*Says, it’s not about South East insecurity

By Francesca Hangeior

The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has said the call for the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has no connection to insecurity in the South-East.

Speaking on Monday during a media chat to mark his third year in office, Soludo, who has been advocating for Kanu’s release, stated that the issue should be viewed separately from security concerns in the region.

Soludo said, “The release of Nnamdi Kanu for me is different from the issue of security, I separate the two, I don’t link the two.”

According to Soludo, his call for Kanu’s freedom is based on the need for broader discussions about the future of the Igbo people, while insecurity in the region stems from criminal activities.

“Nnamdi Kanu for me is for us to have a conversation of a long-term future for the Igbos and that is a different conversation.

“For the criminals who are kidnappers, we have given them olive branch, come out, we will train you, we will empower you, we will rehabilitate you, if you don’t we take you out,” the governor added.

He also accused Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed IPOB leader, of hijacking the situation and turning it into a “killing spree.”

“A whole lot of this Simon Ekpa and some of this his band of criminals took over and turned the things into a killing spree, just killing people with reckless abandon,” he said.

Simon Ekpa, who claimed to have succeeded Nnamdi Kanu as IPOB leader, was arrested in Finland last November by local police on charges of inciting terrorism.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since 2021 following his arrest in Kenya by the Nigerian government.

Many have argued that his release could help curb insecurity in the region.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and Abuja has vowed to focus on its mandate rather than engaging in unnecessary exchanges with critics.

It could be recalled that a crisis engulfed the association over tenure elongation.

At the center of the crisis is the tenure of Rev. Yakubu Pam, whose term as chairman allegedly expired over two years ago.

The crisis took a turn for the worse when Rev. John Hayab’s group conducted an election, appointing him as the new chairman while Rev. Pam’s faction has denounced the move, describing it as a “religious coup” and “fraudulent.”

However, on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, chairmen of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, expressed full support for the newly elected executives led by Rev. Hayab, calling on the outgoing leadership of Rev. Pam, to promptly hand over all association property.

Speaking at a dinner organised for the newly elected executives in Kaduna on Monday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Hayab, said the association’s work would speak for itself.

Hayab decried the deep-seated religious and ethnic divisions in Northern Nigeria, describing them as obstacles to growth and peaceful coexistence.

He, therefore, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to truth, inclusivity, and addressing challenges hindering the region’s progress.

According to Hayab, the new leadership of CAN in the North will be a strong advocate for Northern Christians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. He urged the Christian community to prioritize unity and collaboration for sustainable development.

He said, “We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power. However, we will do so with love and understanding.

“It is disheartening when people perceive us as divided and intolerant. We must usher in a new phase—one of love, respect, and partnership. Our region is blessed, but divisions have cost us dearly. It’s time for a change in mindset.”

Speaking to journalists shortly after the event, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, expressed confidence in Hayab’s leadership and described him as a capable leader who will advance the Christian cause in the North.

Azizi also criticised the previous CAN leadership under Rev. Pam and Secretary Elder Sunday Oibe for exceeding their tenure by two years and nine months.

“We urge them to act with maturity and avoid dragging the Christian body into unnecessary disputes,” she said.

On his part, the Northern CAN Youth Leader, Evangelist Musa Misal, reaffirmed youth support for Hayab and called on Pam and Oibe to accept the transition in good faith.

“The youths stand firmly with the new leadership and will give him their total support. This is the kind of leader we have long desired,” he said.

Musal also demanded that all Northern CAN properties across the 19 states and the FCT be handed over to the new leadership forthwith.

Top Christian leaders from across the region attended the dinner, including the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga (Borno State); the Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr. Grace Kaka (Bauchi State); and the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole (Sokoto State).

Others were the Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Rev. Emeka Obianyor; the Director of Youth, Women, and Education, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State); and the Northern CAN Vice Chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, who is also the Chairman of CAN North Central Zone, former ECWA General Secretary Worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; the President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and President of the Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna, Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye, among others.

By Francesca Hangeior

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged the National Assembly to uphold the sacred responsibility of leadership, prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests.

He made the call when President Bola Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu, also urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

He said, “In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together.

“We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power, but as partners in the noble task of nation-building.”

Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season, the Vice-President called for deep introspection and a reaffirmation of commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

“This sacred month of reflection and renewal reminds us to choose stability over strife, collaboration over conflict, and dialogue over discord.

“What binds us as a nation is far greater than what divides us,” the Vice-President said.

Shettima, who commended President Tinubu’s leadership, described him as a “man of vision and inclusivity”.

“In President Tinubu, you have not just a leader you can trust, but a leader who trusts you.

“He sees you as stewards of our democracy, as voices of the people, and as partners in our shared aspiration to build a better Nigeria.”

Shettima said the government’s economic policies were yielding results, adding that the economy has turned the corner.

“We are now on the path to sustained economic growth, and with perseverance, we will create a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive.”

The Vice-President also lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature.

“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The unity within the House is a testament to our collective resolve to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

Shettima urged the leaders to govern with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that their positions were a sacred trust of the Nigerian people.

“Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he said.

Earlier, Abbas thanked President Tinubu for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.

“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection; where were you before, where are you now and where do you want to be?

” I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection,” he said.

He implored both Christians and Muslims to dedicate the fasting period to pray for the country.

The Speaker said Nigerians knew what the Tinubu administration had achieved within just two years and the period offered a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country.

“Prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens.”

He pledged that every member of the House of Representatives was in support of the President.

He noted that the policies of the government were for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.