The Federal Government has announced plans to set up a Joint Military Command Centre in the North-West, named ‘Operation Fansan Yamma,’ to address the region’s persistent security challenges.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, during his visit to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House on Thursday.

The centre, spearheaded by the Defence Headquarters, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security operations against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the North-West.

The minister’s visit to Kaduna was a key step toward finalizing preparations for the official launch of the military operation.

Badaru emphasized that establishing the Command and Control Centre in the North-West is a strategic move to confront the region’s complex security threats.

He also praised Governor Uba Sani for his administration’s consistent support to security agencies in Kaduna State, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating insecurity across the country.

He assured Nigerians that the government is working tirelessly to bring peace and stability to the region, highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to ending insecurity in Nigeria.

The minister expressed optimism that with sustained efforts, the country would overcome its security challenges.

Orji Uzor Kalu, the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, has revealed his intention to contest for the presidency in 2027 if one crucial condition is met.

The former Abia State governor said he may contest for Presidency if President Bola Tinubu does not seek re-election.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu stated, “Let me tell you, first and foremost, I’m qualified to be a President, and I’m competent. We have already a candidate in our political party unless he is not running. If the party gives me the opportunity to fly their flag, it’s a privilege; it’s not something that I will like. It’s an opportunity given by the party. It’s not about me. My interest in 2027 is to come back, be a lawmaker, sit in the Senate and work in the Senate.”

Kalu attributed Nigeria’s economic struggles to the lack of economic processes and an organized economy.

“We never had an economy since 60 years ago. There is no organized economy here. We have no light, we have nothing, and our stock exchange is just building up. The institutions that drive the economy are very weak, and this is what President Bola Tinubu is trying to rebuild to make sure the institutions are strong. Because if you continue with these handouts and a weak economy, you are not going to go on, somebody must make tough decisions. He might be right or wrong. He’s making tough decisions for the future. The question is the Nigerian people, are they hungry? The answer is yes. But our looks worse because we didn’t make decisions at all,” he lamented.

The Senator suggested that the government should prioritize austerity measures and reduce expenses. “People in government ought to maintain austerity measures. There should be more sewing our coat according to our size, scaling down on most things people in government do.”

The Senator revealed that President Tinubu is aware of the economic situation and often ventures out at night to gauge the pulse of the nation. “The President himself knows that Nigerians are suffering; the President knows that Nigerians are hungry.”

“He is a street person, he knows the street very well. The President sometimes uses his car to go around and know what is happening in Abuja here.”

In a compelling video broadcast on Symfoni TV, prominent Human Rights and Niger Delta Environmental Activist Ann-Kio Briggs has drawn attention to the historical parallels between President Bola Tinubu’s experiences as Lagos State governor and the current situation facing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The activist highlighted the stark contrast between Tinubu’s treatment as Lagos governor under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and his current approach to the Rivers State crisis as president. Briggs emphasized how Tinubu, despite his fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s policies, ultimately received substantial federal support.

“When the president (Tinubu) was the governor of Lagos State, Obasanjo did not do to him what he has done to Fubara today as he is the president,” Briggs stated. “Look at how he fought Obasanjo, he fought Obasanjo hands down. Eventually, all his money was paid to him, he got everything that he wanted.”

The activist’s comparison carries particular weight given Nigeria’s political history, drawing attention to how past federal-state relationships might inform current political dynamics. Briggs’s statement suggests that Tinubu’s own experience as a governor who successfully opposed federal authority while maintaining state autonomy should inform his current approach to state-federal relations.
Political analysts note that this historical parallel raises important questions about the evolution of federal-state relationships in Nigeria’s democracy. The comparison between Tinubu’s past struggles and his current position of power provides a unique perspective on the cyclical nature of Nigerian politics.

The activist’s remarks have sparked renewed discussions about political consistency and the responsibilities of federal leadership. By highlighting Tinubu’s transition from state governor to president, Briggs’s commentary underscores the importance of historical context in understanding and addressing current political crises.

This revelation adds another dimension to the ongoing discourse about federal intervention in state affairs, suggesting that personal experience and historical precedent should guide current political decision-making at the highest levels of government.