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Middle Belt group backs Akeredolu, advise FG against arresting Igboho

The people of the Middle belt in Nigeria have thrown their weight behind vacation order handed down to Fulani herdsmen by Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, saying Ondo forest must.be free of bandits and kidnappers.

The group which operates under the aegis of Middle Belt Forum (MBF) in a statement on Sunday in Abuja and signed by its National President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus also warned the Federal Government against the planned arrest of Sunday Igboho over ultimatum issued Fulani herdsmen.

The middle belt people who have been experiencing endless Fulani herders’ attacks speaking through the forum, advised the Presidency and the Police to assist in flushing out criminals rather.
The group said there was tension all over the places occasioned by insecurity which obviously was traceable to Fulani herders, and as a result, government should look for for a way to tackle it rather than creating dreadful uncertainties for the nation’s future on account of arresting the Yoruba Youth activist.
“In this modern age noted for global best practices, the adoption of the policy of ranching has become an urgent and irrevocable option.
The statement pointed out that any attempt to arrest Mr. Sunday Igboho would escalate crisis that could be difficult to manage.
“As the umbrella organisation representing ethnic nationalities in the Middle Belt region, the MBF is in total support of ridding Ondo State of bandits and criminal elements as contained in the ultimatum handed down on criminal herders by the governor.
“We call on the Federal Government and other state governors to work in partnership and end the terror perpetrated by these bandits whose occupation of the country’s forest reserves have become present and future dangers to Nigeria as a nation.
He said the storm of reactions over the quit notice issued by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to criminal herders to either vacate the state forest reserves or face the full wrath of the law is amazing.
“We are also worried at the turn of events in the South-west and the order issued by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, for the arrest of Mr Sunday Adeyemo, AKA Igboho, over his alleged role in the violence that took place at the weekend in Oyo state.
“While we welcome the bold decision by the governor to protect lives and property of citizens threatened by the activities of bandits that have now found safe havens in forests, we are completely opposed to any action by the Federal Government to escalate the ongoing tension as demonstrated by the arrest order on Igboho.”
Bitrus observed that, as the Chief Security Officer of Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu is rightly entitled to protect citizens that are now under constant siege by criminal elements.
“For those who insist that the quit order on criminal herders amounts to infringing the citizenship rights of Fulani, the Forum wishes to reiterate that Akeredolu’s quit order is to unregistered herders occupying the forests and involved in kidnappings and banditry.
“The MBF wishes to state that it is unacceptable for the Federal Government to interfere in the genuine efforts deployed by Governor Akeredolu to end the ceaseless abductions of peaceful citizens for ransom.”
He deplored the role of the Federal Government in defending criminals whose major preoccupation is unleashing violence and terror on peaceful communities.
“What the Federal Government should do now is to assist Akeredolu and other state governors to flush out these criminals and end the culture of lawlessness ripping across not only Ondo, but also other states where these outlaws have turned our nation’s forest reserves into safe harbors for their crimes.
“The Forum recalls that in the height of grisly killings and devastations that trailed many communities in Benue state, President Buhari had called on the people to return home and learn to live with their neighbours in peace.
“When neighbours decide to turn themselves into agents of terror on their fellow neighbours who are peace-loving, then, such neighbours are no longer neighbours but outlaws that must be arrested and be made to face the law.
Bitrus indicated that the only way to end the vicious assaults by the bandits is to completely flush them out of the nation’s forest reserves.
“We cannot continue to play the ostrich as Nigerian communities continue to suffer bloodshed due to increasing waves of vicious and unprovoked attacks on defenceless citizens by these vicious brigands.
“With many states, especially in the Middle Belt Region, now under the menace of these outlaws, we call for both the Federal Government and the states to adopt the policy of ranching as means of ending the security challenges posed by these criminal herders.”

News
NUJ at 70: Governor Ododo pledges support for independent, free press

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulates the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and media independence.

Governor Ododo commended the NUJ for its remarkable contributions to democracy, good governance, and national development over the past seven decades.

He described the media as a critical pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.
“For seventy years, the NUJ has been at the forefront of promoting responsible journalism, defending press freedom, and shaping public discourse. A free and independent press is the foundation of a thriving democracy, and my administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where journalists can operate without fear or intimidation,” he stated.
The governor acknowledged the resilience and dedication of journalists in delivering credible information despite challenges.
He emphasized the need for media professionals to uphold the ethics of journalism, combat misinformation, and embrace technological advancements and innovation to enhance their professional excellence.
Governor Ododo also assured media practitioners in Kogi State of his government’s continued support in strengthening the press as a force for positive change.
He called on the NUJ to remain steadfast in its mission to uphold journalistic integrity and professionalism.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I commend the leadership and members of the NUJ for their steadfast commitment to truth and accountability. I am confident that the union will continue to set high standards in journalism, contributing to the progress of our great nation,” he added.
He wished the union continued success in its pursuit of a free, independent, and responsible press.

News
BREAKING: Rivers House of Assembly serves Governor Fubara impeachment notice, alleges misconduct

After a long legal battle between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and 27 State House of Assembly legislators loyal to the former governor, Nyesom Wike which was fought up to the Supreme Court in favour of lawmakers, a notice of impeachment has been served on the Governor on Monday in Portharcourt,

The notice a copy of which was obtained by CAPITAL POST alleged gross misconduct against Governor and his Depuy, Ngozi Odu, thereby escalating fresh crisis in the oil rich city.

The alleged infraction if proved is constitutionally strong to orchestrate impeachment which has been the focus of the lawmakers since they won at the Supreme Court and were back to sitting in the State parliament as all entreaties by the governor was rebuffed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.
In the heat of post Supreme Court crisis, the political godfather of the 27 lawmakers, Nyesom Wike who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said he will not put a stumbling block to the Assembly members if they chose to do their work.
In the long drawn battle, allies of Nyesom Wike insisted that the governor has 80% gone out of the office, hence, Monday’s letter only goes to show the Assembly’s resolution to remove governor Fubara out of office. This is despite Fubara’s effort to present the 2025 budget of Rivers State to the Assembly after he was put under pressure to do by the lawmakers.
The notice, submitted to the Speaker through the Clerk of the Assembly, cites reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds among other allegations, that will put the governor under tight corner of not being able to defend the allegations.
Reacting, some political figures have called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment, others, including the Ijaw National Congress, have warned against such actions, citing potential instability in the region.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is suspecting President Bola Tinubu’s support to lawmakers impeaching Fubara, saying, the plot would not be possible without getting green light from the presidency.
The impeachment process involves several legal steps, including the formation of a Committee to investigate the allegations. If found guilty, Fubara and his deputy could face removal from office.
The situation remains volatile, with governance in the state effectively stalled due to the political impasse.
Read Full Details Here: https://nujfct.ng/breaking-rivers-state-house-of-assembly-serves-impeachment-notice-on-governor-Fubara-and-deputy

News
Natasha uncovers arrest plot after reported Akpabio to IPU in New York

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has uncovered plot by security agents to arrest her upon arrival to Nigeria from Interparliamentary Union, IPU where she reported alleged sexual harassment against Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District was suspended for six months for flouting the purported Senate Rules and Order, after which she claimed sexual harassment and proceeded to the IPU.

She revealed that she faces arrest by Nigerian government as Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria, claiming that the planned arrest was like ked to her participation in the IPU meeting in New York on March 11, 2025
On Sunday the Kogi female Senator was quoted as saying
that she was aware of plots.
“I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja,” Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is still in the US after the IPU meeting, said.
Though she didn’t disclose details of the planned arrest by 2hich of the security agencies, her participation has however considered an embarrassement to the Nigerian government and since her appearance at IPU on March 11, 2025, things were no longer at ease within the government circles.
A source within security domain confirmed that a probe has been launched into Natasha’s participation at IPU.

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