News
CSOs Condemn Unrest in South-East, Calls for Calm
A coalition of civil society organisations united in ending instability in the country especially in the South-East region has called on all stakeholders to sheath their swords and embrace peace, noting that no amount of civil disobedience including the popular sit-at-home observed every Monday in the region can bring about stability to the region.
The coalition comprising of Rising-Up for a United Nigeria, Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative, Southeast Peace and Development Initiative, Arewa Youth Patriotic Front, Guardians of Democracy and Development, Independent Public Service Accountability Watch and the National Youth Council of Nigeria at a press conference in Abuja voiced their concern over the escalating tensions and disturbing developments in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria and emphasised the dire consequences of the actions, which include economic stagnation, increased violence, loss of life, and irreversible damage.
Speaking on behalf of the group, President, NYCN, Amb. Solomon Adodo, the groups urged swift action to address the escalating turmoil in the Southeast which has been grappling with criminal activities carried out by non-state actors and those claiming to represent various causes.
The coalition, representing over one hundred million Nigerian youth and middle-aged citizens, expressed deep dismay at the situation in the South-East. Drawing parallels with the Boko Haram terrorism in the Northeast.
“It has become highly imperative that these dastardly developments that are retrogressive be condemned and all appropriate measures emplaced to halt and reverse same.
We must alert the public, the security agencies and indeed the International community that all the signs and trappings of the Boko Haram terrorism and sundry menace of terrorism in the Northeast have sadly become evident in the tragic developments in the Southeast. This must therefore be arrested immediately and firmly so”.
Of significant concern has been the enforcement of the Sit-at-Home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its affiliates, causing severe economic disruption and social unrest in the South-East. This policy, the coalition observed, has not only stifled businesses but also kept potential investors and tourists away, leading to dire economic consequences. Lamenting the worthlessness of the sit-at-home, the Coalition called “for an end to such counterproductive policies and the rejection of any non-state actor-driven programs or pronouncements”.
In welcoming the cancellation of the sit-at-home policy, the coalition had this to say; “it has come to our notice that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has also announced the cancellation of the forced Sit-at-Home in the South-East on Mondays or any other days. While we welcome that, we equally reject his declaration of Economic Empowerment Day. This is another veiled threat to the Nigerian State and particularly a sniffling of the freedom of the people of the Southeast. The Economic Empowerment Day and its accompanying activities also has the potential to snowball into another security crises in the geopolitical zone. After all, sit-at-home began as a voluntary activity till it became a compulsory one, foisted on a hapless people and executed by daredevil terrorists. This veiled aggression must therefore be nipped in the bud even before its seeds of discord are planted”, the statement added.
The Coalition also commended the federal government and South-eastern governors’ efforts to counteract the insecurity and disrupt the hold of criminals on the region, emphasizing the need for collective action against criminal elements masquerading as freedom advocates.
“For several years the economy of the South-East has been brought to its crippling knees with the enforcement of the Sit-at-Home order by IPOB and its affiliates. Businesses in the region folded up while investors and tourists avoided the region for the fear of unknown gunmen. The efforts of all stakeholders (government officials and traditional leaders) to put an end to the counterproductive Sit-at-Home policy is a welcome development. The inability of people of the region to go about their legitimate business was very unfortunate. Therefore, security agencies must make sure no pronouncement or policy announced outside those from formal institutions governments must be allowed to stand”, the statement added.
Addressing the issue of Eastern Security Network (ESN) and other militant factions within IPOB, the coalition declared them as criminals and called for their unmasking and apprehension as well as the need to focus on internal factors contributing to the security crisis in the South-East region, cautioning against any externalization of blame.
“The degenerated security situation in the South-East is appalling and this is no longer a time to live in any denial. All stakeholders must note that the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and every other militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB); known and unknown gunmen are criminals and must be treated as such. In the past, some persons in the zone chose self-deceit by alleging that it was the former President – Muhammadu Buhari – who was using the Fulanis to kill and destabilize the Southeast but months after his departure, the situation has not changed.
“Furthermore, the battle between Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa is clearly unravelling as an ego war at the detriment of the region. Those funding IPOB from abroad should be made aware of the fact that they are tactically funding terrorism and further bringing down the economy of the region. We must warn again, this is how Boko Haram began and all true lovers of the South-East should rise to halt the dangerous slide”, the statement warned.
While calling for the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Sunday Ekpa for crimes against national security, the coalition appealed for unity, peace, and progress in Nigeria, pledging their commitment both international and local actors towards the peace and progress of Nigeria. They similarly cautioned against any political protests that could escalate tensions during the Elections Petition Tribunals’ proceedings.
“We urge the Federal Government to do everything within its powers and the elasticity of its diplomatic contacts to ensure that Barr. Simon Ekpa is extradited and prosecuted. Mr. Ekpa has sponsored so much acts of terrorism, directed from his safe haven and base in Finland against the South Eastern region. He is a criminal and his merchandize is in terrorism, setting foundation for the crippling of the South-East and adding to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s travails. For the sake of justice for the innocent souls killed by his gang of unknown gunmen and sundry criminal rape in the region, he must not go unpunished. For emphasis, we unequivocally restate our commitment to a peaceful, united and progressive Nigeria. We shall make our positions known to the United Nations and other international bodies as stakeholders and partners in progress,” the statement concluded.
News
“Nigeria’s Biggest Ever Coalition, Civil Groups, Professionals, Labour, Artisans, Declare for Bola Tinubu”
In what is being described as an unprecedented political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, a broad-based national coalition cutting across civil society organisations, professional bodies, labour groups, artisan associations, and other grassroots networks has announced plans to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
The coalition, spearheaded by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, COCSON, now extends far beyond the traditional civic space, bringing together over 1,500 groups from diverse sectors of the Nigerian society. Participants include human rights organisations, medical and legal professionals, trade and artisan unions, community-based organisations, and influential labour leaders, reflecting a wide national spread and multi-sectoral backing.
The historic convention is scheduled to hold on May 17, 2026, where leaders and representatives of the various groups are expected to converge in what organisers say will be the largest endorsement gathering in Nigeria’s history. The event will serve as the official platform for the coalition to collectively declare support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In a major demonstration of grassroots mobilisation, the coalition also revealed plans to submit a compiled total of 20 million signatures of Nigerians who have endorsed the President’s candidacy. The signatures, gathered through extensive nationwide engagement, are being positioned as a clear indication of public support cutting across regions, professions, and social strata.
Organisers of the event stated that the decision to back President Tinubu is driven by what they described as tangible strides in economic reforms, governance, and national stability. They emphasised that the inclusion of non-traditional actors such as artisans, market groups, and labour unions underscores a broader national consensus that transcends the usual civil society framework.
Political analysts say the scale and diversity of this coalition mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, where support structures are no longer confined to political parties and elite stakeholders but are increasingly driven by a fusion of grassroots and professional constituencies.
As momentum builds towards the May 17 convention, observers are keenly watching how this expansive alliance will shape political narratives and influence voter sentiment in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Further details on the convention and breakdown of participating groups are expected to be unveiled in the coming days.
In what is being described as an unprecedented political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, a broad-based national coalition cutting across civil society organisations, professional bodies, labour groups, artisan associations, and other grassroots networks has announced plans to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
The coalition, spearheaded by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, COCSON, now extends far beyond the traditional civic space, bringing together over 1,500 groups from diverse sectors of the Nigerian society. Participants include human rights organisations, medical and legal professionals, trade and artisan unions, community-based organisations, and influential labour leaders, reflecting a wide national spread and multi-sectoral backing.
The historic convention is scheduled to hold on May 17, 2026, where leaders and representatives of the various groups are expected to converge in what organisers say will be the largest endorsement gathering in Nigeria’s history. The event will serve as the official platform for the coalition to collectively declare support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In a major demonstration of grassroots mobilisation, the coalition also revealed plans to submit a compiled total of 20 million signatures of Nigerians who have endorsed the President’s candidacy. The signatures, gathered through extensive nationwide engagement, are being positioned as a clear indication of public support cutting across regions, professions, and social strata.
Organisers of the event stated that the decision to back President Tinubu is driven by what they described as tangible strides in economic reforms, governance, and national stability. They emphasised that the inclusion of non-traditional actors such as artisans, market groups, and labour unions underscores a broader national consensus that transcends the usual civil society framework.
Political analysts say the scale and diversity of this coalition mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, where support structures are no longer confined to political parties and elite stakeholders but are increasingly driven by a fusion of grassroots and professional constituencies.
As momentum builds towards the May 17 convention, observers are keenly watching how this expansive alliance will shape political narratives and influence voter sentiment in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Further details on the convention and breakdown of participating groups are expected to be unveiled in the coming days.
☆☆☆As Troops Foil Series of Ambushes.
Troops of the Nigerian Army under operation Hadin Kai have foiled a series of ambush by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (I SWAP) terrorist along the Monguno in Borno state.
Islamic state of West Africa province (ISWAP) have attacked the Nigerian army from Monguno 242 Battion Barrack in Borno State on their way to reinforce the camp.
A serving Nigerian Army Colonel was reportedly killed in an ambush by insurgents in Monguno, Borno State, during a reinforcement mission
Source added said that colonel I.A. Muhammad was ambushed by ISWAP and killed along with four other soldiers.
Community confirmed that the troops who were on a fighting patrol as part of operation,came under fire from suspected terrorists
As of the time of felling this report, there has been no official statements from the Nigerian Army regarding the accident.
Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has joined Nigerians and the global business community in celebrating Alhaji Aliko Dangote on his 69th birthday. In a detailed tribute, Dogara described Dangote as “a visionary whose life’s work has become a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation.”
Dogara emphasized that Dangote’s entrepreneurial journey is one of resilience and foresight. From humble beginnings, he built the Dangote Group into Africa’s largest conglomerate, with investments spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, and the landmark Dangote Refinery. These ventures, Dogara noted, have not only revolutionized industries but also created millions of jobs, strengthened Nigeria’s economy, and reduced dependence on imports. “Alhaji Dangote is not just an entrepreneur; he is a nation-builder whose vision has redefined what is possible for Nigeria and Africa,” Dogara said.
He pointed out that the Dangote Refinery, in particular, represents a turning point in Nigeria’s energy sector, offering the promise of self-sufficiency in petroleum products and positioning the country as a major player in global energy markets. “This singular achievement underscores his commitment to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges through bold and innovative solutions,” Dogara remarked.
Beyond his industrial empire, Dogara praised Dangote’s philanthropy through the Dangote Foundation, which has invested heavily in healthcare, education, and humanitarian relief. From building hospitals and funding scholarships to providing aid during crises, Dangote’s generosity has touched countless lives across the continent. “His philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to humanity. He has shown that true greatness lies not only in building industries but also in uplifting lives,” Dogara added.
Dogara also reflected on the inspirational power of Dangote’s story, stressing that his rise from modest beginnings to global prominence serves as a beacon of hope for young Africans. “His journey proves that with hard work, faith, and determination, Africans can build enterprises that rival the best in the world. He remains a shining example of African excellence,” he concluded.
As Dangote celebrates his 69th birthday, his legacy continues to resonate far beyond Nigeria’s borders. His life stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, enterprise, and compassion—an enduring reminder that Africa’s future can be defined by innovation, resilience, and generosity
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