Nigeria: Obi-Kwankwaso alliance faces northern resistance, VIO powers debated, and other top stories
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Discussions continue regarding a potential alliance between former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for the 2027 elections, with reports indicating resistance from some northern political stakeholders who question its viability and power-sharing arrangements. Separately, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Joe Igbokwe, alleged that a recent mob incident in Lagos was politically motivated, fueling discussions about rising political tensions. Motorists and transport operators are debating the implications of a Court of Appeal judgment that upheld an earlier ruling stating Vehicle Inspection Officers in the Federal Capital Territory lack legal authority to stop, impound, or fine motorists. However, the Lagos State Government clarified that this ruling does not automatically apply to Lagos due to its own transport laws. Additionally, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is under scrutiny following the death of a 16-year-old suspect, and bandits have demanded the release of three detained fighters and seized livestock for the freedom of abducted former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar retd, and his wife.
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The Nigeria Police Force announced that two members of a kidnapping syndicate were killed during a confrontation on Saturday while rescuing relatives of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. Police operatives rescued Adelabu’s younger sister, Olaide John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, during a late-night operation on Saturday. The operation was carried out at about 7:30 pm by the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team in Ibadan, three days after the family was abducted during a school run. The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, confirmed the criminals were neutralized after attempting to engage the tactical team. Two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded, and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are receiving medical care. The Inspector-General of Police praised the FID-IRT operatives. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate, as some suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries. John-Paul and her children were abducted on June 3 in Ibadan, Oyo State, while on their way to school.
Must ReadBoko Haram terrorists have released 416 captives, including women and children, who were abducted from Ngoshe in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the release, stating it occurred on June 6. BOSYA has been in communication with the press and acted as an intermediary between the terrorist group and the victims since the abductions were reported on April 10. Kaigama expressed gratitude for the successful release, attributing it to their persistent efforts and discussions. He urged the Federal Government, Borno State Government, and local authorities to ensure proper screening of the released individuals. Attempts to reach the state Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, for comment were unsuccessful. The abduction followed a March 4 attack on a military base in Ngoshe, where Boko Haram reportedly burned vehicles, dispersed security forces, killed an unspecified number of people, and abducted others.
Pastor Samuel Oladele, President of the Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, has stated that Nigerian leaders have failed to deliver on their electoral promises. Speaking through Pastor Emmanuel Mapur, Secretary General of the CAC, Nigeria and Overseas, Oladele expressed concern that political office-holders have not provided a good life, security, power supply, or healthcare facilities as promised in their manifestos. He highlighted the current economic hardship, citing the high cost of fuel, and urged the President to address the situation promptly, suggesting a state of emergency on security and other national issues. The CAC president noted that the Church, along with the Christian Association of Nigeria, is unhappy with the current state of affairs, including kidnappings and killings, and has declared a three-day period of fasting and prayers from June 12 to June 14 to mourn the situation. He also called on Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure the safe return of abducted pupils and teachers. These remarks were made during the send-off for the immediate-past Financial Director of the Church, Pastor Johnson Omitinde, whom Oladele praised for his consistent character and valuable contributions. Omitinde, reflecting on his over 30 years of service, expressed gratitude and advised the younger generation to embrace hard work, honesty, perseverance, discipline, and contentment.