By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that his political career would suffer irreparable damage if Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, secures a second term in office.

Wike made the remark on Saturday while addressing stakeholders at a meeting in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Although the FCT minister did not mention the governor by name, he warned that a firm decision had already been taken regarding the 2027 governorship contest.

Wike said: “We have made a decision as far as Tinubu is concerned. The other one (Fubara’s re-election) — no way. Because if we make another mistake, then we will go and bury ourselves politically. I will not allow myself to be buried. I will not allow that mistake again.

“So everybody should know we have made a decision.”

The FCT minister has intensified his criticism of Fubara since the governor defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last month. Wike accused the governor of violating the terms of a peace agreement reached before the lifting of the emergency rule in the state, which enabled Fubara’s return to office.

Earlier in the week, Wike said what he described as a “leadership mistake” in Rivers would be corrected in 2027, promising to disclose details of the agreement that restored Fubara to power.

“We will not make the same mistake again at the state level in 2027, but we will talk about it later when the time comes,” he said, adding that leaders should prioritise the will of the people over personal interests.

At a separate stakeholders’ meeting on Friday in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Wike dismissed suggestions that Fubara’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would guarantee the governor’s re-election.

“If you played well with the first one and succeeded, do you think you can succeed with the second one? There cannot be two markets in one day,” Wike said, in a veiled reference to previous peace agreements.

He warned against assurances that backing Tinubu alone would secure another term for the governor.

“So, whoever is assuring you that everything will be fine once you sign on your mandate, you are mistaken,” he said.

“All of us have decided to work for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is no discussion about that.”
Wike said efforts were underway to avoid repeating past errors.

“Of course, you know we won’t make the mistake we made last time. We are here to correct the mistake. We will do all we can to ensure that we give Tinubu all the total support that is required.”

Questioning Fubara’s leadership style, Wike added: “Someone who cannot relate with the local government chairmen, state assembly members and national assembly members — what kind of leadership do you want to provide?”

He also reacted to Fubara’s New Year remarks in which the governor reportedly described Wike’s comments as “noise,” insisting that Fubara owed his emergence as governor to him despite lacking widespread popularity at the time.

“I made him governor even when he was not popular among the people,” Wike said.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In a coordinated response to attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas, troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), supported by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, neutralized at least 23 armed bandits who fled Kano State.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Major Zubairu Babatunde, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, the bandits carried out attacks from Thursday night into early Friday morning. Ground troops successfully repelled the assaults, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers before pursuing them into neighboring Katsina State.

Intelligence reports indicated that the fleeing bandits later gathered at Dan Marke in Matazu Local Government Area, Katsina, to bury members killed in the initial engagement. Following aerial surveillance, the Air Component tracked the group’s movement to Karaduwa village, where they conducted a precision air strike.

“The strike neutralized at least 23 terrorists, with several others believed to have sustained injuries,” Major Babatunde stated.

He added that the operation, supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), also led to the destruction of several weapons and equipment belonging to the assailants.

The Commander of the 3 Brigade commended the Air Component and ground troops for their bravery and resilience, emphasizing that their actions helped restore stability to the affected areas.

Major Babatunde confirmed that the security situation in Kano State remains calm, with troops maintaining robust patrols and surveillance. He reported high troop morale and operational readiness, while also acknowledging public support in the ongoing fight against banditry and terrorism.

The Nigerian Army urges citizens to continue providing timely information to security agencies and reaffirms its commitment—in collaboration with other security forces—to protect lives and property and ensure national security.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has expressed his willingness to contest either as President or Vice-President in future elections, depending on agreements with like-minded political allies.

Speaking in Hausa to party members and supporters in Kano, Kwankwaso stressed that his priority is to align with trusted partners who share his political vision, rather than to pursue power for its own sake.

“What matters first are those who agree with me and whom I respect—whether I lead as number one or number two,” he stated.

He explained that his movement is considering multiple political pathways to ensure transparency and avoid accusations of hidden negotiations.

“To prevent any false accusations or claims of collusion, we are preparing several options—option A, option B, and so on,” Kwankwaso noted.

The former governor revealed that his recent consultations have focused on grassroots mobilisation, particularly within Kano State, where he said lingering disputes from past elections are being resolved from the bottom up.

“Whether we are engaging at the grassroots, moving across Kano, or consolidating support in key areas, we will do what is necessary to succeed,” he affirmed.

Kwankwaso also appeared to take aim at political dealings that fail to deliver concrete benefits, especially for the youth, emphasising that vague promises are no longer acceptable.

“When people offer to bring us youth or supporters, we ask: how many, and in what form? What have they actually brought to the table?” he remarked, indicating a more cautious and deliberate approach to coalition-building.

He disclosed that high-profile political figures—whom he described as “people of status and dignity”—have held serious talks with his camp in recent times.

According to Kwankwaso, his political strength is rooted in the grassroots, and discussions are ongoing about potential alliances, whether within the NNPP or with other parties.

“We have a strong grassroots base, and we are hopeful of joining a political party—whether the NNPP or another—together with others,” he said.

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he acknowledged that controversies emerged but insisted they are being addressed locally, particularly in Kano.

“Many things were said in 2023, but we are resolving these matters at the grassroots. In Kano, God willing, there will be no problem,” he assured.

Kwankwaso framed his political journey as one marked by resilience, dignity, and strategic patience.

“This struggle is based on strength, firm determination, and dignity,” he stated.

Notably, ahead of the 2023 presidential election, the NNPP and the Labour Party, led by Peter Obi, attempted to form an alliance. The talks ultimately broke down after both sides could not agree on whose candidate would run as president and who would be the running mate.