A former Lagos governorship candidate and political commentator, Babatunde Gbadamosi, has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to deploy Nigerian military assets to the Benin Republic during the recent failed coup attempt, warning that the move could set a troubling precedent for foreign interference in Nigeria’s own affairs.

Gbadamosi expressed his concerns in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, shortly after Nigeria confirmed the deployment of fighter jets and ground troops to support President Patrice Talon following the 7 December 2025 coup attempt in Cotonou.

Gbadamosi Questions Policy Consistency

In his post, Gbadamosi posed a pointed question to the Nigerian government, writing: “By rushing to bomb your smaller neighbour over their internal matter, do you not realise that you have unwittingly made it legal for a bigger nation to likewise bomb you for matters internal to you?”

He argued that although the Beninese government formally requested Nigeria’s military assistance, the intervention contradicts Nigeria’s longstanding stance on guarding its own sovereignty against external involvement.

According to him, this inconsistency may weaken Nigeria’s diplomatic position and expose the country to similar interventions from more powerful states.

Nigerians React as Debate Widens

The post has sparked wide reactions online, generating thousands of engagements and prompting broader conversations about regional security and military engagement within West Africa.

Many Nigerians questioned the timing of the operation, noting persistent domestic security issues such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, ISIS, and several other extremist groups that remain active in different parts of the North-East.

Experts Warn of Sovereignty Risks

Security analysts say the debate reflects the complex balance Nigeria must strike between supporting regional stability and protecting its national sovereignty.

They argue that while assisting neighbouring states is important for collective security, it must not undermine Nigeria’s own long-term strategic interests.

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Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Monday afternoon met behind closed-doors with six governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House, Abuja.
The progressive governors present at the meeting include Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto) and Usman Ododo (Kogi).
The purpose of the meeting which lasted for about two hours in the first floor office of the President was not immediately known, and details of the agenda were not disclosed at press time.
Although no Presidency official was forthcoming on the reason for the meeting, it came amid recent mounting security challenges facing the nation.
It has also coincided with ongoing national political consultations and preparations ahead of key party and governance engagements.
Already, All Progressives Congress has
scheduled its national caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings for next week at the Banquet hall of the State House, Abuja.
The governors declined comments when approached by newsmen shortly before departing the State House

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By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA — PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Monday met separately with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, at the presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meetings held behind closed-doors, came amid mounting political tension in Rivers State and renewed speculation over Governor Fubara’s future in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Fubara was sighted entering the State House at about 5:01 p.m. and was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before proceeding to the President’s office.

He departed around 5:45 p.m, but details of the discussions were not disclosed as at press time.

The meeting with Fubara comes on the heels of Friday’s defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The shift in party alignment has altered the balance of power in the state legislature and heightened uncertainty around Fubara’s political standing.

Only three lawmakers viewed as loyal to the governor remain in the PDP, and they have not resumed sitting since emergency rule in the state was lifted on September 18.

Minutes earlier, Governor Nwifuru had also been ushered in for a separate meeting with the President.

The purpose of his visit at the time of filing this report was also not made public.

Governor Nwifuru, a former Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly and now an APC governor, has in recent months held several engagements with the Presidency, focusing largely on infrastructure development and security coordination in the South-East.

The post Tinubu meets Fubara, Nwifuru in Aso Villa appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commended the Federal Government’s involvement in foiling a military coup in the neighbouring Republic of Benin.

The National Publicity Secretary of the opposition party gave the commendation in a statement on Monday.

Bayo Onanuga, Senior Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, who on Sunday night confirmed the present administration’s direct involvement in saving what he called 35 years of uninterrupted democracy in the West African state.

Onanuga noted that Nigeria’s response was based on a formal request by the Government of the Republic of Benin Republic which “requested immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”

The ADC however, called on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to apply similar decisiveness in combating insurgency and banditry in the country.

The party also cautioned leaders in the West African subregion to give priority to improved livelihood for the majority and tolerance for opposition in order to stem the tide of military interest.

The full statement read: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes Nigeria’s swift intervention in the Benin Republic following the announcement of a coup attempt. We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood.

“However, in doing so, the government must now take the necessary steps to align this intervention with the legal provisions of our Constitution. While the unilateral action taken by the President might have been expedient, it still has to be subjected to the ratification of the National Assembly as required by the relevant sections of our Constitution for military or security deployment outside Nigeria’s borders.

“Even in commending the government, ADC cannot ignore the question that many Nigerians are already asking: why were we not as swift in responding to the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former Nigerian President was trapped there during a period of instability? That hesitation stands in sharp contrast to yesterday’s urgency. What changed? What determines when Nigeria acts firmly and when it delays?

“Consistency in our mode of operations, especially when it comes to our foreign interventions, is essential for any country that seeks to lead the sub-region on issues of democracy and stability. This selective reaction indeed gives credence to the allegation that what played out in Benin was at the behest of another, more powerful country.

“More importantly, the government’s demonstrated ability to move quickly in Benin raises an even deeper concern. If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our borders, why has our government demonstrated such outrageous incompetence in dealing with domestic insecurity? Why has the government failed to respond with similar urgency and decisiveness even as banditry, terrorism, and violent crime still hold many of our communities hostage, displace families, abduct children, and parade themselves openly?

“A government that can act swiftly abroad must also act decisively at home. The defence of democracy does not begin in neighbouring countries; it begins in the protection of Nigerian lives, the restoration of security, and the rebuilding of trust between citizens and the state.

“Without prejudice to our fundamental opposition to any form of extra-constitutional takeover of government, we reiterate that the best possible safeguard against military adventurism is for elected governments to make democracy meaningful to the people by improving their lives and allowing opposition to thrive and alternative voices to be heard.”

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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A coalition of Civil Society Groups in Ebonyi State has called on Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to order an investigation into allegations that a House of Representatives member, Chinedu Ogah, uses armed thugs to harass and intimidate some of his constituents in Ikwo Local Government Area.

The Prof. Joseph Agbo-led coalition said the call had become necessary because a series of petitions to police authorities on the activities of Ogah, who represents Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the House, had stalled for months.

In one of the petitions, the coalition accused the lawmaker of unlawful possession of firearms and land-grabbing.

It listed some indigenes of the constituency, including Friday Alefia, a journalist and Chisom Achor, a Tik-toker, as currently being behind bars after they were arrested and arraigned by the Police at the behest of Ogah.

Others are Achor’s brother, Chinonso Imeba and Paul Nweke.

The group, which comprises four Civil Society Organisations-Human Rights Volunteer Corps (HRVC), Human Rights Action Group, Centre for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR and Good Living Initiative, added that a few others had been compelled to flee their communities to avert falling victim to the lawmaker’s thugs.

One of the petitions sent to IGP Egbetokun and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, by the group’s lawyers, Ede S. Ede & Co, on behalf of Emeka Kingsley, Nweke Chidi and others was dated 25th November, 2025.

The petition reads in part, “It is our client’s brief that they have seen evil and what appears to be a permanent life in hellfire in the hands of Honourable Chinedu Ogah. Our clients say that the actions and activities of Hon. Chinedu Nweke Ogah are not only atrocious, but it is a situation of the timid mentality of might is right syndrome.

“Our clients contend that Hon. Chinedu Nweke Ogah displays firearms with live ammunition anyhow and shoots without control as he feels untouchable and has boasted severally that not even the Inspector General of Police can question his activities as he is his personal friend.

‘’Our clients say that Honourable Chinedu Nweke Ogah finds it very pleasurable to oppress the poor and any dissenting voice, more especially when the person or persons refuse to pay illegal levy, which Chinedu Ogah often uses his cronies to levy on the downtrodden in the Amagu and other communities in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State or that the person refuses to surrender his land (s) for Hon. Chinedu Ogah to grab.’’

The coalition listed 46 persons, including deceased, as victims of the lawmaker’s alleged reign of terror and appealed to concerned authorities to immediately use their good offices to cause a discreet investigation into the allegations.

The coalition had last week decried the high level of attacks on free speech by Ogah, who has been in the news for causing the detention of those who criticise him on social media in police cells and Correctional centres.

Also, a serving Commissioner in the state, Prof. Awo Nwaobashi, who allegedly ordered the torture of a journalist by the members of the Neighbourhood Watch, was rebuked by the group.

The coalition’s leader, Agbo, at recent appearances on television and radio programmes, had reiterated that although the group do not in any way support defamation of the characters of anyone, cyber-bullying or cyber-stalking of any kind, among others, the allegations levelled against Ogah were too heavy not to be investigated by the concerned authorities.

Agbo, Professor of Philosophy at Ebonyi State University, specifically made reference to Alefia, whose case was referred to a Federal High Court. He said the judge fined the prosecutor N50,000 for attempting to ensure that he does not get bail.”

He said the group’s biggest concern was that ‘’as long as there are laws in our land, even if one commits murder, the laws have provided for how such a person should be handled according to law.’’

‘’As a coalition, we never and we would never support cyber-bullying of anybody. But we don’t want the cybercrime laws to become another Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation Decree Number 2 under the military rule. We are worried that the cybercrimes law appears to be slipping into that Decree’’’ the coalition boss added.

“What we are saying is that Hon. Ogah did not go to arrest any of these persons. The Police did. Hon. Ogah did not drag any of them to these Courts. The Police also did.

‘’The judiciary is the one that is hearing these cases. But the point we are making is: Why do you arrest somebody, handcuff him like a common criminal for cyber-bullying or defamation, and you dump him in the station for weeks, or for days, and in the case of Friday Alefia, for months? Why do you refer a case of cyber-bullying to a magistrates’ court?’’

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and General TY Danjuma, have unveiled TY Logistics Park FZE’s flagship Grade-A logistics facility in the Lekki Free Zone.

The facility is a major milestone for Nigeria’s logistics and industrial sector. The facility is built to international standards and designed as a fully integrated contract logistics platform.

In his goodwill message, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enabling private-sector-led industrial growth.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the Lekki axis is becoming Africa’s new manufacturing and logistics powerhouse.

The chairman of the company, Theo Danjuma Jnr, described the facility as a purpose-built platform that solves long-standing supply chain inefficiencies and positions Nigeria as a competitive hub for regional trade.

Danjuma said the company’s advanced Warehouse Management System ensures full inventory transparency, real-time stock control, and error-free order processing — critical for high-velocity sectors and essential for products with shelf-life sensitivities.

He said this technology allows goods to move faster, with greater accuracy and significantly reduced operational friction.

“Our strategic location in the Alaro Free Zone, just minutes from the Lekki Deep Sea Port, positions us to offer unmatched import and export efficiencies.

“This includes importer-of-record solutions, duty deferment, tax optimisation, and enhanced regional distribution into West African markets.

“But beyond the infrastructure and systems, our true focus is partnership. We see ourselves not just as a logistics provider, but as an extension of our clients’ business — taking on the logistical complexities so they can focus on what truly matters: growing their footprint, strengthening their brand, and increasing market share,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Group CEO of Rendeavour, Mr Stephen Jennings, highlighted the strategic role of industrial and residential ecosystems like Alaro City in attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

The Managing Director of TY Logistics Park FZE, Arno van der Merwe, emphasised the impact the platform will have on the broader West African market.

“Every hour lost to poor logistics is a cost to businesses. This facility was built to eliminate those inefficiencies by providing a reliable, centralised, systems-driven logistics engine for Nigeria and the region,” he said.

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The Police Command in Kano State on Monday announced the recovery of seven stolen vehicles and the arrest of several suspects in a series of operations aimed at curbing vehicle theft and related crimes, including armed robbery.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Monday.

According to the statement, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Bakori, the Command’s Special Intervention Squad, SIS, tracked down the stolen vehicles and apprehended the culprits.

“Recovered vehicles include an ash‑coloured Toyota RAV4, a red Peugeot 406, a black Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Yaris (registration Gombe 121 AH), a truck without a body, a white Toyota Matrix and a white Forland truck (registration GAK 701 XA),” the statement said.

The police spokesman explained that in connection with the recoveries, a number of suspects linked to the thefts and to armed robbery were arrested.

According to Kiyawa, they are currently assisting investigators and will be charged in court.

The CP, Bakori, was quoted as commending the officers for their dedication and professionalism. He also thanked the people of Kano State for their prayers, support and cooperation.

He said, “The Command remains committed to fighting crime and ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the state.

“The Kano State Police Command urges the citizens to continue supporting police efforts to maintain peace and security.”

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has recounted the type of comments people made about him before he married his wives.

He stated that people used to make fun of him and ask him why he was single, until he finally got married and had a queen.

The monarch added that people also complained that his wife followed him around, noting that she eventually left him and that he now has seven wives.

He stated this while speaking during the opening of his Ojaja University in Osun State.

The institution was launched as part of activities marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary held in Ile-Ife.

He said, “Some of them used to make fun of me that, ‘Kabiyesi, why are you single? What is your problem? Go and look for a queen now.’ Eventually I got another queen by force by fire. Then they said, ‘You are always going around with this queen.’ The queen left me. To the glory of God, God blessed me with seven more. Did I not try?”

Three of his wives who attended the event, Olori Folasade, Olori Ronde and Olori Temitope, reacted with cheers and laughter as the king spoke.

The monarch then asked the crowd to applaud them.

Naija News reports that the Ooni of Ife, married Queen Silekunola Naomi in October 2018.

The marriage drew wide attention because Naomi was a young prophetess, and the union was seen as a blend of traditional royalty and Christian spirituality.

However, the relationship became rocky over the years. By December 23, 2021, Queen Naomi shocked Nigerians when she announced on Instagram that the marriage had ended.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Kingsley Moghalu, has described ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as arguably Africa’s preeminent statesman alive.

Moghalu also said Obasanjo has no regrets of his time in office as Nigeria’s president.

Posting on X, the former CBN deputy governor said Obasanjo does not shy away from expressing his views on any topic, be it global, continental or national.

Moghalu stated that the former President wished he was more decisive in the creation of a common currency for the Economic of West African States, ECOWAS.

He wrote: “Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo (“Baba OBJ”) is arguably Africa’s preeminent statesman alive today. He is also a man who is not shy to express his views on various topics – global, continental, national.

“OBJ has “no regrets” about his actions and decisions during his time in office as Nigeria’s leader.

“He only wishes, in hindsight in light in the fact that ECOWAS CEDEAO “is now in tatters,” that he had moved more decisively on the creation of the common ECOWAS currency the Eco, despite the challenges posed by misalignments in the “convergence criteria” for such a regional currency among member states (single digit inflation, a fiscal budget deficit of no more than 4%, deficit financing by central banks capped at 10% of annual revenues, and foreign reserves to cover 3 months imports).”

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The Niger State government has formally received the 100 pupils who were recently rescued by security forces after they were kidnapped by bandits from St. Mary Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

The pupils regained their freedom 17 days after they were kidnapped.

The rescued pupils were personally received by the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, on Monday in the company of other government officials.

The schoolchildren, who were conveyed in separate buses, arrived at the Niger State Government House at about 5:20 pm.

As earlier reported by Naija News, the federal government secured the release of the 100 schoolchildren kidnapped by bandits on November 21, 2025.

The bandits had invaded the remote Papiri community around 2:00 a.m., arriving on motorbikes and attacking the school dormitories for over three hours. By the time they retreated, 315 people, 303 students and 12 teachers, had been taken away.

In the first 24 hours after the abduction, 50 pupils managed to escape and were reunited with their families. However, 265 individuals, 253 children and all 12 teachers remained in captivity.

Security agents, alongside local hunters, were immediately deployed to comb the surrounding forests in search of the missing victims.

While the release has brought immense relief to the parents of the freed pupils, those whose children remain in captivity continue to endure anxiety and uncertainty.

See the video below.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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