latest
“My Trusted Security Aide Helped Overthrow Me” — Gowon Opens Up On Coup Betrayal.
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has revealed that his trusted security aide, Joseph Garba, who once served as Commander of the Federal Guards Unit tasked with protecting him, played a role in his overthrow during the July 1975 coup.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In his 859-page autobiography titled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” Gowon described the incident as one of the deepest personal betrayals of his career, noting that it was carried out by individuals he had promoted based on trust and close personal ties, including family connections in Garba’s case.
Gowon said Garba had, just days before the coup, assured him that he had no knowledge of any plot against his government.
He recalled that his Chief Security Officer and head of the Special Branch, M.D. Yusuf, had earlier warned him about a planned coup ahead of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in Kampala, Uganda. The warning named two key officers allegedly involved — Joseph Garba, then Commander of the Federal Guards Unit, and Anthony Ochefu, then Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Military Police.
He said the intelligence report left him in a difficult position, especially as Garba had been placed in charge of the most sensitive security unit responsible for the protection of the Head of State.
Gowon added that Garba’s appointment was influenced not only by his professional record but also by personal trust and family connections.
“As commander of the Federal Guards, which is the elite entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the person of the Head of State, Garba was supposed to have unquestionable loyalty,” he wrote.
He further noted that his relationship with both officers was close and long-standing, saying he had come to trust and like them over the years.
Gowon also pointed out that both men were Christians and originated from his former home region of Benue-Plateau.
A viral video has surfaced showing a man identifying himself as a police officer, Newton Isokpehi, threatening to kill any Nigerian who records him while he is on duty.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In the less-than-three-minute clip, the officer criticised the directive that allows citizens to film police officers during public operations, describing it as unacceptable.
Speaking in Pidgin English, he warned that he would shoot passengers in a bus if anyone attempted to record him while he was carrying out his duties.
He also stated that any senior police officer who supports civilians filming officers should be prepared to “bury” anyone who disobeys the warning.
In his words: “Any day I’m on duty as an officer while holding my rifle, let someone video me… I will kill anyone who films me on duty.”
The officer claimed he had served in the police force for 26 years and also complained about poor welfare conditions within the system.
He further noted that improvements were being made under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, especially in terms of officers’ welfare.
The man also runs a TikTok account where he posts videos of himself in police uniform, with his name displayed on his attire in some clips.
Meanwhile, Nigerian courts have previously affirmed citizens’ rights to record police officers during public duties. In March, the Federal High Court in Delta State ruled that such recordings are protected under constitutional rights in a case involving lawyer Maxwell Nosakhare Uwaifo.
Similarly, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, had earlier stated that citizens are free to film officers as long as they are acting within the law.
The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Nenadi Usman, has confirmed that the party will present a presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, with three aspirants already having purchased nomination forms.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
She made the disclosure on Thursday during an interview with journalists in Abuja shortly after the screening of aspirants for various elective positions.
According to her, while multiple aspirants have shown interest, the party is working towards achieving a consensus candidate for the presidential race.
Usman maintained that the Labour Party remains strong and united despite ongoing internal disputes and controversies surrounding the sale of nomination forms.
She also confirmed that the party has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of the country.
In her words, “We have decided as a party that our next flag bearer should come from the South. We are hoping for consensus, but whoever emerges will go through a thorough screening process. I assure Nigerians the primaries will be free and fair.”
She added that the screening exercise for aspirants across various offices is progressing smoothly and has so far been successful.
Usman further dismissed claims that the party is weakened by internal disagreements, insisting that the level of interest from aspirants shows Labour Party remains a strong platform.
She also expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would uphold its earlier position on the party’s leadership dispute.
On concerns about fake nomination forms, she warned members and the public to be cautious, noting that some fraudulent forms were being circulated by unauthorized individuals.
She said, “One man came here and showed me a form his wife bought, and it was not the form issued by us. People are being deceived, and that is not right.”
Responding to concerns about the strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), she stated that political power ultimately rests with God and the Nigerian electorate.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Screening Committee for Rivers State has declared Kingsley Chinda as the party’s governorship candidate following the conclusion of its primary election exercise in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Reports indicate that Chinda was announced the winner on Thursday evening at the APC secretariat after votes were collated from wards across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Declaring the result, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Bitrus Kwamoti, said Chinda secured a total of 268,497 votes to clinch the ticket.
Kwamoti described the exercise as peaceful and well-conducted, noting that party members demonstrated discipline throughout the process, with no major incidents recorded.
The announcement came shortly after the withdrawal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the APC governorship primary scheduled for Thursday.
Fubara had earlier announced his decision in a personally signed statement, saying it followed extensive consultations with family, friends, and political associates, while pledging support for whoever emerged as the party’s flagbearer.
Another aspirant, Tonye Cole, also stepped down from the race, citing the need to prioritise peace, reconciliation, and party unity.
-
latest9 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp