The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has debunked viral social media claims that judges sang the political chorus “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” during the opening of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference in Abuja. In a statement by its spokesperson, Kolade Umoru, the NJI said the allegation is “entirely false and unfounded,” stressing that the only song sung at the event was the National Anthem.
The Institute clarified that the tune associated with President Bola Tinubu was briefly played by the Guards Brigade Band as part of their ceremonial protocol while escorting the President to the podium, not by judges. It added that judges only stood out of respect for the President, not in support of any political message.
Reaffirming its neutrality, the NJI said the judiciary remains non-partisan and insulated from politics, warning that misinformation capable of undermining public trust in institutions should not be circulated.
Ex–presidential candidate consoles Kebbi, Kwara victims • Says terrorists now dictate life across northern states
Former presidential candidate, Gbenga -Hashim, has raised fresh alarm over what he described as the Federal Government’s “loss of operational control” of security in Northern Nigeria, following renewed terrorist attacks in Kwara and Kebbi States.
Hashim, in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, said the latest assaults, including the killing of two security operatives in Rogun Village, Kpada District of Patigi LGA, aswell as another attack in Ekiti Local government, Kwara State, show that terrorists now operate across the North “without fear of the state.”
Terrorists reportedly stormed a police outpost in Rogun on Sunday night, engaging officers in a prolonged gunfight before overwhelming the facility. The attack occurred just days after 25 schoolgirls were abducted and a vice principal murdered in Kebbi State, in addition to the killing of a senior Customs officer in Bagudo LGA.
“These coordinated attacks are evidence of a nation sliding toward total collapse,” Hashim declared.
“From Niger to Zamfara, Kaduna to Plateau, Bauchi to Kebbi, and now Kwara, terrorists determine the rhythm of life in too many communities. The Federal Government has lost control.”
He described the Patigi and Ekiti attacks as particularly disturbing, noting that the Middle Belt corridor had historically been considered relatively stable. The incident, he warned, marks a dangerous expansion of terrorist activity and underscores “a total failure of intelligence and policing.”
“What we are witnessing is a quiet surrender of northern Nigeria to non-state actors. Rural communities are under siege. Schools are unsafe. Police posts are now battlefields. This is not governance; this is abandonment,” he said.
Hashim also referenced recent reports of a serving military general ambushed after terrorists allegedly intercepted his communication, insisting the development proves insurgents now possess “advanced capability and extraordinary daring.”
“If terrorists can attack a police outpost in Kwara and kill officers without consequences, what hope is left for villagers? If 25 girls can be taken in Kebbi without immediate rescue, what remains of the meaning of government?” he asked.
He stressed that effective state authority is now limited mostly to state capitals, while “vast rural territories have fallen under the shadow of armed groups.”
“Outside the state capitals, sovereignty is collapsing. Villages are governed by fear, by bandits, by terrorists. The silence from those in power is complicity. Many villagers now pay taxes to terrorists,” he lamented.
Hashim condoled with families affected by the Kwara and Kebbi attacks and demanded an urgent national response, including a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Unless drastic steps are taken now, Nigeria risks tumbling into a new and uncontrollable phase of disintegration,” he warned.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola, as he awaits further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
In response to the request by the governor of Kwara State, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of more security men to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, and directed the police to go after the bandits who attacked worshippers.
President Tinubu was scheduled to leave Abuja today to attend the 20th G20 Summit of leaders in South Africa and thereafter proceed to Luanda to attend the 7th AU-EU Summit.
Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi State and Tuesday’s attack by bandits against worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure.
He now awaits reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid a sympathy visit to Kebbi on his behalf, as well as reports from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attack in Kwara.
President Tinubu reiterates his directive to the security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 schoolgirls, abducted by the bandits and bring the girls back home, safe.
Hon. Dele Adeola, Member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has extended warm birthday greetings to his colleague, Hon. Akintunde Olajide, popularly known as AKT, who represents Lagelu State Constituency.
In a message personally signed by him, Hon. Adeola described AKT as a committed, visionary, and resourceful lawmaker whose contributions continue to strengthen the legislature and advance democratic governance in the state.
He noted that AKT has consistently demonstrated leadership excellence, dedication to his people, and unwavering passion for public service.
Hon. Adeola commended his colleague for his collaborative spirit within the House, acknowledging that AKT’s experience and proactive engagement on critical legislative issues have made him an invaluable partner in driving impactful policymaking. He added that AKT’s representation reflects a deep understanding of the needs of the Lagelu constituents, which is evident in his community-focused interventions and legislative advocacy.
He prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, and good health for Hon. Akintunde Olajide, wishing him greater accomplishments as he continues to serve the people of Oyo State. Hon. Adeola further expressed optimism that AKT’s new year will bring renewed strength and more opportunities for purposeful leadership.
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit and the AU–EU Summit.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu will first join world leaders at the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg from November 22 to 23, hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The meeting, themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” will focus on inclusive growth, disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy transition, food systems, critical minerals, decent work and artificial intelligence.
After the G20 sessions, Tinubu will proceed to Luanda for the 7th AU–EU Summit holding from November 24 to 25.
The summit will gather African and European leaders, young innovators and civil society groups to develop recommendations on climate change, infrastructure, digital economy, manufacturing and agribusiness.
Tinubu is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on security, development and economic cooperation.
He will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole and NIA DG Mohammed Mohammed.
The president will return to Nigeria after the engagements.
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party may be far from over, as events took a dramatic turn on Tuesday 18 November, 2026, as the factional National Executive Committee loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced the expulsion of Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
The NEC also expelled former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman of the party, Bode George, and the recently elected party National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN.
This is coming days after Wike and his loyalists were also expelled at the controversial PDP national convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
In addition to the expulsions, the faction also dissolved several state executive committees, citing widespread breaches of internal processes and factional loyalties. States affected include Oyo, Bauchi, Lagos, Ekiti, Edo, Zamfara, and Yobe, where fresh congresses are expected to be conducted under newly appointed caretaker committees. The decision further solidified the faction’s push to reassert control at both national and sub-national levels.
The NEC concluded by announcing a new nationwide reconciliation initiative and a comprehensive membership audit ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections. However, the latest wave of expulsions has intensified concerns among party observers, who warn that the PDP may be heading toward its most significant internal split in decades unless urgent mediation efforts succeed.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has once again taken aim at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, rekindling their long-standing political rivalry. Fayose accused the former president of consistently undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions and using his influence to intimidate political opponents.
Speaking during a media session in Lagos on Tuesday, Fayose alleged that Obasanjo’s public posturing as an elder statesman contrasts sharply with what he described as “a history of political intolerance and dictatorial tendencies.” He claimed that several pressing national challenges today stem from what he called Obasanjo’s “failure to nurture genuine democratic values” during his time in office.
Fayose, who has repeatedly clashed with the former president since his first term as governor, insisted that his criticism was not personal but a call for Nigerians to “stop glorifying leaders who contributed to current national problems.” He added that Obasanjo’s frequent letters to sitting presidents were attempts to “retain relevance” after leaving office.
In response, sources close to the former president dismissed Fayose’s comments as “baseless and attention-seeking,” noting that Obasanjo had consistently spoken out on national issues out of patriotism. They argued that the ex-president remains one of the few Nigerian leaders willing to challenge government excesses and advocate reforms.
Political analysts say the renewed verbal exchange highlights deeper divisions within the political class ahead of upcoming national realignments. Many believe the Fayose–Obasanjo feud reflects broader tensions among influential figures battling for relevance and control within the opposition landscape.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has urged Nigerians who have paid ransom to kidnappers or bandits to take the Federal Government to court and demand a refund, arguing that the state has failed in its constitutional duty to protect its citizens.
Falana made the call while speaking at the opening of the Legal Year of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, where he criticised what he described as the government’s “selective urgency” in responding to abductions.
According to him, while the state moves swiftly when high-ranking individuals are kidnapped, ordinary Nigerians are often abandoned to negotiate with criminals for their own safety.
He insisted that both the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Nigerian Constitution impose a clear obligation on the government to safeguard every citizen, warning that the rising wave of kidnappings reflects a gross dereliction of duty.
“I have suggested that citizens who are abducted by bandits or kidnappers, and whose family members are compelled to pay ransom to rescue them, have the right to go to court and say the government must refund the ransom,” he said.
Falana argued that demanding refunds would not only enforce the rights of victims but also force the Nigerian government to take security responsibilities more seriously.
“It is the duty of the government to protect every life. If that life is threatened or taken, the government must pay for it,” he maintained.
Highlighting what he called a “class dimension” to kidnapping responses, the senior lawyer noted that high-profile victims often receive immediate rescue operations, while ordinary citizens are left vulnerable.
“If a judge, minister, or former minister is kidnapped, the government will order security forces to rescue them. But when it comes to ordinary Nigerians, you are at the mercy of the criminals,” he said, adding that all citizens are equal before the law and deserve equal protection.
His comments come amid new data showing the scale of kidnapping in Nigeria. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in its 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, revealed that Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024.
The report estimated kidnapping incidents at over 2.2 million during the period, with an average ransom payment of N2.7 million per incident, a trend security analysts warn is fueling a booming criminal industry.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged Nigerians to remain united and not allow international political tensions or global narratives sow division within the country. He made the appeal while addressing concerns surrounding global conflicts and the way they shape domestic debates.
Gbajabiamila noted that foreign political dynamics—particularly disputes between powerful nations and international blocs—often influence conversations in developing countries like Nigeria. He cautioned citizens against unconsciously importing such tensions into national discourse in ways that may disrupt peace, unity, and social cohesion.
According to him, Nigeria has its own unique social and political realities that must be prioritized above external influences. He stressed that while Nigerians should remain globally informed, they must exercise caution in aligning with foreign agendas that do not reflect the nation’s interests or values.
The Chief of Staff also emphasized that unity is essential for Nigeria’s political stability and economic progress, especially at a time when the nation is undergoing critical reforms aimed at strengthening national development. He appealed to leaders, civil society organizations, and the media to promote national harmony and resist narratives capable of escalating division.
Gbajabiamila reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to sustaining national stability, promoting inclusive governance, and ensuring that Nigeria remains united despite external geopolitical pressures. He encouraged citizens to engage responsibly in public discourse and work collectively toward building a stronger, more cohesive nation.
Oyo State lawmaker, Hon. Dele Adeola, representing the Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, has applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for the successful hosting of the national Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention in Ibadan, describing him as a trailblazer whose leadership continues to set new standards within the party and the state.
Adeola said the seamless and widely commended organisation of the convention was a testament to Makinde’s exceptional leadership capacity and the increasing trust reposed in him by party members across the country. He noted that the governor’s coordination ensured a peaceful, orderly, and unifying gathering that further strengthened the PDP nationwide.
According to the lawmaker, the success of the event reaffirmed Oyo State’s rising profile as a hub for national political activities, largely driven by Makinde’s visionary approach and administrative competence. He stated that the governor’s style of governance has elevated the state and positioned it as a model for others to emulate.
Hon. Adeola went further to congratulate all newly elected party officials, expressing confidence that the resolutions of the convention would help reposition the PDP for future political contests and internal cohesion.
He also called on the citizens of Oyo State to fully embrace Governor Makinde’s leadership of transformation, stressing that unity and collective support remain essential for the continued growth and development of the state.
