Category Nigeria News

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has inaugurated a seven-member peace and reconciliation committee to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

The apex socio-political body of the South-South region issued a two-week ultimatum to the panel to broker a truce.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Fubara Calls For Calm Amid Impeachment Process

Channels Television reports that the committee is chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, SAN, with Senator Obende Domingo as Vice Chairman.

Other members include former Minister of Housing Chief Essien Nduese, retired Federal Permanent Secretary Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, retired DSS Director Chief Mike Ejiofor, former Cross River State Attorney-General Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, and PANDEF Deputy National Secretary Prince Godwin Okotie as Secretary.

PANDEF’s National Chairman, Godknows Igali, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Monday, said that the panel’s mandate was to de-escalate tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, restore stability, and facilitate dialogue between the executive and legislature.

READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Confirms Impeachment Notices Served To Gov Fubara, Deputy

He also called on both Governor Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—both PANDEF members—to respect the outcome of the reconciliation process.

The committee’s terms of reference include identifying principal actors in the crisis, engaging key stakeholders such as former governors, traditional rulers, and political leaders, and submitting a comprehensive report with recommendations to PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and the President within 14 days.

In his acceptance speech, Agabi described the assignment as a solemn responsibility and urged parties involved to embrace humility, forgiveness, and dialogue.

He warned that the continuation of the crisis could undermine the welfare of Rivers residents and the nation’s stability.

King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, and former governors and eminent leaders, including Obong Victor Attah, were present at the inauguration.

Diete-Spiff called on both Wike and Fubara to embrace peace, while Attah emphasised the need for the committee to remain neutral and prioritize the welfare of Rivers people above individual interests.

Rivers Crisis, Impeachment Plot

The oil-rich state has been embroiled in a fresh crisis following a faceoff between the Fubara and the lawmakers that are loyal to Wike.

Last Thursday, the lawmakers, led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, formally commenced impeachment proceedings against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.

The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, outlining multiple allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.

The allegations include extra-budgetary spending of over ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.

A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor for allegedly conniving in unconstitutional expenditures.

Amaewhule announced that the notices would be served on the governor and his deputy within seven days, in line with the Constitution.

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested two suspected gun runners during a coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted in Taraba State.

The arrest, which is part of Operation Peace Shield of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), trailed and apprehended a suspected gun runner identified as Mr Christopher Adamu, also known as “Suffer”, aged 48 years.

The suspect was arrested at Sebos Joint, Mayo Dasa General Area, of Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is actively involved in illegal arms trafficking.

Items recovered from him include one hunter’s identification card, two ATM cards, one National Identification Card, one Itel keypad mobile phone, six rings, one hand band, and assorted charms.

During further interrogation, the suspect confessed to working with an accomplice identified as “Chmn” from Shomo Gari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Following actionable intelligence obtained from the first arrest, troops apprehended another suspected gun runner identified as James Yangyang, aged 37 years, at Tautre Village, on the outskirts of Anguwan Bera, Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

READ ALSO: Two Killed, Wedding Guests Abducted As Bandits Launch Attack In Katsina

Investigation further revealed that Christopher Adamu sold an AK-47 rifle to one Mr Bazoe John of Murbai Village, Ardo Kola LGA, in November 2025, confirming the existence of an arms supply network.

Both suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation, after which they will be handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution.

Reacting to the development, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army /Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops and intelligence operatives for their professionalism, vigilance, and synergy in disrupting criminal networks threatening peace and security in Taraba State.

The Commander issued a stern warning to criminals, arms traffickers, and their collaborators, stating that “6 Brigade will not relent in its resolve to rid Taraba State and its environs of illegal arms dealers and all forms of criminal elements.

“Those aiding, abetting, or collaborating with criminals, whether within or outside the state, should desist immediately or be ready to face the full weight of the law. Our troops will continue to dominate the battlespace and decisively deal with anyone found undermining peace and security,” he said.

The Oba of Badagry, Oba Babatunde Akran, the Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, has died at the age of 89.

Oba Akran was also the permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

READ ALSO: Lagos Govt Probes Alleged Negligence In Death Of Chimamanda’s Son

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced the passing of the monarch in a statement on Monday.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the departure of Oba Akran as a great loss not only to the people of Badagry but also to Lagos and Nigeria at large.

He said that Akran made a remarkable impact as a respected monarch in Nigeria.

He said the revered king, who was on the throne for nearly 49 years, was a traditional ruler known for his wisdom, cultural preservation, and advocacy for Badagry’s development.

The governor added that the Oba rendered selfless service to the people and left behind a legacy of unity, tradition, uplifting and modern development.

Gov Mourns

Governor Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the people of Badagry and the family of the late Oba Akran of Badagry, over the passing of the paramount ruler, saying his departure was a great loss to the traditional institution in the State.

“On behalf of my wife, the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with the people of Badagry, the deceased’s family, friends, associates, and traditional institutions on the transition of the paramount ruler of Badagry Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Babatunde Akran, Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I,” the statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, read partly.

“The death of Oba Akran is a great loss to the people of the ancient town of Badagry, and he will be greatly missed. He was a respected journalist. As a traditional ruler, he made positive impacts during his lifetime and contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of his community, Lagos State and Nigeria.

“Oba Akran, as a first-class traditional ruler, left a lasting legacy that the people of Badagry Kingdom will continue to cherish. He served as the custodian of Badagry’s traditions, customs, and cultural heritage for nearly 49 years.

‘He was a stabilising force known for uniting diverse interests within his kingdom and promoted Badagry’s historical sites and cultural festivals nationally and internationally, fostering tourism and cultural exchange.

“He also used his position to attract growth and development to the ancient town. I urge his family, friends, subjects and associates, as well as the entire people of Badagry, whose interests the departed traditional ruler represented and worked tirelessly for during his lifetime, to work towards immortalising him.

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has called  for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s health system, insisting that it is a matter of “national emergency” that demands immediate legislative and executive action.

READ ALSO: Lagos Govt Probes Alleged Negligence In Death Of Chimamanda’s Son

In a press statement on Monday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria expressed grave concern about the recurring incidents of absolutely preventable deaths resulting from medical negligence by health practitioners across Nigeria.

“The recent tragic loss of Nkanu Nnamdi, one of the twin sons of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, has once again brought this critical national crisis to the forefront of public consciousness,” Agbakoba said.

“As my professional focus over the last 20 years has been medical malpractice, having been involved in over 50 cases, this unfortunate incident is yet another example of the unacceptable state of incompetence in some Nigerian hospitals. I am, quite honestly, not shocked that such a simple procedure at an acclaimed, reputable hospital has ended so terribly. Propofol, which was reportedly administered to Nkanu, requires exceptional care due to its potential for cardio-respiratory failure. An overdose can be fatal, and there appears to be a strong possibility of overdose in this case.

“I commend the Lagos State Government for its prompt commitment to investigate this matter. I equally commend the hospital, Euracare, for agreeing to cooperate with investigators. However, I must emphasise that such investigations must be genuinely independent and transparent. I have witnessed instances where medical records are altered to avoid culpability.”

He also noted that the issue had become deeply personal to him as his firm is currently handling about 25 cases of medical malpractice.

Agbakoba said, “I was misdiagnosed for an ailment that could have had serious consequences. My brother almost died due to an operation performed by a physician who presented himself as a surgeon.

“The cases of Peju Ugboma and numerous other Nigerians—including a woman who lost both kidneys following negligent surgery; a mother who died from haemorrhagic shock after childbirth due to delayed response; a 12-year-old whose intestine reportedly went “missing” during treatment; a doctor who was imprisoned for improperly setting a fracture without X-ray; and an elderly woman who died after being mistakenly given a paralysing injection during a routine visit—demonstrate the scale of this crisis.

“These are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a systemic crisis demanding urgent intervention. My practice currently has over 20 complaints on this issue and is actively handling 25 cases.”

“The fundamental problem underlying these tragedies is the complete failure of the legal and regulatory framework governing Nigeria’s health sector. In the old days, the healthcare system functioned under a robust supervisory structure.

“Chief Medical Officers and Health Inspectors were responsible for oversight of critical care, ensuring compliance with standards, and holding practitioners accountable. The last Chief Medical Officer of Nigeria was Dr. Samuel Layinka Manuwa.

“Today, under the National Health Act and State Health Laws, this essential regulatory infrastructure no longer exists. Our health sector has become overcentralised under the Federal Minister of Health, causing states to become lax in oversight responsibilities.

“As a result, health facilities and medical practitioners operate with alarming impunity. There is no requirement for routine submission of reports, no systematic inspections, and no effective enforcement of professional standards,” he added.

The senior lawyer further stated that ministers of health and commissioners of health had assumed “roles that conflate policy-making with regulatory enforcement—a fundamental governance failure”.

“There must be a clear separation of functions: Ministers and Commissioners should focus on policy development and strategic direction, whilst independent Health Inspectors and regulatory bodies must be empowered to enforce standards, conduct inspections, and ensure accountability.

“I commiserate with all Nigerians who have been victims of medical negligence and with families who continue to suffer the devastating consequences of a broken healthcare regulatory system.

“The Chimamanda case has brought this national emergency further into public focus, but it represents only the visible tip of a much larger crisis affecting countless Nigerian families. I continue to speak out as loudly as I can that the state of medical care in Nigeria has reached a critical point, requiring emergency action,” Agbakoba said.

The learned silk called for the immediate establishment of an independent Health Regulatory Authority with powers to inspect facilities, enforce standards, and sanction non-compliance; reinstitution of the Office of Chief Medical Officer at federal and state levels with clear enforcement mandates, mandatory registration, and periodic inspection of all health facilities with transparent reporting requirements;

He also demanded independent investigation mechanisms with powers to access and preserve medical records, preventing tampering or alteration; clear separation between policy formulation and regulatory enforcement within the health sector governance structure; and comprehensive legislative reform to update Nigeria’s health laws to reflect modern standards of care, accountability, and patient protection.

He argued that the time for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s health system was long overdue.

At least 95 people, comprising 94 princes and a princess from the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu Ode, have indicated their interest as contestants for the vacant stool of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025, after the demise of the 91-year old Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

READ ALSO: New Awujale: Abiodun Urges Kingmakers To Ensure Level Playing Ground For Contestants

The contestants emerged at the nomination meeting held by the ruling house at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

In attendance at the meeting, which was presided over by the Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, his deputy and vice, Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, and Prof Fassy Yusuf, respectively.

The Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government, Abiodun Oke, and some other officials of the local government were around to serve as observers.

Nomination Process

Some of the contestants to the throne include Giwa Abiodun Onanuga, the husband of a former deputy governor of the state, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; a renowned Ophthalmologist and founder of Eyes Foundation Hospital, Dr Kunle Hassan; Otunba Fatai Arowolo of Aron Construction, among others, while the only female contestant is Oluwakemi Onanuga, a lawyer.

The process of nomination of contestants at the meeting was through the representation of contestants by two of their relatives.

One of the relatives moved the motion for their nomination, while the other member seconded the motion, after which the family will register the nomination as being accepted.

Speaking with journalists at the end of the nomination meeting, the family head of Fusengbuwa, Otunba Owoyemi, lauded the members for conducting themselves peacefully and for ensuring that nothing untoward happened that could jeopardise the nomination process happened.

Owoyemi said that just as the Ifa oracle had foretold, the family was working across board to ensure that the person who would assume the vacant stool of Awujale would be someone who would further take Ijebu land to greater height.

“We thank God that what we have feared so much has finally come and gone peacefully.

“We have successfully, peacefully, and harmoniously nominated our candidates, 95 of them. It is now left in the hands of the kingmakers to do a very good job conscientiously and pick one of them as the next Awujale.

“The Fusengbuwa family has done a lot of traditional research through the Ifa oracle to guide us on what should be done and we have no doubt that the kingmakers are going to select the person that the Almighty God himself has appointed. We believe God in the next month, we should have the next Awujale,” the family head and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria said.

Owoyemi also said that the contestants had earlier signed an agreement to accept the outcome of the selection process and not pursue any litigation, and that the family expected that each of the contestants would abide by this agreement.

The family head also said that the ruling house believed that the government would do the right thing and “pick for the family the Awujale that had been foretold would make Ijebu land the biggest and greatest”.

KWAM 1’s Claim

Recall that the selection of the new Awujale, which has been generated concerns, with Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called KWAM1, declaring his interest in the throne.

The Fusengbuwa family, which is the ruling house to produce the next Awujale, however, declared that the legendary Fuji musician was not a member of their family and therefore could not be allowed to be part of the selection process.

The Fuji maestro had approached the state high court sitting in Ijebu Ode seeking an interim injunction stopping Governor Dapo Abiodun and six others from going ahead with the selection process of the new Awujale.

The court refused to grant the injunction, saying that the application brought by the Fuji musician lacked merit.

Ayinde, through his lawyer, however, withdrew the suit, though no tangible reason was offered.

However, in the recent letter dated January 8 and written to Abiodun by counsel for the musician, Whab Shittu, SAN, the entertainer said that the Ijebu Ode Local Government council through a letter written by its Secretary, Abiodun Oke dated January 6, 2026 gave the government’s nod for the ruling house to kick off the selection process of the new paramount ruler of Ijebu land.

He stated that it was, however, surprising that whilst members of the family were preparing for the meeting, a notice was issued directing candidates to pick up nomination cards and appear before a screening committee under the chairmanship of Prince Alhaji Mitiu Adenuga.

Ayinde stated further that the directive fixed the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026, but also directed that the nomination exercise would be done by delegates to be selected at a meeting scheduled for January 10, 2026

“It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members of the ruling house desirous of participating in the exercise of nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy occurring in the stool of Awujale of Ijebu-Land,” Ayinde said through his lawyer.

“We wish to emphasize that all members of the ruling house are entitled to attend this important meeting to nominate candidates of their choice.

“A group of people in the ruling house cannot usurp the rights of members of the ruling house to freely nominate candidates of their choice.

“It is needless to state that the attempt by certain individuals in the ruling house to hijack the process of nomination of candidates will certainly create a crisis in a process that should be seamless,” he further stated.

“We state in specific terms that the directive providing for screening of candidates and nomination by delegates is not only inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the chieftaincy declaration but also the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

“We counsel that in the larger interest of justice and compliance with due process, you will take timeous steps to address these fundamental concerns capable of affecting the integrity of the entire process.

“In particular, our client’s concern of attempts by certain elements to preclude him from the process in flagrant violation of the letters of the law will be resisted, and we hope that your intervention will ensure that justice is done to all parties involved in the process, including our client,” he added.

The police authorities in Edo State have dismissed reports suggesting that a police station was gutted by fire in Ekpoma, describing the reports as false and misleading.

In a statement on Monday, the Edo State Police Command said no police facility or station was affected by fire in Ekpoma.

According to the Command’s spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, the viral videos in social media were calculated to misinform the public and cause panic.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that no Police facility or station was affected by fire in Ekpoma.

“The viral claims are entirely untrue and calculated to misinform the public, generate panic, and undermine public confidence,” the statement read.

READ ALSO: Edo Doctors Commence Strike Over Abduction Of Colleague

The Command clarified that the actual incident occurred on Sunday morning at the POWA Shops area within the Ekpoma Division.

“The actual incident occurred on Sunday, 11th January, 2026, at about 1130hrs, when electricity supply was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company and a spark reportedly emanated from one of the shops within the Powa Shops area of Ekpoma Division, igniting a fire that spread across several adjoining shops,” the Command’s spokesman said.

Ikoedem said police personnel, working with members of the public, swiftly intervened to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing further escalation.

While noting that no life was lost, the Command said the value of property damaged is yet to be ascertained.

The Command’s spokesman condemned the deliberate spread of what it described as unverified and sensational information by some individuals and content creators, warning that such misinformation could generate public panic, disrupt economic activities and pose security risks.

He called on members of the public to always verify information from credible and official sources before sharing.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured residents of Ekpoma and the general public that the security situation remained calm and under control.

Agbonika called on residents to remain law-abiding and disregard unverified reports capable of inciting fear or confusion.

The clarification comes just 24 hours after a separate incident heightened tensions in the university town.