Author: Tunde Akingbondere
Dear Nasir, This is a letter from a friend. I take the liberty of calling you a friend because, for nearly 12 years, we walked the same political path, sharing dreams of a better Nigeria within the same party. I also recall your 50th birthday when I persuaded two wealthy friends to accompany me to Dubai, where you were in exile, to celebrate with you. I made two other visits to Dubai with different delegations to meet with you and another of your friends from Canada. We also held another meeting in Accra, Ghana, for the same purpose. I also…
The National Youth President of Afenifere, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, has pledged to provide critical intelligence to combat kidnapping in Nigeria. He called for urgent action against the increasing wave of kidnappings by herdsmen in Southwest Nigeria. At a recent press conference, Ojajuni shared his harrowing experience of abduction, describing it as a wake-up call for the government and security agencies. “On February 17, 2025, I was ambushed near Akunu Akoko, Ondo State, while traveling to Abuja. Armed Fulani herdsmen, disguised in military uniforms, opened fire on my vehicle, hitting it with 19 bullets before abducting me and others,” he recounted.…
The National Youth President of Afenifere, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, has pledged to provide critical intelligence to combat kidnapping in Nigeria. He called for urgent action against the increasing wave of kidnappings by herdsmen in Southwest Nigeria. At a recent press confe rence, Ojajuni shared his harrowing experience of abduction, describing it as a wake-up call for the government and security agencies. “On February 17, 2025, I was ambushed near Akunu Akoko, Ondo State, while traveling to Abuja. Armed Fulani herdsmen, disguised in military uniforms, opened fire on my vehicle, hitting it with 19 bullets before abducting me and others,” he…
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has alleged that plans are underway for her arrest upon her return to Nigeria following her attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York. According to PREMIUM TIMES, Natasha believes her speech addressing sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio has triggered threats against her. She reported that after her address at the UN, three officials from the Nigerian Embassy, led by the Chargé d’Affaires, attempted to evacuate her from the venue. However, she credited her intervention to parliamentarians from other countries and security personnel who prevented her removal. Natasha clarified the…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated an investigation into how suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central gained access to the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, despite not being officially nominated by Nigeria. According to a report from Premium Times, sources within President Bola Tinubu’s administration confirmed that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are conducting the probe. These agencies aim to identify who facilitated the suspended lawmaker’s accreditation and whether her participation was orchestrated by interest groups to “embarrass the Nigerian government.” They are also examining if she violated…
Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disregarded opposition efforts to prevent his attendance at a thanksgiving service organized in his honor. Wike made a bold entrance at the thanksgiving service held in Abalama, Rivers State, where he was welcomed with a grand reception by Ijaw stakeholders under the NEW Associates platform. A viral video captured Wike arriving at the event, accompanied by heavy security and cheers from his supporters. Prior reports from Citizen Rapporteur indicated that protesters, primarily women, had formed barricades on major roads to hinder Wike’s access to…
Tensions are rife in Rivers State following the Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. This ruling has further intensified discussions around a potential impeachment of Governor Sinminalayi Fubara. The Supreme Court’s decision regarding the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, previously declared vacant due to alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), has removed any legal obstacles for former Governor Nyesom Wike and his supporters. They are now poised to take decisive action against Governor Fubara. In a 62-page judgment (SC/CV/1174/2024), the Supreme Court stated that…
There are indications that several former ministers from ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration are set to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). A senator from the ninth Assembly, who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity, revealed that at least ten former members of Buhari’s cabinet are preparing to make the transition. “They are waiting for the finalization of the party structure in their respective states,” the source stated. Key figures leading the defections include former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu; former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and former Senate President, Ahmed…
On Friday 14th March 2025, an online newspaper reported that: “Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, has declared that the petition filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding her suspension from the Senate cannot be considered by the Interparliamentary Union (IPU).” He alleged that: “Ibrahim clarified the workings of the IPU, emphasizing that it is Nigeria, not individual members, that is a member of the union. According to him, only another member State can file a petition against Nigeria, not an individual.” However, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s claims are not true or accurate. Contrary to his allegations, Senator Natasha…
On Saturday, March 15, residents of Kalabari in Rivers State gathered in large numbers to protest the upcoming visit of former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to Abalama in the Asari-Toru Local Government Area. The protest follows the formal rejection of a planned Thanksgiving Service and Civic Reception in Wike’s honor by the Amayanabo of Abalama, King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP. In a letter addressed to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police dated March 12, 2025, the monarch cited political tensions and security concerns as reasons for his decision. He…