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Trump’s War Threats Won’t Shake Nigeria, Tinubu Already Steps Ahead – Onanuga.
The Presidency has reacted to the recent diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States following allegations of Christian persecution, describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as being “ahead of the orchestrated game” unfolding in America.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the controversy intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” over alleged killings of Christians. Trump accused the Nigerian government of ignoring the attacks and directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible action against the perpetrators.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may very well go into that now disgraced country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists committing these atrocities,” Trump declared on Truth Social.
The U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, also confirmed the directive, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that “the Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists committing these horrible atrocities.”
In response, President Tinubu dismissed the claims of religious persecution, insisting that Nigeria remains a multi-faith democracy that upholds equality and the constitutional protection of all citizens. He noted that violence in the country is not driven by religion but by criminal and terrorist activities that have affected both Christians and Muslims alike.
“Religious persecution has no place in Nigeria. The Constitution guarantees the protection of all citizens, regardless of faith,” Tinubu affirmed in a statement issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Reacting to the U.S. designation, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu had long anticipated the unfolding political maneuvers behind the renewed pressure.
“President Bola Tinubu was well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America as he told the new service chiefs on Thursday what Nigerians expect of them. No more excuses; Nigerians want results,” Onanuga wrote on X.
He shared portions of Tinubu’s earlier speech to military commanders, where the President charged the armed forces to take proactive measures against emerging security threats across the country.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating,” Tinubu stated. “Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
The President urged the service chiefs to deliver tangible results rather than excuses, pledging full government support to enable them succeed.
“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” Tinubu declared. “Be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer.”
Tinubu concluded by assuring the military of his administration’s unwavering backing, saying, “I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.”
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman will miss Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania on Tuesday, November 16, following a knee ligament injury.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the development on Saturday after medical scans revealed the extent of the injury sustained by the Atletico Madrid forward during Friday’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo.
The Super Eagles media team also announced the diagnosis in an official statement, confirming that Lookman would not be available for the return fixture in Zanzibar.
“Scan has revealed Ademola Lookman suffered a sprain in his knee ligament during yesterday’s match. This rules him out of Nigeria’s next AFCON qualifier versus Tanzania in Zanzibar on Tuesday,” the team stated.
Lookman featured in the starting lineup for the Group L encounter and provided the assist for Alhassan Yusuf’s second-minute opener.
However, the 28-year-old was forced off in the 44th minute after experiencing discomfort in his knee. He was subsequently replaced by Moses Simon.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle had expressed concerns about the forward’s condition after the match, revealing that Lookman initially felt pain while attempting to take a shot before sustaining another knock to the same knee.
Meanwhile, Chelle confirmed that defenders Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick were in good physical condition after recovering from cramps suffered during the encounter.
The Nigerian tactician also commended substitute Tolu Arokodare for his impressive contribution, after the striker scored twice in the second half to secure all three points for the Super Eagles.
Chelle attributed Arokodare’s impact to his physical strength and ability to attack crosses, particularly after Nigeria adopted a more direct attacking approach in the second half.
“When you put the ball inside the box, maybe actually he is the best striker,” Chelle said.
Nigeria will travel to face Tanzania at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm Nigerian time.
The Super Eagles currently have six points from three matches in Group L, one point behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, as they continue their push to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, has cautioned the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, against making what he described as flippant, ridiculous and reckless comments.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Afegbua issued the warning during an interview on Arise News while reacting to Sowore’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu following the booing of the President by some youths in Abuja on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Sowore had accused Tinubu of hypocrisy, questioning why the President was now preaching peaceful political campaigns after facing hostility during his visit to the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, Abuja.
Reacting to the remarks, Afegbua described Sowore as a “public nuisance” and questioned his ability to establish a formidable political structure across the country.
The Edo commissioner argued that anyone seeking to become Nigeria’s president must demonstrate maturity, responsibility and decorum in public engagements.
“I don’t want to listen to all of Sowore’s rants because I see him more as a public nuisance,” Afegbua said.
He stressed that aspiring to lead a country with a population of over 250 million people comes with enormous responsibilities, which should be reflected in a candidate’s public conduct.
According to him, presidential candidates should not make careless or provocative statements under the guise of promoting their political ambitions.
“Leadership is a serious responsibility, and you cannot go around making flippant, ridiculous and reckless statements in the name of presenting yourself as a presidential candidate,” Afegbua stated.
He further maintained that political ambition must be backed by discipline and a proper understanding of the responsibilities attached to the office being sought.
Afegbua also questioned Sowore’s political influence and nationwide reach, suggesting that the AAC candidate lacks the organisational capacity required to compete effectively across the country.
He argued that establishing a functional political structure in all 774 local government areas would pose a significant challenge for Sowore.
However, the commissioner acknowledged that politicians like Sowore serve a purpose in the political space by providing an avenue for Nigerians to express their frustrations and communicate their views on issues affecting the country.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports alleging that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is planning to resign from office.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The commission described the claim as false, urging Nigerians to ignore the report, which circulated on social media alongside an image, saying it was fabricated to mislead the public.
INEC clarified its position on Saturday in a statement published on its official X account.
“The claim is FALSE, FABRICATED AND MISLEADING,” the commission stated.
It also urged Nigerians to verify information through its official communication channels before sharing unconfirmed reports.
The denial comes amid mounting criticism of Amupitan over controversies surrounding the preliminary voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On November 9, the INEC chairman disclosed that the commission had removed 1,608,660 invalid registrations from the preliminary voters’ register following a review of entries recorded during the 2025 and 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercises.
Amupitan further revealed that 54 individuals from 10 states had been identified over alleged registration irregularities and could face disciplinary measures, including prosecution.
The commission had received complaints involving suspected multiple registrations, questionable photographs and other irregularities in the voters’ register.
The controversy also followed the INEC chairman to the United Kingdom, where protesters confronted his vehicle outside Chatham House in London on Thursday.
The demonstrators, who demanded his resignation over alleged problems with the voters’ register, surrounded his vehicle as he departed a discussion on Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Some protesters also called on him to step out of the vehicle and address their concerns.
During the Chatham House engagement, Amupitan acknowledged that controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections had significantly affected public confidence in INEC.
He, however, appealed to Nigerians to trust his leadership, assuring them that the commission was working to address previous challenges and improve the conduct of future elections.
The INEC chairman also announced plans to conduct a nationwide mock accreditation and voting exercise on November 28.
According to him, the exercise would test improvements to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan further disclosed that INEC had introduced technical measures to prevent incorrect polling unit results and figures indicating over-voting from being uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal.
Meanwhile, INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
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