By Our Correspondent

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has called for greater transparency and accountability in public leadership, faulting attempts by political office holders to prevent the release of records relating to their past, particularly educational credentials.
Obi, in a statement on his official social media platform, expressed concern over what he described as an “embarrassing” situation where a sitting President would seek to stop a foreign court from releasing documents concerning his history despite the public interest attached to such records.
The former Anambra State governor said responsible leadership requires the courage and humility to confront one’s past, explain areas of concern and accept responsibility where necessary.
“Leadership, in my humble view, demands the courage and humility to confront one’s history — to acknowledge mistakes, provide candid explanations where questions arise, and, where necessary, apologise and seek forgiveness,” Obi stated.
He argued that the strength of leadership is not weakened when leaders admit past shortcomings, but rather enhanced when they demonstrate honesty, accountability and a willingness to make amends.
According to him, issues surrounding educational background, especially foundational records such as primary and secondary school credentials, should be addressed through openness and credible explanations rather than prolonged legal battles.
“Nigerians deserve clear, credible and verifiable explanations, especially when such had been submitted in the past,” he said.
Obi expressed concern about the message such controversies send to young Nigerians, particularly millions of students aspiring to build a better future, stressing that the highest office in the country should reflect the values of integrity, transparency and ethical conduct.
The NDC candidate noted that imperfections are part of human existence, but maintained that true character is demonstrated by the willingness to acknowledge mistakes, apologise where necessary and place national interest above personal ambition.
He questioned the commitment of Nigeria’s political class to prioritising the country’s long-term interests over individual aspirations.
“When will our political class fully appreciate that individual ambitions are temporary, while the nation endures?” Obi asked.
He added that while political offices are occupied for limited periods, the standards and values established by those who occupy them have lasting implications for future generations.
Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria, Obi said he had never sought citizenship of another country despite opportunities to do so, insisting that the country’s integrity must remain above personal considerations.
“Nigeria is greater than any one person, and the integrity of the Republic must always come before the interests of the individual,” he said

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, formally brought a closure to his reconciliation effort in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) with the hosting of a Mega Unity Reception at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The well-attended event brought together leaders of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, stakeholders and contestants in the disputed April 2026 INC election that produced the High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwe leadership.

The inauguration of the Igbadiwe-led executive in Warri, Delta State, outside the traditional Ijaw House in Yenagoa, generated controversy that threatened the fabric of the foremost Ijaw nation’s socio-cultural organisation until the Bayelsa governor intervened and constituted a reconciliation committee chaired by former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Mathew Seiyefa.

At the unity reception, Governor Diri implored stakeholders to bury the hatchet in the interest of the unity and cohesion of the ethnic group.

He also urged the new INC leadership to unify the people and build an institution that would protect the identity of the ethnic nationality.

Senator Diri said the Ijaws must rise and speak with one voice that commands a seat at every table where Nigeria’s destiny is decided, stressing that they must act together in helping to shape decisions that affect their future.

He further challenged the INC to move beyond rivalries, narrow interests, and old divisions, emphasising that the Ijaw nation’s collective glory must come before personal ambition.

According to the governor, “this powerful gathering tells Nigeria, Africa, and the world that the unity, solidarity, and indivisibility of the Ijaw nation are non-negotiable.

“Most Ijaw people cherish and will defend this sacred unity. When we stand together with shared purpose and destiny, no force can weaken us. The Ijaw nation stands at a critical crossroads and must embrace the responsibility of unity.

“We must understand what is at stake. If we fail to act together, others will decide our future without us. We will live with their decisions instead of helping shape them. The time to organise is now. Our relevance, resources, dignity, and shared future depend on what we do today.”

Acknowledging the Igbadiwe-led INC, Diri, who is known as the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, maintained that this was not a time for division but a time for unity and every son and daughter under the INC must rise above narrow interests and unite for their dignity, destiny, and greater glory.

In his remarks, chairman of the event and one-time deputy governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, lauded the Bayelsa governor for his timely intervention in resolving the leadership crisis within the organisation.

Sir Toby equally praised Dr. Seiyefa and other members of the reconciliation committee for their selfless efforts and sacrifices on such a critical assignment.

He charged the INC president to be a team player and work effectively to represent the collective interest of the Ijaw nation and embrace issues that promote peace, unity and progress.

The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, who is chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and also chairman of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), an INC advisory body, equally encouraged Igbadiwei, to see his position as a call to service and to unite all zones of the Congress.

“So, today, you are bestowed as the chief servant to ensure that no piece of Ijaw land, no piece of Ijaw property, no Ijaw man, no Ijaw woman is mistreated in any part of the entire globe. That is why you are president worldwide,” the monarch said.

In his remarks, the INC President, High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei, a former lawmaker in the Bayelsa Gouse of Assembly, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for not allowing the INC to disintegrate undr his watch.

He assured that the INC would work with the governor, other leaders, traditional rulers, youth bodies and relevant stakeholders towards actualising the mandate of the Ijaw nation.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, serving and non-serving lawmakers from the state, former Bayelsa deputy governors, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), former deputy governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, Speaker of the Bayelsa Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere represented by Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou.

Also present were the National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Form, Dr. Boladei Igali, Dr. Mathew Seiyefa, and Chairman, Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo.

Also in attendance were the Pere of Tuomo Kingdom and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, King Francis Tabai, the Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom in Rivers State, Sir Acheseinimie Frank and other traditional rulers as well as Mrs Juliana Oguara, Vice Chairman, INC in the United States of America, and Chief Meg Agidee, president, Izon Ladies Association among other prominent personalities.

By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna

The operatives of the Anti-kidnapping squad of the Niger State Police Command have arrested some members of Local vigilante group for alleged kidnapping and armed robbery.

They were alleged to have been terrorizing residents of Uraga village of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State in the past three months.

According to a crime bulletin issued by the Police Public Relation Officer,(PPRO) Niger State Command,SP Wasiu Abiodun and made available to Journalists in Minna,Tuesday, the gangs have so far kidnapped several numbers of villagers and disposed them of their valuables.

He explained that men of the Kontagora Divisional Command had received a distressed call from the community on the operations of the kidnappers,” upon the receiving of the information,operatives swung into action and effected the arrest of three members of the kidnapping gang”.

Those arrested include, Alhassan Tanko, Basiru Shaibu,and Ishaya Umar all of Beri, village in Mariga Local Government Area.

During interrogation, he disclosed that the suspects confessed that seven of them formed a syndicate under the guise of Yansakai Vigilante group, for the purpose of kidnapping and armed robbery.

Wasiu stated that during further investigations the suspects revealed that they had killed at least three innocent victims within Mariga LGA in the course of their kidnapping escapades, and stole their motorcycles.

Further Investigation,according to the Police Spoke man,revealed that the motorcycles were sold to one Awalu of Beri, while a search conducted in their houses one pump action rifle was recovered.

He said efforts to arrest the receiver and other members of the gang are ongoing , adding that the suspects are under further investigation.

In another operations carried out by the operatives of the anti kidnapping squared on 22nd August 2026 , a report was received at Gawu-Babangida Div from Kadna village via Gawu-Babangida that sometime in May 2026, a Bajaj motorcycle was entrusted to one Abdulkarim Yunusa of same village, who dishonestly converted the said motorcycle for his personal use and later absconded to unknown location.

However, in the course of investigation, the suspect was traced and arrested in Tafa LGA, Kaduna State with the said motorcycle disclosing that he was later arrested and charged to court for prosecution and the motorcycle was released to the rightful owner.

On 25th August 2026 during the Maulud celebration, Police operatives attached to Central Police Station Minna arrested one Nazifi Adamu of Angwan-Limawa area of Gwada in Shiroro local government,was arrested at New- Market junction area of Minna.

He said,items recovered from him include ten packs of weeds believed to be indianhemp, cannabis sativa, Colorado,four cards of Rophypnol tablet,one sachet of methy- crystal known as ice

During interrogation, the suspects claimed that he brought the items from Kuta to sell during the Maulud celebration in Minna

He was arrested with the items and he is under investigation to ascertain the source of the illicit substances after which he will be prosecuted.

Also in Police net, is one Emmanuel Moses,who was arrested on the 25th of August by men of the Maitumbi Divisional Command for stabbing one Nafiu Mohammed to death.

On 25th August 2026 at about 6.45pm, a report was received at Maitumbi Div that one Nafiu Mohammed 35yrs of Sabon-Titi area of Maitumbi was attacked and stabbed to death.

On receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in- Charge of the Divisional Command SP Ahmed Aliyu Kuta led his team swiftly moved to the area and rushed the victim to a nearby health facility where he was confirmed dead.

Five other suspects believed to be behind the killing were arrested along with Emmanuel Moses.

Those arrested according to SP Wasiu Abiodun, are Lukman Mohammed,Abdullahi Mohammed, Sani Ibrahim, Abdullahi Yusuf, known as Challo and Adamu Isyaku all behind Maitumbi Primary School.

During interrogation, he said, the suspects mentioned one Muhammad Sani who is among their gang to be responsible for the death of the victim and effort to arrest the said Sani is in progress, while the suspects arrested are in custody for conspiracy and thuggery.

In another operations carried out in some identified black spot in Maitumbi, the Police arrested three other hudlooms for being in possession of large quanty of weeds believed to be indianhemp,four scissors and shisha pipe and pot.

Those arrested,are Nura Murtala,Idris Aliyu and Haruna Ibrahim all of Saiko area of Minna.

They were arrested with cannabis, one cutlass, four scissors, and shisha pipes with pot. They will soon be charged to court for prosecution.