Senior lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has called on Nigerians who have paid ransom to kidnappers or bandits to consider taking legal action against the Federal Government and demand reimbursement.

Speaking at the opening of the Legal Year at the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, Falana cited both the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, stressing that it is the government’s duty to protect citizens’ lives.

He highlighted the disparity in government response, noting that swift action is often taken when high-profile individuals are abducted, while ordinary Nigerians are frequently left to fend for themselves.

Falana emphasized that the state’s failure to tackle the growing wave of kidnappings constitutes a breach of its constitutional responsibilities.

He argued that victims seeking refunds through legal channels would assert their rights and push the government to take its security obligations more seriously.

“Citizens who are abducted, and whose families are forced to pay ransom, have the right to go to court and demand that the government refunds the money,” Falana said.

“It is the government’s duty to protect every life. When that protection fails, the government must take responsibility.”

“There is a clear class disparity: officials and high-profile individuals are rescued swiftly, while ordinary citizens must scramble to raise ransom. Citizens are equal before the law, and this equality must be reflected in government action.”

Security experts have warned that kidnapping in Nigeria has become a highly organized and lucrative criminal enterprise.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024.

The CESPS 2024 survey also estimated that there were over 2.2 million kidnapping incidents during this period, with an average ransom of N2.7 million per case.

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has announced that he will formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, November 19.

The governor confirmed his planned move during a weekend inspection of renovation works at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, the state capital.

Speaking to journalists, Kefas said the decision was motivated by his desire to advance the long-term interests of Taraba State.

“I will officially transition from the PDP to the APC on November 19. This move is about the destiny and future of the people of Taraba,” he stated.

Preparations are underway to receive guests expected at the event. When asked if any conditions were attached to his defection, the governor replied that there were none.

Members of the Taraba State Executive Council have publicly endorsed Kefas’ decision.

The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Muslim Aruwa, speaking on behalf of the cabinet, affirmed that the governor’s political appointees and allies would accompany him to the APC.

“The governor is our leader. Wherever he goes, we go with him,” Aruwa said, adding that aligning with the federal government would help accelerate development in the state.

“This move is for the benefit of all the people of Taraba State, and we are fully behind him,” he emphasized.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has announced that he has forgiven former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, bringing to an end their long-standing political feud.

The reconciliation came during Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos on Saturday.

In a video clip shared by CityEdge TV, Obasanjo humorously recounted how people reminded him of past grievances before he attended the celebration.

“Some people said, ‘We heard that you are going to Ayo Fayose’s birthday. Can’t you remember that he abused you?’ I said, ‘Thank you for reminding me,’” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

The feud between the two politicians traces back to 2006, after Fayose’s removal as Ekiti Governor, which was allegedly linked to Obasanjo.

Tensions escalated in 2010 during a public event in Osun State, where the two exchanged harsh words, with Obasanjo reportedly calling Fayose a ‘bastard’ and Fayose responding by labeling Obasanjo the ‘father of bastards’.

Over the years, Fayose frequently criticized Obasanjo’s public statements, including in 2017 when he challenged the former president’s claim that his generation had failed Nigeria.

Last Sunday, Fayose visited Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, ahead of his birthday.

Prior to the visit, Fayose sent emissaries, including former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, to facilitate the reconciliation.

Images from the visit show the two leaders in a friendly mood, even playing the traditional game “Ayo Olopon” together.

Speaking at the celebration, Obasanjo recalled how Fayose’s emissaries paved the way for his attendance.

“You did not come directly to knock at my door. You sent Folusho as an emissary to feel the pulse and about an hour later, you came,” he said.

Obasanjo also recounted how Fayose and his wife sought forgiveness during the process.

“You have asked for forgiveness, and as far as I am concerned, you are forgiven. But the right lessons must be learnt,” Obasanjo said.

He also encouraged Fayose to extend forgiveness to others and resolve outstanding grievances.

Obasanjo praised Fayose’s political contributions and emphasized that celebrating 65 years on earth is a moment for reflection, reconciliation, and joy, quoting the biblical verse, “mourn with those who mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice.”

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has likened the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to Noah’s Ark, describing the party as a vessel that has come to rescue Nigerians.

He made the statement on Saturday while receiving decampees from various political parties into APC in the state.

According to Governor Sule, President Bola Tinubu has provided sufficient resources to strengthen the party and promote development across the country, motivating thousands of politicians to join APC.

“APC remains the only Noah’s Ark for Nigeria’s survival. There is no reason or excuse not to support President Bola Ahmad Tinubu,” Sule said.

“Tinubu has already transformed the country through his reforms and hard work.”

He added, “Anyone not in the APC is missing the Noah’s Ark. Today, APC is everywhere in Plateau and Nasarawa because the President has done well for the people.”

Governor Sule urged citizens to back the reelection of President Tinubu and support all APC candidates in the upcoming general elections.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has advised Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, to adopt humility, compassion, and gratitude in leadership instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Abuja, Obi said leaders must demonstrate responsibility not only to citizens but also to God, especially at defining moments such as the governor’s certificate-of-return ceremony.

Obi’s comments came after Soludo reportedly mocked him and his supporters, describing the former governor as “a frustrated politician without a club” and linking challenges in Anambra’s education sector to his administration.

Obi said he found Soludo’s remarks unnecessary and disappointing.
“I was taken aback,” he said.

“A certificate-of-return event should be a moment of thanksgiving, love, and magnanimity. Instead, there was bitterness. That is unfortunate.”

Clarifying his involvement in the recent Anambra election, Obi stressed that he attended only three public engagements to which he was formally invited.

“I did not endorse any candidate or hold private political meetings. There was no basis for the level of speculation surrounding my presence,” he said.

Recounting his experience on Election Day, Obi said he witnessed tensions in his community but intervened to prevent escalation.

“When some outsiders tried to vote here, I appealed for calm. Leadership is not defined by winning elections but by fairness, courage, and peaceful conduct, even when provoked,” he added.

Obi also reflected on his achievements, contrasting his political journey with that of current gubernatorial contenders.

“If governorship candidates are in the first division, I have played in the Champions League. I ran for vice president in 2019, ran for president in 2023, and won 11 states including the FCT. My track record is public,” he said.

Speaking on his own time in office, Obi noted that he and Jim Nwobodo remain the only Anambra governors elected in their forties who completed second terms.

He emphasized that he holds no personal grudge against Soludo.

“I wish him greater success—if only to inspire humility, compassion, and genuine service,” he added.

Obi concluded with a broader reflection on public office.

“Leadership is not about resentment,” he said. “It is about gratitude, service, love, and recognising the grace God extends to us.”