Killing of soldiers, a declaration of war against Nigeria – Northern elders

Killing of soldiers, a declaration of war against Nigeria – Northern elders

killing of soldiers, a declaration of war against the Nigerian–Northern elders

Troops of the Nigerian Army

THE Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has described the killing of over 20 soldiers by terrorists in Niger State as a declaration of war against the Nigerian state.

According to NEF, the killing is strong evidence of a security failure in the North.

The group disclosed this on Saturday, June 28, in a statement by its spokesperson, Abubakar Jiddere.

The statement described the situation as a war zone, citing mass murder, state failure, and the collapse of national authority, with widespread insecurity affecting various states, including Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, and Niger.

“This is not just an attack; it is a declaration of war against the Nigerian state, and the state is losing,” NEF stated.

The group condemned the attack, describing it as part of a consistent campaign of terror consuming the northern region.

The soldiers were ambushed and killed in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State earlier this week.

NEF cautioned that the government’s inaction is making Nigerians doubt its capacity or willingness to safeguard them.

According to the group, more than 20 uniformed men, defenders of the nation, were slaughtered like animals by a gang of well-armed terrorists who launched a brazen, coordinated ambush that completely overwhelmed the base.

The forum stated that the massacre highlighted the near-total impunity with which terrorist groups operate.

NEF expressed concern over a series of deadly attacks in several states in June 2025.

The forum criticised the government’s inability to respond effectively, stating that the North is under siege with security forces largely absent.

The northern group said it will no longer accept empty condolences without action because Nigerians deserve visible, aggressive, and accountable action now.

The forum cautioned that the government’s ongoing silence and inaction might be perceived by citizens as either complacency or complicity in the crisis.

“The blood of Northern Nigerians is not cheap. Our soldiers are not cannon fodder. Our citizens will not continue to die silently while a complacent government watches from a distance,” the forum added.

The statement warned that if the federal government continues to delay, deflect, or downplay the crisis, Nigerians may conclude that the inaction is intentional or even complicit.

The ICIR reported that the Nigerian Army Headquarters announced that bandits launched a coordinated triple attack on military bases in Niger and Kaduna states on Tuesday, June 24, resulting in the deaths of soldiers.

Scores of bandits were also eliminated by the military during the attacks, according to the army.

The Army revealed the attacks in a statement on its social media handle on Wednesday, June 25.

The Nigerian Defence Academy, in a post said a lieutenant and 20 soldiers died in the Niger state attack.

Just last week, the ICIR reported that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said Nigerian armed forces eliminated 6,260 terrorists and arrested 14,138 terrorists and other criminals within the past two years across the country.

It added that the troops rescued 5,365 kidnapped victims and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in various operations within the period.  

 The troops also killed 103 criminals and apprehended 2,760 others within the period.

MC Oluomo promised us N1.5m each for Tinubu’s campaign but paid nothing — Actor Lalude

MC Oluomo promised us N1.5m each for Tinubu’s campaign but paid nothing — Actor Lalude

Veteran Nollywood actor, Fatai Adekunle Adetayo, popularly known as Lalude, has accused the president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), MC Oluomo, of failing to fulfil financial promises made to celebrities who campaigned for President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the 2023 general elections.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Beyond the Fame podcast, Lalude expressed deep disappointment over what he described as abandonment, revealing that he and other entertainers were promised N1.5 million each by MC Oluomo but never received a dime.

Lalude, known for his iconic ‘babalawo’ roles in Yoruba movies, said he and other actors, including comedian Ganiu ‘Alapini’ Nofiu, were lodged and made to campaign for weeks without proper compensation. 

According to him, they initially received N10,000 daily for feeding, but even that was stopped abruptly.

“We were camped for seven weeks. We trekked long distances every day while MC Oluomo followed us in his car. In the end, we were abandoned,” he lamented.

He claimed that both he and Alapini were promised N1.5 million each, a promise that was never fulfilled.

‘We finished the work and no dime was given to us. Is it good? It was MC who called us.

“MC promised me and Alapini. He asked us to demand for whatever we wanted. We did but we got nothing up till date.

“He took us to where we lodged to campaign for the president. He promised to give us N1.5 million each.

“Whoever is behind these misdeeds will not prosper. I know they will still come to us by 2027 and we are waiting for them?” He added bitterly. 

This comes just days after veteran Nollywood actor Ganiu Nafiu, popularly known as Alapini, and actress Bukky Adekogbe Raji, also known as Aminatu Papapa, expressed deep regret for supporting President Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign.

Tinubu's Mom Reportedly Removed Her Headscarf In Public While Pleading With Babangida

Tinubu's Mom Reportedly Removed Her Headscarf In Public While Pleading With Babangida

Jamiu Abiola, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Linguistics and Foreign Matters, has revealed a dramatic moment involving Tinubu’s late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, during the heat of the June 12, 1993 political crisis.

Speaking in an interview covered by The Punch on June 28, 2025, Jamiu recounted how Mogaji, a respected market leader and political figure, made a rare public gesture in an emotional plea to former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida.

According to Abiola, Mogaji removed her headscarf in public a significant act of desperation and cultural weight in a bid to persuade Babangida not to annul the June 12 presidential election widely believed to have been won by his father, Chief MKO Abiola.

“In Yoruba culture, for a woman of her stature to take off her headscarf in public is a powerful sign of grief and appeal,” Jamiu explained, highlighting the depth of her commitment to the democratic cause.

He further stated that Tinubu himself was among the few who showed unwavering support for MKO Abiola during the crisis, despite the risks.

Jamiu’s account sheds new light on the personal sacrifices made by individuals close to the pro-democracy movement. It also reaffirms the long-standing alliance between the Tinubu and Abiola families, rooted in shared ideals and political struggle.

 

REVEALED: Tinubu’s Deal with Kwankwaso That Pushed Ganduje Out as APC Chairman

REVEALED: Tinubu’s Deal with Kwankwaso That Pushed Ganduje Out as APC Chairman

Fresh details have emerged on the circumstances that led to the resignation of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Ganduje stepped down following ongoing political moves involving President Bola Tinubu and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The development, insiders say, is tied to a reported agreement aimed at bringing Kwankwaso into the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ganduje’s resignation was formally announced on Friday, with the APC’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori of Borno State, named as Acting National Chairman pending the election of a substantive replacement.

In an official statement confirming the resignation, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, stated that “In his letter of resignation addressed to the National Working Committee (NWC) through the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, Ganduje expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve the party at the highest level.”

Sources at the APC national secretariat revealed that tension had been building since Friday afternoon, with Ganduje reportedly threatening to resign as early as 3 p.m. following news of the Tinubu-Kwankwaso deal.

Efforts to dissuade him from quitting were said to have involved several key party officials, including the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.

“We are currently pleading with him (Ganduje) not to resign. He is upset that Kwankwaso is coming to the APC. I think the two of them are sworn enemies. All the stakeholders are begging him to stay,” a party source disclosed.

Despite the appeals, confirmation of Ganduje’s resignation emerged shortly after 4:15 p.m.

“He has eventually resigned. We couldn’t stop him. I think there is something personal between him and Kwankwaso, who is ready to join the APC after some discussions with the President,” another source added.

When approached for comment on the mood at the party secretariat, a staff member said, “There is no crisis, just that the chairman has resigned and people gathered at the secretariat to discuss about it.”

The strained relationship between Ganduje and Kwankwaso dates back to their time in Kano politics. Both men once shared a political alliance under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Kwankwaso serving as governor between 1999 and 2003, and again from 2011 to 2015. Ganduje served as his deputy during the latter’s tenure.

Their political friendship soured after Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor in 2015 under the APC banner. Since then, the two have been bitter rivals, frequently clashing over Kano’s political influence.

A key flashpoint in their rivalry was the 2020 dethronement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, widely seen as a Kwankwaso loyalist. Sanusi, however, was reinstated as Emir of Kano on May 23, 2024, by Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under Kwankwaso’s leadership.

Though Ganduje cited health concerns as the official reason for his resignation, political observers link his decision directly to the latest rapprochement between Tinubu and Kwankwaso.

When contacted for clarification on Kwankwaso’s alleged defection plans, one of his close allies, Buba Galadima, said he was unaware of any such arrangement. However, he hinted at an ongoing political manoeuvring within the APC.

“I am not aware of the defection plan. However, I know Kwankwaso and Ganduje have personal issues. I am equally aware that there was a meeting of APC stakeholders and the presidency three days ago where they agreed that Ganduje and Shettima should be sacrificed to bring a new set of people into government and the party,” Galadima said.

All Hail Tinubu: Nigeria Steps Boldly Into a New Tax Era By Ayo Mojoyin

All Hail Tinubu: Nigeria Steps Boldly Into a New Tax Era  By Ayo Mojoyin

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sat behind the polished mahogany desk at the Presidential Villa last week, flanked by key economic advisers and lawmakers, he was not merely signing papers. He was authoring what many now describe as Nigeria’s most ambitious tax transformation since independence.

The four new tax reform bills he signed into law—hailed by supporters as revolutionary—seek to do what past governments only dreamed of: make taxation fairer, simpler, and genuinely growth-focused.

From the corridors of Aso Rock to the smallest street-side stalls in Lagos and Kano, the reverberations of this moment are already being felt.

Reform Decades in the Making

For decades, Nigeria’s tax landscape has resembled an uneven patchwork: multiple rates, overlapping authorities, opaque collection, and the chronic leakage of public funds. Small businesses have groaned under the burden of unpredictable levies, while ordinary citizens often wondered what, if anything, their tax payments accomplished.

Enter the Tinubu administration’s Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, inaugurated in 2023 and led by Taiwo Oyedele. Over two years of consultations, public hearings, and heated debates, the committee laid the groundwork for reforms designed to rewrite the rules of engagement.

The result? Four sweeping laws that promise to unify, digitize, and humanize Nigeria’s tax system.

 What Makes This Different?

Unlike previous half-hearted attempts, these laws come with clear pillars that set them apart:

✅ The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) will replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service, establishing a single, technology-driven tax authority.

✅ Tax relief for low-income Nigerians: Households earning ₦250,000 per month or less will be exempt from personal income tax.

✅ Zero VAT on essential goods—including food, medicine, education services, and rent—will shield the most vulnerable.

✅ Simplified rules for SMEs to reduce the compliance nightmare that has stifled small enterprises for generations.

✅ State empowerment through new formulas for sharing VAT, designed to reward states that actively grow their tax base.

According to official projections, these reforms could raise trillions of naira in sustainable revenue over the next decade—without punishing the poor.

 A President’s Vision

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, President Tinubu didn’t mince words:

> “This is the way forward for our country’s prosperity. Nowhere in the world will tax reforms be easy, but we are determined to make them work for every Nigerian.”

The president’s words landed with unusual clarity. In a country often skeptical of fiscal promises, Tinubu has staked a large portion of his political capital on getting it right.

 Reactions From Across Nigeria

The response has been electric. 

Business groups like the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association have applauded the reforms as a decisive move to improve the ease of doing business. International observers have also noted the potential for the new regime to unlock investment.

Even some critics, while cautious, concede that the relief measures—especially the zero-VAT provision—could ease pressure on struggling households battered by inflation.

Yet challenges remain. Northern states have expressed concern that the new VAT-sharing formula could deepen regional inequalities. Labour unions are demanding further consultations to ensure that implementation does not hurt workers or deepen distrust.

 Risks and Rewards Ahead

Reforms of this scale are never risk-free. Successful implementation depends on several delicate factors:

Digital infrastructure to track and collect taxes efficiently.

Political consensus to avoid sabotage or reversals.

 Public trust, built through transparent spending of tax revenues.

If these pillars hold, the reforms could redefine how Nigeria funds its development and delivers services to its people.

If they falter, the country could be staring at yet another failed attempt to modernize its economy.

 A New Chapter, or a Familiar Story?

For all the complexities, one fact remains clear: President Tinubu has shown unusual political will to tackle Nigeria’s tax crisis head-on. Whether he succeeds or not will shape not just his legacy but the fortunes of millions of Nigerians for years to come.

One thing is certain: as these laws take effect from January 2026, the nation will be watching—and hoping—that this time, Nigeria finally gets it right.

© Ayo Mojoyin

Why Ganduje Resigned As APC National Chairman

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has reportedly resigned from his position.

Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, cited health reasons for his decision, stating that he needs to focus on his well-being.

Ganduje’s resignation is with immediate effect, according to an X post by a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad on Friday.

Ahmad wrote: “The National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress(APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position, effective immediately, as confirmed by multiple sources.”

See Full List As Senate Proposes Creation of 31 New States Across Nigeria

See Full List As Senate Proposes Creation of 31 New States Across Nigeria

The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is considering 31 new proposals for state creation.

Barau Jibrin, deputy president of the Senate and chairman of the committee, said the proposals will be reviewed during a two-day zonal public hearing scheduled for July 4 and 5, 2025.

The hearings will take place simultaneously in Lagos (south-west), Enugu (south-east), Ikot Ekpene (south-south), Jos (north-central), Maiduguri (north-east), and Kano (north-west).

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ismail Mudashir, special adviser on media and publicity to the deputy senate president, said the committee is committed to gathering citizens’ input on a wide range of constitutional amendments.

Mudashir said the committee received five state creation requests from the south-west, south-south, and north-central zones; seven from the north-east; six from the north-west; and three from the south-east.

He added that the committee will also consider critical national issues such as local government autonomy, judicial and electoral reforms, state police, and inclusive governance.

According to him, one of the bills proposes to entrench local governments as a constitutionally recognised tier of government with guaranteed tenure.

“The second bill on local government reforms seeks to create an independent National Local Government Electoral Commission (NALGEC) to organise, conduct and supervise local government elections,” the statement reads.

“Also to be considered during the zonal public hearing are two bills on security and policing for the establishment of state police and state security council to coordinate internal security policies at the sub-national level.

“In the area of fiscal reforms, six bills are going to be considered, including the one to empower the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission to enforce compliance with remittance of accruals into and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account and streamline the procedure for reviewing the revenue allocation formula.

“Also, on fiscal reforms, a bill to alter the provisions of the constitution to specify the period within which the president or the governor of a state shall present the appropriation bill before the National Assembly or House of Assembly will be discussed during the hearing.”

He said the committee will also consider a bill seeking additional legislative seats for women in the national and state assemblies as part of efforts to enhance gender inclusion.

Mudashir said a proposal to establish national, state, and local government councils of traditional rulers will also be reviewed to strengthen traditional institutions.

On electoral reform, he said bills to allow independent candidacy at all levels and to enable diaspora voting are also on the agenda.

He said more than 20 bills on judicial reform will be considered, including those proposing judgment delivery timelines and expanded jurisdiction for election tribunals.

He added that some proposals aim to devolve powers by moving items such as labour and shipping from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list.

Mudashir implored citizens to actively participate in the zonal hearings, noting that public engagement is critical to the constitutional amendment process.

On June 13, Osita Izunaso, senator representing Imo West, said the red chamber is considering a bill for the creation of ‘Anim state’ in the south-east geopolitical zone.

Speaking at a media parley in Abuja, Izunaso said the bill has passed second reading and is now before the committee on constitution review.

The proposed state, he explained, would be carved out of parts of Anambra and Imo.

FULL LIST OF PROPOSED STATES

North-Central:

Benue Ala (from Benue)

Okun, Okura, Confluence (from Kogi)

Apa-Agba, Apa (from Benue)

Federal Capital Territory (to be a standalone 37th state)

North-East:

Amana (from Adamawa)

Katagum (from Bauchi)

Savannah (from Borno)

Muri (from Taraba)

North-West:

New Kaduna, Gurara (from Kaduna)

Tiga, Ghari (from Kano)

Kainji (from Kebbi)

South-East:

Etiti (proposed 6th SE state)

Adada (from Enugu)

Urashi, Orlu, Aba (from South-East region)

South-South:

Ogoja (from Cross River)

Warri (from Delta)

Bori (from Rivers)

Obolo (from Rivers/Akwa Ibom)

South-West:

Toru-Ebe (from Delta, Edo, Ondo)

Ibadan (from Oyo)

Lagoon (from Lagos)

Ijebu, Oke-Ogun (from Ogun)

Ife-Ijesha (from Oyo and Osun)

Other proposals under consideration include:

ANIM State (from Anambra and Imo)

Abak State (from Akwa Ibom)

The Senate Committee urged all Nigerians to participate in the hearings, emphasizing that public input is vital to producing a constitution that reflects the country’s present-day realities and aspirations.