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Biafra: Yoruba, Efik Groups Join CNG Suit For Referendum

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…Case adjourns till March 14

The demand for a referendum on secession of Biafra from Nigeria assumed a front burner on Thursday with the Yoruba Nation and Efik ethnic nationalities filing an application to be part of the suit filed by the Coalition of Northern Groups.

The CNG had in June 2021 dragged the National Assembly, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to Court asking them to conduct a referendum to determine the fate of Biafra agitators.

The case was first adjourned till January 20, 2022, after Justice Inyang Ekwo could not sit due to an official assignment.

But the case could not be heard again on Thursday because the Judge was said to be indisposed.

The counsel for CNG, Safiyanu Idris, told Journalists that the case had been adjourned again, to March 14, 2022, because Justice Ekwo was absent.

“Since the last adjournment, the matter was adjourned to today (January 20) for the continuation of motion as they are people that have filed an application to join the suit.

“We came here for the applications but it happened that the Judge is also not sitting today.

“But in between the time, there is a particular group. The Ijaw group have filed an application for joinder in the matter. Now the matter is adjourned to the 14 of March 2022.

The CNG had gone to Court to seek a referendum to determine the fate of Biafra and other separatist organisations in Nigeria.

The Spokesperson of CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, has explained why the coalition filed the suit.

He said, “What we are doing is to save the country, ourselves and the future of the country because these people are becoming violent already. Most of the people engaged in this activity are below 50.

“So, if we allow our leaders to leave us with these people in this situation, there may be another bloodshed or civil war. That is what we want to avoid, which is why we came to the court to interpret the situation.

“One of the issues for determination in the substantive suit has to do with the legal obligation of the 2nd – 4th defendants/respondents to provide a framework that will pave the way for the self-determination of the South-Eastern states and any other enclave that wants to go so as to leave the geographical entity called Nigeria before any further step is taken to review the constitution.”

Speaking on the decision by the Yoruba Nation Global Directorate to join the suit for the Yoruba Nation the counsel that took conduct of the matter for the Yoruba nation, Barrister Timilehin Odunwo, said, the Yoruba Nation Global Directorate deemed it fit to join this suit on the ground that not only the Igbo is interested in leaving this contraption called Nigeria, the Yoruba nation is also interested.

“Therefore, any call for a referendum should cut across the board of all ethnic Nationalities within Nigeria.

He considered it appropriate for every Nationalities to have the right to determine whether to live in the Nigeria or to move out.

He continues,
“As you know, self-determination is a very sacrosanct right of every citizen and Nationalities and it is recognized by the international laws.

“Therefore, it is incumbent on the National Assembly, if our application is granted to let everybody ethnic Nationalities within Nigeria make their decision whether to stay or leave the Nigeria.

He opined that “You cannot force an unwilling Nationalities to remain within Nigeria. It will not work.”

Also, Lead Counsel to Old Calabar Province which is made up of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, Sunday Uko Afiko said, “We do not want to sit at home while they barb our hair in our absence. So, we came all the way from Uyo to be part of this matter.

“But it is quite unfortunate that the Court is not sitting. We hope that the next adjourn date which is March 14 that the court would sit, we will move our motion and be part of this case which has to decide the fate of everybody. We are not opposing the application.”

“We are saying that it should not just be the South Eastern states that should leave; everybody should be given the opportunity to decide whether they want to be part of Nigeria or not.

“We want to also be given the opportunity to decide our fate. Let there be a national referendum for everybody to vote,” he said.

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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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