Dr. Lawrence Ezeh,

The Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, has dismissed claims that he sponsored violence, armed youths, orchestrated attacks, or manipulated security agencies in Mburubu community, Nkanu East LGA.

The statement was issued on Wednesday in Enugu by Dr. Chidipeters Okorie, the Commissioner’s Personal Media Aide.

Ezeh, also a prince of Mburubu, described recent online reports making these allegations as “completely false” and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

“The publication is yet another effort to distort the truth and misrepresent the situation in our community,” he said.

He emphasized that both the 1976 and 2003 constitutions of Mburubu carry equal legal weight, citing a February 12, 2025, ruling by Hon. Justice C.O. Ajah, Ph.D, which reaffirmed that Igweship must rotate among the villages according to seniority.

According to Ezeh, the allegations are part of a recurring pattern by a small group seeking to impose an illegal candidate as the traditional ruler.

He stated, “The real issue in Mburubu is simple: the community must uphold the constitution and not allow one individual’s ambition to override the rule of law.”

Ezeh insisted that he and the majority of the community support peace and respect for the law, while the opposing faction seeks to undermine it.

He said attempts to drag his name through the mud are part of a political strategy aimed at silencing him.

“The goal of these fabrications is to weaken institutional resistance and impose an unqualified individual as Igwe,” Ezeh added.

“This will not happen. The people of Mburubu have sacrificed too much to allow the constitution to be violated for the ambition of one man.”

Reaffirming his position, Ezeh declared: “I did not arm youths, sponsor violence, orchestrate attacks, or manipulate security agencies. These allegations exist only in the imagination of those who authored them. I have consistently championed peace, constitutionality, and respect for judicial authority.”

He urged the public to ignore misleading publications and rely on the verifiable facts confirmed by both the courts and the Mburubu constitution.

“Propaganda will fade, but the law will stand,” he concluded, stressing that it is not yet the turn of Umunafor village to produce an Igwe.

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to officially classify kidnapping as an act of terrorism.

Sponsored by Senate Leader Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by 108 senators, the proposed legislation is formally titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to Designate Kidnapping, Hostage-Taking and Related Offences as Acts of Terrorism… To Prescribe Death Penalty for Such Offences Without Option of Fine or Alternative Sentence; And For Related Matters, 2025.”

The amendment also seeks to impose the death penalty on kidnappers, as well as anyone who aids, supports, or facilitates kidnapping operations.

During plenary, Sen. Bamidele explained that the increasing sophistication and brutality of kidnappings in Nigeria warranted the reclassification of the crime as terrorism.

He described the operations of kidnapping networks as “coordinated, commercialised, and militarised criminal enterprises.”

“Kidnapping has instilled widespread fear, disrupted economic activities, bankrupted families, and claimed countless lives.”

“The patterns now bear all the characteristics of terrorism. Our legal framework must reflect the magnitude of the threat,” Bamidele said.

He noted that reclassifying kidnapping as terrorism would grant law enforcement agencies expanded powers, including asset tracing, forfeiture, intelligence-led operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and accelerated pre-trial procedures.

The bill stipulates that perpetrators, financiers, informants, logistics providers, harbourers, and anyone knowingly supporting kidnapping activities would face the death penalty.

Attempts, conspiracies, or incitement to commit kidnapping would carry the same punishment.

“No innocent person or community is targeted. This bill targets violent offenders and the networks that enable them while preserving constitutional safeguards for fair trial,” Bamidele emphasized.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, National Security and Intelligence, and Interior for further review, instructing them to submit their report within two weeks.

Nigeria’s immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), has officially taken the oath of office as the country’s new Minister of Defence, in a ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

Administered by President Bola Tinubu, the ceremony marked a key step in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security.

The President urged General Musa to leverage his operational expertise, strategic insight, and institutional knowledge of the Armed Forces to reinforce Nigeria’s defence architecture.

General Musa’s appointment had been swiftly confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, reflecting broad confidence in his ability to lead at a critical juncture for national security.

His tenure comes as the administration intensifies reforms across the security sector and consolidates recent military successes against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

In his remarks, President Tinubu highlighted key priorities for the Defence Ministry under Musa’s leadership, including promoting synergy among the services, accelerating institutional reforms, sustaining momentum in joint operations, ensuring transparent procurement and improved personnel welfare as well as enhancing inter-agency coordination.

A highly experienced officer, Musa commanded major counterterrorism operations in the North-East and has provided strategic oversight for military operations nationwide.

He assured the President and the nation of his unwavering commitment to operational efficiency, modernization of defence capabilities, troop welfare, and collaboration with local communities.

“We will maintain pressure on the enemies of the state and ensure peace returns to every community,” Musa said, emphasizing intelligence-driven operations and morale-boosting initiatives for troops.

Following the induction, senior officials, including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and members of the Federal Executive Council, congratulated Musa, noting that his appointment marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s security management.

General Musa’s swearing-in ends weeks of speculation over leadership of the Defence Ministry following the resignation of former minister Abubakar Badaru.

Analysts widely welcomed his appointment, citing his experience, discipline, and credibility as vital to driving reforms, strengthening military readiness, and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s security sector.

In the coming days, Musa is expected to hold inaugural briefings with service chiefs and senior ministry officials as he begins shaping Nigeria’s defence priorities for the years ahead.

The internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated as factions led by Minister Nyesom Wike and National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki traded counter-disclaimers, each claiming the other had been expelled from the party.

Wike’s faction announced that the Turaki-led group had been expelled for false representation and unauthorized actions within the party.

The notice sought to restrict Turaki and his supporters from acting in any official PDP capacity, stating that they “have no authority to represent the PDP, speak for the PDP, issue instructions, or carry out any political, administrative, or organizational activity in the name of the party.”

In response, the Turaki-led faction issued a disclaimer declaring that Wike had been expelled and could no longer speak or act on behalf of the PDP.

The statement instructed the public not to recognize Wike in any official party capacity, warning that any engagement with him as a PDP representative would be invalid.

Through Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Wike faction, the party also addressed individuals allegedly misrepresenting themselves as PDP members.

The faction accused these individuals, including notable figures such as Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Emmanuel Udom, Bode George, and others, of “embarrassing misrepresentation” of the party.

The Wike-faction emphasized that the National Executive Committee (NEC) had formally expelled these individuals on November 18, 2025, citing offences related to anti-party activities and gross misconduct.

Party supporters were warned not to recognize or support anyone falsely claiming PDP membership, with the statement noting that doing so would be at their own risk.

Furthermore, the Wike-led group questioned the legitimacy of a convention recently held by the Turaki-led faction in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing it as a “charade” that failed to comply with valid court judgments.

They declared that anyone claiming to be newly elected national officers of the party is an imposter and a meddlesome interloper.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has appointed Mr. Ekum Ojogu, the party’s former deputy state chairman, as its acting chairman following the impeachment of Barr Alphonsus Eba on Thursday.

Eba’s removal came after a prolonged internal crisis, fueled by allegations of financial impropriety, high-handedness, insolence, and a transactional leadership style.

The discord reportedly strained relations between him and party leaders at both the chapter and ward levels.

A coalition of party officials, including 18 vice chairmen and 196 ward chairmen, had publicly called for his resignation prior to the impeachment.

During a State Executive Committee meeting at the APC state secretariat in Calabar, which was attended by Zonal Secretary Dr. Edet Udosen and other executive members, State Secretary Pastor Patrick Asikpo Okon cited Article 17(6) of the party constitution.

He explained that the executive has the authority to remove the chairman following a vote of no confidence, which was supported by 30 out of 32 members.

In his acceptance speech, Ojogu expressed gratitude to party members for their support during the leadership transition.

He praised the unity demonstrated by members as evidence of their commitment to the party and to Cross River State.

He recalled that the impeachment vote took place on 26 November 2025, emphasizing the importance of stability and due process in the party.

Ojogu encouraged members to put aside past grievances and assured that all entitlements and dues owed to party officials would be settled promptly.

“It is time to sheath our swords. Let us set aside differences and work together. Your patience and trust fuel our resolve to move forward as one party,” Ojogu said.

He also recognized the contributions of Ward Executives, Polling Unit Coordinators, and volunteers, noting that their efforts have been crucial to keeping the APC as a strong political voice and a driver of development in the state.

Ojogu promised accessibility to all members via phone, WhatsApp, or personal meetings, and reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s ‘People First’ mantra, pledging to work tirelessly to deliver dividends of democracy.

He further pledged loyalty to Governor Senator Bassey Otu, describing his leadership as embodying the “Season of Sweetness,” and urged all party members to maintain peace, collaboration, and unity to ensure the APC remains a cohesive force in Cross River State.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has revealed that more than 70 per cent of individuals currently working with the President had previously opposed him politically.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Bwala addressed concerns over the suitability of certain ambassadorial nominees who had, in the past, criticised or acted against Tinubu.

He explained that the Presidency is taking a neutral stance while the National Assembly completes the confirmation process for the nominees.

“Our posture from the Presidency is to remain silent until the National Assembly concludes the confirmation process. Any interference could be seen as prejudicing the Assembly,” Bwala said.

“Those who understand politics know the environment is toxic. It is up to political leaders to exercise discretion, whether to work with those who opposed them in the past or not. Looking at Tinubu’s trajectory, I can say that over 70 per cent of his team had at some point worked against him.”

Bwala also shared a personal encounter with the President, highlighting how Tinubu’s late mother shaped his approach to political alliances.

“When I first met him on January 10 last year, I was apologising because I had avoided him. He said I didn’t have to, and reminded me not to let fear or past offenses influence relationships,” Bwala recounted.

He added that Tinubu’s mother taught him, as head of the market women, that holding grudges could leave a leader without people to lead.

The President recently submitted the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, following an earlier batch of three.

The nominees include former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, noted that the nominees would only be assigned to their diplomatic postings after Senate approval.

Among the nominees, there are four women among the career ambassadors and six women among the non-career appointees.

Former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has refuted claims circulating online that he resigned from the Federal Executive Council because he could not “stand and watch the U.S and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Badaru described the report as “malicious, false, and deliberately mischievous,” insisting that he never made such a comment, either personally or through any representative.

He said the fabricated claim was intended to damage his reputation, strain his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and generate unnecessary controversy around national security matters.

Badaru stressed that the true reasons for his resignation were formally communicated to the President and reported by credible media outlets.

He warned that any alternative narrative is “a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers.”

The former minister reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and his commitment to Nigeria’s peace and stability.

He also pledged continued support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Having served as Minister of Defence until his recent resignation, Badaru said he remains dedicated to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, could succeed Badaru.

This speculation follows Musa’s recent meeting with President Tinubu, signaling a possible transition in the Ministry of Defence.