Spotlights
Food crisis may worsen as flood hits 10 states
Following the floods that have ravaged farmlands in the northern part of the country, agricultural experts and big-time players in the agro-allied industry have sounded the alarm over an impending food crisis across the country as agricultural fortunes dip in the North.
The experts insist that unless urgent and very drastic steps are immediately taken, the crisis may worsen as floods continue to ravage farmlands in the northern states.
Ten states, namely Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Sokoto and Kebbi are highly affected, following heavy rainfall in the region, The PUNCH learnt.
In an interview with The PUNCH, an agricultural investor in Toro LGA of Bauchi State, Bello Yakazsi, urged the government to declare an emergency in the food sector across the country.
Protesters lament the deteriorating situation of the country as hunger protest continue. | Punch0.00 / 0.00
Yakazsi, said, “While the situation we are currently experiencing in the North can be said to be a peculiar one, it is high time that the Federal Government declared a state of emergency in the country’s agricultural sector.
“We have limited powers over the strange and dynamic play of Mother Nature but the little efforts we can muster to save ourselves from hunger and starvation must be put in place by all the government agencies. This is not the time for politics.”
The PUNCH investigation showed that continuous rainfall across the region posed a threat to grains and farmlands, which could lead to a poor harvest and hunger as farmers battle the scourge of drought.
As a result of the effect of the twin threat of flood and drought, some farmers in Kano State, especially those within the 14 LGAs that are at a high risk of flooding as predicted by the National Emergency Management Agency, have continued to express fears about possible flooding in the state and have begun praying against flooding as rainfall persists across the 44 Local Government Areas.
One of the farmers in Rimin Gado, Mallam Musa Sani, told The PUNCH, “Since the beginning of August, we’ve been experiencing heavy rainfall, which lasts for long hours, on a daily basis.
“As you know, too much rainfall does not allow crops to grow speedily. So, we fear that once flood occurs, farmers are at the risk of losing their crops.”
An official of the State Emergency Management Agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed to The PUNCH on Saturday that “even though the agency has yet to receive the comprehensive report on the flood from our assessment team, we are very worried about the situation but, we cannot act without any official report.”
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Haruna Mairiga, told our correspondent in Dutse that over 2,744 hectares of farmlands had been washed away by flood in Jigawa State. The floods ravaged 12 LGAs, namely Buji, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Birniwa, Malam Madori, Garki, Taura, Gwaram, Dutse, Kiyawa and Jahun.
“No fewer than 2,744 hectares of farmlands have been washed away by the flood across the 12 affected LGAs. From August 1 to 13, 2024, the state witnessed intermittent downpours leading to several incidences of flood and the death of 21 persons as well as the destruction of farmlands and houses,” Mairiga said.
He added that farmers in the state had lost over N1bn of farm produce and crops to flood.
Mansur Musa, Chairman of Kiyawa LGA, one of the worst-hit LGAs, said many farmlands and villages, as well as the LGA secretariat, have been submerged by water.
In Zamfara State, Shehu Shinkafi, a farmer on the outskirts of Shinkafi LGA told The PUNCH that many farmers were expecting a bumper harvest following the stability of water in their farms.
However, he expressed fears following the emergence of heavy rains in the state in recent times.
The PUNCH reports SEMA as stating that the downpour, which started last Friday and destroyed many farmlands, towns, and villages, lasted for more than 12 hours in all parts of the state. According to a report by NEMA, more heavy rainfall is expected in the state.
The agency had predicted that eight LGAs in the state - Bungudu, Gummi, Gusau, Bakura, Maradun, Talata-Mafara, Shinkafi, and Zurmi – would be affected by flooding during this year’s rainy season.
This was disclosed by the agency’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, in Gusau during the sensitisation programme for the 2024 downscaling of flood early warning strategies for early actions.
Also, the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency predicted that in this year’s annual flooding outlook, 31 states with 148 LGAs would be within the high flood-risk areas, while 35 states, including the FCT and 249 LGAs, were considered within the moderate flood-risk areas. The remaining 377 LGAs were forecasted for the low flood-risk areas.
Last Friday’s downpour destroyed thousands of hectares of farmlands in Zamfara, while properties worth billions of naira were lost.
On August 16, a devastating flood killed 11 people and over 500 houses affected in Gummi town, the headquarters of Gummi LGA of the state.
Ahmed Bala Gusau, who confirmed the incident, said the agency had visited the affected communities.
“It’s really sad and unfortunate as we have on several occasions enlightened the people of the state of the measures they were supposed to take to avoid flooding,” Gusau said.
Gusau pointed out that, some of the reasons for the flooding included dumping refuse on waterways, building on waterways, heavy rainfall and lack of drainages.
Other factors according to him were, poor building structures, poor attitude to refuse disposal, drainage and environmental laws.
One of the affected victims, Sanusi Garba, said, “We are seriously in need of urgent assistance because we are now homeless, we need food and other necessary daily needs. We call on the state government to as a matter of urgency to come to our aid.”
The Secretary, Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency,
Meanwhile, a large-scale farmer in the state, Alhaji Garba Musa, advised farmers to ensure they did not block the major water routes within their farmlands to avoid flooding and destruction of their crops.
“As we still await more rainfall, I am appealing to farmers in the state to avoid blocking waterways within their farmlands so that the water can flow easily whenever it rains. I also urge those whose crops are ready for harvest to quickly do so to avoid losing them to flooding.”
The PUNCH investigation revealed that Yobe State was also grappling with a severe flooding crisis that has left numerous towns and villages submerged, posing a significant threat to the livelihoods of farmers in the state.
Prayer sessions have been organised as residents seek spiritual solutions to the torrential rainfall across the LGAs and Emirates in the state.
Jakusko Local Government Area has been particularly hard hit, with several towns and villages bearing the brunt of the destructive floods.
Rice farms in the riverine areas of the LGA have been completely submerged due to the relentless downpours affecting communities in Matakudkum, Dumbari, Guzumbana, Gwayo, Tasga and Jagondamasa.
Farmers in the region told The PUNCH they were in a dire situation, with many expressing fears of losing their entire season’s harvest.
Musa Dikko, a rice farmer, emphasised the urgent need for “on-the-ground assessments to determine the scale of the devastation and facilitate appropriate relief efforts.”
In light of the escalating crisis, organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme, Food and Agriculture Organisation, NEMA, SEMA and the North-East Development Commission have been implored to intervene swiftly and provide the necessary assistance to rescue the farming communities and the affected populations in the region.
“Collaborative efforts are essential to avert further devastation and alleviate the sufferings of those impacted by the floods in Yobe State,” said Muktahr Ahmed, a group coordinator with the state SEMA, said.
Flooding has also affected parts of Nasarawa State, destroying crops and farmlands in the North-Central state.
Although there was no heavy rainfall around most communities between August 2 and 12, torrential rains suddenly resurfaced across the 13 LGAs of the state, including Lafia, the state capital, and washed away several farmlands, The PUNCH learnt.
Heavy rainfalls were witnessed.
The floods ravaged a five-hectare farmland belonging to a former Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development in the state, Amb. Lucky Yargwa, destroyed crops worth millions of naira in his farmland located at the Farin Ruwa Development Area in Wamba LGA.
“About five hectares of my farm was destroyed by the floods. What is remaining now is not up to 20 per cent of what I planted. I will not complain too much because I believe that God knows all things. Though millions of naira have gone, I see it as part of the challenges in the world,” Yargwa said.
Speaking on the development, the state Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Isaac Kigbu, said, “The situation calls for concern. I want to call on the government to help us, so, that we can embark on dry-season farming. We (farmers) will appreciate all the assistance that we can get at this moment from the government and other good citizens of the country.”
The PUNCH correspondents in Bauchi, Sokoto and Kebbi states report that there has been consistent rainfall in the past few weeks and almost daily.
However, the worst hit farmlands, it was learnt, were in three LGAs in Sokoto, as farmers in these areas complained that they had been experiencing floods in recent times due to the excessive rainfall.
According to a statement made available to our correspondent by the spokesman of the state SEMA, Abdullahi Ghani, farmlands in Tangaza, Gudu and Gada LGAs are mostly affected.
“In Tangaza Local Government Area, over 73 farmlands were submerged as a result of heavy downpour, which resulted in flooding.
“The affected communities are Sakkwai, Ruwa-wuri, Takkau with affected areas as Tashar Atto and Unguwar -kara area.
“Also in Gudu Local Government Area, over 80 farmlands were also affected as a result of heavy downpours and floods, which resulted in the breakdown of the Earth Dam from Kutufare village.
“The affected communities are Balle, Kurdula, Kutufare, Tungar-Balle, and Ayama with about 3,300 households affected in the process.”
Abdullahi Bello, a farmer from Gudu LGA, said, “The flood has washed away my farms completely. All my hope is gone. Help us appeal to the government and authority concerned to come to our aid on how to come out of this disaster.”
In Kaduna, despite the state government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the floods, several rice farmers lamented the losses suffered from the heavy rains.
However, Muhammad Umar, Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, expressed optimism, saying the current rainfall across the state has brought hope for some crops to recover for a bumper harvest.
“All that is needed is for the state government to assist farmers with the necessary farm inputs like fertiliser. Certainly, the yield will be low. Thank God, it has been raining. If the rain continues, I believe some crops can pick up,” he said.
Umar also advocated for the revival of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which he believes will guarantee food security and correct past mistakes.
“I think security should be improved, and the government should review the Anchor Borrowers Programme of the last administration on rice production. I think that will help the government and the citizens.”
As Umar noted, the government had disbursed trillions of naira on intervention funds to support the agricultural sector over the years.
One such was the Anchor Borrowers Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria, which was established in November 2015 to create economic linkages between Small Holder Farmers and Anchors, but has been discontinued with the apex bank currently trying to recover funds.
Overall, the programme benefitted about 4.67 million farmers in either maize, rice or wheat farming.
Also, about N1.12trn was disbursed to 563 anchors with about N670.4bn repaid and an outstanding payment of N450.90bn.
However, the top 10 beneficiaries of the programme by amount disbursed are: Cotton Producers and Merchants Association of Nigeria, who got N15.56bn through the NISRAL MFB. It has successfully repaid N11.21bn of the principal loan and has an outstanding balance of N4.24bn.
The Kebbi State Government received N17.78bn, Maize Growers Processing Marketer Association of Nigeria got N20.07bn, which it disbursed to 105,031 farmers; North-East Commodity Association distributed N29.36bn to 107,205 farmers, who cultivated about 202,175 hectares of land, while the Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria disbursed N30.31bn received from the CBN to 100,240 farmers, who cultivated 100,240 hectares of land.
Other beneficiaries include The National Cotton Association of Nigeria with N57.87bn and Thrive Agric, a technological company, got N92.07bn.
The third highest beneficiary of the CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme was Maize Association of Nigeria which received N92.43bn, AFEX Commodities received N169.27bn while the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria received the most funds under the programme at N283.01bn.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Agriculture, Murtala Mohammed Dabo, who spoke with one of our correspondents in Kaduna, the state capital, emphasised the need to support farmers affected by the flood.
“Our priority now is to ensure that fertilisers reach farmers in the various villages,” Dabo said.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure timely delivery and accessibility, so farmers can recover from the flood and enhance their agricultural productivity.”
In Taraba, torrential rains returned after an initial delay. The PUNCH learnt that following fears of initial drought after a prolonged delay in rainfall in Jalingo, the state capital, and environs, the state on Friday witnessed a downpour.
Our correspondent in Jalingo reports that for over three weeks there were no rains in the state, which forced Muslims and Christians alike to resort to prayers for rainfall.
In response to the prayers, the Taraba sky opened up late Thursday night till late Friday, sending a signal that there might be severe flooding in some parts of the state if the rain continued.
In Benue State, it was lamentation galore. The farmers, who claimed to have suffered serious financial setbacks as a result of insufficient rain during the 2024 rainy season, lamented that late rainfall, which commenced only around May and lasted for about two months, has since stopped.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had in February 2024 predicted a delay in rainfall in some states, including Benue. Also, in early July, the agency predicted rainstorms in Benue, and other states.
As accurately predicted, PUNCH investigations revealed that in July, some parts of the state, particularly the riverine areas like Makurdi, Agatu and Guma LGAs experienced flooding.
But hardly had the flood subsided that the state began to experience a shortfall of rain, which commenced around the third week of July and overlapped with the August break.
Being an agrarian state, farmers in their various categories (peasant and commercialised) have as a result been crying over the recent development in the state.
A mechanised farmer in the state, Vitalis Tarnongo, decried the sudden absence of rain when it was needed most.
He said, “This is a serious situation. We are just managing the situation. The drought has seriously affected our crops because they are drying up. Even the pesticides are not working.
“Some of the grains, like rice and corn that we cultivated, have no moisture in the soil to make the crops grow.”
There were also calls to fast and pray over the absence of rainfall in Adamawa State, just as the farmers begged the Federal Government to help cushion their plights with palliatives.
PUNCH reports that Christians and Muslims in Adamawa last week declared a week prayer sessions over the impending.
The Chief Imam of Sengere Friday mosque, Mallam Garba Ali, told our correspondent that the prayers organised by Muslims in Girie LGA were to appeal to God to release rainfall for the good of the farmers.
“We experienced drought in Adamawa State in 1991, and ever since we have not experienced it again. In fact, this year’s drought is the worst in the history of the state,” he said.
Also, Christians in Sengere, comprising all churches, equally declared a week of fasting and prayer sessions over the draught in the state.
The leader of the Christian prayer group, Pastor Amos Peter, of the World Chapel Church told The PUNCH, “Fasting and prayer is mandatory for all Christians. It is not new to us, so what we did is in line with what the Bible says.”
Some of the farmers that spoke to our correspondent in Yola, lamented that their crops, especially maize, dried up due to lack of rains.
Isa Sale told our correspondent in his farm that his three hectares maize farm located in Girie Local Government was destroyed.
“I don’t know how I will pay the loan I collected for the farm, the whole farm is gone. It is as good as my life is also gone, only God can rescue me,” he cried out.
The chairman of maize farmers in the state, Dr. Lazarus Rufus, advised maize farmers to plant 60-day beans on their maize farms that were destroyed by the drought.
He faulted the government for not providing information on the drought in good time, which he said would have helped the farmers avoid planting early.
The NiMET 2024 rain patterns forecast released recently stated that there will be Little Dry Season from July 22 to August 18 in Adamawa, Taraba, and other northern states. However, the information came late as farmers planted crops before it was released.
“The Federal Government should be up and doing in providing information on rainy season so that farmers can know when to plant and what to plant,” he said.
When our correspondent visited some of the farms, he witnessed that several maize farms had dried up, despite the return of rainfall.
Few weeks after the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur paid a sympathy visit to Bui LGA, over the flood disaster that rendered many residents homeless, farmers in the state have raised the alarm of another potential flooding, which they fear could affect their crops, property and farmlands
The farmers, who voiced their concern in an interview with our correspondent in Maiduguri, said they were worried by news of flooding from neighbouring Yobe State.
Borno State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Abdulkareem Damagun, said the ministry had been on the alert against potential floods following a report by the Nigeria Metrological agency in July that heavy rainfall would disrupt agricultural processes and destroy crops on farmlands in the state.
“Immediately the assessment made by NIMET was given to me, I sensitised the farmers. We made them (those in flood-prone areas) understand that they should prioritise crops that flooded tolerant like rice and wheat.”
However, as a way of mitigating potential flooding effects this year, the North East Development Commission said it was working to ensure that farmlands were not deserted by excess rainfall within Borno State and its environs.
The Managing Director of the commission, Goni Alkali, said the NEDC had initiated the evacuation of one million metres of drainage systems in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states to mitigate flooding in both rural areas and urban Cities
“In Maiduguri, we are currently desilting 250,000 metres of drainages. We are going to do similar interventions in other states,” Alkali said
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s agricultural sector recorded a decline in the first quarter of 2024, according to figures presented in the Gross Domestic Product by the National Bureau of Statistics despite trillions spent on intervention funds over the years.
According to the NBS, the agricultural sector contributed 21.07 per cent to GDP in Q1.
In real terms, the sector comprising of crop production, forestry, livestock, fishing contributed a sum of N10.14tn.
The performance of the agricultural sector in the first quarter of the year reflects the current situation with food security across the country.
This figure is lower than the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023 and the immediate past quarter.
In Q1, 2023, agriculture’s contribution to GDP stood at 21.66 per cent, this rose to 26.11 per cent in the last three months of the year.
In real terms, the sector recorded N10.06tn in Q1, N10.98tn in Q2, N15.99tn in Q3 and N16.25tn in the fourth quarter of 2023.
However, in the first quarter, the sector recorded a decline of 5.04 per cent in its contribution to GDP.
Further analysis showed that Nigerian farmers contributed N8.92tn in the first quarter of 2024 from N8.73tn in the preceding quarter of 2023.
The decline in the contribution of agriculture to GDP compounds the food inflation woes currently bedevilling the country.
Osun Muslims pray
Meanwhile, down South, the Chief Imam of Osogbo, Shiek Musa Animasaun, on Sunday led a prayer session to seek God’s face over the lack of rain being experienced in the state in recent months.
The prayer session, which lasted for about one hour and 30 minutes, was preceded by a non-obligatory two raka’at prayers led by Animasaun, who is also the Grand Imam of Osun State.
Addressing participants at the event held at the Osogbo Central Eid Prayer Ground, Animasaun urged residents of the state to continue seeking God’s intervention with pure heart to end drought.
“Whenever there is a possible threat of drought, we are enjoined by Allah through His Prophet Muhammad to go back to Him, and seek His guidance and forgiveness,” the Imam said.
The Chairman, Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Shiek Maruf Isola, who spoke in Yoruba language, in his sermon, said divine intervention for rain had become necessary as the drought being experienced was already having a negative impact on the residents.
“Allah has assured us that He would not change our pleasure to hardship as long as we remain loyal to Him. Definitely, the situation we are facing must have been caused by us. We have turned against God. We need to confess our sins for this hardship to end.
Former military head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has passionately urged the citizens of Nigeria to set aside their differences and unify in the defense of their nation’s sovereignty.
His call to action came in light of alarming statements made by former US President Donald Trump, which Abubakar characterized as a serious threat to the hard-earned unity of Nigeria.
Over the weekend, Trump reignited a contentious debate regarding Nigeria’s pressing security issues by once again designating the country as a “country of particular concern.”
In a statement released on Friday, Trump made shocking claims about the state of affairs in Nigeria, asserting that the nation was enduring what he termed a “Christian genocide.”
He went on to accuse the Nigerian government of failing in its duty to protect Christians from violent attacks carried out by “Islamic terrorists.”
Abubakar’s response underscores the importance of solidarity among Nigerians in the face of external criticisms and challenges.
He went further to threaten military action, saying: “The USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country ‘guns-a-blazing’, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists killing Christians.”
The remark has sparked global concern and speculation about the possibility of direct US military involvement in Nigeria, one of Washington’s oldest allies in Africa.
Speaking in a telephone interview from London on Monday, Abdulsalami warned that Trump’s words could endanger Nigeria’s peace if not carefully managed.
He called on citizens to remain united, stressing that the moment demands “unity, wisdom, and diplomacy” rather than anger or division.
“Unity, wisdom, and diplomacy must take precedence over division and pride at this critical moment,” he said.
Abdulsalami also appealed to the United States to support Nigeria’s fight against insecurity through cooperation rather than threats.
According to him, “strategic dialogue” remains the most effective way to engage Washington and de-escalate the tension.
He added that Nigeria should rely on quiet diplomacy to resolve any misunderstandings and ensure that both countries continue to work together on shared security objectives.
It is clear that the United States’ frustration with the Nigerian government goes beyond reports of genocide.
The American President, Donald Trump, and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu have been engaged in a silent conflict for some time.
Trump has often been described as a “bully,” even by prominent politicians in the U.S. and around the world, due to his lawless and reckless leadership style, as noted by Barack Obama.
Trump has expressed discomfort with President Tinubu’s body language and has been critical of certain policies.
In turn, President Tinubu retaliated against some of Trump’s decisions regarding Nigeria.
The beginning of Trump’s anger – BRICS Partnership
President Donald Trump’s anger began when Nigeria was formally admitted as a BRICS partner country in January 2025 under Brazil’s presidency.
At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the grouping, which also includes powerhouses like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and newer members such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Indonesia.
This comes after Brazilian president and the current chairman of BRICS, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, condemned the Trump administration’s worldwide tariff increase imposed on almost all countries around the world.
Trump was quick to respond to his Brazilian counterpart’s comments, imposing additional 10 per cent tariffs on BRICS and its partners, which he has repeatedly warned against engaging in anti-American policies.
Trump had imposed a 14 per cent reciprocity tariff on Nigeria in April 2025, which became the ninth BRICS partner country in January 2025 and additional 10 per cent over its alliance with the developing nations’ bloc. Nigeria’s affiliation with the BRICS nations further anger the American leader.
President Tinubu responded with calm, saying that his administration will remain resilient and has no fear of the trade policy direction of U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly tariffs targeting Nigerian exports.
Tinubu said, “If non-oil revenue is growing, then we have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side.”
This response clearly provoked more anger from Trump.
The anger lingered more as President Donald Trump ignored Nigeria, only to invite five other African nations to discuss ” Commercial Opportunities”.
Trump hosted five African leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal at the White House to discuss “commercial opportunities” on July 9, 2025.
Nigeria was not among the nations invited, even though, the criteria for the invitation were not clear.
After hitting Nigeria with a 14% tariff, the U.S. faced similar backlash as President Tinubu retaliated with a ban on 25 American goods, leaving Trump to complain about the response.
Following the ban on 25 imported items from the United States of America to Nigeria, there were strong indications that Donald Trump’s government may retaliate by blacklisting more Nigerian products.
The development comes as the country imported about $643.1 million worth of goods from Nigeria between January and February 2025 before the implementation of the new tariffs by the Trump government.
Trump’s administration quickly criticised Nigeria’s longstanding import ban on 25 product categories, warning that the policy undermines American exporters and blocks access to one of Africa’s largest consumer markets.
Nigeria refuses to accept Venezuelan deportees from the US
Tinubu’s government again rejected Trump’s proposal of accepting deportees from the United States, distancing itself from decisions by countries like Rwanda, Eswatini and South Sudan that have agreed to receive foreign nationals expelled from the United States of America.
Trump reacted again with another policy to target Nigerian citizens
After Nigeria had rejected being the country of deportees from the United States, the US tightens visa rules for Nigerians, scrutinises applicants’ social media accounts.
The latest rule by the US as the Trump administration intensifies immigration crackdown, mainly targeting African countries like Nigeria.
The US has announced a new visa rule for Nigerians, requiring all applicants to disclose their social media usernames and handles from the past five years for vetting.
‘‘Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,’’ the US Embassy in Nigeria said in a statement on X on Monday, adding that visa applicants are ‘‘required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form.’’
Meanwhile, Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has warned Nigerians that the threat by the administration of United States President Donald Trump to invade Nigeria militarily should not be regarded as a welcome development.
Trump had warned that if the Nigerian government fails to tackle the alleged massacre of Christians, the US military would intervene to target those allegedly persecuting Christians.
The development has generated mixed reactions, with some stakeholders, particularly Christians, celebrating Trump’s move.
However, Sowore, in a statement on Sunday, cautioned that the threat should not be celebrated, explaining that a military intervention could cause more harm to the nation.
According to him, the US President “does not care about Nigerians, not Christians, Muslims, or anyone else.”
Sowore stressed that the nation’s deliverance will “never come from abroad; it must come from within, through real leadership, not the Tinubus of this world, and national renewal.”
The statement reads: “The latest threat by US President Donald Trump @POTUS to launch military action in Nigeria, allegedly to protect Christians, may sound appealing to some. Still, history has shown this to be perilous.
Whether you are Christian, Muslim, animist, or non-religious, no one should celebrate such rhetoric. The United States and its allies have a long record of military interventions that leave nations more unstable than before.
They failed to secure peace in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, or Syria, and they will not bring salvation to Nigeria through bombs or boots on the ground.
What Nigeria truly needs is not a foreign savior, but legitimate accountable leadership, one that protects all citizens, upholds justice, and ends the cycles of corruption and violence that have left the nation broken.”
The clash between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio continues to intensify, as new court charges have emerged that could have significant repercussions for the supporters of the Kogi State Senator.
In a recent development, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Minister of Justice has publicly defended the legitimacy of the defamation charges that were filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The AGF emphasized that these charges were instituted in strict accordance with the provisions outlined in the Penal Code Law of Nigeria as well as the country’s Constitution. This assertion suggests that the legal proceedings are being pursued with a clear adherence to established legal frameworks, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile court battle that may draw further public interest and scrutiny.
As the situation unfolds, the implications for both political figures and their respective supporters will likely become more pronounced in the coming weeks.
The AGF’s office stated this in its response to the senator’s preliminary objection to the three-count criminal charge pending before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, presided over by Justice Chizoba Oji.
The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, stemmed from petitions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, following her public claims that the duo had conspired to assassinate her.
AGF Insists Charges Are Lawful
In its counter-affidavit, the AGF’s office maintained that the decision to prosecute the senator was taken after a comprehensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, which reviewed all petitions from both the complainants and the defendant.
“The three counts were preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation as guaranteed under the Constitution,” the prosecution stated.Legal consultation services
It further argued that the senator’s actions contravened provisions of the law, stressing that the case was filed “in the public interest, the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.”
According to the AGF’s office, the charges were neither politically motivated nor an abuse of prosecutorial power.
“The criminal charge against the defendant arose from the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties involved, by the Nigeria Police Force.”
“The charge against the defendant is consistent with extant laws and does not constitute an abuse of the legal or prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation,” the document read.
Defendant Challenges AGF’s Powers
At the last sitting on September 23, defence counsel Ehighioge West-Idahosa (SAN) had filed a preliminary objection challenging the validity of the charges.
He argued that the AGF’s office had overreached its constitutional powers, describing the prosecution as an abuse of process.
According to him, the objection was not contesting the facts of the case but rather the legality and jurisdictional competence of the AGF to initiate such charges.
The objection, filed on September 18, was yet to receive a response from the prosecution at the time of the previous hearing.
Prosecution Seeks Adjournment for Proper Service
When the matter came up on Monday, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe informed the court that although the case was slated for hearing, the prosecution’s counter-affidavit had not been properly served on the defence.
He explained that the document was delivered to an incorrect address and requested a short adjournment to rectify the error.
“It would not be fair for the prosecution to proceed when the defence has indicated its intention to respond to our counter,” Kaswe told the court.
Responding, West-Idahosa confirmed that the defence team had not been served and would only respond after receiving the document. He also requested a longer adjournment, citing plans by the defence team to attend the International Bar Association (IBA) Conference in Canada.
After listening to both sides, Justice Oji granted the request and adjourned the matter to December 1, 2025, for hearing of the preliminary objection.
Background of the Case
The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/297/25, accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making harmful and defamatory statements against Akpabio and Bello, including allegations that they plotted to assassinate her and that the Senate President was linked to the death of Miss Iniobong Umoren.
The senator was arraigned on June 19 and pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
The court is expected to rule on her preliminary objection before proceeding to trial.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kogi Central has alleged that her international passport has been withheld.
She alleged that she had been prevented from travelling.
The lawmaker made the allegation in a live Facebook broadcast on Tuesday morning.
According to her, “having completed the celebration of my second year, I decided to take a week off and my passport is being withheld again. The same thing happened.
“I have committed no offense and there is no order from the court to seize my passport and deny me traveling.
“The last time it happened, the officer in charge told us that the Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed them to withhold my passport and prevent me from traveling”.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was to be inaugurated on Monday, with the internet still blocked after election protests in which the opposition says hundreds were killed by security forces.
The electoral commission says Hassan won 98 per cent of the vote.
But the main opposition party, Chadema, which was barred from competing, has rejected the results and called for fresh elections, calling last Wednesday’s vote a “sham”.
State television said the public would not attend the inauguration, which would be held in the State House in the capital, Dodoma, rather than at a stadium as usual.
A total internet blackout has been in place since protests broke out on election day, so only a trickle of verifiable information has been getting out of the East African country.
A diplomatic source said there were credible reports of hundreds — perhaps even thousands — of deaths registered at hospitals and health clinics around Tanzania.
Chadema told AFP it had recorded “no less than 800” deaths by Saturday, but none of the figures could be independently verified.
The government has not commented on any deaths, except to reject accusations that “excessive force” was used.
Schools and colleges remained closed on Monday, with public transport halted.
The diplomatic source said there were “concerning reports” that police were using the internet blackout to buy time as they “hunt down opposition members and protesters who might have videos” of atrocities committed last week.
Dar es Salaam and other cities were much calmer over the weekend as a near-total lockdown was in place.
An AFP reporter said police were stopping almost everyone who moved around the city, checking IDs and bags, and allowing shops to open only in the afternoon.
AFP journalists on the island of Zanzibar — which has greater political freedom and saw few protests — saw masked armed men patrolling without visible insignia or identification in the days after the election.
A rights group in neighbouring Kenya presented gruesome footage on Sunday that it said was gathered from inside Tanzania, including images of dead bodies piled up in the street.
The images could not be independently verified.
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for prayers for Tanzania, where he said post-election violence had erupted “with numerous victims”.
“I urge everyone to avoid all forms of violence and to pursue the path of dialogue,” the pope said.
– ‘Wave of terror’ –
Hassan was elevated from vice-president on the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021.
She wanted an emphatic election victory to cement her place and silence critics within the ruling party, analysts say.
Rights groups say she oversaw a “wave of terror” ahead of the vote, including a string of high-profile abductions that escalated in the final days.
Despite a heavy security presence, election day descended into chaos as crowds took to the streets across the country, tearing down her posters and attacking police and polling stations, leading to an internet shutdown and curfew.
Polling stations had been largely empty before the violence broke out, AFP journalists and observers saw, though the electoral commission later said turnout was 87 per cent.
UN chief Antonio Guterres was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Tanzania, “including reports of deaths and injuries during the demonstrations”, his spokesman said last week.
Punch
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced that applications for the student loan scheme have surpassed one million, marking one of the largest uptakes for a government-backed social intervention since the beginning of the Tinubu administration.
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Strategic Communications, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the milestone was achieved less than a year after the programme was launched on May 24, 2024.
He described it as evidence that the scheme is gaining strong national traction and public trust.
According to the agency, over N116bn has so far been disbursed to students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria, covering both institutional charges and upkeep allowances.
The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, said the milestone reflects the success of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda in expanding access to higher education.
“Crossing the one-million mark represents more than data; it symbolises renewed hope for a generation of Nigerians determined to rise above financial barriers to education,” Sawyerr said. “It is a testament to visionary leadership, sound policy design, and the collective effort of all stakeholders driving this transformative agenda.”
NELFUND reiterated its commitment to continuous improvement in service delivery, ensuring that “every qualified Nigerian student, regardless of background or location, can access education funding with transparency, efficiency, and dignity.”
The agency emphasised that the student loan programme is non-discriminatory, benefiting Nigerians across religious and ethnic backgrounds, and helping to promote unity through equal learning opportunities.
“NELFUND remains focused on ensuring that no Nigerian is denied the opportunity to learn, grow, or contribute to national progress because of financial limitations,” the statement added.
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BREAKING: Tension As US Releases Video Of How American Military Will Storm Nigeria To Kill “Islamic Terrorists”
The United States (US) Department of War has released an artificial intelligence (AI) video simulating how it will storm Nigeria to kill “Islamic terrorists”.
The defence department of the US, which President Donald Trump renamed the Department of War, insinuated that it is “preparing for action” in Nigeria.
Dominik Tarczyński, a member of the European Parliament, shared the video on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle late on Saturday night, November 1.
Tarczyński tweeted: “Nigerian Christians will be rescued very soon!”
Trump said on Saturday, November 1, had asked the Defence Department to prepare for possible “fast” military action in Nigeria if Africa’s most populous country fails to crack down on the killing of Christians.
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