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Gombe Emir Crisis: CAN LG Chairman Apologises To Muslim Community (Video)

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John Joseph, chairman of the Billiri local government area (LGA) chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Gombe state, has asked the Muslim community for forgiveness over the recent violence that broke out in the area.

Joseph made the appeal on Wednesday, following a meeting held with Muhammad Yahaya, governor of Gombe.

Also present at the meeting were Manassah Jatau, deputy governor of Gombe; Okon Ene, assistant inspector-general of police of zone 12 in Bauchi; Abubakar Abdullahi, chief imam of Tangale, and Margaret Bitrus, chairperson of Biliri LGA.

While addressing stakeholders present at the meeting, the CAN chairman also promised to work with other Christian leaders in the area towards peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“To the parents who lost their children, we extended our condolences. We the Christian community apologise. We condole with Muslims whose place of worship was attacked. AIG, permit me to gather other Christian leaders to meet imams and his people to apologise,” Joseph said.

CRISIS OVER SELECTION OF NEW EMIR

Abdu Baba Maisharu II, the former Mai Tangale, had died on January 10, prompting the opening of the selection process of a new emir.

The seat is usually filled by persons of different religious leanings, and the kingmakers were said to have forwarded three names to the state government, after the conclusion of the screening process.

However, violence had broken out in the area recently, following the delay in the announcement of the new traditional ruler, as decided by the kingmakers.

What began as protests degenerated into crisis, following the delay in the announcement, leading to attacks on properties and killings, and the state government declared a 24-hour curfew on Biliri LGA, which took effect on February 19.

The governor had visited the LGA on February 20 to assess the level of damage recorded by the protests which turned violent.

Speaking to journalists after the assessment, Yahaya condemned the attacks, which led to the loss of lives and property.

“Government is still on the selection process of appointing a new Mai, but some forces took advantage of the development to cause mayhem, just to achieve their personal goal, which as you all witnessed today, resulted in the loss of lives and property,” the governor said.

“We condemn the criminal behaviour and actions committed by those unscrupulous elements and we sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives and property in this unfortunate incident.”

GOVT RELAXES CURFEW, CALLS FOR CALM

After the stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday, the government announced a relaxation of the curfew, which will now run from 6am till 2pm, beginning on Thursday.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Ismaila Misilli, spokesman to the governor, also dismissed the allegation about plans to announce the name of an unpopular candidate, contrary to the decision of the king makers.

Misilli was responding to a statement reportedly credited to a “southern/middle belt” forum regarding the crisis.

“It is public knowledge that the Tangale Chiefdom is a mixture of the two major religions, and available records indicate that persons of different faith had in the past few decades occupied the exalted stool of Mai Tangle. The records are there for all to access,” the statement reads.

“To the best of the knowledge of the Gombe State Government, the three names submitted by the Kingmakers are the choice of the Tangale people, and any one among them can ascend the throne.

“Thus, against the baseless allegation by the forum, there is no room for the imposition of “an unpopular candidate as the new Mai Tangle” as the Governor will not go outside the names submitted to him by the Tangale traditional Kingmakers.

“The Gombe State Government understands that all the three contenders are members of the same Tangale Royal Family. For emphasis, all the three nominees are equal before the law, irrespective of their number of votes.

“The Gombe State Government wishes to call on the citizens of the state, especially the people of Tangale Chiefdom, to continue to be calm and peaceful at this moment.

“The state government assures all citizens of the protection of their lives and property without fear or favour.”

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Credit: TheCable

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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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.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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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.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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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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