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Jonathan Never Took War Against Boko Haram Seriously – Osinbajo

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Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has lashed out at former President Goodluck Jonathan,saying he  was never committed to ending the Boko Haram insurgency during his tenure.
Speaking in a lecture titled, “The unraveling of Boko Haram and the rebuilding of the North-East of Nigeria” which he delivered at the Harvard University’s Weatherland Centre for International Affairs, United States, he said  it was not until the abduction of more than 200 secondary schoolgirls from their dormitories in Chibok that public outrage against Jonathan’s government’s inept handling of the insurgency reached its peak.
He also added that the government then incurred widespread anger when it denied that an abduction took place and suggested that the opposition had simply invented the story.
He also recalled that when  was formed, the then ruling party was also quick to paint it (APC) as
He said it was not until President Muhammadu Buhari who was then the leader of the opposition, was nearly killed in an attack in Kaduna that the false narrative by PDP that the APC  was the political wing of the Boko Haram sect.
The Vice-President added,

 “Secondly, the ruling party also somewhat cynically seemed to have considered that since BH attacks were actually in the heartland of the opposition it was not necessarily an unwelcome development as it could only weaken the opposition.
“Third, extensive corruption in arms procurement estimated at about $15bn, ensured that the military remained poorly equipped and demoralised.
“A number of well-publicised mutinies occurred and troops involved were taken through widely unpopular court-martials.
“As the government dithered and equivocated BH proceeded to realise the objective of occupying territory and  establishing Islamist states in Nigeria and in the Lake Chad basin.
“In Borno State alone, it occupied and hoisted its flag in 20 of the 27 Local Government Areas that constituted the state. In Adamawa State,  BH took Mubi and some villages in Yobe State.”

He said the strongest reasons for Buhari’s victory in the March 2015 presidential election was the expectation that going by his reputation as a no-nonsense soldier, he would defeat Boko Haram and restore peace to the North-East. He said within six months of Buhari’s Presidency, the sect had been effectively dislodged from all the local governments they once held.
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Anyone Opposing U.S. Strikes Is Nigeria’s Enemy or Profiting From Insecurity — Ex-General Enenche

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A former Nigerian military general, Enenche, has described opposition to United States support and strikes against terrorists as unpatriotic, insisting that such resistance only aids insecurity or serves personal interests.
Reflecting on his experience in active combat zones over two decades ago, Enenche said he witnessed firsthand the human cost of insecurity. According to him, security goes beyond the battlefield, affecting human lives, the economy, and even cyber space.
“As a military man who fought in that area over 20 years ago, I saw with my own eyes the casualties, the rage and the devastation. When you talk about security, you are talking about human security, economic security, cyber security. It affects everyone,” he said.
He welcomed the United States’ decision to support Nigeria, describing it as a positive development for the country. Enenche referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to assist Nigeria, noting that such cooperation signals hope rather than danger.
“America has come out boldly to say, ‘We are going to help you’. President Donald Trump said they will assist Nigeria. For me, this is the beginning of good things to come for this country,” he stated.
The retired general criticized individuals who consistently oppose foreign support, accusing them of spreading fear and pessimism.
“Where some people see negatives, we should see positives. Those who constantly project fear and pessimism, I see them as enemies of this country,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s past peacekeeping missions, Enenche questioned why similar objections were not raised when Nigerian troops intervened in countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Congo.
“Anytime Nigerians cooperate and act as a team, we get results,” he added.
He further clarified that while foreign allies may not deploy ground troops, Nigeria must still take responsibility for on-ground operations, with strong backing from state and local governments.
“They may not put boots on the ground, but we must do the foot-on-ground work. We must deploy the necessary resources, and that is where state governments and local governments must support this effort,” he said.
Highlighting the sophistication of recent operations, Enenche emphasized that the strikes were intelligence-driven and precise, targeting terrorist strongholds.
“Look at the capacity, look at the weapons used. Do we have that capability? This was intelligence-driven and precise. These terrorists do not want to be followed to their staging or assembly areas,” he concluded.

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‘Give Them Their Money Directly’ — Tinubu Warns Governors Over LG Allocations

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to state governors over the handling of Local Government (LG) allocations, insisting that funds meant for LGs must be paid directly to them in line with the Supreme Court judgment.
Speaking on Friday at the 15th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that the apex court has once again made its position clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. According to him, compliance is no longer optional, as the judgment is binding on all tiers of government.
“The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly’. If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it,” the President said, adding that he has chosen to be patient and respectful with governors.
However, Tinubu warned that continued delay or refusal to implement the ruling would attract consequences, noting that enforcement could begin through FAAC disbursements if necessary.
Emphasizing the rule of law, the President said the ultimate authority remains the Supreme Court and its judgment must be obeyed without excuses.
“We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he concluded.

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Accord Party Welcomes Adeleke for 2026 Governorship Bid

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The Accord Party in Osun State has indicated that Governor Ademola Adeleke would be granted a waiver if he decides to contest the 2026 governorship election under its platform.

Victor Akande, Chairman of Accord Party in Osun, told The PUNCH on Sunday that Adeleke or his aides have not formally approached the party, describing speculation about a potential defection as “mere rumours.”

Accord Party has emerged as a possible platform for Adeleke’s re-election amid internal tensions in his current party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Akande said the party already has two aspirants for its ticket in the August 8, 2026 election but would welcome Adeleke if he chooses to join.

“The issue of Governor Adeleke is still a rumour. I have not met with anyone from the government about this. Accord Party is not the only option being speculated for his defection, but if he comes, we will receive him wholeheartedly,” Akande stated.

He added, “Our doors are always open. People are free to join or leave at any time. If Adeleke comes, he will receive a waiver to contest just like any other aspirant. Currently, two individuals have shown interest in running under our platform, though they have not made financial commitments yet.”

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