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US Air Strike: Big Tent Coalition Demands FG Apologise To Peter Obi

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The Big Tent Coalition has condemned the Federal Government’s handling of the recent United States airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorists in North-West Nigeria, describing it as hypocritical and lacking strategic clarity.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the coalition, led by renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, criticised the Federal Government for what it described as contradictory actions and poor communication following the air operation in Sokoto State.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United States, reportedly carried out precision airstrikes on identified ISIS-linked targets. The operation was later confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs almost 24 hours after it occurred.

SEE ALSO: Labour Party: Peter Obi Won’t Get 2027 Ticket, Says Arabambi

According to the coalition, the development sharply contradicts the Federal Government’s earlier stance on foreign military involvement.

Last month, the Presidency, through its Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had publicly criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over comments suggesting openness to U.S. military assistance if it would improve Nigeria’s security situation.

The coalition noted that Mr. Onanuga had at the time accused Obi of endorsing foreign intervention, warning that Nigerians would “never forget nor forgive” such a position.

However, the confirmation of the U.S. airstrikes has, according to the group, exposed what it called a “staggering contradiction” in government policy and communication.

“The Tinubu administration owes Peter Obi an immediate and unreserved apology,” said Charles Odibo, Director of Media and Communication for the Big Tent Coalition. “You cannot attack a citizen for expressing a conditional policy view, only to later implement that same option in practice.”

Odibo further described the government’s response to the operation as disorganised and troubling, especially given the sensitivity of foreign military action on Nigerian soil.

He pointed out that U.S. President Donald Trump announced the strike personally, while Nigerians received delayed and fragmented confirmations from their own government.

The coalition raised concerns over transparency, sovereignty management, and leadership, questioning why the Presidency initially remained silent if Nigeria was indeed engaged in structured security cooperation with the United States.

“The security of Nigeria is too serious for propaganda, knee-jerk reactions, and inconsistent messaging,” the statement said, stressing the need for discipline and coherence in national security communication.

The Big Tent Coalition called on President Bola Tinubu to direct an official apology to Peter Obi, ensure consistency in government communication on security matters, and personally address Nigerians on the scope and rules guiding foreign security cooperation in the country.

“Nigeria deserves leadership that is clear, honest, and strategic—not one driven by confusion or political spite,” the coalition added.

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‘Becoming Nigeria’s President Is a Divine Blessing’ – Tinubu

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as a special favour from Almighty Allah, saying his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is a privilege that must be matched with dedicated service to the country.

Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), during which he was granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.

The President expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his Nigerian delegation the rare privilege.

SEE MORE: APC Defends Tinubu Over Electricity Promise, Says President Is Tackling Sector’s Challenges

Speaking after the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing, considering the millions of people in the country.

“I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.

The President also disclosed that he used the opportunity to pray for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.

“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” Tinubu said.

Recalling his previous Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, he said he had asked Allah to bless the journey and promised to return to express gratitude.

Tinubu also reflected on the message in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which establishes Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty and authority, with the power to give and take leadership.

He said the message reinforces the need for those entrusted with positions of authority to exercise power responsibly, with humility and in the interest of the people.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, investing in the future of young Nigerians and pursuing development in line with the aspirations of the people.

Tinubu described the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual experience, adding that it reflected the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

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Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador

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The Ogun State Police Command has received three major honours at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council’s Golden Jubilee Press Week, with Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni named a Golden Jubilee Ambassador.

The Command received the Shield of Public Safety Award, while its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, was presented with the Vanguard of Public Safety Award.

The recognition formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the NUJ in Ogun State, which coincides with the state’s 50th anniversary.

SEE ALSO: Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Serial Burglar, Recover Stolen Items Worth ₦16.2m

According to a statement released on Monday, November 2, 2026, by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi, the awards recognised the Command’s commitment to public safety, proactive policing and effective engagement with the media.

The Golden Jubilee Press Week, held from October 26 to November 1, 2026, was themed, “Truth, Trust and the Press: Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism.”

Ojajuni also participated in a panel session during the celebration, where he urged journalists to uphold truth, professional ethics and patriotism, stressing the importance of responsible journalism to national development and public confidence in public institutions.

While receiving the Shield of Public Safety Award, the police commissioner attributed the Command’s achievements, particularly the impact of Operation KOSAYE, to the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, under the Handshake Patrol initiative.

He explained that the operation was carried out on the directive of the IGP through collaboration between the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, with support from the governors of both states.

According to him, the initiative strengthened security cooperation between the two states and improved coordinated efforts to prevent and combat criminal activities.

Ojajuni was also named among 50 distinguished personalities recognised as Golden Jubilee Ambassadors.

The honour reflects his leadership and previous contributions to policing in Ogun State, where he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department and Squadron Commander of the 16 Police Mobile Force, Abeokuta, before becoming commissioner.

Similarly, Babaseyi received the Vanguard of Public Safety Award in recognition of his contributions to police-public communication, media engagement and public safety advocacy.

The commissioner dedicated the honours to the Inspector-General of Police and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, acknowledging their commitment and sacrifices in protecting lives and property.

The Command also commended the NUJ Ogun State Council, led by its chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, for the recognition and its role in promoting constructive engagement between journalists and security institutions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media, noting that effective policing depends not only on operational deployment but also on public trust, timely information and stakeholder engagement.

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Insecurity: Radda Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Partnership to Protect Farmers, Communities

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on traditional rulers to strengthen their collaboration with the government and security agencies to tackle insecurity and protect farmers, traders and other residents across the state.

Radda made the appeal during a meeting with the District Head of Bakori, Alhaji Garba Tukur Idris, Makaman Katsina, and other traditional leaders in Bakori Local Government Area.

The engagement, which formed part of activities of the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 Campaign Council, was disclosed in a statement issued on November 1, 2026, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.

SEE ALSO: NSC Chair Dikko Vows to End Salary Delays for Nigerian Coaches, Players

The governor said traditional institutions remained essential to efforts to achieve lasting security and development, particularly because of their influence and close relationship with local communities.

“Government cannot achieve sustainable security and grassroots development without the active cooperation of traditional rulers, community elders and other local stakeholders,” Radda said.

He urged traditional leaders to work more closely with security agencies and other community stakeholders to address security threats and strengthen peace across their respective communities.

“Your role in maintaining peace and order in our communities is very important. We need your cooperation to address security challenges and advance development at the grassroots,” he added.

Radda also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening security operations and ensuring farmers could access their farmlands while traders conducted their businesses without fear.

He called for a coordinated approach involving traditional rulers, security agencies, political leaders, youths and women, stressing the importance of collective action in tackling insecurity and creating economic opportunities.

In his response, the District Head of Bakori, Garba Tukur Idris, welcomed the governor and his delegation, commending the engagement and the relationship between the government and traditional institutions.

Idris identified agriculture, trading and commerce as the major economic activities in Bakori, while highlighting the area’s skilled and unskilled labour force, dams and boreholes as resources that could support increased agricultural productivity and attract investment.

He also commended the cooperation among traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies and residents in maintaining peace, urging stakeholders to sustain the collaboration to protect their communities.

The Chairman of Bakori Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Barde, said the delegation was also in the area to seek the blessings and support of traditional rulers and community stakeholders for the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 campaign.

The delegation included Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal; Campaign Director-General, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Campaign Council Co-Chairman, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; Deputy Director-General, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; and Secretary-General, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, among others.

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