NEWS
UPDATE: Fulanis Drag Jonathan into 2023 Presidential Race
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The political beats for the 2023 general elections have become more electrified with former President Goodluck Jonathan being formally dragged into it.
Leader, Nomadic Fulani Pastoralists and Almajiri Communities, Ibrahim Abdullahi, on Monday in Abuja told the media that his group has picked the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for former President Goodluck Jonathan, to contest the presidential ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He claimed that his group was eager to see Jonathan re-elected so that he can complete what he started.
In his words, “My name is Ibrahim Abdullahi, I represent two of the most vulnerable communities in our country, the nomadic pastoralists, and the Almajiri communities.
“We have decided to purchase this form for our former president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to come back and rule this country and continue with the good work he started.”
According to him, Jonathan was the first president since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 magnanimous enough to remember the Almajiri community.
He pointed out that the former president introduced a policy of reformation and integration with which the Almajiri could get into the mainstream education system in the country.
He rolled out the scorecard of the former President that targeted the peculiar constituencies he is championing their cause that made them resolve to part-fund Jonathan’s re-election.
“It was the dream and vision of Jonathan that if that program had continued, it would one day produce from the Almajiri education system, doctors and engineers.
“Unfortunately the program was kept aside as soon as he left office.
“Other parts of the community, the vulnerable community that Jonathan wanted to really give a sense of belonging was the Fulani community and nomadic pastoralist.
“He set aside N60bn in the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which was to be used to develop livestock in Nigeria.
“I believe if the government had continued with that program, today, we will have been Denmark, Sweden, the Holland of entire Africa in terms of livestock and beef production,” Abdullahi added.
He lauded Jonathan’s patriotism, fairness and firmness which saw him offer every Nigerian a sense of belonging and led the country right.
He observed that though a lot of interest groups had been urging Jonathan to contest the 2023 presidential election, the Fulani Nomadic Pastoralists and Almajiri Communities decided to pick the forms for him to beat the deadline.
“Whether he agrees to contest or not, we need to purchase these forms for him; Jonathan is for all Nigerians, as a Nigerian, we believe he has the interest in this country at heart; he will accept us,” he said.
Abdullahi explained that the communities raised the fund for the purchase by selling their cows.
He urged Nigerians to support Jonathan so that he will the person to replace President Muhammadu Buhari by May 2023.
He maintained that a Jonathan presidency would unite the country and advance her development.
“I am a Fulani man, coming from the far North, but I tell you, there is no Nigerian today that I can cast my vote for or campaign for except Jonathan.
“For me, Jonathan is the best among all the aspirants, irrespective of where he comes from and religion. He is the best president for Nigeria,” he enthused.
On the permutation of how Jonathan can win the 2023 general presidential elections, Abdullahi pointed out, “We are ready not only to purchase these forms for President Jonathan, but I want to assure you that our community has a voting population of about 9 million youths who can also produce about 5 million votes.
“So, we have about 14 million voters, we have other Nigerians who can give us 2 million votes.”
NEWS
Outrage as Police Officer Who Threatened Nigerians Over Recording Breaks Silence
A Nigerian police officer identified as Newton Isokpehi has sparked widespread reactions online after publicly apologising for threatening Nigerians who film police officers while on duty.
The officer came under heavy criticism after a viral video showed him warning that he would “clear everybody down,” including bystanders near anyone recording him during official duty.
Following the backlash, Isokpehi released a video on Thursday pleading with Nigerians and rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu for forgiveness, saying his earlier comments were made out of anger and frustration.
SEE ALSO: Six Arrested as Police Expose Inside Network Behind Oyo School Abduction
“Please forgive me. If I offended you as a brother, forgive me. That statement was just out of annoyance because of the things that are happening,” he said.
Speaking in Pidgin English, the officer clarified that he was not against citizens filming police officers, noting that Nigerians have the right to record security personnel while carrying out their duties.
“Actually, you can video us. You are allowed to video a policeman. But it’s not right for just anybody to come from anywhere and start videoing officers on duty,” he stated.
Isokpehi, who disclosed that he hails from Edo State and was raised in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a committed officer who has spent over 12 years serving in the Mobile Police unit.
The officer also displayed several scars and gunshot wounds on his body, claiming they were sustained during dangerous operations while serving the country.
“Out of 17 of us, only two survived that operation. We have suffered in this work,” he said emotionally.
Attempting to walk back his earlier remarks, Isokpehi insisted he never intended to harm civilians.
“How can I be saying I will kill my own people? We don’t do that. I spoke out of annoyance. That one was just verbal talk,” he added.
He further appealed directly to Gwamnishu and Nigerians, admitting that the controversy had escalated beyond what he expected.
“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has reached too far,” he pleaded.
The apology has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the officer’s initial comments while others expressed sympathy over the harsh conditions faced by security personnel.
NEWS
Cubana Chief Priest Explains Why He Dumped Peter Obi for Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Nigerian socialite and businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, has explained why he shifted his political support from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the 2023 general elections.
Speaking during a livestream session with popular streamer Peller, the celebrity businessman said his decision was motivated by a desire to avoid repeated political disappointment.
SEE ALSO: Plateau 2027: “I’m Not in the Race to Fill Numbers” — Bida Declares War on Mutfwang
He stated that he no longer wanted to back a candidate who might lose, saying he made the switch after the last election experience.
“Because I don’t want to lose again because they say first fool no be fool na the second fool be proper fool,” he said.
Cubana Chief Priest also claimed that President Tinubu remains cautious about him due to his past political alignment with Peter Obi and his ethnic background.
According to him, the President does not fully trust him because of his previous support for the opposition during the 2023 polls.
“President Bola Tinubu no really trust me as an Igbo man that I am. He look me with one eye because he believes that this one that worked for Peter Obi, before at the last election,” he added.
He further dismissed the chances of Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, describing him as “not serious” and insisting that only “serious people” would emerge victorious.
The comments have since generated widespread reactions on social media, with critics accusing him of political opportunism, while others argue that his position reflects the realities of Nigeria’s winner-takes-all political system.
Cubana Chief Priest was a vocal supporter of Peter Obi and the Labour Party during the 2023 elections but later aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He currently serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the Pro-Tinubu City Boys Movement and has become more active within APC circles.
He had also obtained an APC House of Representatives nomination form but later withdrew from the primary election on the day of the exercise.
NEWS
Yobe Hospital Makes Medical History With First-Ever Lower Jaw Surgery
The Yobe State Specialist Hospital has recorded a major medical breakthrough after successfully performing its first-ever lower jaw surgery, a development described as the first of its kind in North-Eastern Nigeria.
The complex procedure, known as a segmental mandibulectomy with reconstruction, was carried out on a 40-year-old female patient suffering from mandibular ameloblastoma, a tumour affecting the jawbone.
Speaking on the achievement, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Usman Abba Giedam, said the surgery marked a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare sector.
SEE MORE: Ex-IGP Usman Alkali Baba Joins Yobe Governorship Race, Vows to End Insurgency
According to him, the operation involved the removal of a diseased section of the patient’s lower jaw and a sophisticated reconstruction using reconstruction plates and an iliac crest bone graft.
The surgery was led by Dr. Muhammad Ayuba Fusami with support from Dr. Peter Umejiego.
Giedam revealed that the patient is currently recovering well and responding positively to treatment following the successful operation.
He noted that the achievement reflects the growing capacity of the hospital to handle highly specialized medical procedures that previously required referrals outside the state.
The CMD also credited the administration of Mai Mala Buni for investing in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, and skilled manpower development across the state.
He added that the hospital remains committed to advancing specialized healthcare services and improving access to quality medical care for residents of Yobe State and the North-East region.





