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Nigeria must punish drug pushers—Speaker Abbas

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… says abuse is a menace to society

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has said Nigeria must punish drug pushers to have a better society, saying the abuse is a menace to society.

“We must punish those who profit from drugs. We must also treat those who have become trapped by them. The dealer needs the law. The dependent person needs care,” he said, adding that, “The government is present. The law is active. The public must also participate.”

Speaker Abbas stated this on Saturday at the close of a three-day sensitisation programme against drug abuse and domestic violence held in Kaduna. The programme, which is part of the Speaker’s constituency outreach, was organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

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He said, “Parents must watch for sudden changes in conduct. Schools must provide counseling and report warning signs. Pharmacists and medicine vendors must reject the unlawful sale of controlled substances.

“Traditional and religious leaders must reject silence around addiction and abuse. Neighbours must report violence. Market and transport unions must report suspicious movement of drugs. Young people must reject pressure and seek help when needed.

“Victims should seek safety, obtain medical care, preserve evidence, and report abuse. Communities must protect them, not punish them with blame or shame.”

Speaker Abbas recalled the last edition of the programme in February 2025, which heralded a four-month campaign across the North-West. “We promised to take the message beyond conference halls. We promised to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, parents, young people, and community organisations,” he said.

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He noted that Saturday’s edition of the programme showed that “we have kept that promise.”

The Speaker said NOA has taken the campaign into Kaduna’s streets and communities, while its officers are engaging market leaders, transport workers, youth groups, and traditional institutions “because prevention begins with proper information.”

While commending the Director General of NOA, Lanre Issa Onilu, and his team, Speaker Abbas equally appreciated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the state agencies.

He said, “Drugs can impair judgement, increase aggression, and deepen poverty. But drugs never excuse violence. Every person remains responsible for his or her actions. Domestic violence is not discipline or culture. It is abuse. It harms the victim, frightens children, and weakens the community.

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“The damage caused by drugs does not stop at the family door. It spreads into our streets, schools, markets, and security system. Drug trafficking gives criminal networks money. The same hidden routes can carry drugs, illegal weapons, criminal funds, and violent offenders. Drugs do not explain every crime, but they are part of Nigeria’s wider security challenge.”

The Speaker stated that “every shipment stopped can deny criminals money for weapons and recruitment,” stressing that “every person rescued from addiction is one less person exposed to violent groups.”

Speaker Abbas explained further that drug control is part of the fight against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West. “Security forces may clear the camps. Communities must help cut the supply lines,” he said, adding that, “Enforcement stops the shipment. Education reduces the demand. Treatment restores the individual. Community vigilance protects the neighbourhood.”

Speaker Abbas commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for retaining Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.) as Director-General of the NDLEA and supporting enforcement, international cooperation, public education and treatment, including a new 50-bed rehabilitation centre in Maiduguri.

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He said, “The National Assembly has consistently played its part. In 2024, the House called for a preventive drug testing programme in secondary schools and directed NOA and NDLEA to expand student awareness.

“The House also moved against the indiscriminate sale of prescription medicines. We called for illegal outlets to close and for stronger joint enforcement by the responsible agencies.

“We have considered bills to strengthen the NDLEA Act. In 2025, the House called for faster investigation and prosecution of femicide, homicide, and related violence. We will continue to fund enforcement and treatment, close gaps in the law, and demand results through oversight.”

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Wike fires Amaechi: You failed as Speaker, Governor and Minister For 24 Years(Photos)

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… ​Reaffirms loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, vows to continue building sustainable leadership
​
Former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has challenged the people of Evo Kingdom to point to any tangible development or political empowerment attracted to their land by his predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, despite holding top political offices as Speaker, Governor, and Minister for 24 years.

​Speaking during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Wike declared that unlike past leaders who used their elevation to pull down others and monopolize power, his political philosophy centers on human capacity development, divine gratitude, and uplifting his people.

​Wike questioned the moral right of those who spent decades in high offices without leaving behind a legacy of leadership or infrastructure in the area, warning against selfish politics that crumbles once the leader passes on.

​”Because how will I answer before God if these people could take that kind of risk, and opportunity came up for you to help, for you to uplift them? But because of your greed, because of your selfishness, you don’t want anybody to reach the level you are,” Wike said.

He said; “You don’t want anybody in Obio-Akpor to be governor again because you have become governor. God will not be happy with me”.

​Taking direct aim at Amaechi’s 24-year tenure across various arms of government, Wike challenged the kingdom to present evidence of what was attracted to the land under his rival’s reign.

​”Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years—that is 24 years in top leadership positions! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!

​”I was a Minister of State for Education, and as I sit here, I can count the projects I brought to Rivers State and my people. But somebody was Speaker, Governor, and headed a very lucrative ministry as a full Minister for eight years, yet brought nothing back home! How can someone who spent 24 years in power without empowering his people or raising new leaders now turn around to tell you he loves you?” Wike queried.

​Highlighting his political trajectory and contentment with his achievements under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the FCT Minister stressed that he has no further personal political ambitions other than serving as a vessel for his people.

​”After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life,” he said.

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“I can’t be a governor again. I’ve been a minister two times. I cannot be chairman of council again. So I am happy. I don’t have anything to lose”.

​He continued: “What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped? Because our problem here is that you just want only yourself. When you die, everything crumbles. That is not our own case.”

​Addressing political uncertainties and betrayal, the Minister reiterated his firm trust in God rather than human promises.

​”As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God,” Wike declared.

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“So, don’t ever believe that a human being will not disappoint you. No matter the love you have, do the best you can do. If the person disappoints you, don’t kill yourself. God will right the wrong”, he said.

​Wike also recounted how his administration restructured the chieftaincy institution to give Evo Kingdom adequate representation in the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, dismissing claims that traditional politics or native charms could intimidate him.

Political leaders and traditional rulers like Eze Temple Ejekwu
and Elder Peter Chinwo, President of Evo Assembly assured the FCT Minister of victory for the President and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.
​

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Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Abass Ogwime, Selected to Commission Hungarian-African House in Budapest

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Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Abass Braimah Ogwime, has been selected among African ambassadors accredited to Hungary to officially commission the newly established Hungarian-African House in Budapest.

Ogwime, who also serves as Nigeria’s ambassador to Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, was the guest speaker at the inauguration ceremony held in Budapest on October 2, 2026.

The event attracted members of the diplomatic community, Hungarian government representatives, African heads of mission, business executives, investors, members of the African diaspora and other stakeholders seeking to strengthen economic, cultural and diplomatic relations between Hungary and African countries.

The Hungarian-African House, known locally as Magyar-Afrika Ház, is an initiative of the Foundation for Africa. The facility is designed to serve as a permanent platform for dialogue, business development, cultural exchange and cooperation between Hungary and African nations.

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The initiative is expected to provide a meeting point for Hungarian and African businesses, investors, academic institutions and government representatives to explore investment opportunities, establish strategic partnerships and develop practical areas of collaboration.

Ogwime’s selection as one of the African ambassadors chosen for the commissioning underscores Nigeria’s participation in diplomatic engagements aimed at expanding cooperation between African countries and Hungary.

The Nigerian Embassy in Budapest reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties, promoting economic partnerships and supporting initiatives that encourage collaboration between Nigerian, African and Hungarian institutions and communities.

The establishment of the Hungarian-African House comes amid broader efforts to deepen Africa-Europe engagement through trade, investment, cultural diplomacy and institutional partnerships.

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The new facility is expected to provide a dedicated space for advancing these objectives and fostering long-term relationships between Hungary and African countries.

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‘Tinubu Must Go’: Yobe Youths Protest Economic Hardship, Insecurity

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Hundreds of youths on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State, demanding an end to President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.

The demonstration, tagged “Tinubu Must Go”, coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

The protesters marched through the Tsohowar Kasuwa area of Potiskum, carrying placards and flags of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while expressing dissatisfaction with the state of the country.

They said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast failed to address their concerns, particularly the rising cost of living, poverty, unemployment, insecurity and what they described as poor governance since the administration assumed office in 2023.

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Speaking to journalists on condition of anonymity, one of the protesters said the demonstration was an exercise of their fundamental rights and a call for urgent action to address the country’s challenges.

“We came out today to express our fundamental rights, freedom of speech. We are suffering from this government, people are dying due to insecurity, poverty and unemployment in the land,” the protester said.

Another demonstrator, who identified with the opposition, expressed concern over the country’s economic situation and the state of the education sector.

He said the youths were dissatisfied with the government’s handling of issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

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Similarly, a protester identified as Malam Gambo said the demonstration was organised to draw attention to hunger, insecurity and what the participants described as bad governance.

Eyewitnesses reported that the protest remained peaceful and orderly, with young men and women making up the bulk of the demonstrators.

Some participants were seen carrying ADC flags as they marched through parts of Potiskum to express their grievances against the Tinubu administration.

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