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Lagos Monarchs Endorse Tinubu Ahead Of 2023 Presidential Ticket
Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Lagos monarchs have endorsed the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the party’s flagbearer and possible successor to President Muhammadu Buhari after expiration of his tenure.
The endorsement was done at just concluded 2-day retreat for Obas, organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, with the theme, “The Role of Traditional Rulers in Conflict Resolution and in fostering Communal Peace and Economic Development”.
According to the monarchs, the track record of Tinubu over the years particularly while serving as the governor of the state, turned around the Lagos economy and layed foundation for the state to become the fastest-growing megacity within Africa, is one out of the numerous reasons for his endorsement.
In a voice vote, the traditional rulers assured APC national leader that whenever he is ready to declare his intention publicly, they are willing to give him their full support and ensure that he achieves his goal.
The deliberation for endorsement was reached during the Obas General meeting which was moderated by Olosolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, who also doubles as the secretary for the council of monarchs.
After Oba Agbabiaka raised the deliberation, the entire monarchs used their symbol of offices (Horse-whip) and with a voice vote chorused their readiness and support, as they expect him to vie for the seat.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, commended the State Government for prioritizing the intellectual empowerment of traditional rulers in Lagos State.
Akiolu, who noted that the retreat “The Role of Traditional Rulers in Conflict Resolution and in Fostering Communal Peace and Economic Development”, would boost the monarchs knowledge, implored other monarchs to continue to commit themselves to Lagos State development.
According to him, “I want to implore you all that you should play your roles in ensuring that communal peace exist in our domains, which engender economic development”.
Earlier, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed, charged traditional rulers in the state on conflict resolution, fostering communal peace and economic development in their domains.
According to Ahmed, traditional rulers in Lagos had continued to be development catalysts, and respected agents for mobilisation for policy implementation, monitoring, and review of policy options.
The Commissioner said traditional rulers had a special responsibility to uphold not just traditional values, culture, and customs, but to also ensure that information dissemination flowed to all nooks and crannies and that residents in each community understood government policies and programmes in the simplest form, using preferably the indigenous languages.
In addition, the commissioner noted that the retreat would offer the opportunity for purposeful engagement on sailent issues and more, and how they could leverage existing peace and stability in the State, to connect higher economic prosperity.
Thanking them for their efforts so far in assisting government in their domains, Ahmed urged the traditional rulers to continue to cooperate with the government, and to support her effort at moving the State to the next level, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s promise to the people of the State and for, “A Greater Lagos Dream”.
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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