Politics
Ohanaeze hails Tinubu’s readiness to negotiate Nnamdi Kanu’s release
The Apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s readiness to negotiate towards the release of the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Ohanaeze also commended the efforts of the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, in the same direction. Umahi had on Saturday in Lagos hinted on the Federal Government’s intention to begin negotiations to free the IPOB leader.
The pan-Igbo group stated that it acknowledged the President’s genuine intentions toward effecting Kanu’s release but asserted that this release will not be subject to any conditions linked to securing the support of the Igbo for Tinubu’s campaign for re-election in 2027.
This was stated in a statement issued on Sunday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro.
The statement read, “As we navigate these intricate matters, the unvarnished truth about Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing incarceration must be conveyed with clarity and conviction.
“Not every battle is won within the courtroom, nor is every issue resolved through harsh propaganda or coercive threats.
“For clarity’s sake, let it be unequivocally stated: the Igbo people are neither lawless nor uncivilized. We represent a sophisticated nation imbued with wisdom, foresight, and a profound understanding of the real challenges confronting us within Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape—one that has been systematically engineered to marginalize the Igbo since 1970.
“This understanding compels every Igbo individual to engage thoughtfully and strategically as we navigate the complexities of our reality. The uncomfortable truth remains that Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, is diligently leading numerous Igbo stakeholders to ensure the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“We commend Umahi for his significant efforts in alleviating the heightened tensions in the Southeast and for his role in facilitating constructive dialogue with the Federal Government regarding Kanu’s situation. We understand that substantive negotiations and discreet discussions are underway, inching us ever closer to a resolution that may result in Kanu’s release from detention.
“In light of these developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo issues a stern warning to all relevant stakeholders.We implored you to refrain from deploying careless vitriol, vituperative rhetoric, or smear campaigns directed at the Federal Government, as such actions jeopardize the delicate efforts aimed at securing Kanu’s release.
“The Igbo Nation is acutely aware that certain individuals close to Nnamdi Kanu may be undesirably benefiting from his prolonged incarceration.We urge these individuals to cease inflammatory actions and allow legitimate Igbo leaders the opportunity to engage diplomatically and discreetly with President Tinubu in pursuit of a political solution.
“It is our responsibility to convey this unvarnished and sometimes bitter truth to those opportunists among us whom we describe as “Igbo crisis merchants”—who stand to gain from Kanu’s detention.
“Ceasefire for a period of 90 days is paramount.We respectfully call upon all parties involved to permit these sensitive discussions to transpire without interference until a satisfactory resolution regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s release is attained.
“Let us be perfectly clear: the Igbo Nation will hold accountable anyone whose illegitimate actions undermine this crucial process.The reckless use of force, baseless accusations, or misleading public statements aimed at discrediting the Federal Government serve only to distract from and disrupt the ongoing efforts to facilitate Kanu’s release.
“The stark reality—albeit uncomfortable—is that courtroom drama alone will not suffice; the ultimate resolution rests within President Tinubu’s authority to employ the necessary political solutions.”
Politics
Tinubu’s Minister, Uche Nnaji Resigns Over Alleged Certificate Forgery
Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology has tendered his resignation.
He resigned following some allegations of certificate forgery against him.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s media aide Bayo Onanuga who confirmed the resignation in a statement, said the president has accepted the Minister’s decision.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu has “accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.
“President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.
“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria.
“Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents.
“President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours”.
Politics
Biafra: Ojukwu told me first agitation was necessary, second not – Orji Kalu
Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has revealed his meeting with the first Biafra agitator, late General Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu, during the last days of his life.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television monitored by Ekwutosblog on Sunday, Uzor-Kalu said Ojukwu told him that the first Biafra agitation was necessary but second was not.
He also refuted the allegation that he was less Igbo than the people of the entire Southeast.
“I am full blooded Igbo. I was with late Ojukwu in the later days of his life, and his wife, Mrs Bianca can testify to this that I was always coming to the General, and the General was coming to my village to stay some days or weekends.
“And then Ojukwu told me that the first struggle for Biafra was necessary, that the second one is no longer necessary.
“Even if these boys want Biafra, who are you going to rule when you kill all the Igbos? When you stop all Igbos from doing businesses?
“When on Mondays, if you see people going out for business, you start pursuing them and killing them? I mean, it is not rational. It is not just nice.
“I thought with what happened to Nnamdi Kanu, these boys should come together in a table and say, how do we get peace to resolve this matter politically? And not still talking tough as they are trying to behave.
“So I think even if they want Biafra, they should drop their arms and go with their flags and demand for what they want and negotiate for it and talk for a referendum.
“Even the man that fought the civil war, the wife is saying the same thing I’m saying. Minister Bianca Ojukwu knows the thought of her husband, and nobody will believe on the destruction of Igbo land. Enough is enough.
“Let us stop destroying ourselves. Let us stop destroying our properties. Let us stop destroying what we have.
“Look, there is no more commerce in the entire Igbo land. How are we going to live? Things are difficult. Things are very bad for people living there. So how are we going to live? These are the issues,” he said.
Politics
Nigerian Air Force Launches Coordinated Airstrikes Against Fleeing Coup Plotters in Benin Republic
Nigeria has carried out a series of precision airstrikes against members of the failed military coup in the Benin Republic, neutralising several suspected plotters and destroying their escape vehicles.
The operation was executed on Sunday after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), acting under a joint security arrangement with authorities in Cotonou, tracked the movement of key coup actors attempting to flee in armoured convoys. Intelligence reports had indicated that the fleeing soldiers were heading south toward coastal exit routes.
A senior security official confirmed the mission, saying it was “carefully coordinated with Benin’s leadership” to prevent the coup backers from regrouping and to support efforts to stabilize the country after the attempted takeover.
According to multiple security sources, the airstrikes—lasting approximately 30 minutes—targeted fast-moving convoys believed to be carrying loyalists of the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri. The fleeing soldiers reportedly departed the country’s interior in an effort to evade capture.
Residents in parts of Cotonou reported hearing loud explosions and seeing thick smoke rising from the outskirts, sparking speculation that foreign aircraft were involved in the crackdown on the mutineers.
The development was later confirmed by Agence France-Presse (AFP), which reported that Nigerian jets conducted the strikes in coordination with Beninese authorities working to contain the mutiny.
Speaking on the operation, Nigerian Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the mission was carried out “in line with ECOWAS protocols and the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Force.”
Sources told POLITICS NIGERIA that the strikes successfully disabled multiple armoured vehicles and sealed off escape corridors identified by the fleeing troops. Although no official casualty figures have been released, security insiders disclosed that “a number of hostile elements” were eliminated.
“All sorties were flown with the consent of Beninese authorities and adhered strictly to international rules of engagement,” another official said, noting that planners were careful to avoid civilian areas and minimise collateral damage.
The air operation followed the unsuccessful attempt by Lt. Col. Tigri and his faction—known as the Military Committee for Refoundation—to dissolve state institutions and seize power. Loyalist forces in Benin swiftly regained control, forcing several of the coup backers to attempt a southern retreat before they were intercepted.
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