Politics
Gov Poll: NSCDC To Punish Officers For Assaulting Journalist
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Nasarawa State, Abbas Muhammed, spoke out against the assault on Edwin Philip, the Head of News at Breeze FM Lafia, that occurred during the governorship and state Assembly elections.
It was reported that a group of NSCDC personnel, who were conducting a routine patrol to monitor the election procedures in the Lafia area, were responsible for the attack.
According to Edwin Philip, he was attacked after reporting that some influential members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had instructed voters to avoid a polling unit near the modern market in Lafia during the governorship and state Assembly elections.
He claimed that the same individuals also intimidated voters by warning them that their fingers would be marked with indelible ink and that they should come back later in the day to vote.
Despite trying to seek help from the police and other security agencies, Edwin Philip claimed that his calls went unanswered when he realized the seriousness of the situation.
He then turned to officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for assistance, but instead of intervening, he alleged that they instructed a certain individual named Gari of Lafia to assault him.
As a result, Philip said he was beaten and wounded, suffering injuries to his head.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nansel Ramhan, said they had launched an investigation into the matter, promising that the culprit would face justice. .
The Public Relations Officer of NSCDC Nasarawa State, Jerry Victor, released a press statement in which the Commandant condemned the attack.
He regarded the assault as a disgraceful act and apologised to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nasarawa State Council and the general public
The Commandant guaranteed that measures would be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The statement read, “The Nasarawa State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abbas Bappa Muhammed, received with great shock, the news of the attack on the Head of News, Breeze FM Lafia, Mr Edwin Philip at Polling Unit 016, Chiroma Ward, in the Lafia Local Government Council, during the gubernatorial and state Assembly elections by some personnel of the Nasarawa State command who were on a routine patrol and monitoring of election processes within the Lafia metropolis.
“Commandant Bappa condemned this act in its totality, as it is not a true reflection of the character and attributes of the command’s personnel. He vowed to investigate the incident to fish out the perpetrators of the attack on the journalist.
“He harped on the need for officers and men of the command to exhibit high standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.” He added.
Deji Adeyanju, a Nigerian activist and lawyer, has made explosive claims regarding the 2023 presidential election, suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso secretly supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 page Thursday, Adeyanju contended that Obi, who ran against Tinubu, would likely continue to support the president in future political endeavors.
He expressed certainty that Obi would decline any efforts to form a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu in the next election.
READ ALSO: Lad Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Apprehended For Street Fighting – Police
“I’m 100% convinced that Obi worked for Tinubu in 2023 and will do so again. I might be wrong, but I’m convinced in my mind about this,” Adeyanju wrote.
“Once a businessman, always a businessman. Those still in doubt will see the clear handwriting before 2027. He will refuse to join the coalition,” he continued.
Additionally, Adeyanju accused Kwankwaso of working in favor of Tinubu during the previous election.
He emphasized that for any opposition coalition to succeed in the 2027 race, figures like Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—another presidential hopeful—must step aside.
“For the coalition to succeed, all the self-centered politicians like Atiku & Obi should promise not to run and allow neutral folks to run against Tinubu,” Adeyanju proposed. “This is how to put the interest of the nation above personal interest,” he added.
The activist went on to criticize the culture surrounding Nigerian politics, describing it as an industry driven by opportunism.
He lamented the presence of “merchants” surrounding top politicians, accusing them of putting personal gain ahead of the country’s well-being. “The biggest industry in Africa is politics,” Adeyanju said.
“And those around popular politicians are all merchants. Once politics is around the corner, they are in business. Con men and women who just want to cash out.”
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, attended his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Ibas was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
The NEC meeting, which is being presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gathered a number of state governors and deputy governors from across the 36 states of Nigeria to discuss important national economic issues.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Governor Oborevwori led the opening prayers at the meeting on the instruction of Vice President Shettima.
Other state governors present included Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia of Benue State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Bassey Otu of Cross River, along with several deputy governors.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending his long-standing association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which he was elected in 2023.
The switch was confirmed on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba.
According to his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the decision came after extensive deliberations.
READ ALSO: Edo LP Senator, Neda Imasuen Set To Join APC
“This move followed wide consultations with political stakeholders and is in the interest of Delta’s long-term development,” Ahon stated.
Oborevwori was welcomed into the APC by senior party figures, marking what observers are calling a calculated political maneuver with potential ramifications for the 2027 elections.
More to follow…………..
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