Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has mourned the passing of Professor Turner Isoun, a former Minister of Science and Technology, honoring him as a distinguished scholar whose legacy in education, science, and national growth remains lasting. Professor Isoun, a renowned expert in veterinary medicine, passed away in Abuja on July 15 at the age of 87.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Retired Major General Ishola Williams has publicly supported Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s appeal for an independent probe into the recent abduction and subsequent rescue of students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. Williams, a retired two-star general, argued that Makinde’s request for international scrutiny is justified by historical precedent, noting that current political leaders famously advocated for similar international intervention during the 2014 kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Precedent for International Involvement: Williams stated that those who criticized the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for security lapses during the Chibok crisis set a standard that now validates Makinde’s position.

• Limitations on Formal Invitations: While supportive, Williams clarified that a state governor lacks the constitutional authority to officially invite the United Nations. Instead, he suggested that the governor should engage internationally recognized, independent organizations like Amnesty International, which are known for conducting thorough investigations.

• Failures in Intelligence and Oversight: The retired general criticized the security lapse that allowed armed men to abduct dozens of individuals without detection. He insisted that local security structures—including the Amotekun Corps, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and community leaders—must be held accountable for failing to identify the threat.

• The Role of Local Complicity: Williams asserted that such a large-scale operation could not have been executed without local collaborators who were familiar with the terrain. He suggested that community heads should face consequences if such criminal activity occurs within their jurisdictions, as some villages may be profiting from the presence of these groups.

• Skepticism Toward Official Accounts: Williams questioned the specifics of the rescue operation and called for greater transparency from the authorities so that security experts can analyze the event. He further questioned why the level of intelligence and resources applied to the Oriire rescue is not consistently utilized to combat the ongoing insurgency in Northern Nigeria.

The PDP faction headed by Kabiru Turaki has instructed its legal team to challenge the recent Federal High Court decision regarding the party’s leadership at the Court of Appeal. The faction maintains that the High Court’s ruling contradicts existing judgments from both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶