Land Dispute: Lawyer Faults Army Over Demolition of Houses, Arrests in Jaji
…Urges Compliance with Court Orders

Jaji, Kaduna State — Tension is rising in the Jaji area of Kaduna State as a long-running land dispute between local communities and the Nigerian Army takes a new turn, with fresh allegations of illegal demolitions and arrests despite a subsisting court order.

The affected communities—Ungwan Malam Auta, Ungwan Luaya, Ungwan Alhassan, and surrounding areas—have been in a legal tussle with the Nigerian Army since November 2020. The conflict centers on alleged encroachment by the military on ancestral lands the communities say they have occupied for over two centuries.

At issue is the construction of a perimeter fence around the Jaji Military Cantonment, which residents claim cuts through farmlands and ancestral homes. In response to a legal suit filed by the communities, the Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Hannatu Balogun, issued an injunction restraining the Army from further construction and ordered that residents be granted continued access to their lands.

However, speaking to our correspondent via telephone, the counsel representing the communities, Barrister Kimi Appah, accused the Army of defying the court’s directive.

“Despite clear restraining orders from the court, the Army has continued demolitions and made arrests within these communities, in direct violation of judicial directives,” Appah stated.

Local sources confirmed the demolition of several houses and the arrest of community members, allegedly without prior notice or compensation. Describing the actions as “intimidation” and “unlawful occupation,” the lawyer called on top government officials to intervene.

“We are appealing to the Federal Government, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chief of Army Staff to intervene and ensure the military respects the rule of law,” Appah added.

Community leaders also voiced concern, demanding the enforcement of the court’s rulings, an end to the demolitions, and the immediate release of detained residents. They argue that the land is being taken without proper legal channels or compensation, an act they describe as a violation of their rights.

Legal observers note that the case may become a litmus test for the protection of civilian land rights in military-occupied areas, and a benchmark for how the armed forces interact with host communities in Nigeria.

DANTSOHO BOOSTS NPA WORKFORCE WITH 1,500 PROMOTIONS

…Ends Decades of Stagnation

The Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has reiterated that human capital development constitutes the key strategy for creating and sustaining superior performance under his watch.

Responding recently when he received commendation by the Maritime Workers Union (MWUN) and the senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned companies (SSASGOC), for clearing the age long problem of employee stagnation, Dantsoho said “talent development constitutes a critical success factor for the actualization of the big hairy audacious goals we have set for ourselves especially in the area of Port competitiveness”.

“The only way we can meet and indeed exceed Stakeholders’ expectations is to deepen the competencies of our human resources assets and boosting their morale”.

Speaking further Dantsoho commended the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola for approving the strategic proposal of the Dantsoho-led Management team that solved the over a decade-long problem of lack of promotion that had fuelled industrial disharmony.

“I must specially appreciate our amiable Minister for graciously approving the multi-pronged stratagem we deployed that cleared all outstanding cases of employee stagnation by conducting examinations in one fell swoop and instituted timelines to forestall a recurrence of such anomaly”.

Speaking on behalf of the joint maritime labour unions, the President of Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations & Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), Comrade Bodunde stated, “ In addition to clearance of the backlog of stagnated promotions, we also wish to express our appreciation for the increase in productivity bonuses, provision of end-of-year welfare packages for staff, and the revision of the Financial Guide to the Condition of Service, which now addresses our members’ concerns about inflationary pressures.”

According to a release by Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara NPA’s General Manager Corporate & Strategic Communications, Dantsoho elucidated further that “our Port infrastructure and equipment modernization drive will go hand in hand with continuous staff welfare improvement”.

Benue State Killings: Nigeria’s Food Basket Under Siege — A Call for Truth, Unity, and Action
By Faduri Oluwadare Joseph,

Former Presidential Aspirant of Labour Party and Founder of Rescue Movement for New Nigeria

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My heartfelt condolences go to the good people of Benue State for the horrific massacre of innocent men, women, and children — souls who did not deserve such a brutal end in the dead of night.

Benue State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and North Central region, is home to the Tiv, Idoma, Igede, and other indigenous peoples. Known nationwide as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Benue produces large quantities of yams, cassava, and rice — feeding millions of Nigerians every day. Its people are peaceful, hospitable, and hardworking — traits that have long defined this great state.

Yet today, Benue is bleeding.

The killings and violence plaguing the state are not random or sudden. They are born from deep-rooted neglect, betrayal, political greed, and the failure of leadership. It is time we speak the truth.

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Root Causes of the Benue Killings

One of the flashpoints of this crisis is the controversial case of Terwase Akwaza, widely known as Gana — a feared figure in Benue. While the government branded him a terrorist, many in the Sankera axis saw him as a local protector. His killing by government forces shattered a fragile balance and, according to many, emboldened Fulani herdsmen who had previously treaded cautiously.

Traditional rulers are not without blame. Some have accepted cattle and cash from Fulani herders, sold off ancestral lands, and even invested in cow rearing — aligning with herders against their own communities. This betrayal is especially painful in a state where the people traditionally prefer pork over beef.

Political corruption has made the situation worse. Politicians fund and arm local youths with charms and weapons to win elections. After elections, these armed youths turn on their own people — robbing, intimidating, and destabilizing their communities. Once-safe areas like Sankera now grapple with armed robbery and lawlessness.

The political divide among armed youth groups aligned with various caucuses — Ortom, Alia, Akume, and Suswam — has splintered Benue into factions. These rifts force some youths into the forests, where they become bandits who descend into towns at night to loot and kill.

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Farming Crisis: The Threat to Nigeria’s Food Security

Benue’s farmers suffer repeated destruction of their crops by Fulani cattle. When they demand compensation, they are met with violence instead of justice. These retaliatory attacks only perpetuate a cycle of bloodshed and fear. Farmlands lie abandoned, food production has plummeted, and hunger looms across Nigeria.

Youth unemployment and lack of education deepen the crisis. Many of those causing chaos have never received a primary school certificate, never left their villages, and know no other life. In desperation, they turn to armed groups — extorting locals, stealing livestock, and attacking villages.

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The Complicity of Nasarawa State

Nasarawa has become a sanctuary for terrorists and Fulani militias who launch attacks into Benue before retreating back. This silent betrayal — offering shelter and resources to killers while pretending to stand with Benue — has caused untold losses in lives and property.

Benue cannot know peace if Nasarawa remains a launchpad for destruction. The state deserves leadership that prioritizes justice and security over ethnic loyalty.

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The National Implication

This is no longer a local issue. When Benue farmers cannot farm, the ripple effects are felt across Nigeria. Food becomes scarce. Prices rise. Families suffer. Businesses collapse. The economy weakens. The security of Benue is the security of Nigeria.

The decline of agriculture in Benue threatens not just livelihoods, but national stability. We cannot afford to lose the Food Basket of the Nation to unchecked terrorism and political complacency.

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Hope in Action: The Relocation of the Chief of Army Staff

The recent relocation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to Benue must not be symbolic. It must signal a decisive shift.

We demand:

Honest and effective deployment of security forces.

Zero tolerance for corruption at checkpoints.

Proactive patrols in all villages.

Identification and elimination of terrorist hideouts.

Military intelligence and aerial surveillance in affected zones.

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Community Vigilance Is Key

While federal intervention is crucial, the people of Benue must rise to secure their homes. Local vigilante groups must be trained, equipped, and supported. These are the people who understand the terrain, the culture, and the threats. With government backing, they can protect farmlands, resist attacks, and restore peace.

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Unity Over Division: The Politicians Must Wake Up

The rivalry between Ortom, Alia, Akume, Suswam, and their loyalists has weakened Benue’s collective strength. These personal ambitions are tearing the state apart. If Benue must stand, it must stand together. Now is the time to set aside egos, close ranks, and unite for survival and future development.

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A Direct Message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

As you visit Benue on June 18th, Mr. President, we urge you to come with open ears and an open heart. Hear the cries from Yelwata and every other grieving village. Let not your visit be a photo opportunity, but a turning point.

We demand:

Deployment of intelligent and committed officers.

Full implementation of the anti-open grazing law.

Satellite surveillance and CCTV installations in hotspots.

Presence of the Inspector General of Police in Benue, especially in Sankera.

A declaration of a State of Emergency if things don’t improve immediately.

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Conclusion: Benue Must Rise Again

Benue is not a battleground. It is a blessing to Nigeria — a cradle of agriculture, a land of resilience, and a symbol of hope. The killings must stop. The betrayals must end. The silence must be broken.

This is a call for unity. A call for truth. A call for action. And a call to every Nigerian: defend Benue, and you defend Nigeria.

Enough is enough.

A Father’s Day Message to All Men Across the World — Especially Nigerian Men
By Faduri Oluwadare Joseph (Fadojoe)
Former Presidential Aspirant | Founder, Rescue Movement for a New Nigeria

My dear brothers, fathers, and leaders of families across the world,

On this special occasion of Father’s Day, I extend my deepest respect, appreciation, and heartfelt greetings to every man — from the streets of Lagos to the corners of rural Africa, from the cities of America to the towns of Europe and Asia — who has taken up the sacred responsibility of fatherhood, mentorship, and leadership.

To all Nigerian men, this message is especially for you. In a nation tested by challenges, yet blessed with resilience and greatness, your role as a father has never been more crucial. You are the builders of families, protectors of communities, and the silent strength that holds our society together.

Fatherhood is not just about biological connection. It is about sacrifice, discipline, integrity, compassion, and vision. It is about raising children who will not have to recover from their childhood. It is about leading by example, even when the world offers little reward. It is about showing up, staying strong, and believing in the better tomorrow that we all seek.

As a political leader and a fellow father, I see your struggles. I understand the pressures, the disappointments, and the sacrifices. But I also see your courage, your endurance, and your undying hope. It is that hope that will rebuild our country. It is that hope that will reshape Africa.

Let us remember today that being a father also means being a nation builder. We must rise to reject every form of corruption, oppression, and injustice. We must raise our voices and take action to rescue our nation — not just for us, but for the children who look to us with trust in their eyes.

To all the single fathers, the grandfathers, the mentors, the uncles, and the male guardians — we see you. We celebrate you. We honor you.

May this Father’s Day renew your strength and your sense of purpose. May it remind you that your love, your presence, and your values matter more than words can express.

Together, we will build a New Nigeria, a better Africa, and a brighter world — starting with the families we lead.

Happy Father’s Day.
God bless you, and God bless the fathers of Nigeria and the world.

TIME FOR A BOLD STEP: Vice President Kashim Shettima Should Leave the APC with Honour
From Lateef Taiwo

An Abuja based legal practitioner and human rights activist, Barrister Hamza N Dantani, has described the All progressive Congress( A PC ), North East Zonal meeting in Gombe on Sunday as an affront to Vice president Kashim Ibrahim.
“In a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, Hamza stated that the gathering of the North east Zonal stakeholders forum in Gombe, where an endorsement was made for president Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s 2027 election bids without the mention or inclusion of Shetima sent an obvious political message to vice president Kashim shettima- we do not need you any more”

According to the constitutional Lawyer and Right activist it appears the ruling party or potent forces within are gradually edging out the vice president who was central to their victory in 2023″

The respected Legal luminary called on the Vice president shettima- to leave the All progressive Congress, ( APC), with his honour intact.
While extolling the vice president for his political sagacity that culminated in the victory of the All progressive Congress ( APC), in the presidential election in 2023 , Hamza went memory lane

“As a Patriotic Citizen of this great Country, Nigeria, and a law-abiding observer of Nigeria’s political landscape, I have followed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political journey with great admiration and pride. From his days as a commissioner to his transformational leadership as a two-term governor of Borno State, to his impactful tenure in the Senate, and now as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima has consistently proven to be one of the most refined, articulate, and visionary politicians in contemporary Nigeria.”

“In May 2025, 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors endorsed Tinubu as the sole 2027 presidential candidate without mentioning the vice president. In May, APC Northwest zone stakeholders emphatically endorsed Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 elections without including the vice president. In doing so, the party sent a subtle message to Vice President Kashim Shettimaㅡ: We do not need you anymore”.

“However, today’s gathering of the APC Northeast zonal stakeholders forum in Gombe, where an endorsement was made for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid without the mention or inclusion of Vice President Shettima, sends an obvious political message. It appears that the ruling party, or at least its most potent forces, are gradually edging out a man central to their victory in 2023.”

“This is not just an affront to Shettima as an individual; it is an affront to the Northeast, to Borno, and to all Nigerians who believe in fairness, competence, and loyalty in politics.”

“Let us not forget: in 2023, Shettima traversed the North, defended the party, and brought intellectual weight and political credibility to the Tinubu campaign. His role was not ceremonial. He fought, he campaigned, and he delivered for the ticket. The North, particularly the Northeast, rallied behind the ticket partly because of his involvement. Today, however, the handwriting on the wall is glaring — the APC may be preparing to drop him as the running mate in 2027.”

“It is painful but not surprising. Politics in Nigeria is often about expediency rather than principle. But this is precisely why leaders must know when to draw a line. Vice President Kashim Shettima must not allow himself to be used and discarded. He must not sit quietly in the backseat while decisions are made to sideline him” he lament

“Now is the time to leave the APC.

He must do so with his head held high, not in bitterness, but with the clarity and dignity of a man who knows his worth and refuses to be politically humiliated. Leaving the APC now, while the ovation is still loud, will send a strong message — that he is not a political appendage but a force in his own right—a man whose influence transcends party structures and who still commands enormous goodwill across the North and beyond”

” Shettima’s political future does not begin and end with the APC. His pedigree and vision are far too important to be boxed in by a party that no longer sees his value. He has the capacity, credibility, and following to chart a new political course, whether within a new alliance, movement, or party”

“The North, particularly the Northeast, looks up to him. Borno holds him in high esteem. Nigeria needs his voice in the coming years. He must not diminish himself by clinging to a political structure that appears to have moved on without him”

“History will be kind to Kashim Shettima if he chooses courage over comfort. And if the Almighty wills it, he will become the president of this country shortly. It is time to show that he is not a political orphan but a statesman who can still shape the destiny of this nation, with or without the APC.”
Reacting to the rowdy out come of the Zonal stakeholders meeting in Gombe, Governor Zulum of Borno state also warned the party against any move to
dump vice president shettima, according to him the entire North east are behind vice president shettima.

A Father’s Day Message to All Men Across the World — Especially Nigerian Men
By Faduri Oluwadare Joseph (Fadojoe)
Former Presidential Aspirant | Founder, Rescue Movement for a New Nigeria

My dear brothers, fathers, and leaders of families across the world,

On this special occasion of Father’s Day, I extend my deepest respect, appreciation, and heartfelt greetings to every man — from the streets of Lagos to the corners of rural Africa, from the cities of America to the towns of Europe and Asia — who has taken up the sacred responsibility of fatherhood, mentorship, and leadership.

To all Nigerian men, this message is especially for you. In a nation tested by challenges, yet blessed with resilience and greatness, your role as a father has never been more crucial. You are the builders of families, protectors of communities, and the silent strength that holds our society together.

Fatherhood is not just about biological connection. It is about sacrifice, discipline, integrity, compassion, and vision. It is about raising children who will not have to recover from their childhood. It is about leading by example, even when the world offers little reward. It is about showing up, staying strong, and believing in the better tomorrow that we all seek.

As a political leader and a fellow father, I see your struggles. I understand the pressures, the disappointments, and the sacrifices. But I also see your courage, your endurance, and your undying hope. It is that hope that will rebuild our country. It is that hope that will reshape Africa.

Let us remember today that being a father also means being a nation builder. We must rise to reject every form of corruption, oppression, and injustice. We must raise our voices and take action to rescue our nation — not just for us, but for the children who look to us with trust in their eyes.

To all the single fathers, the grandfathers, the mentors, the uncles, and the male guardians — we see you. We celebrate you. We honor you.

May this Father’s Day renew your strength and your sense of purpose. May it remind you that your love, your presence, and your values matter more than words can express.

Together, we will build a New Nigeria, a better Africa, and a brighter world — starting with the families we lead.

Happy Father’s Day.
God bless you, and God bless the fathers of Nigeria and the world.

ZAILANI REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU AND MALAM UBA SANI’S SECOND TERM AGENDA

The Rt Hon Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, 9th Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Uba Sani, as they prepare for their respective second terms in office. Zailani’s remarks came during an empowerment program organized by the Igabi Local Government, led by Hon Sani Abdul, where over 150 less privileged individuals received a monthly allowance of 30,000 naira.

This was contained in a statement signed by the SA Media and Publicity to the 9th Assembly Speaker and made available to the Press.

In his address, Zailani emphasized the importance of unity in supporting the current administration, stating, “Everyone that is not supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration does not mean well for this country.” He called on all Nigerians to rally behind the President and the Governor to ensure continuity and progress.

Zailani also addressed recent political shifts, urging those decamping to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to refrain from celebrating, as he firmly believes they cannot hinder President Tinubu’s path to re-election in 2027. “Uba Sani remains our candidate for a second term as Governor in Kaduna State,” he declared, reinforcing his commitment to the continuity of leadership.

In a show of solidarity, Zailani expressed his full support for Hon Muhammad Abubakar Mamadi as the National Assembly Representative for Igabi Local Government. He stated, “We are only waiting for INEC to give room for campaigns. On that day, we will organize a march of hundreds of thousands in support of President Tinubu’s second term and Malam Uba Sani’s re-election as Governor in 2027.”

The event also witnessed a strong endorsement from Igabi stakeholders, who rallied around Zailani’s potential candidacy for the Senate to represent Kaduna Central in the 11th Assembly in 2027. This endorsement was articulated by the Chairman of Igabi Stakeholders, Alh Muazu Abubakar Ruma Tafidan Afaka, Sardaunan Nagarta, Majidadin Ruma, highlighting the collective desire for Zailani to serve at a higher legislative capacity.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Zailani’s resolute commitment to supporting President Tinubu and Governor Sani underscores a broader call for unity and progress within Kaduna State and Nigeria at large. The upcoming election cycle promises to be a pivotal moment for the region, with Zailani and his allies poised to lead the charge for continued development and democratic governance.