As the week wraps up, here are a few noteworthy headlines from Nigeria….CONTINUE READING

Bandits struck fear once again in a Plateau community; a private jet overshot the runaway in Ibadan again; another church scandal; and the tensions of the Rivers Crisis reignite.

Here are the highlights of the week’s biggest news stories, from January 21 to January 27, 2024.

• Plaetaau bloodshed continues

In the midst of the ongoing tensions following the Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State, armed individuals targeted Kwahaslalek village in the Mangu Local Government Area. The attack claimed the lives of 30 persons, with the majority being women and children.

Christian leaders accused the military of bias, alleging that troops supported the attackers. The Plateau State Government has called for a military investigation into these allegations, emphasising the need for an unbiased response. This incident raises concerns, with communities deserted and casualties rising, underscoring the escalating security situation in Plateau State.

Muslim leaders also condemned the violence and called for unbiased efforts to restore peace, while residents fled their homes, seeking refuge in the bush.

• Ondo: Is all finally well?

The Ondo State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Mr. Olamide Oladiji, pledged support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa following the confirmation of Mr. Olayide Adelami as deputy governor. Adelami’s confirmation came after Aiyedatiwa submitted his name for screening. The Assembly, previously in a political battle with Aiyedatiwa, expressed support for the executive to ensure more dividends of democracy. Aiyedatiwa had assumed the governorship after the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

The confirmation indicates a resolution of tensions, and Adelami, a retired Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, promised not to betray the confidence placed in him. Additionally, the governor dissolved the State Executive Council, surprising some aides who expected the move after Akeredolu’s burial.

• It’s not over, Fubara

The Rivers State Crisis reared its ugly head again. The Supreme Court had earlier in the week upheld the election of Siminalayi Fubara as the Governor of Rivers State, dismissing the appeal by the All Progressives Congress candidate, Tonye Cole. Fubara said the victory marked an end to distractions. However, the political turbulence continued as the Rivers State House of Assembly overrode Governor Fubara’s assent to four bills. The House, citing constitutional provisions allowing them to override the governor’s decision, pressed on despite Fubara’s objections, adding another layer to the ongoing political drama in the state.

Furthermore, political tensions escalated with the arraignment of Fubara’s loyalists in connection with the explosion at the State Assembly complex. The accused, including Chime Eguma Ezebalike and Lukman Oladele, face terrorism charges for orchestrating the attack during the political upheaval in Port Harcourt. The charges involve allegations of invading, vandalising, and burning down the Assembly.