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▶

The funeral service for Sabainah Opawole, mother-in-law of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, was briefly interrupted on Friday when supporters of rival governorship hopefuls turned the solemn occasion into a venue for political posturing. The incident occurred at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta as supporters of PDP candidate Oladipupo Adebutu and APC senator Solomon Adeola (popularly known as Yayi) engaged in competing chants for the 2027 governorship race.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A Call for Decorum The chanting began shortly after Adebutu was invited to pay his respects to the deceased, prompting an immediate response from Adeola’s supporters. Disturbed by the display, former Governor Daniel intervened to address the congregation, reminding those in attendance that the event was a funeral, not a political rally. He urged the supporters to respect the sanctity of the church and refrain from conduct that would distract the mourners.

Reassurance of Peace Despite the disruption, which Daniel noted had unsettled the officiating pastors, the former governor remained optimistic about the state’s political climate. He assured the clergy that political rivalry in Ogun State is managed with maturity and is devoid of violence.

To further demonstrate that there was no personal animosity between the rivals, Daniel invited Governor Dapo Abiodun to lead both Adebutu and Adeola to the dance floor, signaling that they remain part of a single political family despite their party differences. Daniel also noted that, while the identity of the next governor remains unknown, the competition would proceed without physical conflict.

Honoring the Matriarch The service was attended by numerous dignitaries, including representatives for former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, as well as the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.

Tributes were paid to the late Sabainah Opawole, who was celebrated as an accomplished entrepreneur, a devout Christian, and a woman of exceptional grace and faith. Former President Obasanjo praised her legacy of love and unity, while Governor Abiodun highlighted her disciplined leadership, qualities he noted were clearly reflected in her children. The service concluded with a sermon by Rev. John Eyinnaya, who urged the congregation to embrace the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life.