Uncategorized
Ex-CDS warns of powerful forces working to destabilise Nigeria
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim (rtd.), has warned that powerful forces are still working to destabilise the country and push it towards disintegration.
The former Defence Chief, who noted that insecurity in Nigeria is no accident, said the nation’s resources, weak borders, and deep internal divisions have made the country a target for both external and internal threats.
Admiral Ola Ibrahim raised the alarm while speaking at the reunion of the 42nd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Abuja.
Ibrahim expressed concern that the size of the country, coupled with it’s economic potential have continued to attract people who want to benefit from the country without contributing to its growth, explaining that many Nigerians may not feel the nation is that prosperous, while outsiders see it as a land of opportunity to exploit.
He said: “One of our sins is that Nigeria is prosperous. You know what prosperity does to a nation? It invites many things in. Besides, our borders are very porous. We are paying the price for being prosperous.”
He added that while citizens struggle daily, foreigners believe they can enter the country and take advantage of its wealth.
“If you live in Nigeria for too long, you may not be able to swear that we are prosperous. But people who see us from outside believe they can come and harvest where they never sowed. And then, there are others in our midst who are more interested in identity.”
The former defence chief also accused some groups of deliberately working to erase Nigeria’s identity as a united nation.
“There are also people out there who are strategic and who never want this country to bear a name at all.”
Ibrahim recalled earlier predictions that Nigeria would collapse as a nation, warning that those behind such an idea have not given up.
He said: “Remember, some people thought this country would disintegrate almost 10 years ago. Those people are still at war. They are still at war.
“Because you live with us every day, you can see what other people see. Are you with me? They want to make this country disintegrate.”
He described today’s security crisis as a form of turbulence that requires collective efforts and unity within the armed forces and the country at large.
Speaking on members of the 42nd Regular Course, he said they were trained for difficult times and had already served in sensitive command positions across Nigeria.
“Your generation was prepared for the turbulence that defined this country today. I am quite sure you must have been in one sector or the other, managing the kind of turbulence that has tried to consume the essence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He warned that national security cannot be handled by individuals acting alone and called for stronger cooperation among military leaders.
“Not one person can do it alone. Apart from NDA uniting all of us, we have no other country but Nigeria.”
Ibrahim also reflected on his time as Chief of Defence Staff between 2012 and 2014, saying one of his key achievements was restructuring military operations in troubled regions.
“I am very glad that, as Chief of Defence Staff, I was at the head of the table when we created the division in the North West and the division in the North East, because we understood that a joint task force could not efficiently manage the kind of challenge we were faced with.”
He explained that the scale of insecurity at the time required permanent military divisions rather than temporary task forces.
In his remarks, President of the 42nd Regular Course, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, said the reunion was a time for reflection and renewed commitment to service.
He said the officers were bonded by sacrifice, discipline, and shared values formed during their training at the NDA.
Oyinlola urged members to maintain unity despite their different postings and ranks. He also called on them to continue supporting one another professionally and personally.
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a full investigation into the building collapse in Abuja, revealing that an engineer connected to the project has already been arrested.
Wike also disclosed that the developer behind the structure would be arrested as investigations continue. He said a panel had been constituted to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
Speaking during a visit to the scene on Monday, the Minister described the incident as “very pathetic,” stressing that the government would not compromise on the safety of residents.
“From the report I received, five persons lost their lives while some others were rescued. Nobody is happy when lives are lost,” Wike said.
He confirmed that the Department of Development Control had sealed off the site, adding that preliminary investigations were already underway pending the panel’s final report.
“One of the engineers has already been arrested. From there, we will get to the developer, and the developer will also be arrested,” he stated.
Wike warned developers against obstructing officials of the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) from carrying out routine inspections on construction sites.
According to him, some developers resort to blackmail whenever government agencies attempt to enforce building regulations instead of complying with laid-down standards.
“Sometimes when government officials take action at construction sites, some people choose to blackmail them rather than understand why such actions are necessary,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the need for strict compliance with building standards, including proper soil testing and the use of quality materials, to prevent future tragedies.
“In every building project, the quality of materials used must be verified. Soil tests must also be conducted to determine whether the land can support two floors, three floors, or more. These things are very important,” he explained.
Wike maintained that the government’s primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property, lamenting that the lives lost in the incident could never be replaced.
“How can those lives be brought back? They are gone forever. Government has a duty to protect life and property,” he added.
From Hassan Taiye
Former Kaduna Central senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yerima Shettima.
A former Kaduna Central senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yerima Shettima, has withdrawn from the race and pledged support for all candidates of the party ahead of the forthcoming general election.
Shettima announced his withdrawal at a press conference on Sunday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations and careful reflection.
The former aspirant explained that his action was taken in deference to the decision of the APC regarding the Kaduna Central senatorial contest.
“After wide consultations and deep reflection, I have decided to respect the decision of our great party regarding the senatorial contest,” he said.
He stressed that the withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of fear or weakness, but as a demonstration of loyalty to party unity and discipline.
“This decision is not borne out of fear, weakness or cowardice, but rather from my unwavering commitment to party unity, discipline and collective progress,” Shettima stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling party and vowed to continue supporting its success at all levels.
“As a loyal and committed party man, I remain steadfast in my support for the APC and reaffirm my readiness to
continue contributing my quota towards the victory of our great party,” he added.
Shettima also appealed to his supporters and political associates to remain calm and support candidates produced by the APC.
“The unity and success of the APC must remain our collective priority,” he said.
The former aspirant further called for reconciliation among aggrieved party members to strengthen cohesion within the party ahead of the elections.
He expressed appreciation to members of the Capacity Movement, led by Sani Shehu Sado, and his campaign council for their support during the political process.
Shettima also reaffirmed his support for the President and the Kaduna State Governor.
“I hereby formally announce my withdrawal from the Kaduna Central Senatorial race in good spirit and align accordingly with party decisions,” he declared.
The development comes amid growing political realignments within the APC in Kaduna State following the party’s recent primary elections, which produced candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In recent weeks, some aspirants and party stakeholders have raised concerns over the conduct of the primaries, alleging irregularities and manipulation in certain contests.
However, party leaders have continued to urge aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation and work for the unity of the APC.
Stephen Olufemi Oni Ilorin
Despite denial, documents Indicate that Senator Saliu Mustapha Is in the Kwara Central senatorial race Against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite claims of backing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s senatorial bid for the Kwara Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, party documents reveal that the incumbent Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, is in the race against Governor AbdulRazaq.
According to party documents, while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is listed as No. 17 among the cleared aspirants to participate in today’s senatorial race in Kwara State, Sen. Saliu Mustapha is listed as No. 18, making him the only contestant against the Kwara State Governor for the Kwara Central senatorial seat.
Meanwhile, Senator Mustapha had, via a statement issued by his media assistant, Nasir Sholagberu, earlier today, claimed he is backing Governor AbdulRazaq for Kwara Central Senate, while calling for peaceful and orderly primaries.
Speaking on the Kwara Central Senatorial District contest, the Senator expressed strong support for the aspiration of the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is the sole contestant for the APC senatorial ticket in the district ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the emergence of Governor AbdulRazaq as the lone aspirant is a clear indication of the immense respect, acceptance, and confidence he enjoys among party stakeholders and members across the state.
Senator Mustapha noted that the development reflects the belief among party leaders and stakeholders that Governor AbdulRazaq deserves such recognition and preeminence in view of his contributions to the growth and stability of the party and the state.
He further wished the Governor and all other aspirants participating in the primaries across the state a peaceful, successful, and rancour-free exercise.
The appearance of Sen. Saliu on the list of contestants for the Kwara Central Senatorial race has, however, raised concerns among Kwarans, who expected that the Senator was actually in the race for the Kwara State gubernatorial election.
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