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Group Condemns Unverified Interior Minister Certificate Allegations, Demands Public Apology
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
A civil society advocate, Ukwunetu Samuel Ali, has condemned what he described as unverified Interior Minister certificate allegations, calling for an immediate retraction and public apology from the Centre for Leadership Legacy International (Centre LL). Ali made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja, reacting to a publication alleging a certificate discrepancy involving Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. He described the claims as baseless, reckless, and damaging to public trust.According to Ali, the report, which was circulated by an online platform, lacks credible evidence and fails to follow due process. He said the allegations not only harm the minister’s reputation but also cast doubt on the integrity of state institutions responsible for vetting public officials.
Ali stressed that the Interior Minister underwent constitutionally mandated screening before assuming office. He noted that the process involved security checks by the Department of State Services (DSS) and confirmation hearings conducted by the National Assembly. “It must be clearly stated that the Honourable Minister of Interior was subjected to rigorous screening and vetting processes before assumption of office,” Ali said. “These included exhaustive background checks, credential verification, and confirmation by the National Assembly before he was sworn in by the President.”
He argued that raising unverified Interior Minister certificate allegations undermines confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly the DSS and the legislature, whose statutory responsibility includes screening and confirmation of ministerial nominees.Ali called on Centre LL to immediately retract the publication and issue a public apology to the minister and the institutions affected. He also urged Nigerians to disregard the report, describing it as misleading and unprofessional.“We strongly condemn, in the clearest terms, the publication credited to the Centre for Leadership Legacy International alleging a purported certificate discrepancy against the Honourable Minister of Interior,” he said. “It is unacceptable for any organisation to make such grave claims without lawful verification or engagement with constitutionally empowered authorities.”
He further appealed to the DSS to take note of the development, warning that the spread of unfounded allegations could erode public confidence in national security institutions if left unchecked.According to Ali, allowing such narratives to gain traction risks damaging the reputation of other cabinet members who have passed through similar screening and confirmation processes.He also suggested that the allegations may be politically motivated and intended to distract the minister from ongoing reforms in internal security, correctional services, border management, and public safety.“
Nigeria’s democracy requires responsible journalism and ethical advocacy, not sensational narratives that weaken governance and national cohesion,” Ali stated.He emphasized that fairness, due process, and institutional respect must guide public discourse, especially when addressing issues involving senior public officials.“The Honourable Minister of Interior deserves fairness and respect, just as Nigeria’s democratic institutions deserve protection from irresponsible and damaging allegations,” he added.The statement concludes with a renewed call for professionalism in public commentary and adherence to verified facts in reporting matters of national importance.
December 25, 2025
Former Ambassador Tarzoor Alleges Plot to Destabilize Governor Alia’s Administration in Benue
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia and ex-Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Terhemen Tarzoor, has alleged that a coordinated plan by some Benue politicians is underway to destabilize the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tarzoor made the disclosure during a world press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) House in Makurdi, where he accused certain political figures of plotting to discredit the state government through propaganda, protests, and blackmail.
According to him, credible intelligence revealed that the group has allegedly mobilized about N2 billion to finance a campaign aimed at making the state “ungovernable.” He claimed the plan is expected to take effect from December 1, 2025, with two serving members of the National Assembly reportedly appointed as spokespersons for the group.
“The agents of darkness are at it again,” Tarzoor said. “However, the hand of Almighty God has continued to expose them and their evil machinations. We have just uncovered a well-orchestrated plot by some politicians of Benue extraction to destabilize the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.”
He alleged that the group’s strategy includes launching false allegations of financial impropriety, undermining state government projects, and mobilizing youths for violent protests in key cities such as Makurdi and Gboko to damage the governor’s popularity.
Tarzoor further warned that such actions threaten peace and development in Benue State, urging residents to remain vigilant and resist being used for political purposes.
He praised Governor Alia’s leadership, describing it as “focused and people-centered,” and called for unity among political stakeholders to support ongoing developmental efforts rather than sabotage them.
While the identities of those allegedly involved were not disclosed, Tarzoor expressed confidence that security agencies would act on the intelligence to prevent any attempt to destabilize the state.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Benue State Government or the alleged politicians regarding the ambassador’s claims.
November 12, 2025
Renewed Hope Advocates Urge Tinubu to Call Plateau APC, Prof. Nentawe to Order
By Israel Adamu, Jos
A political group under the aegis of *Renewed Hope Advocates of Nigeria (RHAN)* has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what it described as the “growing political missteps” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State and to call the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to order.
The group made the call in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Prince Miaphen, and made available to journalists in Jos on Saturday.
Miaphen expressed concern over a recent stakeholders’ meeting held in Jos, where a motion was reportedly adopted to bar Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State from joining the APC. The meeting, chaired by Professor Yilwatda, also endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
According to RHAN, the decision to block Governor Mutfwang’s potential defection contradicted President Tinubu’s inclusive leadership style and the party’s broader national strategy.
“The same meeting that enthusiastically endorsed your second term bid paradoxically decided to block a sitting governor who could have been one of your strongest electoral assets in the North Central region,” the statement read. “This contradiction speaks volumes about the growing disconnect between the Plateau APC leadership and your strategic national vision.”
Miaphen argued that the APC’s strength under Tinubu’s administration has been built on “political inclusion and bridge-building,” citing examples of governors from Cross River, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom who have aligned with or shown strong support for the APC in recent years.
“It therefore defies logic that the National Chairman of the APC — whose foremost responsibility should be to expand the party’s reach — is instead shrinking its horizon in his own home state,” RHAN stated.
The group described Plateau as a politically strategic state with over 2.5 million registered voters, warning that alienating the sitting governor could have severe political consequences for the party in 2027.
“Rather than convening meetings to block Governor Mutfwang, Professor Nentawe should be holding strategic engagements to woo him and his supporters into the APC,” the statement added. “It makes little sense that the National Chairman’s own governor remains in the opposition.”
RHAN further recalled that during the 2023 elections, the APC lost Plateau State despite having a sitting governor, Simon Bako Lalong, as the Director-General of Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council. The group warned that internal disunity could once again undermine the President’s reelection prospects if not addressed promptly.
“It is widely believed that Professor Nentawe still harbours resentment over his 2023 governorship loss and may be positioning himself for another attempt in 2027,” the statement claimed. “If true, this raises questions about his objectivity and his commitment to the President’s success.”
Miaphen reaffirmed that Plateau people remain strong supporters of President Tinubu, recalling his interventions during crises and his appointment of several Plateau indigenes to key national positions.
“The least we can do in return is to ensure Plateau delivers massively for you in 2027,” RHAN declared. “But that will be impossible if internal saboteurs are allowed to weaponize party structures against genuine political expansion.”
The group therefore appealed to President Tinubu to “call Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and the Plateau APC caucus to order,” stressing that their recent actions do not reflect the President’s inclusive politics of unity and progress.
October 18, 2025
Plateau APC Endorses Tinubu for Second Term, Dismisses Mutfwang’s Alleged Defection Bid
By Israel Adamu, Jos
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State on Friday unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office and dismissed alleged plans by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect to the party.
The endorsement came during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, where former Acting Vice Chairman, Barrister Festus Fuanter, moved a motion to adopt President Tinubu as the APC’s “sole presidential candidate” for the 2027 general election. The motion was seconded by Alice Dimlong and unanimously approved by party members present.
Stakeholders at the meeting also accused Governor Mutfwang of “sitting on a stolen mandate” and vowed to prevent him from seeking re-election. They expressed confidence that the APC would reclaim Plateau State in the next electoral cycle.
The party further announced plans to officially welcome new members and returnees into its fold on October 30. A committee chaired by Elder Pam Gyang has been inaugurated to oversee the event and ensure smooth coordination.
In his remarks, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda praised the APC’s performance and growing appeal nationwide, describing it as a “party of strategy and results.” He noted that the party had fulfilled nearly half of its campaign promises to Nigerians.
“APC gives voice to everyone. People are joining because the party is healthy and vibrant. We’ll soon be receiving more notable figures, including governors and National Assembly members. Every week, APC will unveil world-class empowerment programmes. Let’s take advantage of them — the more, the merrier,” Yilwatda stated.
Also speaking, Senator Simon Lalong, Hon. Idris Wase, and Dame Pauline Tallen urged members to prioritize unity and collective progress within the party. Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State, called on all members to put aside internal divisions for the sake of party strength and electoral victory.
“Bury whatever faction you belong to and tear down barriers,” he advised. “Politics is local, and supporting the National Chairman and the party leadership will ensure our success.”
Plateau State APC Chairman, Rufus Bature, described the stakeholders’ meeting as a “strategic step toward internal cohesion and renewed focus.” He encouraged members to work diligently to justify the trust President Tinubu has placed in the Plateau chapter of the party.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by party leaders to expand grassroots mobilization efforts and strengthen the APC’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
October 18, 2025