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 Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

A faith-based civil society organization, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has commended the Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies for what it described as well-coordinated security arrangements that ensured a hitch-free 2026 Hajj for over 40,000 Nigerian pilgrims.

In a statement weekend, signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group said the surveillance operations deployed to secure pilgrims’ movement within Nigeria and during transit abroad were proactive and effective.

IHR noted that Hajj operations involve complex logistics, including movement from homes to orientation centres, to Hajj camps, and across states to over 14 embarkation airports.

“Hajj activities involve serious pilgrims’ movements within Nigeria – from their houses to pilgrims’ orientation centres, to Hajj camps, transiting between States to depart from airports located in other States, including landing and boarding from over 14 embarkation points across the country.

“The combined presence and participation of veiled security personnel contributed a lot in carrying out these activities without any serious incident throughout the 2026 Hajj period,” the statement said.

The group called on security agencies to sustain intelligence gathering and thorough screening of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to prevent terrorists and other wanted persons from using pilgrimage as cover to travel abroad.

It cited the recent arrest of some security-risk individuals in Katsina shortly after their arrival as proof that the current strategy is yielding results.

“The recent arrest of some security-risk individuals in Katsina after their arrival is a product of sustained surveillance and coordination. We urge security agencies to maintain the tempo,” IHR stated.

IHR said the commendation aligns with its tradition of recognizing security agencies for outstanding service during Hajj operations.

It recalled presenting awards of recognition to the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Immigration Service during its post-Hajj lectures in 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively.

The CSO expressed hope that the synergy among security agencies will be sustained ahead of future Hajj and Umrah operations.

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.