By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a fierce condemnation of a confirmed U.S. military airstrike inside Nigeria, labeling the action a dangerous breach of sovereignty and an “imperialist move” by President Donald Trump.

Sowore’s warning follows President Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that he had ordered a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria. Trump justified the operation, stating the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians” and that he had delivered promised retribution: “there was hell to pay.”

While the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike was conducted “at the request of Nigerian authorities,” Sowore argued that direct foreign military intervention is a catastrophic precedent.

“Nobody should be rejoicing about this,” Sowore stated. “The U.S. could help the Nigerian military, but U.S. military carrying out an attack inside Nigeria is extremely dangerous, reckless, and bad.”

He described the event as “a sad day for the so-called African liberation and Independence.”

The strike triggered panic on the ground in Sokoto State. Residents of Jabo village reported a sudden, loud explosion on Christmas night, with many fearing an imminent attack. “It happened suddenly… The explosion caused fear, but thank God it did not land among people,” one eyewitness said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for “Nigerian government support & cooperation” and ominously added there would be “more to come.”

The operation marks a sharp and controversial escalation of U.S. counter-terrorism activity in West Africa, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the future of regional security partnerships.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Presidency has dispelled the viral claim on social media that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

This was disclosed on Thursday in a press statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

It further stated that both personalities are maintaining their assigned duties and that no one has replaced them.

“The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff,” the statement reads.

The statement termed such fabrication as the mischievous work of those wanting to create disharmony in the government of President Tinubu.

It concluded by calling on media houses to verify information thoroughly before publishing as that will help in curbing fake news.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Ahead of the forthcoming presidential election in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress(APC)

The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The committee was inaugurated to address internal conflicts within the All Progressives Congress, APC, and strengthen mobilisation efforts across the country.

Members of the committee include serving governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, and other key stakeholders of the ruling party.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, was appointed Chairman of the committee, while former APC National Legal Adviser, Mr Muiz Banire, will serve as Member/Secretary.

Other members are Sen. Adamu Aliero; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.

Also in the committee are Governors Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.

Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers are also members, alongside Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello.

Speaking at the inauguration, Buni expressed appreciation to the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee.

“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive, and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time.

“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope.

“Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach,” Buni said.

He urged members not to allow personal interests to override the collective purpose of the assignment.

Tinubu had earlier stressed the need for unity within the party at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Dec. 19 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail.

“We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating.

“That’s the only way we can be resilient; we must be tolerant,” the president said.