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Nigerian Army headquarters has deployed a full brigade and heavy equipment in different parts of Kwara South district, as troops were already milling through communities inward Oke Ode and Babanla communities, both in the Ifelodun local government area of Kwara.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the state governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday, he said that the operation is also extending to Edu and Patigi local governments.

He said that the aim was to comb through thick forests from which kidnappers have launched cowardly attacks on different communities and abducted people in return for ransom.

The CPS said that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq had met with President Bola Tinubu on the issue at the weekend on the sideline of the visit to Jos, adding that the governor commended the President for the support, and the military high-command and allied security forces for the renewed intervention to eliminate all threats to public safety in the state.

‘We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen security of lives and properties’, the governor said in a statement welcoming the army deployment on Wednesday.

‘We are upbeat that this operation, as part of the Operation Fasan Yanma, will eliminate all of forms of threats in affected areas in Kwara South and Kwara North. I thank the President and the security agencies for the efforts so far.

‘As I said a few days ago, we just need to double our efforts to save the people. We are confident that the Brigader General A. A. Babatunde-led Army Brigade will succeed in this important task and clear the entire areas’.

He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding of the 2nd Division, and every other officer for their support.

Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday, a concerned academic and a prince of Obbo Ayegunle community in the Ekiti local government area of Kwara state, Dr. Prince Segun Adelodun, has sent an open letter to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, seeking his urgent attention and intervention in the recent insecurity in the Kwara South and Kwara North senatorial districts of the state.

In his letter titled: Request for urgent security intervention in Kwara state, Prince Adelodun said that people of the area have been thrown into mourning over the killing of 15 people in Oke-Ode community in the Ifelodun local government area.

‘Barely two days after this incident, a police officer was abducted at Lade town in Patigi local government area. These heartbreaking developments are part of a recurring pattern of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and violence that have rendered Kwara South and parts of Kwara North unsafe for residents.

Dr. Adelodun, who called for urgent action from the government, said that delay could embolden the criminal elements and deepen suffering of innocent communities.

‘Kwara South in particular has been so severely affected that many communities are on the verge of extinction as families continue to flee for safety’.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has urged closer cooperation between the federal and state governments to remove barriers limiting broadband investment, warning that Nigeria could face economic setbacks if infrastructure challenges persist.

Speaking at a Business Roundtable on Improving Investments in Broadband Connectivity and Safeguarding Critical National Infrastructure held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex in Abuja, Maida said connectivity now drives national productivity and business competitiveness, comparing it to the steam and rail revolutions that once fueled industrial growth.

‘In today’s world, a community without digital connectivity is invisible. It is cut off from education, markets, access to healthcare, and opportunities,’ Maida said.

He explained that broadband penetration currently stands at 48.81 percent, with over 140 million internet users, but meeting the National Broadband Plan target of 70 percent by 2025 will depend on unified Right-of-Way (RoW) fees, stronger infrastructure protection, and greater private sector participation.

Maida disclosed that telecom operators have pledged to invest over $1 billion in broadband expansion after the NCC approved cost-reflective and competitive tariff rates earlier in the year.

‘This strategic intervention has significantly strengthened investor confidence in the Nigerian telecommunications sector. We will keep monitoring quality so that consumers see the benefit in better service,’ he said.

He pointed out that inconsistent and high RoW charges across states remain a major challenge to broadband rollout. Despite the Nigerian Governors Forum’s benchmark of N145 per linear meter, many states still charge above that rate, discouraging investors and slowing network deployment.

Maida commended 11 states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Benue, and Zamfara, for waiving RoW fees entirely, and another 17 states for adopting the benchmark rate. He urged others to do the same to encourage investment and boost their digital economies.

‘Waiving RoW charges, protecting telecom infrastructure, and proactively supporting fibre deployment are decisions that can determine the prosperity or stagnation of your states,’ he said.

He added that the NCC is implementing the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order signed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2024 to protect telecom assets from vandalism, theft, and service disruptions.

In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the NCC has launched enforcement drives, public awareness efforts, and partnerships with the judiciary and state governments to ensure deterrence and quick prosecution of offenders.

Between January and August 2025, the sector recorded over 19,000 fibre cuts, 3,200 equipment thefts, and 19,000 site access denials, resulting in major revenue losses and network downtimes.

‘These disruptions have caused prolonged outages, revenue losses, and delayed service restoration. They demonstrate why infrastructure protection must be at the centre of our collective agenda,’ Maida warned.

To boost investor confidence and business efficiency, Maida announced that the NCC would soon introduce two new initiatives – the Ease of Doing Business Portal and the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI).

The portal will serve as a centralized platform for engagement and information sharing across all 36 states and the FCT, while the NDCI will assess and publish each state’s digital readiness annually to encourage transparency and accountability.

Maida called on governors, investors, and development partners to view broadband infrastructure as essential to Nigeria’s economic future.

‘In the 21st century, prosperity now lies in data, connectivity, and human potential. Pipelines of oil are giving way to pipelines of fibre. Together, we must align, invest, and protect to secure the future of our nation,’ he added.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday commissioned the Lagos State Housing Estate, Ajara, Badagry Phase I, comprising 420 housing units, which he named the Sunny Akinsanya Ajose Housing Estate in honour of the late former Head of Service.

The governor also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the project, noting that the new phase would transform Badagry’s skyline with high-rise buildings of at least seven storeys.

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing affordable housing for residents, disclosing that his government had successfully delivered 23 housing estates in the past six years, creating more than 10,000 homes across all income levels and the five divisions of the state.

Describing the day’s event as a major milestone in the effort to build a ‘Greater Lagos,’ he assured that his administration would continue to strengthen partnerships to make housing more affordable and sustainable.

According to him, the newly commissioned Badagry estate is a reflection of his government’s dedication to creating livable communities, equipped with modern facilities such as paved roads, a water treatment plant with both overhead and underground storage, an efficient drainage system, secure fencing, a gatehouse, a sewage treatment plant, ample parking spaces, walkways, and a complete electrification network with transformers.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted that Badagry had benefited from targeted infrastructure investments in roads, hospitals, schools, and other essential facilities, positioning the town as an emerging hub for eco-tourism, culture, and commerce.

He noted that the housing project generated over 1,300 direct and indirect jobs during its construction phase and that more employment opportunities would arise from estate management and maintenance once fully occupied.

‘In the past six years, we have successfully rolled out 23 housing estates, creating over 10,000 homes for people across all income levels-low, middle, and high-throughout the five divisions of Lagos. As we near the end of this administration, our commitment to closing the housing gap remains strong, focusing on smart infrastructure investments that push development beyond just the city centre,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

He also revealed that four additional housing schemes were underway across the state, including the Lagos State Housing Estate, Ibeshe Phase II (192 units); Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme, Clusters 2 and 3 (587 units); Epe Housing Scheme, Ita Marun (112 units); and LagosHOMS Sangotedo Phase II, Eti-Osa (524 units).

‘Each of these developments highlights our strong belief that every Lagosian, no matter where they live or their income level, deserves a place they can truly call home,’ he added.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, described the Ajara Housing Estate as another significant milestone in the state’s pursuit of modern, affordable, and sustainable housing.

He emphasised that affordable mass housing delivery was not restricted to the metropolis, as the government’s commitment to decent accommodation extended across all parts of Lagos-from Lekki to Igando, Epe to Badagry, Ikorodu to Ikeja.

According to him, the new estate represents a bold testament to the vision and achievements of the Sanwo-Olu administration under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

‘The housing estate is not only about incubating new communities; we have boosted the local economy with direct and indirect jobs and deepened socio-economic growth in Ajara, Badagry environs, and beyond,’ the commissioner said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration of treating alleged case of certificate forgery with levity, confirming the party as a nest of certificate forgers.

The party stated that the involvement of a minister in the APC government, Honourable Uche Nnaji in certificate forgery is merely indicative.

Checks revealed that the Minister of Science and Technology has since turned in his resignation letter.

But Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, the ADC described the President’s action as weak and disappointing, saying that a government that claims to uphold integrity cannot afford to treat criminal conduct like a personal matter.

The full statement read, ‘The ADC believes that the decision of President Tinubu to merely accept the offending former minister’s resignation instead of taking a tougher stance gives the unfortunate impression that the President is sympathetic to such behaviour.

‘We are equally appalled that the Minister was allowed to quietly resign after publicly admitting that the certificates he presented were not issued by the relevant institutions. This sends the wrong message to Nigerians, especially the youth, that dishonesty carries no consequence in public life.

‘It is imperative to reiterate that both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officially disowned the certificates Mr. Nnaji presented for his ministerial appointment, while court filings by the Minister himself confirmed that UNN never awarded him any degree certificate.

‘In this regard, by simply accepting his resignation, President Tinubu has shown that for whatever reason, his administration is willing to let corrupt officials off the hook easily and he is not willing to set example for those who serve under him that dishonesty has serious consequences.

‘As mentioned in our initial statement on this subject, Nigerians are aware that this is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern that has defined the APC government since its inception.

‘From one certificate scandal to another, Nigerians have watched the APC turn dishonesty into an identity, offering sanctuary to people with questionable integrity and forged.

‘Indeed, if the President cannot act firmly in a case that was this clear, how can Nigerians trust his government to fight corruption in any other form?

‘As a party, we therefore call on relevant law enforcement agencies to pursue an independent investigation into the matter, noting that resignation does not erase criminal liability.

‘Forgery is not a private offence, it is a crime. If found guilty, Mr. Nnaji should be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Anything less will amount to a cover-up.

Nigerian equities market sustained its bullish momentum on Wednesday, as renewed investor interest pushed the All-Share Index (ASI) up by 0.50 percent to 145,719.09 basis points.

At the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the bullish stance extended the Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns to 2.1 percent and 41.58 per cent, respectively.

Investors gained N459.43 billion as the market capitalisation closed at N92.49 trillion, reflecting sustained optimism around market fundamentals and anticipated third-quarter earnings reports.

On Wednesday, gains in MTN Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, and Zenith Bank were the major drivers of the day’s uptrend, cushioning losses in Dangote Sugar, SUNU Assurance, and LivingTrust Mortgage Bank.

Sectoral performance was broadly mixed. The Oil and Gas, Banking, and Commodity sectors recorded gains of 0.59 percent, 0.12 percent, and 0.31 percent, respectively, buoyed by strong demand for energy and financial stocks.

Conversely, the Insurance, Consumer Goods, and Industrial Goods indices declined by 0.75 percent, 0.01 percent, and 0.02 per cent, respectively, reflecting profit-taking and selective positioning ahead of earnings releases.

Despite the positive close, overall market sentiment was negative, with 33 laggards outpacing 29 gainers.

On the performance board, FTN Cocoa Processor, Livestock Feeds, Eterna, Prestige Insurance, and Fidelity Bank topped the gainers’ list, while Industrial Medical Gases, Living Trust Mortgage Bank, Sunu Assurance Nigeria, Chams, and Dangote Sugar led decliners.

Trading activity showed a mixed pattern as total volume traded rose by 3.61 percent to 525.73 million units, while the value of transactions dropped 43.95 per cent to N13.61 billion across 25,597 deals, suggesting fewer but larger trades dominated the session.

FBN Holdings emerged as the most traded stock by volume with 36.54 million units, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company led in value with N1.80 billion worth of trades.

Analysts believed the persistent uptrend underscores sustained investor confidence in blue-chip counters and resilient market liquidity despite macroeconomic headwinds. They expect the positive sentiment to linger in the near term, supported by attractive valuations and dividend expectations.

Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede on Wednesday disclosed that, the commission had created a cybercrime advanced research centre, to combat financial and cybercrimes.

He added that, the centre would focus on developing cutting -edge fraud detection and prevention technologies, create resources and promoting policy development and youth Empowerment in digital literacy.

The agency Chairman who made this known Speaking as a guest speaker at the 17th Convocation lecture of the Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Titled ‘Beyond Degrees: Cultivating purpose, Resilience and Service in a Complex World’, however warned youths not to cut corners in desperation to get rich quick.

Concerned about the negative deployment of youths energy and skills to criminality especial online fraud known as yahoo-yahoo, the EFCC boss, remarked that, only those who are able to whether the storms of life, holding on to their dreams, overcoming obstacles and challenges,will leave their marks in the sands of time and warned them against such an act.

He then reinterated that Nigeria youths should be resilient, hold on to their dreams in life and desist from pressure, desperation to get rich quick.

The European Union (EU) and its partners have pledged renewed and sustained support to Nigeria in implementing its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, as the country takes bold steps to strengthen its climate ambition and institutional capacity ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

Speaking during the EU-Nigeria NDC roundtable held in Abuja on Tuesday as part of activities marking the EU Green Diplomacy Week (October 6-10), officials from both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing climate action through transparency, accountability, and robust collaboration.

The EU and its Member States welcomed Nigeria’s official submission of the updated and more ambitious NDC 3.0, describing it as a significant milestone that positions the country as the first in West Africa to submit a new climate pledge aligned with long-term development priorities.

Head of the Green and Digital Economy Section at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, said the dialogue demonstrated the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s climate transition and the shared goal of achieving sustainable growth.

‘The Green Diplomacy Week is something we celebrate every year, bringing together our partners to discuss climate change, the environment, and our shared objectives,’ she said. ‘This year is particularly important, as it marks ten years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. For us at the European Union, it is an opportunity to reflect on collective progress while recognising that much more still needs to be done.’

She noted that while the EU has made impressive progress in reducing its emissions, global cooperation remains essential to achieving climate targets.

‘Within the EU, we have reduced emissions by nearly 40% since 1990 and are on track to achieve our 2030 target of a 55% reduction. But this is not something we can achieve alone. As we push forward within the EU, we are also working closely with our international partners. We are here to support, to collaborate, and to share experiences that strengthen trust and accountability in the global process.’

Stefanowicz emphasised the importance of a strong Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system as the foundation for credible and effective climate policy.

‘The MRV system is a cornerstone of the internationally adopted climate framework. It ensures transparency, enhances credibility, and builds the trust needed for effective climate policy. A strong MRV system is indispensable for both public and private climate finance, supports evidence-based policymaking, and lays the foundation for successful carbon markets. This is something Nigeria is now taking forward, and the EU is proud to support that journey.’

Representing the Minister of Environment, Mrs Halima Bawa-Bwari reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to move from ambition to measurable action. ‘Ambition alone is not enough. We must demonstrate progress with clarity and confidence. For Nigeria, a robust MRV system ensures accountability by tracking emissions, converting targets into measurable outcomes, and unlocking climate finance by assuring partners of real impact. It also enables data-driven policies that deliver smarter interventions and maximise socio-economic benefits.’

She acknowledged the progress already made by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and relevant ministries but noted that key institutional challenges remain. ‘We have a unique opportunity to co-create a world-class MRV architecture that reflects Nigeria’s realities while meeting global standards. We recognise the progress already made by the National Council on Climate Change and other ministries and agencies. But we also acknowledge the remaining gaps, such as fragmented data, weak coordination, and limited capacity. Overcoming these requires a holistic approach and the continued support of partners such as the European Union.’

In his remarks, Omotenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General of the NCCC, stressed that technology, data, and innovation must be matched with inclusivity and cooperation to deliver results. ‘We are here to make progress in implementing the Paris Agreement and our NDC commitments. To do this, we need MRV systems that effectively track progress across Nigeria’s diverse governance and economic structures. Cooperation at all levels-national, subnational, and international-is essential. Strengthening capacities, building skills, and ensuring sustained support are all critical to meeting evolving global climate reporting requirements.’

The EU-Nigeria exchange served as a vital platform for dialogue among government institutions, civil society, and the private sector on how best to operationalise NDC 3.0. Discussions focused on aligning Nigeria’s climate goals with the Paris Agreement, the National Development Plan, and the country’s long-term net-zero vision, while strengthening institutional frameworks that support implementation.

The Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) has scaled up its partnership with top Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to strengthen the implementation of non-custodial sentencing and advance criminal justice reform in Nigeria in its efforts to address the challenge of prison congestion.

The total number of prison inmates in Nigeria as of late 2025 is approximately 81,349.

Nigeria’s correctional facilities are overcrowded, housing far beyond their intended capacity of just over 50,000 inmates.

About 66% of these inmates are awaiting trial, and the prison population includes both convicted and pre-trial detainees.

In its determination to confront the challenge, ACJMC, in partnership with LGCF and PAR-RVP Initiative, launched a three-day intensive capacity-building programme for key justice sector stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The training, which kicked off on Tuesday in Abuja, brought together over 150 participants, including Non-Custodial Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Court Registrars, Magistrates, Liaison and Desk Officers from the five Correctional Divisions of the FCT, including Maitama, Garki, Nyanya, Bwari and Gwagwalada.

Declaring the programme open, the Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, represented by the Chairman of the Steering Committee on Non-Custodial Measures, Hon. Justice Celestine Odo, commended the ACJMC and its partners for their commitment to promoting restorative justice and fostering effective inter-agency collaboration.

The technical sessions covered diverse topics, including the Legal Framework and Guiding Principles for Non-Custodial Sentences, the Guidelines and Monitoring Framework for Implementation and the Application of Non-Custodial Measures by the Courts.

Delivering a presentation on the Role of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the Implementation of Non-Custodial Sentences, Assistant Controller General (ACG) of Correction, Nwakaeze Emmanuel Anekwe (rtd) stressed on steps that should be adopted by the Correctional Service within the legal framework to ensure effective implementation of non-custodial sentencing in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of PAR-RVP Initiative, Mrs Ogechi Ogu, Esq, delivered a presentation on the Role of Court Liaison and Desk Officers in Ensuring Effective Implementation, while the Director of Litigation, FCT High Court, Folashade Oyekan, led a session on ‘Ethics, Human Rights, and Safeguards in Non-Custodial Measures’.

In attendance were ACG Nandang Ponyak, representing the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mrs Igbinedion Evbu, Esq, the Executive Secretary of the ACJMC.

Other dignitaries included Mrs Kanayo Olisa-Metuh, Executive Director of LGCF and a prominent advocate of non-custodial justice in Nigeria, who has been instrumental in driving nationwide initiatives aimed at decongesting correctional centres and equipping officers with the tools to support offender rehabilitation and reintegration.

Participants described the training as timely, highly engaging and impactful, emphasising that the training will further equip officers to effectively implement non-custodial sentences, strengthen rehabilitation frameworks, and enhance justice delivery in the FCT.

President Bola Tinubu has described the Otakikpo Crude Oil Export Terminal built by the Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers, as a new chapter for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

According to the President, GEIL, the first indigenous onshore terminal in Nigeria, showcased the strength of Nigerian enterprise saying the project aligns directly with the core priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

Represented by the Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri at the commissioning on Thursday in Ikuru, the President said the terminal will ramp up crude oil production by enabling a secure, transparent and efficient evacuation as well as expanding Nigeria’s oil export critical infrastructure to boost the county’s oil production capacity.

The President said, ‘This project showcases the power of indigenous investment and local content initiative under the PIA and the presidential directive 40 and 41 to compete globally. The Otakikpo terminal will not only serve GEIL’s production but will also open an efficient evacuation outlet for marginal and stranded fields across this region, unlocking billions of barrels of reserves and creating value for our economy.

‘The project is also a shinning example of our expectation of licences. Having provided global competitive fiscals and incentives, our expectation and hope is that you will put fields to work so we can meet both our obligations. The Otakikpo terminal is therefore not just an infrastructure project; it is a signal of renewed confidence in Rivers State and the Niger Delta, that with peace and partnership, investments will flow, jobs will be created and prosperity will be shared.’

He added, ‘Let me commend Green Energy for spending over $400 million in building this facility. Let me also assure Green Energy that the era of perhaps looking elsewhere for finance will soon be over. We have discovered that the bigger challenge we have in Africa is access to finance.

‘And that was why we’ve come up with African Energy Bank, which is ready to go. Nigeria as a host country has met its obligations. We have met all our obligations, legal, financial. We have met all our obligations.

‘We are waiting for the bank to take off, which I think will take off any moment from now. Once that is done, our target is to change the game so that we can mobilize local finances to invest in that bank targeted at creating the best value that we can create for our own people.’

The Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, who described GEIL as a full-fledged upstream company said the terminal is historic on two levels.

According to Komolafe, the terminal expands Nigeria’s crude export infrastructure at a critical time and demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian operators to deliver world-class projects once thought possible only for international major players adding that it is significant to the present national crude oil production that is about 1.8million barrels saying the efficiency of evacuation and export is critical.

The NUPRC boss said that by creating an alternative export hub in Rivers State, the Otakikpo terminal reduces over-reliance on existing terminals, many of which are operating at near capacity and are exposed to security and pipeline challenges.

‘It is indeed a landmark for us to celebrate in Nigeria. It is therefore historic on two levels. First it expands Nigeria’s crude export infrastructure at a critical time and demonstrates the capacity of Nigeria operators to deliver world class projects once thought possible only for international major players.

‘The significance of this terminal is far reaching. First, it enhances Nigeria’s crude evacuation system with national production currently in the range of 1.7 to 1.8 million barrels per day the efficiency of evacuation and export is critical. By creating an alternative export hub in Rivers state, the Otakiko terminal reduces over reliance on existing terminals many of which are operating at a near capacity and are exposed to security and pipeline challenges.

‘Also it is a benefit for indigenous producers. In the past Nigeria independence had to rely heavily on infrastructure owned by international oil companies often at high crude oil handling charges and transportation costs. In this situation we are all aspiring to reduce the unit cost per barrel.’

The chairman/CEO GEIL, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, commended President Tinubu for his support saying his (Tinubu) enabling policies and reforms under PIA, his clarity of vision for energy security and commitment to indigenous participation create the fertile ground for the project to flourish.

Adegbulugbe said the commissioning has not only showed indigenous ingenuity and bold innovation but a commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s true energy potential.

He said, ‘This terminal is not just another infrastructural project, it’s the realisation of a vision. A vision that says Nigeria Nigeria can lead. That Nigerian companies can deliver. That our energy future is ours to define. I’m proud that this facility was conceived, designed and delivered 100% by Nigerian talent. From engineering to construction, it reflects the depth of expertise and capacity that resides in our nation. This should give us all confidence.

‘Nigerian innovation can drive Nigerian success; indigenous operators can execute world-class projects with excellence, within budget and ahead of schedule. That we completed this complex facility in less than two years, ahead of schedule, is a testament of intent. Indigenous companies are ready to take charge of the entire oil and gas value chain.’

Former Governor of Abia and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has raised concerns over the worsening state of insecurity in the country, including kidnappings, killings, and attacks across different parts of Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Politics Today on Wednesday, Senator Kalu warned against politicising sensitive national issues, especially those involving security and judicial matters, even as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘The terrain is already turbulent. Some people are planning for their parties to go into extinction, but what we need now is stability, inclusion, and peace. Nigeria must remain united despite the turbulence within our political zone.’

Addressing the renewed agitation for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Kalu cautioned against making public pronouncements on a matter still before the courts.

‘You know this case is before a court of competent jurisdiction. It is not a very good thing for me to come out openly to start canvassing my opinion without knowing the position of the court or that of the President. The President is watching the judiciary closely.’

He added that discussions are ongoing at various levels, but he would not divulge private conversations held with President Bola Tinubu on the matter.

‘I have discussed this issue with the President many times. But I cannot tell you what I discussed with him. It’s a privilege for me to have spoken to the President. What matters is that everyone wants a peaceful resolution,’ Kalu said.

Senator Kalu underscored his respect for the judiciary, urging Nigerians to allow the courts to conclude their work before drawing conclusions.

‘All of us are doing what I call backdoor diplomacy because of the utmost respect I have for the judiciary. We must not make Justice Nyako or any judge look like a fool by discussing this case publicly. Nigerians must respect the decisions of our courts,’ he said.

While emphasising that only the Attorney-General of the Federation has the legal power to discontinue such a case, Kalu urged restraint among those calling for Kanu’s immediate release.

‘The proper process of discontinuing a case lies with the Attorney-General, not with people shouting on television or in their homes,’ he said. ‘We should all respect the law and follow due process.’

However, Kalu expressed optimism that resolving the issue through lawful and peaceful means would help restore calm and unity in the South-East region.

‘My position is that the matter should be resolved amicably, after the judiciary has made its pronouncement. If handled properly, it will bring permanent peace to the South-East and to Nigeria as a whole,’ he concluded.