NEWS
CSOs Slam Tinubu’s Silence Over US Airstrike In Sokoto
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has raised concerns over what it described as the silence of Nigeria’s political and military leadership following an alleged United States airstrike on Nigerian territory on Christmas Day.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the groups warned that the incident raises serious questions about national sovereignty, constitutional governance, civilian protection, and democratic accountability.
The organisations accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to publicly address the strike in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.
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They argued that the involvement of a foreign military power in internal security matters without explanation undermines Nigeria’s constitutional order and social contract.
The CSOs further noted that key government institutions, including the President, service chiefs, and leadership of the National Assembly, were either unavailable or silent after the operation, leaving the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to respond publicly.
They said this reflects a breakdown of accountability, particularly under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which emphasizes that the security and welfare of Nigerians must be the primary purpose of government.
While acknowledging the importance of international counter-terrorism cooperation, the groups stressed that such engagements must be transparent, lawful, and subject to democratic oversight.
They also called for a review of Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) and the National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism to ensure the operation aligns with existing frameworks.
The coalition criticized the lack of information regarding the legal basis, scope, and rules of engagement for the strike.
Reports indicated that debris from expended munitions fell on farmlands in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and near a hotel in Offa, Kwara State, raising concerns about civilian safety and property.
Despite the inauguration of a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Board by the Nigerian Air Force in July 2025, no publicly articulated civilian protection protocols were presented for the operation, the CSOs said.
They warned that such opacity could exacerbate religious and communal tensions.
The organisations called for transparent investigations, public disclosure of findings, assistance to affected communities, and compensation where harm occurred.
The statement was signed by Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT, CLEEN Foundation, Media Rights Agenda, Yiaga Africa, CISLAC, SBM Intelligence, the Kukah Centre, and Enough Is Enough.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
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With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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