in all 18 local government areas of the state. Aiyedatiwa garnered 366,781 votes, defeating Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 117,845 votes.

Olorunfemi’s candidacy was reinstated by the Court of Appeal just days before the election, overturning an earlier Federal High Court ruling that had ordered INEC to recognise Olusola Ebiseni, a candidate reportedly endorsed by Peter Obi. Despite the legal victory, Olorunfemi expressed frustration over the impact of the prolonged legal battle on his campaign.

Speaking to reporters, Olorunfemi accused Obi and the NLC of undermining his chances by supporting Ebiseni, describing their actions as detrimental to his campaign.

“I have Peter Obi and the NLC to thank for that. They have scuttled my aspirations and chances to win this Ondo election,” he said. “Their insistence on having Ebiseni on the ballot ruined everything for me. Can you imagine that Ebiseni wrote a letter to the court in my name without my knowledge, claiming I had withdrawn from the race? They cannot exclude me from such a decision.”

Olorunfemi acknowledged that the late reinstatement by the court left little time to revive his campaign. When asked if he attempted a door-to-door campaign with supporters, he admitted that his efforts were insufficient due to time constraints.

“My campaign for the election was neither here nor there,” he said. “The crisis between the Labour Party and the NLC only made things worse.”

Despite accepting the loss, Olorunfemi vowed to seek redress for what he described as a betrayal of his political aspirations