The Kogi State Police Command has invited for identification and talks, with the organizers of a planned Youth protest scheduled to take place in Lokoja, the state capital, on April 27. The Command, which said it received credible intelligence regarding the planned protest, asked all individuals and groups intending to participate in the protest to report to the State Command Headquarters, Lokoja, “for proper identification and necessary engagement with the Police.” A statement by the spokesperson of the Command, ASP Afusat Oyiza Salau, acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression, but that such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law and in a manner that does not jeopardize public peace, safety and security. It said that the meeting will unveil the identity of the “genuine organizers and participants” and prevent the protest from being hijacked by criminal elements or persons with ulterior motives. The statement said that the meeting will also enable the Command to provide adequate security to ensure a peaceful and orderly exercise. “The organizers are required to furnish the Command with details of their intended plans, including the proposed route, duration and nature of the protest. This will assist in deploying adequate security to protect lives, property, and the rights of all citizens. “The Command wishes to reiterate that any protest that degenerates into violence, unlawful assembly, obstruction of public highways or any act capable of causing a breach of peace will not be tolerated and such actions will be dealt with in accordance with the law.” The Command advised all stakeholders to cooperate with the Police and maintain peace, even as it assured the general public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the State. It called on the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Police formation.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has announced that more than ₦250 million has been approved for the ward and state congresses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This was even as he called on party members to avoid divisions based on tribe, religion or ethnicity and to work together as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. “There must be harmony in decision-making processes in the sharing of elective and appointive positions to ensure balance and to give everyone a sense of belonging in the APC.” Profession Yilwatda spoke in Abuja today, April 15, while answering questions from journalists after meeting with party stakeholders. The meeting was held following disagreements linked to the ongoing APC congresses in the FCT. On the seeming tension between long-time members of the party in the FCT and new members who joined from the PDP, the APC Chairman called on the founding members not to leave the party because of pressure from defectors. He encouraged them to stay committed and protect the party. He advised that all groups in the party should be included through a system that promotes unity, tolerance and cooperation, stressing that everyone must work together for the success of the party in the next elections.
Iran’s new spiritual leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has said that he has overturned the rules set by his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the issue of nuclear weapons, and that equipping Iran with nuclear weapons is a matter of life and not a matter for negotiation. The global nuclear order is built on a contradiction so obvious it barely needs pointing out: a small group of states insists that nuclear weapons are essential for their security, while simultaneously declaring that the same weapons are intolerable for everyone else. That isn’t a principle—it’s hierarchy. Iran is treated as illegitimate for even approaching the threshold of nuclear capability, while other states operate under different rules entirely, shielded by alliances, political influence, or strategic silence. The result is not a universal standard of nonproliferation, but a selective one that reflects power more than morality. Israel’s widely acknowledged but officially unconfirmed nuclear arsenal sits at the center of this contradiction: never formally admitted, never subjected to the same framework of accountability applied to others, yet accepted as part of the regional balance. That asymmetry defines the system more than any treaty does. So the question is not just about Iran. It is about whether “rules” in the international system are actually rules at all—or simply tools applied unevenly depending on who is strong enough to avoid consequences. If nuclear weapons are truly unacceptable, then the standard must be universal. If they are acceptable as instruments of deterrence for some, then the logic for denying them to others is political, not moral. And until that contradiction is addressed, appeals to “nonproliferation” will continue to sound less like a principle—and more like enforcement of an unequal world order.
The National Chairman of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is implementing a historic and deliberate economic masterplan to transform Kano State into the foremost regional hub for commerce, manufacturing, logistics and transnational trade in Nigeria and across West Africa. Professor Yilwatda said that the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure and industrial investments across Kano and the wider Northern corridor are neither accidental nor isolated projects, but part of a coordinated strategy to restore Kano to its historic status as the economic heartbeat of Northern Nigeria and one of Africa’s most strategic inland commercial centres. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not merely developing Kano; he is redesigning the economic future of Northern Nigeria through Kano. His administration understands clearly that Kano is the natural commercial nerve centre of the North and the gateway between Nigeria and the wider West African hinterland.” In a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, his special adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, the National Chairman said that President Tinubu’s strategic economic vision is to make Kano the largest business and industrial hub in Nigeria after Lagos, while establishing it as the principal gateway for trade into the Sahel and Francophone West Africa. Professor Yilwatda highlighted several landmark infrastructure projects currently being executed by the Tinubu administration which are expected to transform Kano into a mega commercial city. According to him, the Federal Government is fast-tracking the completion of the Kaduna–Kano standard gauge railway, a critical project that will connect Kano directly to Abuja and Southern Nigeria through modern rail logistics, drastically reducing the cost and time of moving goods and passengers. The line is expected to be operational this year. The Kano–Maradi rail line will connect Kano to Niger Republic and the broader Sahel trade belt, opening vast export and import corridors into Francophone West Africa. This project will significantly expand Kano’s role as Nigeria’s principal inland export gateway. The Federal Government has targeted completion by 2026/2027. The recently approved Kano Metropolitan Rail Service will modernise transportation within Kano metropolis, decongest urban movement, improve logistics efficiency and support Kano’s emergence as a modern mega-city. The AKK Gas Pipeline will deliver industrial gas to Kano and the wider North, powering factories, industrial parks, fertiliser plants and gas-fired power generation, thereby reviving manufacturing and attracting new industries to Kano. Strategic investments in power generation and transmission across the Northern industrial belt, including projects tied to the Kaduna–Kano axis, will improve electricity reliability and support industrialisation. Ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the key Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road corridor will improve connectivity between Kano and the rest of the federation, boosting trade efficiency, while Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway will create a new economic corridor linking Northern agricultural belts to Southern export markets and ports, unlocking business opportunities across the entire North-West. Professor Yilwatda explained that President Tinubu’s heavy investment in Kano is driven by strategic national economic considerations: 1. Kano Is Northern Nigeria’s Largest Commercial Ecosystem Kano hosts one of the biggest market and manufacturing clusters in Africa and remains the natural business capital of Northern Nigeria. 2. Kano Is Nigeria’s Gateway to the Sahel Its geographical location makes it the ideal export and logistics hub for trade with Niger, Chad and wider Francophone West Africa. 3. Reviving Kano Means Reviving Northern Industry Kano’s historical strength in textiles, leather, agro-processing and commerce makes it critical to the North’s industrial rebirth. 4. Kano Can Become Nigeria’s Second Mega Commercial City President Tinubu’s administration seeks to reduce overdependence on Lagos by building Kano into a second dominant commercial powerhouse. 5. Northern Prosperity Is Critical to National Stability Expanding commerce, industry and employment in Kano and the wider North is essential to reducing poverty, unemployment and insecurity. Professor Yilwatda said no previous administration has assembled such a comprehensive and interconnected infrastructure strategy for Northern Nigeria. “Who before now conceived this scale of integrated development for the North: rail lines, gas pipelines, metropolitan transit, industrial power, superhighways and regional trade corridors, all designed to work together? This is vision. This is strategic leadership. This is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is delivering.” The APC National Chairman criticised opposition parties for what he described as their obsession with insults, propaganda and power politics rather than national development. “While President Tinubu is building the infrastructure backbone that will transform the North for generations, the opposition is busy chasing personal ambition and power for its own sake. They offer no ideas, no blueprint, no alternative vision. Their only manifesto is to insult the APC and attack every development initiative because they lack the capacity to think beyond politics.” Professor Yilwatda noted that President Tinubu’s infrastructure and industrial strategy will fundamentally alter the economic destiny of Northern Nigeria and reposition Kano as the undisputed economic capital of the North. “History will remember President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the leader who restored Kano to greatness, industrialised the North, and built the infrastructure backbone for Nigeria’s next era of prosperity.”
President of the United States of America, Donald Trump has removed an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself from social media. The image, originally shared on his Truth Social account portrayed Trump in flowing robes with a glowing hand placed on a seemingly ill individual, while other figures appeared to look on in reverence. An American flag was also visible in the background of the scene. The post was deleted yesterday, April 13 following growing criticism, including strong reactions from Christian leaders who accused the President of crossing a line with religious symbolism. Responding to questions about the image, Trump denied any intent to portray himself as Jesus Christ, saying: “I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do Red Cross. It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.” However, the explanation did little to calm concerns, as several religious commentators and conservative Christian voices within his political base condemned the post as disrespectful. Among the critics was journalist Megan Basham, who described the image as “OUTRAGEOUS blasphemy” and called for an immediate apology. She asked President Trump to retract the post and seek forgiveness. The controversy also drew a formal response from the Knights Templar, which publicly condemned the image and demanded an apology, arguing that the depiction disrespected core Christian beliefs. This is not the first time Trump has faced scrutiny over religious-themed imagery. In previous instances, he has shared or been associated with posts placing him alongside biblical figures or in symbolic religious settings, often drawing mixed reactions from supporters and critics alike. Some of his close allies have also previously used religious comparisons in describing his political role, further intensifying debates about the intersection of politics, personality, and religious symbolism in his public communications. The latest incident has reignited discussion over the use of AI-generated imagery in political messaging and the boundaries of religious representation in modern digital campaigning.
Embattled President of the United States of America, Donald Trump has depicted himself in an AI generated image as “Jesus.” This is even as he attacked Pope Leo, saying: “he likes crime, I guess.” Responding to Pope Leo who spoke against the war between the US/Israel and Iran, President Trump said: “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime, I guess.” Trump went on to post an AI generated image, depicting himself in a Christ-like form, appearing to “heal” the sick, on his platform: Truth Social. The post came amidst an escalating war of words with Pope Leo XIV, whom Trump described as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” in a separate, lengthy message. The exchange follows recent tensions between the two over immigration and the ongoing conflict in Iran, with the Pope urging restraint and peace in public remarks. In his post, Trump accused the pontiff of aligning with the “Radical Left” and criticised his positions on nuclear policy and US interventions, including Venezuela. He also questioned the circumstances of the Pope’s elevation, claiming it was politically motivated and linked to his own presidency.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has made it clear that the state government has no intention to punish a female civil servant whose complain about persistent unemployment, especially among the youth in the Central Senatorial District went viral in social media. The Governor said that he remain a servant-leader, entrusted with the mandate of the people through the ballot. “My administration is firmly anchored on the principles of inclusivity, active listening, constructive engagement, and responsive governance.” In a seven paragraph statement today, April 11, by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Governor Ododo said that the female civil servant is fully entitled to her personal opinion under the law. “It is also important to emphasize that civil servants are guided by established channels for communication and redress. Nonetheless, this administration is committed to upholding freedom of expression and will neither suppress nor persecute any citizen for peacefully expressing his or her views.” The governor expressed regret that certain individuals and groups have sought to sensationalize the issue in a manner capable of inflaming public sentiment, adding that the matter remains within the realm of constructive engagement and institutional resolution. “His Excellency has, therefore, directed that the concerned civil servant be accorded full protection, while also mandating the Civil Service to strengthen internal feedback mechanisms to ensure that grievances are addressed promptly and effectively. “The Government reiterates that it operates on the principles of equity, fairness, and merit. “Governor Ododo has sworn an oath to serve the entire state without bias or sectional preference. Employment into the civil service will continue to be guided strictly by competence, capacity, and the availability of resources, ensuring that all parts of the state are fairly represented.” The Governor called on the people of Kogi State to remain calm and to disregard attempts to create unnecessary tension or misinformation around this issue. ” “The present administration remains unwavering in its commitment to transparency, public enlightenment and continuous engagement with citizens, particularly in clarifying government policies, programs, and decisions. “The Kogi State Government assures all citizens that their voices matter and will always be treated with dignity and respect. Constructive dialogue, mutual understanding and adherence to due process will continue to guide our collective progress.” The female civil servant who spoke in the viral audio has not been clearly identified in reliable public reports. The name most people are seeing is Habibat Onumoko that has been tied to the reaction, controversy, not necessarily confirmed as the speaker herself. The senior female civil servant is believed to work in the office of Kogi State Accountant-General. The female civil servant’s voice recording circulated, complaining about unemployment and lack of opportunities in Kogi State, especially among the youth in the Central Senatorial District of the state The issue escalated into a public controversy involving the office of the Accountant-General.ffice of the Accountant-General.
President Bola Tinubu has asked Nigerians to consider themselves better than people in some African countries despite the economic hardships that have been tormenting them. He said: “Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel prices are biting hard. But look around. Let’s thank God that we are better off listening to what is happening in other African countries, what they are going through.” President Tinubu made the remarks yesterday night, April 10, at a civic reception in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, after commissioning some projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Douye Diri. The President made it clear that he is aware of the ongoing economic challenges arising from the Middle East war, but that he will work with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Budget, and the Head of Service to propose measures to ease the hardship. He said that he will continue to seek ways to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable. “This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.” President Tinubu said the All Progressives Congress (APC) across all levels is committed to improving citizens’ well-being. “Regardless of their shenanigans, the All Progressive Congress (APC) believes that the people deserve to see governance translated into roads, bridges, power, jobs and real opportunities that affect human beings. That signals the development of our country. “We are all working hard. The projects that I commissioned today demonstrate and testify to an immutable truth: Development advances further, faster when the federal government and the state government work in partnership and towards a shared purpose.” He commended Governor Douye Diri for embarking on impactful projects which align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration. “Douye, you’ve done a great job. I have commissioned some projects, very transformative projects. The bridge, linking communities and the dual carriageways, create opportunities, jobs, and hope for our nation. Thank you for that commitment, and thank you for being a very progressive governor.” The President recalled his pioneering efforts towards establishing the Independent Power Plant as governor of Lagos State, stressing that, despite the dire power challenges across the nation, his administration will ensure energy sufficiency for national development. The President had earlier inaugurated several projects, including the 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, the 630-metre Angiama – Oporoma Bridge, and the new Yenagoa City Road.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to conduct nationwide voter revalidation exercise after the 2027 general election. This decision was taken after a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from across the country today, April 10. A statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the INEC Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna said that voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate. The statement said that the exercise is aimed to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters. “It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register.
“The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required. “INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections.”
What exactly does America know that made it suddenly ask its Embassy staff to leave Nigeria? Just recently, religious violence broke out in the Rukuba area of Jos, Plateau State, leading to the killing of Christians and Muslims. An American, Mr. Alex Barbir, was accused of inciting the violence—yet instead of being arrested and investigated, he was quietly escorted out of the country. Why? Then came the deadly attack in Benisheikh, Borno State. Terrorists stormed a military base, killing soldiers, including a Brigadier General, Oseni Braimah, and burning military vehicles. We are told it was Boko Haram/ISWAP—but does this look like their usual operation? Let’s be honest: that attack goes far beyond what Boko Haram/ISWAP are known to carry out. The level of coordination, intelligence, and firepower points to something bigger. So the question must be asked—who is really behind it? Now, at the exact moment these are happening, America is pulling its people out. Coincidence? Or calculated? We are told it is because of “worsening security.” But that same explanation is always used—crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest. That is the official story. But is that the full story? When a country like America moves this fast, it is not reacting blindly—it is acting on intelligence. That means one thing: They know something Nigerians are not being told. So why withdraw instead of helping Nigeria crush these threats with intelligence? Or is the real question this: what are they preparing for? Let us not pretend we have not seen this pattern before. Venezuela—destabilized under the excuse of fighting drug trafficking. Iran—pressured under the claims of terrorism and nuclear weapons. Yet both countries have one thing in common: oil. And in Iran’s case, the focus gradually shifted toward strategic control—especially critical oil infrastructure like Kharg Island. So let’s stop avoiding the obvious question: Is Nigeria now the next target? Nigeria is rich in oil, rich in minerals, and strategically positioned in Africa. These are not small facts—they are exactly what attracts global power struggles. And then comes the biggest contradiction of all. For months we have been told that America is in Nigeria to “protect Christians.” Now suddenly, that narrative is collapsing. Instead of standing firm, they are pulling out their own citizens—including Christians—while leaving Nigerian Christians behind to face Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, and others. So what exactly are they protecting? The killings in Rukuba expose the truth. If American presence was truly about protection, then where is that protection now? This is no longer adding up. America says it is protecting its citizens—but that only confirms one thing: it is acting on information it is not willing to share. And that should worry every Nigerian. Because when a powerful country quietly steps back like this, it is not just leaving—it is positioning. So Nigerians must ask, loudly and clearly: What exactly is coming? And why are we being kept in the dark?
Mustapha Mohammed Gembu wrote in his Facebook page.
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Why Is America Asking Its Citizens To Leave Nigeria? By Mustapha Mohammed Gembu
What exactly does America know that made it suddenly ask its Embassy staff to leave Nigeria?
Just recently, religious violence broke out in the Rukuba area of Jos, Plateau State, leading to the killing of Christians and Muslims. An American, Mr. Alex Barbir, was accused of inciting the violence—yet instead of being arrested and investigated, he was quietly escorted out of the country. Why?
Then came the deadly attack in Benisheikh, Borno State. Terrorists stormed a military base, killing soldiers, including a Brigadier General, Oseni Braimah, and burning military vehicles.
We are told it was Boko Haram/ISWAP—but does this look like their usual operation?
Let’s be honest: that attack goes far beyond what Boko Haram/ISWAP are known to carry out. The level of coordination, intelligence, and firepower points to something bigger. So the question must be asked—who is really behind it?
Now, at the exact moment these are happening, America is pulling its people out.
Coincidence? Or calculated?
We are told it is because of “worsening security.” But that same explanation is always used—crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest.
That is the official story. But is that the full story?
When a country like America moves this fast, it is not reacting blindly—it is acting on intelligence. That means one thing:
They know something Nigerians are not being told.
So why withdraw instead of helping Nigeria crush these threats with intelligence?
Or is the real question this: what are they preparing for?
Let us not pretend we have not seen this pattern before. Venezuela—destabilized under the excuse of fighting drug trafficking. Iran—pressured under the claims of terrorism and nuclear weapons. Yet both countries have one thing in common: oil.
And in Iran’s case, the focus gradually shifted toward strategic control—especially critical oil infrastructure like Kharg Island.
So let’s stop avoiding the obvious question:
Is Nigeria now the next target?
Nigeria is rich in oil, rich in minerals, and strategically positioned in Africa. These are not small facts—they are exactly what attracts global power struggles.
And then comes the biggest contradiction of all.
For months we have been told that America is in Nigeria to “protect Christians.” Now suddenly, that narrative is collapsing.
Instead of standing firm, they are pulling out their own citizens—including Christians—while leaving Nigerian Christians behind to face Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, and others.
So what exactly are they protecting?
The killings in Rukuba expose the truth. If American presence was truly about protection, then where is that protection now?
This is no longer adding up.
America says it is protecting its citizens—but that only confirms one thing: it is acting on information it is not willing to share.
And that should worry every Nigerian.
Because when a powerful country quietly steps back like this, it is not just leaving—it is positioning.
So Nigerians must ask, loudly and clearly: What exactly is coming?
And why are we being kept in the dark?
Mustapha Mohammed Gembu wrote in his Facebook page.