Politics
FG making it difficult for South-East leaders to pacify aggrieved youths –Mbamara, retired army captain
A retired army captain and founder, Fair Haven Security Nigeria Limited, David Mbamara, bares his mind on the incessant attacks on security formations in Imo State in this interview with CHIDIEBUBE OKEOMA
There have been attacks on security formations in the South-East, particularly Imo State. What are the implications of these attacks?
The security implications are not far-fetched. This ugly development should be properly investigated by the security agencies instead of jumping to the conclusion and hastily labelling any group as the mastermind of the attacks. The security challenges posed by IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) cannot be overlooked, though, but there are other non-governmental actors and people who could be hiding under the security challenges and trying to destabilise the government.
It is important that the security agencies look deeper and come up with solutions to this disturbing development. It is not just IPOB. There is also the Biafran Nations League that spoke sometimes ago in Calabar. They gave their members five days to avenge the Fulani herdsmen attacks on their people. It is a potential target group and you can’t wish that away. We also know that in Imo State, there is political tension between the governor and some political actors.
So it will be infantile to politicise the attacks by hastily linking them to IPOB without proper investigation. Doing so portends great danger to our society, and if we go this way, we may lose focus. Therefore, it is very important for the security agencies to do their homework and identify those behind the attacks. It is important that the Federal Government starts looking at issues from a solution perspective because there is no good general who opens the frontier of war without seeking ways to bring lasting solutions.
If any army general engages in open confrontation without dialogue, it will drag him down. What is happening in Imo State is regrettable and it’s important that the Federal Government takes measures because from what I am reading, this is just the beginning. Because when you have a domestic subversive organisation operational in a state and they start kidnapping people for ransom, the essence of that is to get money for logistics. The next move is to start attacking security personnel to demoralise them, collect their weapon and reduce the security forces’ capacity.
My younger colleagues who are still in service should look at these trends and not be hasty in saying the attacks are by IPOB. It could be diversionary. It could be any other organisation that is interested in pulling down the system. Having said that, the reaction of the Governor of Imo State (Hope Uzodinma) is good. This is not the time for the usual grammar and semantics by the government. The Federal Government should sit up. In security, there is no sacred cow. All domestic insurgents in Imo State should be dealt with.
Do you suspect any political undertone in the attacks as the governor has alleged?
Well, I would not know until security agencies have done their job. We have read about some political battles between the governor and some political big boys in the state. It is important that this suspicion should not also be swept under the carpet. The issue should be analysed from the macro and not micro perspective so that every thread of likely threat can be captured. If any thread is missing, it is easy for those who may be hiding under IPOB due to its agitation for Biafra to explore.
The real enemies of the government may be operating freely, knowing full well that the government’s attention is on IPOB. It is also important that the recent attacks on the Nigerian Correctional Centre and police stations in Imo State should draw the Federal Government’s attention to the state. Last month, the National Bureau of Statistics, in its report, ranked Imo State as the unemployment capital of Nigeria with over 56 per cent unemployment rate. We are not talking about the under-employed.
Most of these unemployed people are graduates. The greatest check against insecurity is the good welfare of the people. The Federal Government and the Imo State Government should look into this. The government should look into the plight of the citizens. The situation is terrible. The cost of living is high, people have no jobs, the situation is dangerous. It is important the Federal Government tell itself the truth. This is no time for politics.
Do you support the Federal Government’s amnesty for the fleeing inmates as a result of the recent jailbreak in Owerri?
Well, I am happy to hear that the Federal Government has offered the fleeing inmates amnesty as a way of making them return because some of them are hardened criminals. Some of us are conversant with the nature of the judiciary system that we have. Most inmates are there without trial. I understand that some of them have been on the awaiting trial list for about 10 years.
It is urgent – the Federal Government, in conjunction with state governments, should use this opportunity to investigate the fleeing inmates. Those who have been in prison without trial should be given considerable attention. This is the essence of decongesting the prison. When you put innocent people with criminals in the prisons, you overload the prisons, and this has consequences for society.
It is important that the Federal Government stop holding people without trial because the law says even a criminal is said to be innocent until proven guilty. Why put someone behind bars and is awaiting trial for 10 years? The prison is meant to correct people with bad characters and not to make them hardened. In short, those with criminal backgrounds should be brought back urgently. I support the amnesty declaration by the Federal Government.
On the attacks on the Owerri correction centre, reports have it that security agencies neglected intelligence report before the attacks. What do you make of this?
Definitely, it shows the failure of intelligence gathering by security agencies in Imo state. For the attackers to have a field day attacking the correctional centre, the police headquarters and army checkpoint on the same day, it shows that security agencies in the state are not doing enough. You don’t need to be told that there is a failure of security and intelligence gathering in Imo State. Those in charge should know what to do because uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
Many say that marginalisation is the cause of incessant attacks on federal facilities in the South-East. Do you agree with this assertion?
That is the major reason, you do not need to be told. Imo State indigenes usually perform excellently at the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, but when they graduate, they don’t get jobs whereas those who got into tertiary institutions using low UTME scores end up getting jobs. How will you then say that the country is fair to them? ‘One Nigeria’ should not just be a slogan, it should be practised.
This is the time to rise up and build Nigeria. The civil war ended over 60 years ago. I didn’t experience the war, I was a year old when the massacre took place. For how long will ethnic and tribal considerations end in this country? How can you build a country based on injustice, knowing that there is a reaction to every injustice? You cannot slap a child and tell him not to cry. It is not possible. How can you appoint over 60 judges, yet no Igbo man made the list. You appointed 24 directors at the NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation), yet no Igbo man is there.
Also, look at the recent appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police. The Federal Government is making it difficult for South-East leaders to have anything to tell these aggrieved youths. Nigeria stands on a tripod – the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. If you eliminate any of the stands, it is no longer Nigeria. The Federal Government should take measures; the South-East is the easiest place to control.
There is poor electricity, there are bad roads and no jobs for the Igbo people. As elders, there are limits to what we can tell a young man who is hungry. Even if he’s educated, he will definitely be angry if he has no job definitely. South-East does not have a small population; we have a huge population and, therefore, we should not be neglected. I am pleading with the Federal Government to give the South-East elders what they could use to talk to these young people because they are looking down on their leaders as failures. They no longer have respect for Ohanaeze and the governors; they don’t see themselves as part of this country because of the Federal Government policies of marginalisation and exclusion of the South-East region.
What’s your take on regional security outfits?
There is no basis in law for the continuous existence of the federal police. It is not seen anywhere. How will the federal police be the one to enforce laws made by the state governments as enacted by the state Houses of Assembly? We are talking about unemployment in this country when if we have the state police, they can create between 500,000 and one million jobs for the youths.
There should also be neighbourhood police. Nigeria is a country of laws, we are not in a jungle. The issue of security should be properly addressed. Our fathers in the 60s had regional police. Some people are talking about community policing. What is community police? How much are they paid as salary? What is their strength? Do they have arms? Do they have powers to charge anybody to court? Are they recognised under the law? The issue is that we are a funny country. We deceive ourselves a lot. It is time to stand up and build Nigeria.
What is your take on the activities of the Eastern Security Network?
It is an attempt by the people to obey the law of nature because the South-East governors created a void and the Federal Government refused to call the herdsmen to order. No one can stand and watch their women being raped. It is time for the government to be alive to its responsibility of providing security and welfare for the citizens. The Federal Government should as matter of urgency call the Fulani herdsmen to order.
Do you support Nnamdi Kanu’s approach to self-determination?
Well, I am not an IPOB member. I don’t know how he operates. I initially saw him as a rabble-rouser but I am beginning to take him seriously because of the faulty steps the Federal Government is taking. Everything is not about shoot and kill. There are things you will do and you will cage certain elements. The Igbo want Nigeria to succeed.
There is no village in Nigeria you will not see an Igbo man. It is very easy to control this situation before it gets out of hand. Nnamdi Kanu is the creation of the actions of this government. It is the actions of this government that is giving him the impetus to be controlling a large number of people. How can we keep quiet and allow a country as beautiful as Nigeria to go down?
How can the tension everywhere be reduced quickly?
I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to do the needful before it is too late. The government should address the issues of insecurity by addressing injustice in the country. Merit should not be sacrificed on the altar of ethnic sentiments. Injustice is fuelling the insecurity we are facing.
Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has identified what he believes is President Bola Tinubu’s greatest challenge, saying the Nigerian leader is surrounded by aides and political associates who are unwilling to tell him the truth when government policies fail.
Speaking on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme on Thursday, the outspoken lawmaker said the President’s inner circle has become one of the biggest obstacles to the success of his administration because many of those closest to him lack the courage to offer honest advice.
“I believe that his problem, I said it before, is the people around him,” Ndume said.
The senator, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that President Tinubu was familiar with his forthright views on governance, adding, “The President knows me to some extent. I give it to him, he has so much to do.”
Ndume disclosed that despite belonging to the same party as the President, he had only met Tinubu officially on a few occasions, including discussions on health sector funding.
He also revealed that he wrote two letters requesting an audience with the President to discuss pressing national issues, particularly insecurity and citizens’ welfare.
“I wrote two letters and marshalled my points on what can be done, especially about security and the welfare of citizens. Those are the main purposes of government,” he said.
Asked whether some individuals within the Presidency had blocked his access to the President, Ndume replied, “Yeah, both.”
He recalled that one of his meetings with Tinubu came after a presidential aide informed the President that he had defended his administration during a television interview.
According to Ndume, Tinubu then invited him for a private meeting, during which they held an extensive discussion.
Although he dismissed claims that a cabal controls the Presidency, Ndume questioned whether those surrounding the President were giving him objective advice.
“No, not cabal, so to say. I don’t want to give them that,” he said.
On whether Tinubu was firmly in control of his administration, Ndume responded: “He can be in charge. ‘He can be in charge’ is different from ‘he is in charge.'”
He argued that many of the President’s aides owe their political fortunes to Tinubu, making it difficult for them to challenge his decisions.
“Majority of them, about 95 per cent, are his dependants. Even before he became President, he was taking care of them. When you have people around you who are your dependants, they cannot look you in the face and say, ‘Mr President, this cannot work,'” he said.
Despite his criticisms, Ndume reaffirmed his loyalty to both the APC and the Tinubu administration, insisting that his comments were intended to strengthen rather than undermine the government.
When reminded that the Tinubu administration was also his government, he replied, “It’s our government. If not for Tinubu, my governor, the Vice President and his wife, I probably wouldn’t have remained in the APC.”
By Sir Amby Uneze KSJI
The dye is cast and the atmosphere is gathering momentum when a people should stand up and be counted. Anyone who allows his father’s name to get lost in the scheme of things definitely will be hunted for life by the ancestors. Therefore, it becomes pertinent to wake up when the ikoro sounds so as to be awake and retain or regain your relevance during the fight.
Ndi Mbaise are people of immense prowess with large population, education, wealth blessed by God to be champions of a race. In Igboland, Mbaise people are noted for her bravery from creation, hence they are widely regarded as the most populus entity in Igboland (Mbaise nwere mmadu).
Coming down to the discussion at the moment and as the political landscape of Nigeria continues to evolve, Ndi Mbaise sub zone stands at a point where a choice must be made. The upcoming 2027 elections present a pivotal opportunity for the people of Owerri Zone to make a decisive choice for their future and Mbaise is a commanding force to decide who represents Owerri zone at the Senate. In this context therefore comes a man of note, gentle in style and in performance, trustworthy, integrity personified, character endowed and a man of vision and mission. Sir Basil Maduka emerges as a compelling candidate. He is one who embodies the aspirations and concerns of the people. It is crucial that we unite behind him in this journey, as he is, indeed, our only joker for the Owerri zone Senate.
History beckons on him as the only senatorial candidate from Mbaise. It is also commendable that Sir Basil Maduka comes from Ezinihitte Mbaise which shares the same federal Constituency with Ahiazu Mbaise. Record shows that Ezinihitte Mbaise has not produced a Senator since the current political dispensation which started in 1999. The only attempt made was during the Governor Evan Enwerem’s regime around 1992 when Senator Bright Nwanne, a young, vibrant and enterprising gentleman spent only 18 months as a senator.
Moreover, as the flame of the Labour Party continues to spread across the Owerri zone because of Sir Basil Maduka who is flying the party’s flag for the Senate, the people of Owerri federal Constituency and the Mbaike federal Constituency join hands with the Mbaise nation, to provide a smooth ride for Sir Basil Maduka.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight the senators who have represented Imo East (Owerri Zone) in the Nigerian Senate from 1999 to date, in chronological order: Evan Enwerem (1999–2003) – 4 years (Mbaike), Amah Iwuagwu/Eze Ajoku (2003–2007) – 4 years (Mbaike/Owerri federal), Chris Anyanwu (2007-2015) – 8 years (Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala), Samuel Anyanwu (2015–2019) – 4 years (Mbaike), and Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi (2019–present) – 8 years (Owerri Federal Constituency).
From the foregoing analysis, it has become obvious that the only Federal Constituency that has not tested the Senate seat since 1999 is the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte where Sir Basil Maduka hails from. 2027 brings the best bet to reconcile this anomaly and give the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency a sense of belonging. Ndi Mbaise this is your chance to have a Senator in 2027 because nobody is sure of the governorship in 2028.
Sir Basil Maduka is not a newcomer to the political arena. With a wealth of experience in governance and community service, he has demonstrated a commitment to the people of Ndi Mbaise. His sound mind has prepared him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of legislative responsibilities. His ability to connect with the high and mighty including constituents and understand their needs is unparalleled, making him a standout candidate in a crowded field.
Maduka’s vision for the Owerri Zone is rooted in the principles of inclusivity and progress. He has a comprehensive plan that addresses critical issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. His focus on building a robust educational framework is particularly noteworthy, as it aims to empower the youth and provide them with the tools necessary for success. By prioritizing these areas, Maduka is not just campaigning for votes; he is advocating for the sustainable development of our area. He is worried that as influential and prominence Mbaise is; it lacks a university, federal presence, and so on.
In a time when political integrity is often questioned, Sir Basil Maduka stands out as a beacon of trustworthiness. His reputation for honesty and transparency resonates deeply with the electorate. Our people are increasingly looking for leaders who prioritize ethical governance, and Maduka exemplifies these values. His commitment to accountability will ensure that the interests of Ndi Mbaise are safeguarded at every level of governance.
The youth of Ndi Mbaise represent a significant portion of the electorate, and their engagement is vital for the future of our area. Maduka recognizes this and has made it a cornerstone of his mission. By actively involving young people in his political discourse and addressing their concerns, he is fostering a new generation of leaders. His initiatives aimed at youth empowerment will not only resonate with young people but also inspire a sense of ownership and responsibility among them.
One of Maduka’s most admirable qualities is his collaborative approach to politics. He believes in building bridges with various stakeholders, including other political parties and community leaders. This willingness to engage in dialogue and seek common ground is essential for fostering a united front in addressing the challenges faced by our people. In a time of division, Maduka’s leadership promises to bring our zone together for the greater good.
Finally, as we look ahead to the 2027 elections, it is imperative that we rally around Sir Basil Maduka. His proven leadership, community-centric vision, integrity, and commitment to youth engagement make him the ideal candidate for the Owerri Senate. The stakes are high, and the future of Ndi Mbaise depends on our collective decision. Let us not leave Mbaise open; let us stand united behind our only joker, Sir Basil Maduka of Labour Party, and pave the way for a brighter future for the Owerri Zone.
Residents from various communities in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, as their preferred choice for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday during a gathering tagged “Street Endorsement for Odii” held in Afikpo.
Speaking at the event, the Ebonyi State PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, described Odii’s governorship aspiration as timely and necessary, arguing that the state needed a leader with the competence and vision to drive development.
According to her, Odii possesses the capacity, integrity, experience, and contacts required to reposition Ebonyi State and improve the welfare of its citizens.
She urged residents to rally behind the PDP candidate, warning that the state risked further setbacks if leadership was entrusted to individuals lacking the requisite experience and commitment.
Also speaking, the PDP senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South Zone in the 2027 elections, Mrs. Maria Nwachi, called on residents to support Odii’s ambition and make effective use of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during the elections.
Nwachi, a former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, described Odii as a leader who understands the challenges facing Ebonyians and has the capacity to address them.
She expressed confidence that the PDP candidate would bring transformational leadership to the state if elected.
The PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-East Constituency, Mr. Iheukwumere Okogwu-Otu, described the endorsement as a significant step towards shaping the future of Ebonyi State.
He said the gathering reflected the confidence many residents have in Odii’s ability to provide purposeful leadership and address the state’s challenges.
Similarly, the PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-West Constituency, Mr. Ewa Chukwumaijem, urged residents to support the PDP governorship candidate and ensure they obtain and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the election.
The event drew supporters from several communities across Afikpo, who pledged their backing for the PDP candidate as preparations for the 2027 governorship race gather momentum.
The lawmaker formally announced his defection in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read on the floor of the Senate on Monday by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary.
In the letter, Maidoki said the lingering crisis within the APC had forced him to seek a new political platform.
“I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and the distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC,” he stated.
Explaining the reason for his decision, the senator said the internal wrangling in the ruling party had become a major source of concern.
“My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern,” he said.
Maidoki expressed confidence that the ADC would provide a more suitable platform to advance the interests of his constituents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“I believe that the ideas of the ADC are better for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large,” he added.
The Kebbi South senator also accused the APC of abandoning the principles of justice, peace and unity, particularly during the recently concluded party primary elections in the state.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) has not exhibited its slogan as justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections,” he declared.
Reaffirming his commitment to his new political platform, Maidoki said:
“It is in this regard, therefore, that I wish to inform you of my defection to the African Democratic Congress, which I believe guarantees my political aspiration.”
The defection marks another political setback for the APC as the ADC continues to attract high-profile politicians ahead of future electoral contests.
Politics
Enugu High Court Receives OAU Onyema’s N20m Recovery Suit Against NDC, Dickson, Egwu, Others
A legal battle has commenced at the Enugu State High Court following the filing of Suit No. E/619/2026 by Chief Sir OAU Onyema against the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), former Bayelsa State Governor Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
The plaintiff is seeking the recovery of N20 million, which he alleges was procured through misrepresentation, undue influence, and coercive inducement, resulting in what he described as unjust enrichment by the defendants.
According to court documents, the defendants have been given 42 days to file their defence. The plaintiff has also filed an application for summary judgment, urging the court to enter judgment in his favour without a full trial on the grounds that the defendants allegedly have no viable defence to the claims. The defendants were granted 14 days after service to respond to the motion.
In a 41-paragraph affidavit supported by 12 exhibits, the plaintiff detailed the basis of his claims and requested an order compelling the defendants, jointly and severally, to refund the N20 million allegedly paid into Account No. 1046691859 belonging to the first defendant and domiciled with FCMB.
As part of the summary judgment application, the plaintiff is also seeking an order freezing the account pending the determination of the substantive suit if the court declines to grant immediate judgment.
In the substantive action, the plaintiff seeks declarations that the N20 million payment was obtained through misrepresentation, undue influence and coercive inducement, and that the defendants’ continued retention of the funds amounts to unjust enrichment.
He is further asking the court to award N5 million as special damages for litigation costs, N200 million as general damages for alleged psychological trauma, embarrassment, hardship and inconvenience, and interest on the disputed sum at the rate of 10 per cent per month from June 2, 2026, until full repayment.
The matter has been tentatively adjourned to July 2, 2026, for returns on court assignment and the fixing of further hearing dates.
Further details of the proceedings are expected as the case progresses.
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