Category: PM News

By Tijjani Tanko

INTRODUCTION: NATION AT WAR CANNOT AFFORD A SECOND FRONT

Nigeria is not at peace. Across the North East, North West, and North Central, our armed forces are locked in daily combat against terrorists and bandits. Thousands of soldiers are deployed forward, often without rotation, facing an enemy that watches every word on social media. In this environment, the difference between “free speech” and “subversive act” is not academic it is life and death.

The Nigerian Army recently arrested a social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere (known as “Justice Crack”), and handed him to civil authorities. His crime: systematically spreading content designed to turn soldiers against their commanders over welfare issues beyond legitimate criticism into active incitement of insubordination. Public outcry has followed, with many calling the Army a silencer of whistleblowers. This statement argues the opposite: the Army acted lawfully, proportionately, and in the highest interest of national security.

WHAT JUSTICE CRACK ACTUALLY DID

On 2 May 2026, the Army announced the arrest of Justice Crack alongside several soldiers. Investigations showed he had built direct communication lines with frontline troops. He did not merely amplify complaints about rations or equipment he actively urged soldiers to question their commanders’ legitimacy, refuse orders, and post videos attacking military hierarchy. Some soldiers admitted receiving small payments to share internal grievances that should have gone through proper channels.

Crucially, the Army did not courtmartial the influencer. He was handed over to civilian police for normal criminal prosecution. That is not military dictatorship; that is constitutional democracy where no one influencer or general is above the law.

WHY THE CRITICISM IS MISPLACED AND DANGEROUS

First, critics confuse “whistleblowing” with “subversion.” A real whistleblower reports specific, verifiable wrongdoing to lawful authorities Defence Headquarters, Human Rights Commission, or the media with evidence. Justice Crack did none of that. He broadcast unverified, onesided narratives meant to make soldiers feel abandoned. In a war zone, that is not transparency; it is psychological warfare.

Second, timing is everything. Isolated welfare lapses exist in every army including the US, UK, and Russia. But during war, amplifying those lapses in real time to combat units hands the enemy a propaganda tool. Terrorist groups already use such posts to claim “the Nigerian Army is starving” or “commanders don’t care,” lowering troop morale and encouraging desertion.

Third, the Army acted with restraint. No soldier was shot. No journalist was jailed. The influencer was detained, investigated, and transferred to civilian police exactly the same process for any civilian who incites factory workers to sabotage production during wartime. Why should the military be held to a lower standard?

Fourth, the slippery slope argument cuts both ways. Critics fear any arrest will clamp down on dissent. But the greater risk is inaction: if the military does nothing while influencers systematically undermine command authority, the result will be crumbling discipline, friendly fire, and avoidable deaths. Which is more humane arresting one influencer for investigation, or allowing a thousand soldiers to die because they lost faith in their leaders?

THE HARSH REALITY OF WARTIME MORALE

Military psychology is clear: a soldier who believes his nation has abandoned him hesitates. In counterinsurgency, hesitation kills. The difference between a successful ambush and a fatal one is often split seconds. When a frontline soldier spends his rest time watching a viral video accusing his commander of stealing his meal allowance, trust in the chain of command erodes.

Once eroded, it is nearly impossible to restore under fire.

The Nigerian Army has therefore not overreacted. It has sent a clear signal: social media is not a freefire zone against our armed forces during active hostilities. Debate military policy in newspapers or on talk shows that is welcome. But directly engaging serving soldiers to provoke indiscipline will face the law.

CONCLUSION: ACCOUNTABILITY MUST BE SHARED

In a democracy under threat, rights come with responsibilities. The Army has a duty to protect itself from internal subversion just as it protects the nation from external enemies. The Justice Crack case was not an assault on free expression; it was a lawful intervention to prevent the weaponization of social media against combat morale. The widespread criticism much of it based on incomplete facts ironically proves the danger: misinformation spreads faster than truth.

Nevertheless, no institution is perfect. The military can improve, and so can influencers and the public. Therefore, the following recommendations are offered in good faith.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS

For the Nigerian Military: Establish a transparent, fast welfare grievance mechanism a confidential hotline with a rapidresponse team that visits units within 48 hours of a complaint. Publish anonymised summaries of actions taken. Mandate predeployment social media training warning personnel against communicating with civilian influencers on internal matters. Adopt a clear public policy distinguishing legitimate criticism from prohibited incitement, published in English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. When future arrests occur, release initial evidence (redacted for security) within 72 hours to prevent misinformation.For Social Media Influencers: Before posting military content, ask three questions: Could this help an enemy? Could it break a soldier’s spirit? Have I verified the claim through official channels? If yes to any, do not post. Nigerian criminal laws on cyberstalking, incitement, and sedition apply to you. If you wish to expose genuine shortcomings, send evidence to Defence Headquarters or recognised civil society groups not by launching a viral campaign while the nation bleeds.

For Civil Society and Human Rights Organisations: Do not reflexively defend every person the military detains. Investigate each case on its merits. In the Justice Crack matter, ask to see the evidence before condemning. Work with the military to create accredited observer programmes for detention of civilian security suspects. Such cooperation will give you moral authority to criticise when the military truly oversteps.

For the General Public and Media: Resist turning every militarycivilian clash into a viral outrage. The soldiers in uniform are your children, neighbours, and relatives. When you share a video mocking a soldier’s boots or food, you are demoralising someone who may take a bullet for you tomorrow. Report genuine welfare failures through your state governor, National Assembly member, or Ministry of Defence not by blowing up the dam online. Extend the same presumption of innocence to the military that you demand for civilians.

This statement is issued by Tijjani Tanko, civilmilitary relations expert.

The African Democratic Congress has admitted that the exit of two prominent political figures from its fold is a setback, but insists it does not threaten the party’s long-term electoral plans.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the departure of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso would not derail preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Both Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential race under the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, had briefly aligned with the ADC as part of talks to build a united opposition front. However, they have now moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress as they reposition politically.

Abdullahi acknowledged the impact of their departure but maintained that the party remained focused.

“Is it a setback? The answer is yes. Is it a fatal blow? The answer is no, because the objectives are very clear. They are still the same,” he said.

When asked whether the collapse of the proposed coalition weakened the ADC, particularly given the combined vote strength of the two politicians in 2023, Abdullahi dismissed the assumption that past results would automatically translate into future gains.

He also admitted personal disappointment over the development.

“Personally, I’m not happy they left. And I cannot tell you why, because I have my own sentiments. I’m not happy they left,” he said.

Despite this, Abdullahi suggested that their exit had eased internal tensions within the party.

“In a way, it’s a bit of relief. Now we can focus on really doing what we need to do without being under the pressure cooker that they were trying to put us in. I am not disheartened. No, no, not at all,” he added.

He stressed that the ADC would not adopt an antagonistic stance towards the former allies.

“We don’t think they are our enemies. We are not going to go into a dogfight with them,” he said.

Obi, in explaining his decision, cited persistent internal disputes and what he described as orchestrated legal battles within the party. He said his move was guided by reflection on the country’s situation rather than personal ambition.

According to him, such challenges were designed to edge him out of the political process. He warned against weakening opposition parties, noting that democracy suffers when balance is lost.

The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed doubts that northern Nigeria will support a joint presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in future elections.

Speaking about possible opposition alliances, Datti said regional support remains very important in Nigerian politics.

He noted that, in his opinion, it is unlikely that the North will unite behind such a joint ticket, although he respects all the political figures involved.

He recalled meeting Peter Obi in January 2024, where he advised him to work closely with key northern figures like Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai.

According to Datti, he stressed the importance of planning early for future elections, especially 2027.

Datti suggested that current political alliances may have started from earlier discussions but questioned whether they would succeed.

He also raised concerns about changing political loyalties, asking why some politicians who did not support certain candidates in the past are now forming new alliances.

He pointed out that Nigerians are increasingly demanding younger leadership but warned that contradictions within a political ticket could create problems. He questioned how leadership roles would be decided in a team where strong personalities and ambitions exist.

Using Kwankwaso as an example, Datti described him as a powerful political figure with strong influence in his region, raising concerns about who would ultimately take the lead in such a partnership.

He concluded that while opposition unity is possible, past voting patterns and internal party issues could make it difficult.

He emphasized that consistency in political strategy and party structure is key as politicians prepare for future elections.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Arrangements have been concluded to swear in the new Deputy Governor of Kano state, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo today, Tuesday, 5 March.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is expected to witness the swearing in ceremony of his new Deputy, which is slated to hold at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.

According to a Statement posted by Governor Yusuf’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, the event will take place by 11: a.m.

Our Correspondent reports that Kano State House of Assembly had confirmed Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as the new Deputy Governor of the state.

Garo’s confirmation, last Monday, followed his successful screening by an ad hoc Committee set up by the House of Assembly penultimate week.

The confirmation came after the presentation and adoption of the report of the ad hoc committee during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Isma’il Falgore.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Bello, said the nomination of Garo followed the resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Bello further stated that the screening exercise was conducted in line with Section 191(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers the Assembly to approve a nominee in the event of a vacancy.

According to Bello, Murtala Sule Garo underwent a comprehensive screening process, including an extensive question-and-answer session covering his educational background, professional experience, understanding of governance, and vision for the state.

Bello added that Sule Garo’s credentials were also thoroughly verified.

Bello noted that Garo demonstrated a clear understanding of the responsibilities of the office and presented a workable vision to support the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in delivering on its mandate.

According to Bello, based on its findings, the Committee recommended Sule Garo’s confirmation and adoption of the report.

Following the adoption, Speaker Falgore put the decision to the floor of the House, where members unanimously approved the nomination, formally confirming Murtala Sule Garo as the Deputy Governor of Kano State.

Kano state House of Assembly, during the plenary, subsequently adopted the Committee’s report and confirmed Sule Garo as the new Deputy Governor of Kano state.

The Assembly also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the executive arm to promote good governance, accountability, and the overall development of the state.

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former running mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, has expressed doubts about the North’s willingness to support Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the 2027 race.

Speaking on shifting opposition alliances, Baba-Ahmed stated that it is highly unlikely the North will rally behind the duo, stressing that regional factors will remain pivotal in determining electoral outcomes.

“It is very unlikely that the North will rally around OK. That is my personal opinion,” he said, while emphasizing that he remains on good terms with key political figures.

Recalling a January 2024 meeting with Obi, Baba-Ahmed shared that he had advised Obi on the importance of engaging influential figures like Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai to strengthen the opposition’s political strategy.

Baba-Ahmed also underscored the need for long-term planning, urging Obi to focus on the 2027 elections early. “If in 2024 you cannot plan for 2027, then I cannot continue to be with you,” he remarked.

The former vice-presidential candidate raised concerns about the shifting dynamics in the opposition, questioning the rationale behind some actors’ failure to support certain candidates in past elections, only to form new alliances now. “What changed between 2022 and 2023?” he asked, suggesting the new alignments may not have the stability or practicality needed for success.

Baba-Ahmed also cautioned that while the demand for a new generation of leadership is growing, internal contradictions within political tickets, such as age and experience mismatches, could undermine that objective.

Pointing to Kwankwaso’s strong regional support, Baba-Ahmed questioned who would ultimately lead in a coalition with such complex internal dynamics, raising doubts about the feasibility of uniting behind one figure.

He concluded by stating that consistent party structure and long-term strategy will be crucial as opposition figures continue to reposition ahead of future elections.

“We have far better equipment and capabilities,” he said, while suggesting that diplomatic engagements were continuing behind the scenes.

Trump’s latest remarks followed claims he made on He also said American troops had intercepted drones and missiles allegedly launched by Iranian forces.

According to the president, the military action formed part of a broader effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

He said multiple countries had appealed to Washington to ensure the free passage of commercial vessels reportedly disrupted by rising hostilities.

The Iran has historically rejected US accusations of disrupting shipping lanes, insisting its activities in the region are defensive.

However, the latest exchange of threats underscores growing volatility in the Gulf, with analysts warning that any miscalculation could trigger a broader military escalation.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment ordering it to pay 100 million in damages to two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the ruling as “seriously flawed” and vowing to challenge it on appeal.

Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court on Tuesday awarded 100 million in general damages against SERAP in a defamation suit instituted by the DSS operatives.

The court also directed the organisation to issue public apologies across multiple platforms, pay 1 million in litigation costs, and a 10 per cent annual post-judgment interest on the damages until the sum is fully liquidated.

The case stemmed from a September 9, 2024 statement by SERAP alleging that DSS operatives unlawfully entered its Abuja office to intimidate staff following the organisation’s call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate corruption allegations involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and reverse fuel price increases.

Reacting to the ruling, SERAP said it had instructed its lawyers, including senior advocates Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, to immediately file an appeal, insisting the judgment undermines constitutional protections and civic freedoms.

“This judgment is totally unacceptable to us. It is a travesty and a serious blow to civic space in Nigeria,” the organisation said in a statement, adding that it reflects “a troubling pattern of using defamation laws to punish legitimate criticism and suppress accountability.”

SERAP further described the suit as “a textbook example of judicial harassment and a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), designed to intimidate civil society and deter legitimate human rights advocacy.”

The group accused the government of deploying state institutions to stifle dissent, stating: “Rather than deploying state institutions to intimidate critics, the government should be protecting those working to expose corruption.”

It maintained that the court’s decision “fails to reflect the evidence presented” and warned that the ruling could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and anti-corruption efforts.

“This judgment sends a dangerous message and creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression, civic participation, and anti-corruption work,” SERAP said, stressing that defamation laws must not be “weaponised to silence dissent.”

While the DSS officials had argued that SERAP’s allegations damaged their professional reputations, leading to disciplinary scrutiny before their eventual exoneration, the NGO insists its actions were in the public interest and consistent with its mandate to promote transparency and accountability.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has paid tribute to his predecessor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, on the 16th anniversary of his death, describing him as a “servant leader” and the “Gentleman President.”

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Jonathan reflected on the time they worked together, recalling Yar’Adua’s humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. He spoke of their strong working relationship, saying that Yar’Adua was not just his boss, but also a brother and a partner in service.

“Today marks 16 years since our nation lost a dear hero, an icon of integrity, a selfless patriot, and a man I was privileged to call not just my boss, but my brother and worthy partner in service,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan emphasized that their administration was focused on building a more inclusive and just Nigeria, grounded in the rule of law and democratic principles. He described Yar’Adua as a leader whose convictions were quiet but profound, particularly in his belief that a nation’s strength lies in its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

The former president also praised Yar’Adua for always putting the national interest above personal or political gain. He noted that Yar’Adua’s leadership style, defined by humility and selflessness, was rare in the corridors of power.

“He did not just lead; he served with a humility that is rare in the corridors of power, often putting national stability above personal or political gain,” Jonathan added.

Jonathan further highlighted Yar’Adua’s contributions to peace-building, which he called an enduring legacy. He stressed that Yar’Adua’s approach to governance was marked by the courage to confront the country’s flaws and the sincerity to address them.

“His record in peace-building stands as an enduring legacy. He understood that true nation-building requires the courage to admit flaws and the sincerity to fix them,” Jonathan said.

In his tribute, Jonathan urged today’s leaders to learn from Yar’Adua’s life, emphasizing that leadership should always be rooted in accountability, transparency, and a genuine love for the people.

“For leaders, the life of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua serves as an enduring lesson. His example teaches us that leadership is a sacred trust, and that progress is only sustainable when it is rooted in transparency, accountability, and a genuine love for the people,” Jonathan concluded.

He ended by praying for Yar’Adua’s soul and called on Nigerians to recommit to the ideals that he represented.

Yar’Adua, who served as president from May 29, 2007, until his death on May 5, 2010, is remembered for his efforts to strengthen the rule of law and for the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, which remains a key aspect of his legacy.

Hon. Kasimu Maigari, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators’ Forum, has stated that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s departure from the ADC has significantly delayed the South East’s push for the presidency.

According to Maigari, Obi’s political movement has done more harm than good for the long-standing Igbo presidency quest, pushing it “20 years backwards.”

In an interview with ARISE News, Maigari expressed his concerns about the direction of Obi’s political trajectory. He argued that rather than advancing the cause for an Igbo president, Obi’s actions have created a major setback for the region’s aspirations. “My worry is not if Peter Obi will win the presidency; my worry is that Peter Obi has pushed Igbo’s 20 years backwards from getting the Presidency,” he said.

Maigari further criticized the motivations behind Obi’s supporters, stating that many are more focused on personal political ambitions than on advancing a genuine ideological cause. “Peter Obi will not win the 2027 election; it is very obvious,” Maigari asserted, adding that those supporting Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso are doing so with the hope of leveraging their influence for personal gain.

He also claimed that a significant portion of Obi’s supporters is primarily interested in securing elective positions such as state assembly seats, governorship tickets, or House of Representatives seats.

According to Maigari, these individuals are using Obi’s popularity as a platform to further their own political ambitions. “99 percent of those running around Peter Obi have the ambition of running either state assembly, House of Rep, or governor, and the only easiest way for them to win an election is when Peter Obi or Rabiu Kwankwaso is on the ballot,” he said.

Despite these criticisms, Maigari maintained that the ADC remains united and strategically positioned for the upcoming 2027 general elections. He suggested that Obi’s influence in certain regions could inadvertently benefit the ADC. “ADC remains intact. Peter Obi is going to serve as our agent in the places Tinubu thought he was going to make it, and this is our advantage as ADC,” he stated.

Maigari concluded by reaffirming the ADC’s readiness for future political engagements, asserting that the party is focused on making a strong impact in the 2027 elections.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian Army has listed arrest of three terrorists, a wanted Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, drug peddlers as well as rescue of two kidnapped victims among the achievements of troops deployed from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

Sani Uba, a Lieutenant Colonel who is Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

Giving a breakdown of the operations, Uba said troops apprehended two suspected terrorists identified as Haruna Adamu (32) and Ibrahim Adamu (20) in Ngamdu town, Yobe State.

He listed items recovered from the two suspects who, according to him, fled from Zamfara State into Yobe State to include a smartphone, keypad phone, power bank, identification card, suspected illicit substances, charms, and other personal effects.

“The suspects have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation,” Uba said.

The Army spokesperson also revealed that troops arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant, Ali Muhammad (30) who had been on the watchlist at Ngamdu Market. The suspect, he said was arrested with cash, a keypad mobile phone, a wallet containing identification cards, charms, a knife, and an exercise book containing phone numbers of suspected terrorist contacts.

According to him, the arrest of the suspect who has been over to Sector 2 Headquarters for detailed interrogation is considered a major disruption to the intelligence network of terrorist elements operating within the area.

Also, Uba said troops arrested five suspected drug peddlers found in possession of various items, including ammunition during a night operation around Mubi general area of Adamawa State.

“The suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation,” he said

The Army spokesperson also revealed that troops in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), responded swiftly to a distress call on a kidnapping incident in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

“The joint team successfully rescued two kidnapped victims, Barnabas Apagu (12) and Ruth Apagu (10). Efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of other abducted persons still in captivity.

“Also, troops of OPHK deployed in Kukareta area of Yobe State, recovered a hand grenade suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists. The explosive device was safely secured in line with established procedures,” Uba added.