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Service Chiefs: Northern Elders Fault Non Inclusion Of Igbos, Want Review Of Appointments
The Coalition of Northern Elders for Peace and Development, CNEPD, has noted with concern the exclusion of the South East from the appointment of new Service Chiefs.
The elders observed that the exclusion of the region was contrary to the unity and oneness of the country’s founding fathers.
The group, however, expressed delight with the sacking of service Chiefs and appointment of new ones by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Engr. Zana Goni, enjoined the President to quickly balance the equation by reviewing the appointments to reflect the nation’s federal character principle.
According to the statement, it is when the President reviews the appointment of the service Chiefs that it would reflect fairness and equity in the country.
The statement stated, “We completely throw our weight behind Ohanaeze Ndigbo on their position over the appointments of the new service chiefs.
“We vehemently appeal to Mr President for a review of the appointments to accommodate our Igbo brothers from the South East region in line with the federal character principle of the country.
“We are absolutely sure that taking this action will make the designers of our country happy where they are watching.”
Following the worsening insecurity in parts of the country which the group had suggested for the sack of the service Chiefs and overdue tenure with perceived low morale, the group thanked President Buhari for eventually taking action by relieving the service Chiefs of their appointments.
The elders explained that they received with great excitement the news about the sacking of the former service chiefs of the country by Mr President, adding that it is quite commendable that the President finally listened to the clarion call by Nigerians to that effect.
The statement noted that the composition of the service chiefs greeted them with mixed feelings and sincere concerns, stressing their belief that the list is deficient.
“We strongly believe that the list is not fair as it is lacking in fairness, justice, and equity to the south easterners.”
The elders said they had hoped that by now, the president would have learned some lessons that the Igbos are also Nigerians and deserve to be fairly and godly treated.
The elders asked, “How can there be an appointment of two sets of service chiefs without any Igbo person among them? Is this fair? What exactly has the Igbo people done to deserve this kind of unfair treatment?”
The group observed that their careful checks revealed that Igbos have senior and very qualified military officers in the Navy, Army, and Airforce who are serving faithfully in their various capacities! asking what their sin is?
They stated clearly that the appointment of service chiefs is the prerogative of the president as he can choose to appoint anyone from any zone, asking what made the other geo-political zone more important than the South East?
The Northern elders called on Ndigbo to remain calm and continue their unalloyed support to the Buhari’s administration, saying the development should not shirk their beliefs in the Nigeria project as according to them, the situation would be remedied.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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