Madagascar Strips Ousted President Rajoelina of Citizenship.

Madagascar’s new government has revoked the citizenship of ousted President Andry Rajoelina, according to media reports, just 10 days after he was removed from power in a military takeover.

A decree published in the country’s official gazette on Friday stated that Rajoelina’s Malagasy nationality was withdrawn because he had acquired French citizenship in 2014.

The decision, confirmed by French broadcaster RFI through the entourage of the new Prime Minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, was made in accordance with laws stipulating that any Malagasy who voluntarily obtains another nationality automatically loses their own.

The decree effectively bars Rajoelina, who was impeached on October 14 after fleeing the country amid weeks of anti-government protests, from contesting future elections.

Rajoelina’s dual nationality first sparked controversy ahead of the November 2023 elections, nearly a decade after his French citizenship was revealed.

The revelation led to calls for his disqualification, but he ultimately won the disputed polls, which were boycotted by opposition parties.

The 51-year-old fled Madagascar after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the CAPSAT army unit, announced on October 11 that his troops would not obey orders to suppress youth-led demonstrations that security forces had attempted to quell violently.

Rajoelina later said he went into hiding for his safety but did not disclose his location. Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as president on October 14, promising to hold elections within two years.

Presidency Issues Warning Over Planned Protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release.

The Presidency has issued a stern warning to rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, over his plan to lead a protest in Abuja demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, had announced that the march tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow would hold on October 20 at 7 a.m.

He described it as a “historic” rally aimed at compelling the government to free Kanu.

Reacting to the development, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga accused Sowore of trying to create chaos under the disguise of activism.

Writing on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, Onanuga said, “You are nothing more than an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist. You very well know that Nnamdi Kanu is facing trial for treason, and yet you want to cause a breakdown of law and order by mobilising for a protest. Is this the kind of revolution you envisage for Nigeria, where the rule of law will be violated and your idea of justice would be the law of the jungle?”

The presidential spokesman also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for supporting the planned protest, describing his position as reckless and unbecoming of a statesman. According to him, issues before the court cannot be settled through street actions.

He further stated that although the legal process may seem slow, the administration is committed to ensuring justice through the right channels.

“While the wheel of justice can sometimes be grindingly slow, partly caused by Kanu’s lawyers, Nnamdi Kanu will eventually get the justice he deserves for his alleged transgressions,” Onanuga added.

Sowore, known for his bold activism, has since maintained that the demonstration would proceed as planned.
He urged Nigerians to join him in demanding fairness for the detained IPOB leader.

Benue Speaker Dajoh Ousted After ₦117bn Scandal Linked To Governor Alia

Benue politics has been shaken after Speaker Aondona Dajoh resigned under pressure following the Assembly’s report accusing Governor Hyacinth Alia of ₦117bn financial mismanagement, contract fraud, abuse of office, and interference in the judiciary. Alfred Emberga has been installed as the new Speaker.

#BenuePolitics #CorruptionWatch #NigeriaNews #Accountability

Benue Assembly Makes U-Turn, Confirms Law Professor As Commissioner

The Benue State House of Assembly has reversed its earlier decision and confirmed the nomination of Prof. Timothy Yangien Ornguga, a law lecturer at Benue State University, as commissioner.

Ornguga’s nomination was initially rejected last week under the leadership of the former Speaker, Aondona Dajoh. However, on Tuesday, the new Speaker, Alfred Berger, announced his confirmation alongside four other nominees after reading a fresh letter from Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Governor Alia argued that Ornguga and another nominee, James Dwem, who were earlier rejected, had not been convicted of any crimes despite petitions against them. The Assembly offered no objection when Berger confirmed them without the usual voice vote.

The House also suspended ex-Speaker Dajoh for three months over what members described as his attempt to impeach the governor. The motion for his suspension was moved by Terna Shimawua (Kyan Constituency) and seconded by James Umoru (Apa Constituency).

Interestingly, Shimawua was among lawmakers Dajoh suspended last week before resigning as Speaker. Berger, in his ruling, also reduced Dajoh’s suspension from six months to three months without putting it to a vote.

Quick Digest (For Social Media)

Benue Assembly confirms Prof. Timothy Ornguga as commissioner after earlier rejection.
New Speaker Alfred Berger overturned ex-Speaker Dajoh’s decision.
Lawmakers also suspended Dajoh for 3 months over alleged impeachment plot.
Governor Alia had defended Ornguga & Dwem, saying petitions against them lacked merit.

#Benue #Politics #Nigeria #Assembly

JUST IN: Benue Assembly Suspends Ex-Speaker Dajoh After Resignation

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended former Speaker Aondona Dajoh for three months, accusing him of attempting to impeach Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The motion was moved by Terna Shimawua (Kyan Constituency) and seconded by James Umoru (Apa Constituency).

Notably, Shimawua was among lawmakers suspended by Dajoh last week before his resignation.

Current Speaker Alfred Berger reduced the suspension period from six months to three without a vote.

Other Assembly Decisions

The House made a U-turn by confirming Timothy Yangien Ornguga as Commissioner, despite being rejected by Dajoh last week.

Governor Alia defended Ornguga and James Dwem, saying neither had been convicted of crimes.

The Assembly also lifted suspensions on three officials:

Grace Adagba (SUBEB Chair)

Maxwell Ogiri (Otukpo LG Chair)

Michael Uper (Secretary, State Lottery Board)

#BreakingNews #BenueAssembly #Dajoh #Politics #Nigeria

Newsbrief: Benue Assembly Speaker Resigns, Berger Elected Replacement

Aondona Dajoh has resigned as Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, citing the best interest of the state. His resignation, dated August 24, 2025, was followed by the election of Alfred Berger, representing Makurdi North, as the new Speaker in an emergency plenary session that reversed his earlier suspension.

Governor Hyacinth Alia denied any involvement in the events leading to Dajoh’s resignation. Berger pledged to collaborate with lawmakers to advance the state’s development agenda. The assembly had also recently confirmed six commissioner nominees but rejected one, Timothy Ornguga, over petitions questioning his credentials.
#BenueAssembly #SpeakerResigns #AlfredBerger #BenuePolitics

JUST IN: Benue Assembly Speaker Resigns
August 24, 2025

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has resigned from office.

In a letter dated August 24 and addressed to lawmakers, Dajoh said his decision was made “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.” He thanked his colleagues for the opportunity to serve and pledged to continue representing Gboko West Constituency as a legislator.

#BenuePolitics #NigeriaNews #AssemblyUpdate

Benue Assembly suspends four members for attempting to impeach Speaker.

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended six lawmakers for six months over attempts to impeach the Speaker, Aondona Dajoh.

They are member representing Makurdi North, Alfred Berger, his Kian state constituency counterpart, Terna Shimawua, Cyril Ekong of Obi state constituency, and James Umoru, representing Apa state constituency

Benue Assembly Suspends Four Members Over Impeachment Plot

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended four lawmakers for six months over an alleged attempt to impeach Speaker Aondona Dajoh.

Those affected are Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa).

The Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, moved the motion, accusing the lawmakers of attempting to destabilize the Assembly. The Speaker subsequently ordered them out of the chambers and replaced Berger as House spokesperson with Audu Elias.

#BenueAssembly #Politics #Nigeria

Benue Assembly Backs Governor Alia, Speaker Dajoh with Vote of Confidence

The Benue State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its support for Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and Speaker Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, passing a vote of confidence on both leaders during Wednesday’s plenary session.

The motion, raised by Douglas Akya of Makurdi South Constituency, praised the governor for respecting the rule of law and acting swiftly on the Assembly’s resolutions. He noted Alia’s dedication to improving the welfare of Benue citizens by addressing the concerns presented to him.

The lawmakers also applauded Speaker Dajoh’s leadership, commending his role in ensuring the smooth running of the 10th Assembly.

In a firm statement, the House condemned alleged attempts by “non-state actors” to destabilize the Assembly through moves to impeach the Speaker without just cause. Members declared their unwavering loyalty, stressing that any external interference in the Assembly’s internal affairs would be resisted.

The resolution underscores a united front between the legislature and executive in advancing peace and development across Benue State.


#BenueState #GovernorAlia #SpeakerDajoh #VoteOfConfidence #BenueAssembly #Leadership #PeaceAndProgress #NigeriaPolitics

Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) lifts life ban on Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson.

PRESS STATEMENT: DECISION TO WITHDRAW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS

1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent.

2. Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.

3. As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.
5. Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached:

THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON

(a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.

(b) Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.

(c) I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently. THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1)

(d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
(e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.

(f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.

AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.

7. The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.

FINAL COMMENTS
8. These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.

9. We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.

FESTUS KEYAMO

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has released a circular condemning the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson during an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on her by the airline and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). Describing the actions as reckless, heavy-handed, and unlawful.

Nigerian Govt explains different treatment for Comfort Emmanson, Kwam 1.

The Federal Government has explained the reason why Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger who allegedly assaulted Ibom Air crew members, was remanded while Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde, a.k.a Kwam 1, who reportedly disrupted a ValueJet flight in Abuja last week, faced no such court action.

DAILY POST recalls that the Ibom Air incident, which occurred on the Uyo–Lagos route on Sunday, has triggered public outrage and accusations of selective justice.

However, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Mike Achimugu, said the two incidents were different.

“There is no comparison here; it’s not a case of oranges and oranges. In the Kwam1 incident, the airline did not activate its rights to take the passenger to court, so the NCAA did what it was supposed to do by petitioning the authorities to petition the passenger.

“In the Ibom Air incident, maybe because their staff had been assaulted, the airline immediately activated its right to take up the matter, and it went to court,” he said.

According to him, the NCAA was not directly involved in Emmanson’s case, whereas in Kwam 1’s situation, the Authority issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, to ban the musician from flights.

He revealed that contrary to earlier reports, Kwam 1 was not placed on a six-month ban but on an indefinite ban pending the outcome of investigations.

Achimugu, while explaining why Emmanson was placed on a no-fly life ban, said airline operators have the legal authority to take such action.

AON Slams Lifetime No-Fly Ban on Ibom Air Passenger Over Violent Assault

The Airline Operators of Nigeria has banned Comfort Emmanson for life after she allegedly assaulted Ibom Air crew on a Uyo–Lagos flight.

AON says the attack — which included slapping staff, tearing a Purser’s wig, smashing glasses, and attempting to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon — is one of the most extreme cases of unruly passenger behaviour in 2025.

She was arrested, arraigned, and remanded at Kirikiri Prison.

#AON #IbomAir #NoFlyList #NigeriaAviation #AviationSafety #FlightBan #ZeroTolerance #FAAN

“Why Nigerians Are Being Urged to Leave Ghana” — Ex-Envoy Demola Onofowokan Speaks Out


Former Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Demola Onofowokan, sheds light on the growing calls for Nigerians to exit Ghana. His insight comes amid rising concerns over diplomatic tensions and treatment of Nigerian nationals in the West African country. What’s behind the push, and what does it mean for Nigeria-Ghana relations?

#NigeriaGhanaRelations #DiplomaticTensions #NigeriansInGhana #DemolaOnofowokan

Alia Suspends Special Adviser, Commits To Intergrity, Accountability.

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has directed the immediate and indefinite suspension of Mkor Aondona, Special Adviser on Documentation, Research, and Planning, following his arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in sextortion, cyberbullying, and blackmail.


A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula said the Governor’s decision is in line with his unwavering commitment to uphold integrity, discipline, and accountability in public service.

He said any official of his administration found wanting in matters of criminality or ethical misconduct will face the full weight of the law.

BREAKING: Aondoakaa Yaiyol, Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services in Tarka LGA, Benue State, has been assassinated by unidentified gunmen.

Former PDP Chairman, Yayough Aondoakaa, Shot Dead in Benue State Market

Tragedy struck in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State as Yayough Aondoakaa, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was brutally assassinated by gunmen at Wannune Market on Friday.

Eyewitnesses report that the assailants, riding motorcycles, arrived at the market asking about Aondoakaa's whereabouts before shooting him at point-blank range. This attack marks the second time his life has been targeted, following the murder of his wife in a previous assassination attempt last year.

Residents are left shaken and fearful as this targeted killing raises concerns over rising violence in the area.

#BenueState #PDP #Assassination #YayoughAondoakaa #TarkaLGA #MarketAttack