Author: Abigail David

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has clarified that his recent visit to the Vatican was entirely non-political and rooted in personal reflection.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi described his attendance at the Vatican’s inauguration ceremony as a spiritually significant experience, emphasizing that it should not be misinterpreted through a political lens.

“I have just returned from the Vatican, and it was a deeply solemn and reflective visit,” Obi said. “My participation in the inauguration ceremony was consistent with my past attendance at similar official and religious events across the world. This was no exception.”

He stressed that the event was not political and urged that it remain so. “Some moments are best reserved for quiet contemplation,” he added.

Obi clarified that he did not attend the Papal Audience or meet with Pope Francis, noting that such meetings were designated for heads of state and accredited diplomats.

He instead urged Nigerians to focus on the Pope’s message, particularly his call for unity, the fight against poverty, and the need to rise above ethnic, political, and religious divisions.

“What should truly command our attention is the moral force contained in the Pope’s homily,” Obi stated. “The fight against corruption is the essential first step toward building societies where resources are directed to what truly matters — education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure.”

Obi called on leaders to embrace the Pope’s message and commit to building a more just, compassionate, and prosperous Nigeria.

His statement followed a brief encounter on Sunday during the Vatican event, where he was seen alongside President Bola Tinubu and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. The moment, captured and shared online by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, sparked significant social media interest.

President Bola Tinubu has intensified Nigeria’s fight against terrorism with the launch of a nationwide Armed Forest Guard initiative, targeting criminal hideouts across the country’s 1,129 forest zones.

The security strategy, announced Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, involves the recruitment, training, and deployment of a specialized forest security force under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Describing the move as a bold step to reclaim Nigeria’s forestlands from non-state actors, Dare revealed via his verified X handle that the initiative will engage thousands of Nigerian youths, serving the dual purpose of enhancing security and curbing unemployment.

“The President directed that the forest guards be well-trained and armed to flush out terrorists and criminal gangs hiding in the forests,” Dare said. Recruitment, he added, will be a joint effort between federal and state governments.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his resolve to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, declaring: “No inch of Nigerian territory will be surrendered to criminals.”

Senate Urges Swift Assent to Forest Security Bill

Meanwhile, the Senate has called on President Tinubu to urgently sign the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, recently passed by the National Assembly.

During plenary on Thursday, lawmakers expressed grave concern over worsening insecurity in rural and forested regions, citing the recent abduction of Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Kogi State, and deadly attacks in Benue’s Apa Local Government Area.

Senator Abba Moro urged that the Forest Security Bill be harmonized with the newly approved Forest Guard framework, warning that failing to act swiftly could leave rural communities vulnerable.

Northern Youths Demand Political Neutrality

Reacting to the development, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) praised the initiative but urged the government to shield the recruitment process from political interference.

“The success of this program depends on transparency and the inclusion of locals familiar with the terrain,” said NCYP Chairman Isaac Abrak. He emphasized the importance of involving traditional leaders and security agencies in the vetting process to prevent political hijacking or infiltration by questionable characters.

Arewa Think Tank: Tinubu Proves He’s in Charge

The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) described the President’s move as “unprecedented and visionary.” ATT convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu commended Tinubu’s “hands-on leadership” and called on state governors to support the initiative.

“This is a turning point in the fight against terrorism,” Yakubu said. “We finally have a President who listens to the people and acts decisively.”

Bauchi Governor Declares War on Bandits

In a show of solidarity and defiance, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed vowed to personally confront bandits terrorizing rural areas of the state.

During a condolence visit to Duguri in Alkaleri LGA following a deadly bandit attack that claimed over 20 vigilantes’ lives, the governor announced the immediate recruitment of 2,100 state-backed vigilantes.

“I am ready to remove my Babban Riga and fight these bandits in the forest,” he declared, citing his ancestral title, “Kaura of Bauchi.”

Governor Mohammed also pledged financial support to the families of the victims—N5 million for each slain vigilante and N3 million for each civilian casualty—alongside a N10 million donation to the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria.

Calling for a crackdown on informants assisting bandits, he warned traditional leaders to expose collaborators within their communities.

He concluded by announcing that the Office of the National Security Adviser had committed to boosting federal support for security operations in Bauchi State.

Together, these coordinated efforts mark a significant escalation in Nigeria’s battle against rural insecurity and a pivot toward homegrown, community-based defense mechanisms.

Tension flared at the Lagos seaport on Thursday as members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) staged a protest over what they described as an attempt to impose a new leader ahead of the union’s upcoming elections.

The demonstration, which disrupted port operations and business activities, stemmed from dissatisfaction with a recently released list of candidates for the union’s elections, expected to take place soon.

Speaking anonymously, a union insider told reporters that the protesting workers, particularly those under the Dockworkers Branch, were angered by the perceived sidelining of their branch in the allocation of elective positions—contrary to what they say is stipulated in Rule 14a governing the election process.

The main source of discontent was the reported emergence of a candidate from the ENL Terminal chapter at Apapa Port, whose campaign for the branch presidency sparked outrage among members. Workers from the Tin Can Chapter argued that, based on a long-standing rotational agreement meant to ensure balance and industrial harmony, the next union president should come from their chapter.

“The current president is from the ENL chapter, and with his term ending, it was expected that the leadership would rotate to Tin Can, as it has always done in the spirit of fairness,” the source said.

The sudden appearance of campaign posters supporting the ENL candidate only intensified frustrations, reviving concerns over past domination by a single zone. The protests quickly spread across key port areas, raising concerns about further disruption to maritime activities if the dispute is not resolved.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation and deployment of a fully armed forest guard corps to flush out criminal elements from Nigeria’s forest regions and restore government control across ungoverned areas.

The new initiative, announced Wednesday night by Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, is aimed at dislodging terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal groups from the country’s 1,129 identified forest zones—many of which have served as operational bases for violent non-state actors.

Dare, via his verified X account @SundayDareSD, revealed that the forest guards will be professionally trained, equipped with arms, and jointly recruited by both federal and state governments.

Coordination of the programme will be handled by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment as part of a broader, multi-agency security and environmental protection strategy.

“The President has directed that the forest guards be well trained and armed to eliminate terrorists and criminal gangs from our forests,” Dare stated. “Recruitment will be a joint exercise between federal and state governments, with ONSA and the Environment Ministry ensuring full implementation.”

Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be employed under the programme, which is also seen as part of the administration’s broader efforts to reduce unemployment and restore peace in rural and semi-urban communities.

Reaffirming his commitment to national sovereignty and security, President Tinubu emphasized: “No inch of Nigerian territory will be surrendered to criminals.”

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Mali’s democratic journey and strengthening bilateral ties, stating that unity among West African nations is essential for regional success.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the presentation of credentials by Mali’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, Tinubu emphasized the importance of cooperation within the region.

“We must reinforce our bilateral relationship. Nigeria is ready to support Mali’s democratic transition in any way possible,” Tinubu said. “I see Mali as a brother. We are stronger together in West Africa. No country can stand alone. You are welcome here—consider Nigeria your second home.”

The President made these remarks as part of a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Ambassador Coulibaly conveyed greetings from Malian leader, General Assimi Goita, and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s consistent leadership in the region.

“The President of Mali asked me to deliver his fraternal greetings and thank Nigeria for its unwavering support,” he said, highlighting Nigeria’s role in peacekeeping missions and African solidarity. “He reminded me that I was being posted to Africa’s largest country, and though the task would be challenging, he encouraged me to find solutions through diplomacy.”

President Tinubu also received letters of credence from five other diplomats: Ambassador Bengt Van Loosdrecht (Netherlands), High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele (Tanzania), Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Ambassador Andrey Podelyshev (Russia), and Ambassador Patrick Egloff (Switzerland).

Welcoming the Tanzanian envoy, Tinubu praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration.

“No country can do it alone. We must share knowledge and technical expertise,” he said.

The Tanzanian High Commissioner noted Nigeria’s growing economic footprint in Tanzania, citing investments by the Dangote Group, UBA, GTB, and Sahara Energy. He also highlighted cultural collaboration through the film and sports sectors.

During talks with the Russian ambassador, Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding technical ties with Russia and called for expanded cooperation in steel production, science, education, and nuclear energy.

“The Ajaokuta Steel Complex, built by Russian companies, holds immense potential. We must work together to make it fully operational,” Tinubu stated.

Ambassador Podelyshev expressed Russia’s commitment to strengthening ties, particularly in nuclear energy and education.

In his meeting with the Swiss envoy, Tinubu assured that Nigeria is committed to regulatory reforms that promote a more business-friendly environment.

“We will address any legal hurdles that may obstruct economic relations,” he promised.

Ambassador Egloff commended Swiss investment growth in Nigeria, referencing expansions by Nestlé and Lafarge in key Nigerian states, and ongoing collaboration in security and intelligence.

Tinubu also welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s envoy, thanking him for the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. The Bosnian ambassador extended an invitation for Tinubu to visit and witness his country’s progress firsthand.