'Nigerian Muslims Also Victims’ — Vatican Cardinal Counters Christian Genocide Claim.

Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s insecurity is rooted in religion, saying the violence is driven mainly by social and economic factors.

Speaking in Rome during the presentation of a report on religious freedom by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Parolin cited farmer-herder clashes in north-central Nigeria as an example of non-religious causes of conflict.

“Many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance,” he said. “These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they see as an opponent.”

At a parallel launch of the ACN report in the UK parliament, John Bakeni, Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, agreed that the causes of violence are complex pointing to poverty, climate change, and land competition but noted that some attacks clearly carry a religious tone, targeting churches, priests, and Christian symbols “with impunity.”

Their remarks come amid rising global concern and claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria an allegation the federal government continues to reject.

Following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Rome, Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to former US President Donald Trump, also dismissed the genocide narrative, stressing that terrorists are killing more Muslims than Christians. He said the US would continue to support Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

The leadership of the PBAT Door To Door Movement, a pro-Bola Tinubu group, has said its Grand Patron, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is not part of the call for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. The group also dissociated Tompolo from a purported 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to release Kanu.

All Eyes on Akinwunmi Ambode.

Politics, in Lagos, rarely forgets, only circling back when the timing feels right. And now, after years of studied silence, Akinwunmi Ambode’s name is again spoken in the open with chants, banners, and renewed conviction that the former governor might find his way back to the seat he once lost.

At a recent gathering in Lagos, the Tinubu-Ambo Support Group, a coalition of political loyalists, pledged allegiance to two men: President Bola Tinubu and Ambode. Their mission was clear: mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 elections, stir the political base, and remind citizens that loyalty, when revived, can reshape the future.

Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, the group’s director-general, described it as a movement to “reawaken civic consciousness” and restore continuity between Tinubu’s national reform and Ambode’s Lagos vision. Their call echoed across markets and youth halls: get your PVCs, prepare for 2027, let Lagos move again.

Yet beneath the cheers lies the hum of unfinished history.

Ambode’s story is one of brilliance and breach. His four-year term (2015–2019) delivered roads, transport networks, and fiscal growth, but also alienated party powerbrokers. In 2018, when Tinubu withdrew his support, the empire shifted. Ambode lost the APC ticket to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ending his bid for re-election and ushering in years of quiet withdrawal.

Now, his name returns, attached to Tinubu’s own. The pairing, once improbable, now feels strategic. For some, it signals reconciliation; for others, a test of Lagos’s political memory. Can ambition and loyalty coexist, or does one always exact a price from the other?

Ambode himself has remained silent, as if watching from a measured distance. But Lagos remembers. And in the whispering corners of its politics, where godfathers and foot soldiers meet, the question grows louder: if the city offers him a second dance, will he take it?

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has raised alarms over what he described as Nigeria’s steady slide toward dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a statement on Sunday, Atiku accused the government of muzzling free speech, warning that such actions erode the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic ethos. “It is a development that should trouble every…
The post Nigeria Sliding Steadily Toward Dictatorship – Atiku appeared first on New Telegraph.

We Cannot Rig Election For Politicians New INEC Chairman, Amupitan Assures Nigerians.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), has vowed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, declaring that there will be no form of manipulation or rigging under his watch.

Speaking during his first official address in Abuja, Prof Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission is fully committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the country.

He stated that INEC’s responsibility to the people is clear and non-negotiable.
“We should not compromise our values or processes that could have consequences. So the integrity of our elections is not even something we should negotiate, please,” he said.

Prof Amupitan, who was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 23, 2025, emphasized that his administration will focus on transparency and accountability within the commission.

“As I was leaving the State House, the first question that was asked was, OK, what do you want to do now, Anambra? I refused to talk about Anambra. Until I’ve come to meet with the staff,” he added.

He further revealed that President Tinubu had charged the commission to ensure credible polls, especially as the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, approaches.

“Mr. President, in his remark, also echoed the same, that we should do everything possible as we go into an Anambra election to give this country a fair, free, and credible election,” he said.

The INEC boss also assured staff members of improved welfare under his leadership. “For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. I can see the echoes. It is going to be a priority because we are going to be expecting so much from you,” he told senior INEC officials during his maiden meeting.

Do Not Settle Your Political Differences Against Tinubu With Coup Osinbajo’s Ex-Aide Warns Politicians.

A former spokesman to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, has urged politicians against plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Thursday, Akande advised those dissatisfied with Tinubu’s administration to vote against him at the polls.

He stated this while reacting to reports that some senior military brass and soldiers had been arrested over an alleged attempted coup against Tinubu.

According to Akande: “On the issue of the allegations around the coup, the military itself has said that they are detaining senior officers, including, as we have been told, a brigadier general and others.

“Some reports say 16, some say 20, but that doesn’t happen regularly. So, you know, people are entitled to some informed speculation.

“But what I want to say is that if it is true that there was an attempt to have a coup, then we must commend the military intelligence for nipping it in the bud, and we must commend the leadership of the military for taking care of that.

“The second point that I would like to make is that those who are opposed to the Tinubu administration or those who have differences with our current civilian leaders, they should go and fight them in the polls.

“We don’t want the coup to be used to settle our political differences anymore. If you don’t like what the president is doing, if you feel that he’s going in a direction that is not in the interest of our country, don’t do a coup. Don’t go and support a coup, don’t clamour for a coup, don’t embrace a coup.

Coup rumours: Agbakoba backs Tinubu on replacement of service chiefs.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to replace the nation’s service chiefs, describing it as a wise and timely move, especially amid rumours of an alleged coup plot.

President Tinubu had on Friday announced major changes in the leadership of the armed forces as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure. The reshuffle included the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff and other top military officers.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Agbakoba said the president’s action showed firmness and decisiveness that were lacking in the previous administration.

“You have a president who is prepared to take tough decisions, and we know that he likes to take tough decisions,” Agbakoba said.

“I think he has done the right thing because his predecessor, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, did not like to make such decisions and allowed his military team to stay far longer than they should have.”

Reports had linked the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary events on October 1 to an alleged coup attempt. But the Defence Headquarters dismissed the claims, saying the cancellation had no connection to any plot.

The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said the timing of the president’s decision was appropriate and showed leadership at a critical moment.

“So, if it is indeed true that there was a rumoured coup, I think he (Tinubu) acted sensibly by doing exactly what he has done,” he said.

Presidency Explains Sack of Defence Chief, Others, Says Move Is Routine.

The Presidency has clarified that the removal of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other service chiefs is a routine exercise aimed at strengthening national security.

Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare stated this in an interview with DAILY POST on Friday, following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of the new security appointments earlier in the day.

General Musa has been replaced by Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Other appointments include Major General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Dare explained that such changes are within the President’s constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief.

“This is routine, meant to boost security across the nation. The Commander-in-Chief can at any time make these changes to both ministerial and service chiefs. In the same way, commanding officers of mechanized divisions can be moved or removed,” he said.

The reshuffle in the military hierarchy comes amid unverified rumours of a possible coup, which both the Presidency and the Nigerian Army have dismissed as false.

Over 50 Generals To Go As Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday sacked the service chiefs and appointed their replacements.

The statement announcing their removal, signed by the special adviser to the president on media and public communication, Sunday Dare, said the action was taken in furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.

The President appointed former Army Chief, General Olufemi Oluyede, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and the other service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.
The President urged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them and to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement said.
Those sacked with General Musa are the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that yesterday’s changes mark the second major reshuffle of the military high command since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Yesterday’s change comes amid growing public outcry as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across several regions.

General Musa and those asked to leave with him had been in office since June 2023 and oversaw several major operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West.
Security analysts are unanimous that their tenure recorded significant gains.

Despite that, continued attacks and killings in different parts of the country had fuelled calls for a change in strategy and leadership.

The changes also came a few days after widespread rumours of an attempted coup to unseat President Tinubu surfaced in the media.

Though the Defence Headquarters denied it, saying there was no such attempt, yesterday’s sacking of the

service chiefs may lend credence to the alleged coup plot.

“Their sacking is as a result of losing the loyalty of those working with them. When a commander loses the loyalty of his men, then there is no need for him to remain the commander,” a security officer told one of our correspondents.

Egbon Bayo Onanuga abusing me because i stated the position of Nigeria’s debt. He called me economic illiterate—-a presidential spokesperson ooooo

Tell Egbon Bayo to challenge me with facts not abuses.

Has Nigeria not borrowed 152 trillion under Tinubu?
@ruffydfire

PROFILE OF NEW CDS, SERVICE CHIEFS AND CDI

In a decisive move to tackle Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, President Bola Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up in the nation’s military leadership, replacing all the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The sweeping changes, which also include new appointments for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, signal the President’s resolve to inject fresh strategy and renewed vigour into the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats confronting the country.
https://x.com/i/status/1981827991299575867

STRENGTHENING OUR NATIONAL SECURITY ARCHITECTURE

I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture. General Olufemi Oluyede is appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu becomes Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

I thank General Christopher Musa and the outgoing Service Chiefs for their selfless service and dedicated leadership, and I charge the new Service Chiefs to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Just in: President Tinubu fires service chiefs, retains Chief of Defence Intelligence in new shake-up.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, making key appointments across the armed forces while retaining the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, despite widespread calls for his removal.

The restructuring, described as part of efforts to reinforce the nation’s security framework, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will continue in his current role, and the police leadership remains unchanged.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other departing Service Chiefs for their contributions to national security. He urged the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement concluded.

Sowore Arrested Outside Federal High Court in Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly criticized the arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the incident as “outrageous” and an assault on Nigeria’s justice system.

Effiong made his position known in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after reports and videos surfaced online showing Sowore being forcefully taken away by police officers.

The arrest occurred moments after Sowore reportedly met with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial at the same court.

Condemning the development, Effiong wrote: “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the activist had just concluded an interaction with journalists and supporters outside the courtroom when security operatives moved in and apprehended him.

Video clips shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, sparking public outrage and condemnation from rights groups, lawyers, and pro-democracy advocates who described the arrest as an attempt to silence critical voices.

Effiong, a vocal defender of civil liberties, argued that Sowore’s arrest was both unlawful and a troubling indicator of growing intolerance toward dissent under the current administration.

He stated that the judiciary, as the last hope of the common citizen, should never be turned into a stage for political intimidation.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Prof. Joash Amupitan assumed duty on Thursday with a promise that the integrity of the nation’s electoral system was not negotiable. Amupitan resumed office shortly after he was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

Court Approves Prosecution Of Tinubu’s Minister, Onyejeocha For Alleged Forgery.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, member representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, leave to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, over alleged forgery of election results.

Justice M.G. Umar, in a ruling delivered on September 23, 2025, on an ex parte motion filed by Ogah, held that the lawmaker had provided sufficient material evidence in his affidavit to justify the court’s decision.

Onyejeocha, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had dragged Ogah of the Labour Party (LP) to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, claiming victory at the 2023 general elections.

However, Ogah alleged that Onyejeocha tendered forged results at the tribunal to back her claims, a case she eventually lost.

In April, Onyejeocha, through a media aide, dismissed the allegations as false, insisting they had been settled. “All the allegations in the petition are false. They are not only false, but they have been trashed out long ago,” she said.

Ogah, however, proceeded to the Federal High Court, urging it to grant him leave to seek an Order of Mandamus compelling INEC to investigate and prosecute Onyejeocha for forgery.

He alleged that after he was declared the winner by INEC, “Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha forged the results in respect of the polling units listed, whose results were tendered during the trial of the petition at the Election Tribunal to prove the allegations contained in the petition.

“That Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha forged Exhibit 3 and passed them off as the official election results and documents of the respondent, and the respondent vehemently disputed the authenticity of Exhibit 3 during the trial of the Election Petition.

Sowore’s Arrest Inside Courtroom Is An Open Assault On Democracy – Atiku.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested in Abuja.

Sowore was taken into custody by security officers at the Federal High Court in Abuja after meeting with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

His arrest came just days after he organised a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow on October 20, calling for Kanu’s unconditional release.

The protest was disrupted by security agents who used teargas to scatter demonstrators.

Several participants, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, were detained alongside others. Sowore, who initially escaped, was later arrested at the court on October 23.

Reacting to the incident, Atiku, in a tweet, condemned Sowore’s arrest, describing it as a shameful attack on democracy and the rule of law.

He said the move shows the government’s growing intolerance toward opposing views.

He called on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other detained protesters, stressing that citizens have the constitutional right to protest peacefully.

Tunji-Ojo certificate saga: Prove you’re not shielding South-West ministers – Gani to Tinubu.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Taofik Gani, has urged President Bola Tinubu to prove his transparency and fairness by directing the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to publicly clear his name over alleged irregularities in his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, record and previous corruption allegations.

Gani made this call in a statement on Wednesday, warning that the growing perception of nepotism and selective justice in the Tinubu administration could undermine public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

He said there are several petitions against Tunji-Ojo, including claims that he absconded during his mandatory NYSC service year but still presented a discharge certificate during his ministerial screening.

“If President Tinubu and his party, the APC, are sincere about fighting corruption, the minister should be directed to clear himself or resign honorably like Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned after allegations of certificate forgery.

“This is where President Tinubu has to prove that he is not shielding South-West ministers in corruption cases,” Gani stated.

Convener of the League for Good Governance, Isaiah Ijele, urged Tinubu to allow the Department of State Services, DSS, to investigate the certificate scandal hung on the minister.

President Tinubu Swears In New INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The brief ceremony took place at 1:50 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. During the event, President Tinubu urged Amupitan to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC, and ensure transparency in the electoral process.

Amupitan’s inauguration follows his confirmation by the Senate on October 16, after undergoing a rigorous screening session.

UPDATED: Tinubu Swears In Amupitan As INEC Chairman
President Tinubu charged Prof. Amupitan to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and electoral process, and to strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.