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How I felt when some Christians refused to accept 2023 presidential election results – Tinubu’s wife

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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has opened up about her emotional struggles following the 2023 presidential election, revealing that the refusal of some Christians to accept the outcome left her feeling fearful, isolated, and doubtful about her readiness for national service.

 

In her newly released 52-page memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, published to mark her 65th birthday, Mrs Tinubu said she battled feelings of betrayal and uncertainty in the tense weeks before her husband’s inauguration as President.

 

The five-chapter book, which chronicles events from 2021 to 2025, features a foreword written by Dr. Folashade Olukoya of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

Reflecting on her state of mind at the time, the First Lady admitted she felt unprepared for the demands of her new role.

As for me, I had a lot of mixed feelings, questioning my readiness and capability to function effectively and optimally as the First Lady of so great a nation as ours.A nation with over 240 million people from diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, religions, etc.For days, I isolated, pondering on my ability to play the supportive and complementary role without messing up,” she recounted.

 

Mrs Tinubu said the days after the election were particularly difficult, marked by tears and disappointment over perceived betrayals by friends and allies.

 

“After all the elections in 2023, preceding the inaugural day of May 29, 2023, healing of the hearts began. Some Nigerians from various spheres, especially Christians, continued to refuse to accept the Presidential results.Despite the victory, I felt alone, weeping behind closed doors and wondering why I was betrayed by some of those I considered friends and spiritual family, many of whom I had opened up my home and my family to.While for some, God used them to comfort and reassure me of God’s purpose in all of this,” she wrote.

 

She also admitted to moments of self-pity and doubt about her spiritual strength.

 

“If you say, occasionally, I had a pity party, you are right, I really did. I thought about who to reach out to for support and counselling.It is good to have a spiritual guide, parent, teacher, mentor, as the case may be. I had one, who is a teacher and a mentor, who constantly reminds me of God’s promises and purpose for my life.”

 

The First Lady said the voices of critics briefly shook her confidence until she was reminded of her divine purpose.

Somewhere along the way, I forgot because the drowning voices of some naysayers clouded my reasoning for that moment. Until I was reminded of all God has spoken over my life, all over again,” she added.

 

Her reflections come nearly three years after one of Nigeria’s most contentious elections, in which President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress secured 8.79 million votes to defeat Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

 

Although the results were upheld by the courts, the First Lady disclosed that the political battle took a personal toll, leaving her to confront isolation within her church community and strained friendships.

 

“One of such decisions was the unpopular ‘Muslim/Muslim ticket’. My being a Christian did not matter. My local Assembly, Redeemed Christian Church of God, was split,” she recounted.

 

She said the episode exposed the diversity of political views within the church.

 

“I later realised that we are a church like other churches with members of all political parties in attendance.I experienced this during my campaign in 2011 for the Senate, when I took my campaign posters to the church, and it was rebuffed. After that, I never tried again.But my husband’s bid for the Presidential Office was different, a bitter pill for them to chew.”

 

Mrs Tinubu wrote that despite the challenges, she chose to focus on her responsibilities ahead of her husband’s swearing-in and the creation of her own social initiative.

 

“It was now time to move on and start planning what to do that would benefit our people; also, to prepare for the inauguration and mend body, soul and spirit,” she wrote.

 

According to her, the Renewed Hope Initiative was conceived to complement her husband’s agenda through programmes in five key sectors: agriculture, economic empowerment, education, health, and social investment.

 

She also revealed her attention to personal details for the inauguration day, recalling her preference for traditional royal fabrics like Alari and Etu.

 

“Most of the ones made were not what I wanted; I wanted a traditional fabric worn by royalty in the day (Alari or Etu).A good friend of ours brought me a set just barely a week before the Big Day.My dressmaker swung into action, and in a few days, I had the outfit I wore. For the remaining activities, old clothing from my closet came in handy,” she stated.

5 killed as Dangote truck loses brakes, crushes tricycle

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Tragedy struck on Friday night in Ogun State when a Dangote Cement truck lost control and crushed five people to death along the Alapoka axis of the Papalanto–Ilaro Road in Yewa South Local Government Area.

 

The incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m., was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi.

 

According to Akinbiyi, the accident happened after the truck “lost its brakes and rammed into a tricycle conveying the five victims.”

 

He identified the vehicles involved as “an unregistered tricycle and a Dangote truck with the number plate GRZ 767 XA.”

Akinbiyi added that upon receiving the report, “the Acting TRACE Head, Adedayo Omonayajo, and the Ilaro Divisional Commander, Salako Idowu, led a rescue team to the scene.”

 

It was gathered that the officials faced resistance from angry residents before the intervention of the Amotekun Corps helped to restore calm.

 

“The presumed dead were taken to the morgue by Federal Road Safety Corps officials,” Akinbiyi said.

 

In a separate incident earlier that day, several lives were feared lost after a fuel-laden tanker caught fire along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway.

 

TRACE spokesperson Akinbiyi confirmed the development, explaining that the blaze started around 1 a.m. on Friday.

In

his statement, he said, “The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilled its contents around 0100hrs today.”

The crash, which occurred “along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due to excessive speed and loss of control,” also led to the destruction of other vehicles and a PHCN power cable supplying electricity to Mowe and nearby communities.

Although the exact number of casualties was yet to be determined, Akinbiyi said rescue operations involving TRACE, the Ogun State and Nestlé PLC Fire Services, FRSC, and the Police were ongoing to restore normalcy after putting out the fire and conducting decantation.

 

Bandits’ attack: Abejide visits Isanlu Police Station, gifts N1m each to families of slain officers

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The member representing Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Leke Abejide, has paid a condolence visit to the Isanlu Police Station in Yagba East and to the families of two police officers who were killed by bandits while on duty.

 

Abejide expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and pledged continued support for efforts to strengthen security measures across Yagba.

 

During his visit to the station, he met with officers on duty and condemned the brutal killing of security personnel and innocent citizens.

 

“I am here to commiserate with the Nigerian Police Force in Yagba East, Isanlu, over the sad incident that claimed the lives of two police officers who paid the price in the course of their duty. The incessant attack has thrown the community into mourning and fear; therefore, this is not the time to relax as the security agencies must be vigilant,” he said.

 

“Yagba is confronted with a security conundrum of armed bandits posing threats to our communities. We will not allow this criminality and inhumane activities to continue,” Abejide added.

 

“These bandits are feeling the heat in some states like Niger and have decided to run here for safety to perpetrate heinous acts of violence, killings, and kidnapping. We will send them back to where they came from; there is no place for them here in Kogi State and Yagba Federal Constituency. Issues bothering on security are not something that can be discussed in public, but I can assure you that in a little while we will surely send them away from our land,” he said.

As part of his visit, Hon. Abejide also called on the Agbana of Isanlu, HRM Oba Moses Etombi, to commiserate with him and the Isanlu community over the tragic incident.

 

He provided ₦1 million each to the families of the slain officers and ₦300,000 to the police officers at the station. Abejide further vowed to work closely with security agencies and local vigilantes to enhance cooperation and intensify efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and killings in Yagba Federal Constituency.

Police warn against parallel new yam festival

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The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning to individuals and groups against organising rival New Yam Festival celebrations in defiance of community leaders recognised by state government.

 

Anambra Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement released on Friday in Awka, stressing that such parallel gatherings could spark unrest.

 

“Following security information regarding the ongoing new yam celebration across various communities in Anambra, the police command has strongly warned individuals and groups against any acts capable of breaching the peace.

 

“In particular, any attempt to organise parallel events or to undermine or disrespect community/government-recognised leadership during the festivities will not

tolerated, as offenders will be made to face the full weight of the law,” Ikenga stated.

He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, and tactical units to step up visibility policing, intelligence gathering, and patrols to guarantee peace throughout the celebrations.

“These measures are aimed at ensuring maximum security, law and order before, during and after the celebrations,” Ikenga added.

While extending warm felicitations to the people of Anambra, the Command wished all communities a peaceful and joyous festival as they mark the culturally significant New Yam celebration.

Boko Haram once nominated Buhari to lead their team – Jonathan

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      Former President Goodluck Jonathan has disclosed that Boko Haram insurgents once selected ex-President Muhammadu Buhari to speak on their behalf during proposed peace talks with the Federal Government.   Jonathan made the revelation on Friday in Abuja during the public presentation of Scars, a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.).   According to him, his government set up multiple committees to explore dialogue with the terror group. In one of such attempts, the insurgents named Buhari as their preferred mediator. Jonathan said this gave him the impression that Buhari would have had a better chance to negotiate their surrender once he became president. However, he noted that the crisis endured throughout Buhari’s tenure.   He explained: “One of the committees we set up then, the Boko Haram nominated Buhari to lead their team to negotiate with the government.   “So I was feeling that, oh, if they nominated Buhari to represent them and have a discussion with the government committee, then when Buhari took over, it could have been an easy way to negotiate with them and they would have handed over their guns. But it was still there till today.” Jonathan stressed that Buhari’s inability to completely end the insurgency showed that the Boko Haram challenge was deeper than many perceived.   He said: “If you conduct research and interview many people, you will only get part of the story, but never the full story of Boko Haram. I was there. Boko Haram started in 2009 when I was vice president. I took over in 2010 and spent five years battling the insurgency until I left office.   “I thought that after I left, within a reasonable time, General Buhari would wipe them out. But even today, Boko Haram is still there. The issue of Boko Haram is far more complex than it is often presented.”   Jonathan urged Nigeria to adopt a broader approach to resolving the crisis, noting that poverty alone did not account for the group’s persistence. He recalled that his administration tried several strategies that did not yield the desired results: “If it was only about hunger—because we tried different options—I don’t want to sound like I’m defending my government. That will be left for history when we document our books. But I believe we did our best: we set up different committees and tried various approaches during the five years I was in office. I believe the late Buhari, too, must have tried his best.”   Jonathan also described the 2014 abduction of Chibok schoolgirls as an indelible scar on his presidency. He expressed hope that insurgent leaders, like actors of the Nigerian Civil War, might one day document their motives to provide clearer insights into their actions.   He said: “It is a scar I will die with. But perhaps later, more details may become known, and that too has to do with Boko Haram. What did they really want? … I pray that one day, some of the Boko Haram leaders may be literate enough to document what they have done, so that people will truly understand what they wanted. It is similar to the story of the Nigerian Civil War.”   The former president further argued that Boko Haram’s access to sophisticated weapons indicated external support, insisting that a carrot-and-stick strategy might be necessary to defeat the group.   He said: “Issue of carrots and the stick may be adopted, and yes, probably the needs are there, but if you look at the weapons they use, and you value the weapons, then you know that these are not hungry people.   “So, the soldiers that sometimes capture some of the weapons will see better, but the weapons they use, the ammunition they use, sometimes they even have more ammunition than our soldiers. Where are these guns, sophisticated weapons coming from? And you begin to see that the external hands are also involved, especially when I was president.”*   Boko Haram, which emerged in Borno State in the early 2000s, became a major national threat after its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, died in police custody in 2009. By 2012, reports had suggested that the sect named Buhari among northern leaders it trusted to mediate with government. Buhari, however, rejected the role, accusing Jonathan’s administration of attempting to politicise the crisis.

Woman sets self ablaze, dies in late Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa’s family home

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Bauchi was recently plunged into sorrow following the death of a middle-aged woman who reportedly set herself ablaze inside the family home of Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

The woman, reportedly the daughter of a former Sharia court judge in the state, was said to have been rescued by bystanders and rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where she succumbed to severe burns.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident, with Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Mohammed Ahmed Wakil describing it as ‘most unfortunate’. He added that the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu had ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

‘On the 26 September, at approximately 11:05 a.m., an unidentified woman, who has now died, went to the family house of late Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. After being informed that the person she sought was absent, she produced a gallon of petrol and set herself ablaze’, Wakil said.

According to the police, the woman was rescued alive and admitted to ATBUTH, where she was able to give a statement before her passing. She reportedly claimed she did not know the liquid was petrol, insisting she believed it was water.

Neighbours and acquaintances disclosed that the woman had a history of mental illness, which emerged following the birth of her last child.

Her body has since been released to her family for burial.

The state Police Command extended condolences, expressing hope that her family would find strength in the wake of the tragedy.

BREAKING: Court orders Police to halt tinted permit enforcement

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A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has directed the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to maintain the status quo in a case brought by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins, who is challenging the legality of the recently revived tinted glass permit policy.

The Police had reintroduced the permit system through its digital platform, POSSAP, following widespread complaints about officers harassing motorists with factory-fitted tints.

Enforcement officially resumed in June 2025 after a 30-day grace period and was later extended twice — first to August, then to October — to give road users more time to register. Authorities defended the move on security grounds, arguing that criminals often rely on vehicles with heavily tinted glass to escape detection.

The suit, however, raises questions about whether the Police acted within the limits of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991, which only allows permits for “good cause,” such as medical or security needs.

Aikpokpo-Martins and other critics argue that the blanket enforcement infringes on constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of movement, places unnecessary burdens on motorists, and risks fueling harassment by law enforcement officers.

More details to follow…

(VANGUARD)

Withdraw allegations against Ooni or face lawsuit, monarchs warn Oluwo

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Royal fathers from Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, on Thursday gave the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, a 21-day ultimatum to substantiate allegations he made against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, or face a lawsuit.

 

Addressing journalists on behalf of the Origbo Meje Obas, the Acting Vice Chairman of the Ife North Traditional Council, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, who is the Salu of Edun Abon, accused the Oluwo of denigrating the stool of the Ooni and demanded the retraction of all allegations against Ogunwusi.

 

The monarch, who was flanked by the Olulamokun of Yakooyo, Oba Meshach Oyediran, and the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, recalled alleged past misconduct by Oba Akanbi and described the Oluwo’s claim that the Ooni conspired with his ex-wife to poison him as defamatory.

Recalling the incident that led to Oluwo’s suspension from the Council of Obas in 2019, Adesoji said, ‘There is no gainsaying the supremacy of the throne of the Ooni of Ife as the head of all Obas in Yorubaland. Records are available for verification regarding the outbursts of the Oluwo of Iwoland against the Ooni of Ife.

 

‘It is surprising that the Oluwo is the only Oba in Yorubaland who changes his title every six months — from Emir of Iwo to Alaafin of Iwo — just to gain undue media recognition. His actions are bringing disrepute and ridicule to the thrones of all Obas in Yorubaland.

 

‘The Oluwo of Iwoland also claimed that our father, the Ooni of Ife, lacked the power to suspend him from the State Council of Obas meeting. It should be recalled that the Oluwo had issues with fellow Obas in Iwoland, namely the Olu of Ileogbo, the Olowu of Kuta, the Olu of Songbe, the Agbowu of Ogbaagba and others. The AIG Zone XI, Osogbo, was resolving the issues.

At one of the meetings, the Oluwo became furious and attacked the Agbowu of Ogbaagba, injuring him. The Agbowu was later hospitalised, which necessitated an emergency meeting summoned by the Ooni of Ife as chairman of the council. The Oluwo of Iwoland, the monarchs involved, and the AIG were all invited.

 

‘After carefully listening to the explanations and defences of the parties involved, the Council found the Oluwo guilty of the alleged offences and resolved that he be suspended for six months from council meetings. The decision was ratified by His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, as chairman of the State Council of Obas. The Ooni of Ife received applause and accolades across the globe for taking prompt action against the Oluwo of Iwo’.

 

The Salu further said the Oluwo’s claim that the Ooni conspired with his ex-wife to poison him amounted to a criminal allegation.

 

‘He who alleges must prove. On this note, we are giving the Oluwo of Iwo a 21-day ultimatum to write to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, or sue our father, His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife, over the allegations. Otherwise, the Origbo Meje Obas will take legal action against the Oluwo at the expiration of this ultimatum’, he stated.

 

Akanbi, in another video released on his social media handles on Tuesday, declared that his feud with the Ooni would continue.

BREAKING NEWS: Edo NSCDC Commandant, Gbenga Agun Slumps, Dies

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The Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gbenga Agun on Thursday, slumped and died few minutes after making his marks at a function in Benin, the state capital.

 

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Gbenga was immediately rushed to the Military Base Hospital, Benin, but was confirmed Brought In Dead (B.I.D) on arrival.

Edo police neutralize 2 kidnap suspects, recover arms

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The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected kidnappers during a bush combing operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area.

 

In a statement released on Wednesday in Benin, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed that the operation was carried out on September 30 following credible intelligence reports.

 

According to him, operatives from the Amedokhian Tactical Division, led by SP Peter Ogah, teamed up with local hunters and vigilante groups to raid suspected hideouts along the railway track leading to Ubiaja.

 

“During the operation, the team encountered a gang of suspected kidnappers who opened fire on the operatives.

“In the ensuing gun duel, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries,” Yamu said.

 

He said that one AK-47 rifle with breech number 4148, 33 rounds of live ammunition, and two mobile phones were recovered at the scene.

 

The neutralised suspects, he said, were taken to hospital where they were confirmed dead.

 

The police spokesperson further disclosed that operatives of the Tactical Division recovered an English-made double-barrelled shotgun with breech number 03273286 on the same day.

 

He said the gun was recovered alongside two live cartridges during another bush combing exercise around Idumogun community in Ukoni, also within Esan South East LGA.

He said Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, commended the gallantry of the operatives, hunters, and vigilante groups for their swift response and synergy in combating crime.

 

“The command remains resolute in its commitment to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

 

“We urge the public to support our community safety partnership initiative and informal policing efforts to ensure a safer state,” he quoted Agbonika as saying.

 

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report emergencies via 08037646272 or 08077773721.