By Uthman Baba -Naseer,Minna

For the first time after the death of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,the embattled Commandant of the Corps Siaka Zubeiru Anirive has openly tendered an apology to the bereaved parents and the people and government of Niger State.

He stated that the incident that led to the unfortunate death of the Miners in the custody could have be avoided “but I regretted that the Miners died during my tenure as the Commandant of the Corps in Niger State

“ I want to use this opportunity to tender my apology to the parents of the deceased ,the people and government of Niger State. I regretted that the incident happened in my time as Commandant”

“ A mistake has been made but a costly one. My Apology to the parents of the deceased and to the people and government of Niger State” he told the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission of Inquiry

The suspended Commandant gave the apology when he appeared before the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission of Inquiry in Minna on Thursday.

He disclosed that he assumed duty as the Commandant of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on the 25th of August 2025 to 18th September,2026.

He stated that there was an ongoing operations carried out within the mining site along M.I Wushishi Housing Estate,through a written and oral petition forwarded to his office by some communities around M.I Wushishi Housing Estate.

He disclosed that the residents alleged that the miners are disturbing them and they have no option than to forward their petition to his office for necessary action.

Adding that on the 15th of September, he personally visited the M.I Wushishi Mining site to see what is happening,he then put a call to the Command head of operation, ACC Joha Achagwa

He stated that upon the receipt of the petition,he dispatched his men of the Mining Marshal to carry out operation in the mining site which led to the arrest of the illegal miners from the mining site.

According to him the operation was carried out in the evening of the 16th,of September,2026 on the 17th of September, “ unortunately,we lost some suspects I in our custody”

Testifying further,Siyaka Zubeiru,while preparing to office,he received a call informing him of some casualty in the command,that some numbers of suspects have died in custody.

He said he immediately rushed down to the office on arrival he went straight to the cell and discovered some dead bodies seen lying down on the floor of the cell.

“ I then put a call to the governor what I met on ground. Then the governor directed me to take them to the mortuary. I then called on the medical department to take them to the hospital” he stated.

He testified further that he called his other Colleaques in the security forces the state Commissioner of Police and Director Department of State Service (DSS) to inform them about the incident.

“ The Director of DSS said he is on his coming with his me,and he came immediately,he was with me through out until they were evacuated to the hospital” he added

Responding to a question from the lead counsel of the Commission who is also the Director of Public Prosecutor in the of the Attorney General in Niger State,Usman Nuraini Baba,Esq, the suspended Commandant,told the Commission that there was a move to arraign them in Court on the 17th September before their death.

Also testifying, the suspended head of the Legal unit of the Command,ACC Stephen Tsado,told the Commission that his duty as the legal officer of the Command is to prepare case files of suspects, charge cases to court for prosecution and give legal advice to the Commandant.

He told the Commission that when he saw some minors among the suspects, he advised the Commandant to release them to their parents on bail to avoid their right.

He said he personally met the Commandant on the need to grant the minors bail “as a legal officer to the Command and also as a lawyer their right should not be infringe upon I advice him to grant them bail to their parents”

He said he didn’t know what happened along the line that he refused to yield to his legal advice.

In her testimonies,a nurse in the medical unit of the Command, Nurse Maryam Etang on the 16th and 17th of September, as part of her routine duty she visited the cell to see to the well-beings of the suspects

She said, “ I met three of our staff and checked them they were all okay. In the evening of the 16th September,I went back to. check them,one of suspect was seriously coughing on the 17th while they were bringing the bodies out from the cell,one of the named Emeka Emmanuel who not among the arrested miner was among the corpse that was brought out. I was shocked to see the body of Emeka” she told the Commission.

By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has rewarded the student -players and coaches of Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, with the sum of N50 million for making the State proud during their recent football tour of the United Kingdom.

Governor Fubara announced the reward on Friday while receiving the management and students of the Football Academy at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Governor commended the team for their discipline and exemplary conduct throughout the tour, noting that despite the challenges encountered on the trip, they returned victorious without any case of misconduct or embarrassment to the State.

He said the Academy, initiated by his predecessor, was designed to groom young talents for whom football could become a lucrative full-time career, stressing that the football economy is even bigger than many conventional corporate organisations.

Fubara said the purpose of sponsoring the UK tour was to expose the students to football at the international level, and expressed delight that some of them were already attracting the attention of foreign football clubs who have reportedly started poaching them for greater opportunities abroad.

While emphasizing that intelligence without character amounts to nothing, the Governor said his administration is not only committed to building their football skills but also moulding their character to become responsible citizens and the pride of Rivers State.

He assured that the State Government will address the complaints of poor facilities, insufficient accommodation and all other challenges confronting the Academy, to ensure they study and conduct their trainings in a conducive environment

Governor Fubara also thanked the local and foreign consultants who led the tour for their efforts, and charged the students to take their academics seriously alongside their football career.

He noted that for many of the students who had never travelled beyond Port Harcourt Local Government Area, the UK tour was a life-changing exposure, making them true ambassadors of Rivers State.
“What we just did here is to give you the opportunity to see what is in football beyond the walls of Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt. It is meant for you to see football at the international level.
“You have made us very proud. On our own part, we will ensure that we give you every support needed for you to excel. I am really proud of you all, not just because of the trophy that you won but your conduct throughout the tour,” Governor Fubara said.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma lauded the Governor for sponsoring the tour, describing it as historic and a pacesetter in the country.

Earlier, the Principal of Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, Dr (Mrs) Prudence Isaac -Harry, had expressed profound appreciation to Governor Fubara for his vision and “unparalleled magnanimity” in sponsoring the 61 students -athletes and 12 officials on the football tour to the United Kingdom.

The Principal noted that the trip provided the students with their very first taste of international football exposure. According to her, the students did not just participate in soccer duels but displayed tremendous skills that left a great impression on the entire community of Southampton, London.

“We were given a silver trophy for our students’ performances. Thank you Sir, for showcasing Rivers State’s raw talents to the global stage. This landmark trip has successfully opened windows for further international tournaments, as several top-tier clubs are already extending invitations to the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt,” Isaac- Harry said.
She pledged that the management and students of the Real Madrid Football Academy will continue to bring honour and glory to Rivers State to justify the massive investment the State Government has made on the soccer academy.

By Our Correspondent

The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — hails the timely inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a significant step in preparations for the 2027 general election.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali,the group noted that the inauguration provides a coordinated framework for political engagement and grassroots mobilisation while reaffirming the importance of unity, discipline and sustained attention to governance as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

The Movement commended President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and all other party leaders and stakeholders for the various roles they played in the inauguration and their undistputed commitment to nationwide mobilisation for the Presidential election.

“We note, of particular importance is President Tinubu’s emphasis that electoral preparations would not distract his Administration from its constitutional responsibilities. This statesmanly position reinforces the principle that governance must remain a continuing priority, even as political parties organise for the forthcoming elections.

“The Movement further notes with interest the involvement and participation of prominent political leaders from other political platforms at the inauguration, including the Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who reportedly delivered goodwill messages in support of the President’s re-election bid.

“Their participation highlights the significance of political engagement that extends beyond traditional political party boundaries and creates opportunities for dialogue and cooperation among leaders with different political affiliations. This is a rare and unique bipartisanship in the service of the nation.

“The Movement believes that constructive engagement across the political spectrum would greatly contribute to a broader national conversation on governance, economic development and democratic stability. Such engagement need not diminish the legitimate status of the various political tendencies; rather, it can encourage dialogue on shared national priorities and the country’s long-term interests,” it noted.

The statement further said,”The emergence of cross-party engagement around the 2027 electoral process also underscores the importance of building political relationships through dialogue, accomodation, compromise and a shared commitment to Nigeria’s future.

“The Movement commends the President’s commitment to balance the demands of governance and the expectations of the political campaign throughout the electoral season. This clearly, underscores the need for continuity in public service delivery, economic management and national development.

“The President’s stated commitment to continued engagement with Nigerians, alongside coordinated mobilisation across states, local governments and electoral wards, also highlights the importance of maintaining communication between government and citizens.

“The Movement urges political leaders and campaign organisations to ensure that electioneering activities should complement and reinforce rather than detract from the national interest.

“The Movement believes that the campaign council is well positioned to communicate the President Tinubu’s Administration’s policies and records of achievements, effectively and in a manner that would invite the support from the electorates.

“The Movement notes the commitment expressed by the APC National Chairman to coordinate mobilisation from the national level through state chapters, local governments down to electoral units. Surely, this is the way to go. Effective grassroots engagement is an important component of political mobilisation. It provides the campaign coordinators opportunities to communicate government policies and programmes, listen to citizens’ concerns and explain government policy positions to communities across the country.”

The Movement also welcomes the call for the 2027 elections to be conducted as a contest of ideas, records and policies, with due regard for peace, democratic institutions and the Nigerian electorate.

“We encourage all political stakeholders to promote responsible communication, respect differing opinions and contribute to an electoral environment in which public debate is guided by facts, policy choices and the aspirations of citizens,” it added.

As preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum, the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — calls on political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to approach the electoral process with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to democratic principles.

“The inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council offers an opportunity to strengthen political coordination and broaden public engagement around the country’s economic, social and developmental priorities.”

The Movement calls on the opposition political parties to learn a lesson or two from President Tinubu’s approach to the 2027 season. They must know that public confidence is best sustained when political commitments are accompanied by responsible leadership, transparent communication and demonstrable efforts to address the concerns of Nigerians, not grand standing with innate and unverifiable statistics.

“We therefore encourage a political climate in which disagreements are resolved through democratic engagement, policy debates take precedence over personal attacks, and the welfare of citizens remains central to discussions about the country’s future.”

For the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027- Forward, democracy is all about a continuing commitment to national progress, inclusive political engagement, responsible governance and the pursuit of a more prosperous and stable country.

“Nigeria’s future requires responsible leadership, active citizenship participation, and a shared commitment to democratic progress. The All Progressive Congress (APC) is ready and able to offer these to the nation.

Forward Nigeria!,” it noted