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You Can’t Force Farm Estates On States, Pa Adebanjo, Ohanaeze, Others Tackle FG
Leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has again hit out hard on the Federal Government’s plan to establish Farm Estate in states across the country, insisting that such plan is not recognised by law and should be disregarded by state governors.
Pa Adebanjo pointed out that the federal government has been trying to force open grazing on states using different ploys, saying that its recent proposal to establish farm estates across the country should be condemned and rejected in its entirety.
The Afenifere leader maintained that the federal government failed in its ploy to establish RUGA colonies across the country and should not attempt to force the establishment of farm estate on states, adding that the Land Use Act empowers state governors to manage and control all lands in their states.
Chief Adebanjo, while speaking during a telephone interview with Sunday Tribune, disclosed that if the Federal Government wants to promote farm estates, it should allow state governors who have the constitutional rights to dispense all lands to establish them, warning that the Buhari-led government should be reminded that “He can’t force it on states except the governor of the state accepts it. We are not under dictatorship but democracy.”
The elder statesman further berated the position of the federal government for its insistence on recovering non-existence grazing routes, saying “It is on weak ground and the position is unconstitutional. That is why he doesn’t want to do restructuring. The Land Use Act is a constitutional position. So, he can’t make it. He can’t force it on any state. Buhari has no power under the constitution to force open grazing on any state.”
Don’t introduce open grazing policy through back door —Ohanaeze tells FG
In its reaction, the Vice National President of the Igbo Social-Cultural Organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, has warned the federal government not to introduce the contentious open grazing policy through the back door.
Okeke-Ogene, who made his position known in an interview with Sunday Tribune, in Awka, Anambra State, said though farm estate is good, it must be operated in conjunction with the state governors for its smooth operations.
Speaking further, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo vice president argued that for the idea to work effectively without sentiment, the federal government should engage state governments that know their people and territory to manage the farm estates.
“The policy is good. We welcome it in the South-East but it should not be a plan that will bring in open grazing policy. Why it is a good idea is because it will create job opportunities for the youths. It will also curb criminal activities in the society”, Okeke-Ogene submitted.
He advised governors, particularly, governors from the Southern states to study the policy critically before keying into it for the sake of peace.
Ohanwe, the traditional ruler of Ihim Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State demanded for a clear interpretation of what farm estate is all about.
He questioned the difference between grazing and RUGA. He was of the view that those who breed cattle in the region should go ahead with what they have while those who do not breed cattle should be left alone.
Also reacting to the development, the President of the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders. (COSEYL) which is an umbrella body of all the youth organizations in the South-East geopolitical zone, Goodluck Egeu Ibem, said that such a plan should not be carried out in the region.
He said farm estate has no meaning to the people of the zone, describing it as an attempt to arm-twist the people of the zone.
Attempt to establish Farm estate will fail —Gani Adams
Also speaking, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams rubbished the idea, calling it another attempt by the Buhari government to enforce open grazing. According to him, the government can’t insist on having grazing routes in states as all lands belong to the states.
Gani Adams in an interview with Sunday Tribune maintained that the federal government should respect the principle of three tiers of government and should not attempt to impose its wish on the states and local governments.
“This plan by the government can’t work. They can’t insist on it. It will be the beginning of anarchy. It can even lead to war if the governors are determined. The governors don’t know how powerful they are; they interface with the citizens, but the Federal government does not,” he said.
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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Rivers Assembly Formally Serves Impeachment Notice To Gov. Fubara
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