By Uthman Baba–Naseer,Minna

Coalition of Concern Christian Stakeholders in Niger State has requested for fair and equal representation of christians in the formation of 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC in the state.

The group Secretary, Comrade Jude Johnson stated this at a newsbriefing held in Minna, and Niger state capital, insisted on their demand for Christian deputy governor for the next general elections or opt for an alternative where their interest will be protected
The Coalition under the aegis of the Concerned Christian Stakeholders has urged Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and all major stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to facilitate the emergence of a Christian Deputy Governor for the 2027 Gubernatorial elections.
He revealed that they vehemently rejected the continuous Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket considering their contributions, dedication and population in the state.
“ We want to use this medium to notify his excellency that we have capable hands in Niger East (zoneB), Senatorial District,who have the prerequisite requirements and are dedicated members of APC.
“ Information at our disposal indicate that we have more of Christians in Zone B of the state,then why not give the body a fair treatment by picking a Deputy from amongst Christians” the Secretary asked.
According to him, Christians are over forty five percent (45%) in terms of population in Niger state, the ruling government has undermined and relegated Christians; in the just concluded Primaries of the APC, qualified and popular Christian politicians who Aspired to contest and be voted into various elective positions were compelled to drop their ambitions because of their religion.
Comrade Jude Johnson emphasized that having a Christian Deputy Governor in Niger state is not just about religion but it is important because of inclusive representation; justice, equity and fairness; strengthened Democracy and unity of purpose.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Coalition, Mr Jonathan Tsado Vatsa insisted in an equal representation of christian in governance, adding that the group is on the same page with the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN in Niger state in the agitation of Christian deputy governor.
Vatsa stated that allowing such marginalisation and deliberate segregation during the previous administration during the 2023 elections, they will not tolerate it this second term. Saying that same faith (Muslim-Muslim) ticket is insensitive to the state’s religious diversity.
He said, as a coalition, we declare that it is not politically, economically, educationally, or socially wise for us to accept another four years of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. This is a legitimate concern for equity, and no one can query our right to demand a seat at the table.

By Our Correspondent

Distorted by growing insecurity across the country,Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has led a traditional spiritual intervention aimed at curbing rising insecurity in Edo State and across Nigeria, invoking ancestral sanctions against perpetrators of violent crimes.

The exercise, carried out through traditional worshippers, including priests, priestesses, and native physicians (Ewaise), followed an earlier directive issued by the monarch last Wednesday, summoning custodians of Benin tradition to adopt ancient methods in addressing security challenges.

The ritual procession began at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, where participants, adorned in ceremonial regalia and bearing traditional spiritual objects, gathered at the palace entrance. There, they performed rites, poured libations, and called on ancestral spirits to witness and punish individuals involved in cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening peace in the state.

The ceremony also included prayers for the protection and fortification of the land against external aggression by bandits and criminal elements, as well as supplications for the well-being and progress of law-abiding citizens in Edo State and Nigeria at large.

Speaking after the event, the head of the Ewaise palace group, Chief Osemwonta Iguezigbon, alongside the Chief Priest of the Ayelala deity, Clement Edegbe, expressed confidence that the intervention would help curb violent crimes and expose their collaborators.

“A lot has gone wrong in Benin. Respect for elders is declining, and incidents of kidnapping and other crimes have increased,” Chief Edegbe said.

Chief Iguezigbon noted that the initiative was a direct response from the monarch to the worsening security situation. “What has been done today is at the instance of the Oba, considering the developments not only in Edo State but across the country. The Oba believes it is time to take decisive action,” he stated.

Chief Isaac Oghafua Ogiemwense Oghafua (the Oyeoba of Benin) explained that the spiritual exercise was intended to reinforce security through traditional means and safeguard the land from further threats.

Also speaking, priestess Constance Eguavon commended the monarch’s decision to deploy indigenous spiritual mechanisms in the fight against criminality, describing it as timely and necessary.

The intervention is widely seen as a complementary measure to government efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in the region.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, is calling for mandatory pre-registration security checks for every Nigerian intending pilgrim ahead of the 2027 Hajj, warning that recent arrests of suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders exposed gaps in the current process.

In a statement signed Monday by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the faith-based civil society organization, CSO said the move is necessary to prevent criminal elements from exploiting Hajj and Umrah travel.

“Pre-registration screening should be made compulsory for all intending pilgrims participating in the 2027 Hajj exercise,” the group stated.

IHR proposed that NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards constitute dedicated security screening committees to vet intending pilgrims immediately after they pay the initial deposit, but before final registration.

“NAHCON and the State Boards should create security screening committees that will visit states every two weeks to obtain the profiles of intending pilgrims and properly vet them to prevent a repeat of what recently happened in Katsina State,” the statement said.

The organisation also wants a centralized, automated pilgrim registration portal with NAHCON permit-enabled synchronization. The system, it said, should flag security risk indicators to help authorities “sieve out individuals or groups with dubious mindsets.”

IHR recalled that wanted criminal suspects were arrested at Hajj embarkation points during the 2025 pilgrimage.

“These incidents justify the need for thorough security screening of all intending pilgrims before the issuance of a visa every Hajj season,” it noted.

While acknowledging the tight 2027 registration timeline released by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, IHR insisted security must come first.

“We acknowledge the accelerated registration schedule for the 2027 Hajj and the need to fast-track the process. However, security must remain paramount in any exercise involving cross-border travel and the movement of large numbers of people,” the group said.

The CSO expressed confidence in NAHCON’s current leadership to act.

“We hope that NAHCON’s current leadership, which has so far demonstrated the capacity to effectively manage challenges, will give this proposal positive consideration to ensure that wanted criminals cannot exploit Hajj or Umrah operations as a means of travelling abroad,” the statement concluded.