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SMBLF Calls on Tinubu to Sack NSA, Defence Ministers Over Regional Imbalance
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence, citing concerns over regional imbalance in the country’s security leadership.
In a communiqué issued after its meeting held on November 1, 2025, and released to journalists in Kaduna, the forum acknowledged the president’s recent reshuffle of the Service Chiefs but called for the reform to be extended to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Ministry of Defence.
The communiqué, signed by HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu (Middle Belt Forum), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo), and Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF), stated that all the current holders of these key defence positions come from one section of the country.
The forum emphasized that a broader and more inclusive security architecture would ensure national balance and enhance public trust. “We urge the President to extend this reform to the ONSA, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence, all of whom are presently from one section of the country,” the communiqué stated.
SMBLF also expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s past designation by the United States as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution, describing it as a wake-up call for the federal government to act decisively against militias, killer herdsmen, and terrorist groups across affected states.
The leaders urged the federal government to reclaim lands seized by armed groups and restore them to their rightful owners across Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Southern Borno, Southern Kebbi, and other parts of the country.
On the issue of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, SMBLF reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s unity and coexistence while urging President Tinubu to consider his release as a national reconciliatory gesture. “Without prejudice to his ongoing trial, we reiterate our call that the President, as father of the nation, adopts a nationalist approach and empowers the Attorney-General to set in motion the necessary constitutional machinery to effect Kanu’s release,” the communiqué read.
The forum further resolved that its 2021 decision—insisting that Nigeria’s presidency should rotate to the South—remains applicable to the 2027 general elections. “We enjoin all political parties and actors to respect this established national political culture,” it added.
November 5, 2025
CDHR Condemns Police Clampdown, Demands Unconditional Release of Nnamdi Kanu Protesters
By Jabiru Hassan
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the disruption of a peaceful protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore in Abuja, describing the police response as an abuse of power and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the rights group said the protest, which was organized to demand the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, was a constitutionally guaranteed peaceful assembly. The group criticized the use of tear gas and force by officers of the Nigerian Police, calling it “unnecessary, excessive, and utterly condemnable.”
“The protest was peaceful, and the deployment of tear gas and force against unarmed civilians represents a gross violation of their fundamental rights,” CDHR said. “Freedom of assembly and expression are inalienable human rights enshrined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
The organization maintained that the government cannot criminalize citizens for peacefully expressing dissent or dissatisfaction with government policies, actions, or inactions.
“It is oppressive and undemocratic to subject individuals to inhumane treatment for exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” the statement added. “Such actions constitute a direct assault on the sensibilities of Nigerians and undermine the very foundation of democracy.”
CDHR further stated that the use of state security agencies to suppress legitimate grievances only deepens public resentment and could lead to greater unrest in the future.
“We are particularly alarmed by the arrest of several protesters in Abuja. We demand the **immediate and unconditional release** of all individuals detained for participating in the peaceful protest,” the group declared.
Describing the arrests as “a blatant attempt to criminalize dissent,” the human rights body warned that continued efforts by the government to silence opposition voices could have grave consequences for Nigeria’s peace and stability.
“The government’s attempt to suppress dissent will only breed anger and frustration among citizens, potentially leading to widespread instability,” the group cautioned.
The CDHR reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation to ensure that victims of rights violations receive justice.
“We will continue to hold authorities accountable and ensure that those whose rights have been trampled upon in this and other protests get the justice they deserve,” the statement concluded.
October 21, 2025
Ex-ACF Scribe Warns FG Against Bowing to Pressure Over Nnamdi Kanu
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Elder Anthony Sani, has cautioned the Federal Government against succumbing to pressure for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sani, in a statement on Thursday, said the government must allow the judicial process to run its full course in order to protect the integrity of the country’s justice system and uphold the rule of law.
“Those who clamour for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu ignore the issues at stake. Mr. Kanu is being charged for grievous offences of terrorism and secession, which he denies,” he stated.
He added that releasing Kanu prematurely would leave Nigerians uncertain about whether such offences contravene Nigerian law.
Sani emphasized that national interest requires the judicial process to be concluded before any political or executive intervention is considered.
“It is therefore better for the law to take its course, after which the government can decide what to do in the larger interest of the rule of law and national unity,” he said.
October 17, 2025
South East Govs Dissociate Nnamdi Kanu From Insecurity In The Region
Governors of the five South East states have commended the efforts of the security agencies in ensuring the return of peace in the region, stressing that normalcy was being incrementally restored as a result of the cooperation of the security agencies with the governments and people of the zone.
The governors disclosed this on Thursday, August 10, in a communiqué read by the Imo State Governor and Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, shortly after the South East Governors’ Forum meeting held at the Enugu State Government House.
The meeting, which was attended by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, also reiterated the commitment of the Forum to forging a common socio-economic and security cooperation through a summit to be announced at a later date.
The Forum further declared that the perpetrators of insecurity and their sponsors in the region were mere criminals, who should not be dignified as legitimate agitators, but dealt with in line with the provisions of the law.
Also fielding questions from newsmen, Uzodimma, while dissociating the unrest in the region from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom he said had since disowned the enforcers of sit-at-home and perpetrators of other crimes who were using his name to commit crime, said the governors of the region would continue to do everything within their powers to sustain the increasing peace and security presently being enjoyed by the South East.
The communique in part reads
“The Forum firmly resolved to fight insecurity decisively in the region individually and collectively, in partnership with the Federal Government and other Stakeholders. We commend the security agencies for their cooperation thus far and encourage them not to relent.
We wish to state categorically that the perpetrators of the insecurity in our region and their sponsors are criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators. Therefore, upon arrest, they should be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.
The Forum resolved to hold the security and economic summit on a date to be announced soon”.
August 11, 2023
Nnamdi Kanu Meets With Personal Doctors Outside DSS Facility
Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu has met with his personal physicians in an Abuja hospital outside the facility of the Department of State Services.
This was confirmed by his lead counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor. Kanu’s lawyer said in a statement;
“Sequel to our avowed assurance to always keep Ezigbo UmuChineke abreast of pertinent happenings especially with Onyendu’s health status, welfare and update on his legal matters, we are pleased to inform you that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu met with his choice personal physician yesterday in a hospital in Abuja, outside the facility of the State Security Service (SSS).
“As was part of the protocol, I witnessed the consultation. The medical examination was seamless and productive, and he will be progressing to the next stage soon.
“As the entire world has always been informed, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has consistently made his position on the infamous sit-at-home known, and his directive is that this must be stopped.
“Onyendu’s legal team, under the able leadership of Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been the lone voice conveying this important message on all media platforms available to us, as well as condemning in unequivocal terms, the heinous criminal activities of the serial fraudster in Finland.
“To this end, we urge all Ezigbo UmuChineke and indeed, the members of the public to respect and carry out the wishes of Onyendu and accordingly, desist from any further engagement with those whose primary intention is to ensure that Onyendu is kept in perpetual captivity, and consequently, destroy the entire Southeast through unauthorized sit-at-home and its enforcement.
“Interestingly, the bad news for these enemies of our people is that they have failed and failed woefully, and the long arm of the law will surely catch up with them.”
July 31, 2023
Nnamdi Kanu Orders For An Of End Sit-At-Home In S/East
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has directed Finland-based Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa to end all sit-at-home in the Southeast.
Kanu also directed Ekpa to stop antagonising governors of the southeast or politicians from the region.
He warned that anyone enforcing sit-at-home in the southeast is not his disciple and should be made to face the wrath of the law.
The IPOB leader issued the directive in a message to Ekpa, which was made public on Friday by his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor.
Addressing journalists in Enugu, Ejimakor quoted Kanu as saying: “Simon, this is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling for any sit-at-home henceforth. Equally, refrain from antagonising governors or persons in political positions because you are not in a position to know what they are doing on my behalf.
“I am ordering you to make a public announcement to the effect that you are in receipt of a direct order from me to cancel any pending sit-at-home in place at the moment.
“I embarked on this movement to liberate our people, not to enslave them. I despise and will despise any person or entity that wishes to inflict unnecessary hardship on our people. I have authorised Aloy to issue a press statement if you fail to make this announcement on your platform.
“Anybody still engaging in sit-at-home is not my disciple. Haters of Biafra and mindless murderers in uniform are hiding under the cover of combating enforcers of Sit-at-Home to unleash mayhem against the same people we swore to defend.
“I have sent countless messages to those purportedly enforcing sit-at-home that they are not doing so in my name. I am not begging anybody to release me, just that Nigeria should have the decency to obey their own laws.”
July 28, 2023
Naira to Dollar Black Market Rate on 25th July 2023
By Daniel Edu
Today, 25th July 2023, the Dollar to Naira exchange rate in the black market, also known as the parallel market (Aboki fx), stands as follows:
– Buying Rate: N860
– Selling Rate: N870
If you plan to exchange your dollar for Naira, these are the prevailing rates. However, please keep in mind that prices may vary from those mentioned in this report.
It’s essential to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market) and advises individuals seeking to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
South East Suffers Estimated N7.6 Trillion Loss in Productivity and Investments in Two Years Due to Sit-At-Home Protests
Over the course of two years, the Southeast region of Nigeria has reportedly incurred an estimated loss of N7.6 trillion in productivity, potential investments, and casualties as a result of the weekly sit-at-home exercises practiced on Mondays.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) initiated these sit-at-home protests in 2021 to protest the detention of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Since then, these exercises have been observed almost every Monday in the region.
As of the upcoming 9th of August, the sit-at-home protest would have been ongoing for two years, during which 105 out of 520 working days have been lost in terms of productivity and economic activity.
Furthermore, out of the remaining 415 days that were expected to be utilized for work, various holidays have also been declared, further affecting economic output.
According to an investigation conducted by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and published in May of this year, the region’s economy has suffered a staggering loss of N5.375 trillion by businesses between August 9, 2021, and December 19, 2022, specifically due to the sit-at-home protests.
July 25, 2023
Ohanaeze advises Tinubu on silencing Simon Ekpa in South-Eastern region
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Provides Solution to Simon Ekpa’s Activities in South-East, Urges Tinubu to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
In response to the activities of Simon Ekpa, who is based in Finland, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has advised President Bola Tinubu on a potential solution in the South-East region.
According to Alex Ogbonnia, the spokesperson for Ohanaeze, the key to silencing Ekpa is the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja. Ogbonnia argued that Kanu’s release would help alleviate the tension in the South-East, as Ekpa and others would no longer have a basis for their statements. He stated, “Once Kanu is released, individuals like Simon Ekpa would have nothing more to say. No one can exploit Nnamdi Kanu as a justification for instigating chaos in the country.”
Ogbonnia emphasized that Kanu’s arrest, along with social inequality in the region, has fueled the agitation in the South-East. He further asserted that if Kanu is set free, Ekpa would lose his justification for causing unrest in the region.
“We have consistently advocated for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. We believe that the issues surrounding his arrest have contributed to the ongoing agitation. The current situation in the South-East is a consequence of the social injustices suffered by the region,” Ogbonnia explained.
He also emphasized that resolving the Nnamdi Kanu issue requires a diplomatic and political approach, rather than merely subjecting him to legal proceedings, imprisonment, or further confinement. Such actions, Ogbonnia cautioned, would only intensify the clamor and exacerbate the situation.
July 17, 2023
Simon Ekpa announces IPOB’s intention to enforce a two-week sit-at-home protest in Lagos.
Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has revealed plans to implement a sit-at-home protest in Lagos State, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
In a late Wednesday night tweet, Ekpa stated that after the two-week-long sit-at-home protest in the South-east, IPOB would proceed to Lagos.
He said, “Biafrans in Lagos should prepare themselves to join the demand for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We will be coming to Lagos after the two-week sit-at-home period.”
“Now is the time to demonstrate your solidarity with this call for justice. Biafrans in Lagos will observe a lockdown. Consultations will commence shortly.”On Tuesday, Simon Ekpa declared a two-week sit-at-home protest in the South East region. The aim of this protest is to demand the immediate and unconditional release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently being held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement, Ekpa, representing the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile (BRGIE) and Biafra De Facto Government In Homeland, stated that the sit-at-home protest will take place from July 31, 2023, to August 14, 2023. He emphasized that this protest is a precursor to Biafra’s self-referendum and serves to demonstrate that Biafrans are taking charge of their own future.
The purpose of the sit-at-home protest is also to challenge the legitimacy of those who claim to represent Nigeria within Biafran territory.
Interestingly, this announcement came shortly after a closed-door meeting among South East political leaders who were seeking a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the security situation in the region.
July 13, 2023
Kanu’s Release Is Central To Peace In South East – Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the Federal Government to free the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying that his release would be central to the peace in the South East region.
The IPOB leader was arrested in Kenya and renditioned to Nigeria by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari for treason.
President of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, made the appeal at the inauguration of the women and youth wing of the group in Abuja on Monday, June 26.
The Sun reports that he said that not even the appointment of 100 service chiefs from the region by President Bola Tinubu would bring peace and security to the South East, like obeying the court judgment freeing Kanu from DSS detention in Abuja.
“If you ask me, my advice to Mr President is that what the South East needs is security. Even if you appoint 100 service chiefs without the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, you will not have peace.
His release is central and fundamental to peace mechanism in Igbo land. Without releasing Nnamdi Kanu there is not much the service chiefs can do. Because of leadership vacuum created over time people believe much in Nnamdi Kanu. We are pleading with the Federal Government to obey court judgment. 18-man panel unanimously of the Court of Appeal unanimously discharged and acquitted Mr Nnamdi Kanu. So, we are asking that this very government should obey the order. The moment Nnamdi Kanu is released there will be peace in Igbo land. And the Igbo will have that sense of belonging because Nnamdi Kanu is a freedom fighter. He hasn’t committed any criminal offence,” Iwuanyanwu, represented by the Secretary of Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, Prof. Charles Nwekeadu, said
June 27, 2023