By: Fabian Apechihin

A traditional marriage ceremony was thrown into chaos on Tuesday night after gunmen invaded Akunza, a Migili-speaking community in Ashige, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

A community youth leader who confirmed the incident said at least three people were killed in the attack, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. According to him, women and children were among those injured and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby health facility.

The attack occurred while wedding celebrations were ongoing, triggering panic as residents and guests fled the scene for safety.

As of the time of filing this report, the motive behind the attack remains unclear.

By: Fabian Apechihin

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has officially joined the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Obi announced his move on Wednesday, December 31, during a visit to Enugu. The former Anambra State governor said his decision to defect ahead of the 2027 general election is driven by a desire to transform and rescue Nigeria.

“We are ending this year with the hope that by 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” he said.

He also vowed that the coalition would resist electoral rigging in the 2027 polls through all lawful means.

Obi further called on opposition leaders to unite as one family under the leadership of David Mark in a collective effort to rescue the country.

By Hamza N Dantani Esq

One virtue you can never take away from His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, my and your Vice President, is his rare ability to overlook criticism and hostility. For him, criticism, no matter how harsh, is part of the journey toward a successful and enduring democracy.

I vividly recall a time when opposition figures and enemies of democratic progress deliberately spread falsehoods, alleging that Kashim Shettima had links with or was sponsoring Boko Haram. The misinformation went as far as attempts to maliciously associate one of his aides during his tenure as Governor of Borno State.

Despite the gravity of these allegations, he chose restraint over retaliation. He neither responded nor dignified the accusations with public rebuttals.

Numerous false claims were thrown at him, yet he consistently maintained silence and composure.
I also remember the incident during the NBA Conference in Lagos in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, when Kashim Shettima represented Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Rather than engaging with the substance of his presentation or the purpose of his presence, some individuals resorted to insults, mocking his attire rather than addressing his ideas. Even then, he refused to respond, and despite his influence and resources, he did not drag anyone before the police or any designated law enforcement agencies or courts.

Throughout his journey as a vice-presidential aspirant, Kashim Shettima endured relentless abuse, insults, and misrepresentations. Yet at no point did he attempt to intimidate critics or weaponize security agencies to arrest or file frivolous charges against anyone.

After emerging victorious as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he continued to maintain a peaceful and respectful relationship with Nigerians, notwithstanding persistent hostility, the controversy surrounding the Muslim–Muslim ticket, and ongoing verbal attacks.

Indeed, this is a man who has endured false allegations, defamation, abuse, and cyberbullying, yet none of these diminished his integrity or reputation. Today, he stands tall, reputable, and globally respected. His voice carries weight, his intellect commands attention, and above all, he understands human feelings and democratic values.

Remarkably, despite serving for eight years as Governor of Borno State and later as a Senator, Kashim Shettima never unduly interfered in the affairs of state leadership after his tenure. He never projected himself as the “alpha and omega” of Borno politics.

Kashim Shettima is deeply respected because of his unwavering commitment to human rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression.

I recall an incident where someone used vulgar language and cyberbullied the Vice President on a public platform. Provoked, I contacted one of his close associates, expressing my intention to initiate legal action. To my greatest surprise, I was advised otherwise. I was told: “There is no point taking this matter further. Let him express his opinion however he chooses. The Vice President has more important responsibilities. Do not give critics the honor they seek.”

That response shocked me and taught me invaluable lessons.

Sometimes, especially as a public office holder entrusted with the people’s confidence, not every provocation warrants a response, and not every insult warrants action. Leadership often lies in restraint, patience, and a deep respect for democratic freedoms.