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‘Buhari’s IGP Comment, Indication Of Incompetence …As SDP Declares APC Nigeria’s Common Enemy
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chided President Muhammadu Buhari for saying that he was unaware that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris did not carry out his orders regarding the security situation in Benue State, adding that such admission shows that the President is running an incompetent and uncoordinated government.
The party said President Buhari has irredeemably “indicted himself” for not knowing that the man tasked with the security of the nation failed to take orders from the Commander-in-Chief, stressing that such unpardonable gaffe is responsible for “government’s wrecking the nation’s once robust economy as well as other woes that have befallen our nation in his almost three years in office.”
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday, urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of the President to take their minds off the Aso Villa ahead of 2019 elections “now that their leader and sole candidate has practically admitted his incompetence to run an effective government as desired by Nigerians. “Nigerians have completely lost hope in President Muhammadu Buhari and his incompetent administration.
By stating that he was unaware that the IGP only spent 24 hours in Benue State, Mr. President has confirmed that he has not been effectively monitoring the handling of the security situation of our nation.
“For our party, the PDP, the expression of President Buhari has once again vindicated our position that our nation has been placed on autopilot cruise with a cabal pretending to be managing our affairs. “Nigerians need to know: what exactly did President Buhari, as the Commander-in-Chief, do when he realised that the IGP did not carry out his orders?
The fact is that there is no sense of remorse by the government as the President himself spent only two hours in Benue State without visiting the victims or even making any direct policy statement on those behind the killings and how to forestall future bloodletting. Rather, in the character of this government, Mr. President engaged in yet another blame game instead of facing issues,” the statement read in part.
The PDP further expressed worry over the continuous killings in Benue by suspected marauders, saying rather than unveil his plan to arrest the situation, President Buhari is thinking of the 2019 elections.
“Nigerians are miffed that while the wailings over these daily bloodletting are yet to abate, President Buhari is busy announcing his plans to return to Benue to seek for another round of votes. This shows clinically that Mr. President is truly not aware that Nigerians have since abandoned him in his state of unawareness.
“Nigerians can no longer bear with a government that cannot give directives to officials and monitor them through; a government that is so inept that it lacks the elementary proficiencies to initiate and implement effective policies and programmes for national cohesion and development; a government that lacks the basic skills to internationally engage and run a virile economy,” the PDP added.
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), through its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed, has called on Nigerians to be unanimous in sending the ruling party out of Aso Rock, declaring the All Progressives Congress as the common enemy of Nigeria.
Mohammed told newsmen in Minna last Monday that the pains being experienced by Nigerians are inflicted by the ruling party.
The SDP, therefore, called on all Nigerians to resolve to sack APC from government at all levels so that Nigeria will return to the good old days.
Accordingly, Mohammed said: “The things that made Nigerians to be disillusioned with the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government are repeating themselves in greater dimension, herdsmen are more dangerous than Boko Haram, epileptic power supply, we now experience widespread poverty.”
Mohammed. who was in Minna to set up some committees to pilot the affairs of the Niger State SDP, said Nigerians should now brace up to send away the common enemy, stressing: “Poverty does not know tribe or religion.
“Life is becoming unbearable for Nigerians.
“Therefore, Nigerians must join the SDP to install a credible government come 2019, because we are now the emerging first force in the political calculation of Nigeria.
“The emerging first force is a mass movement of Nigerians symbolised by the SDP.”
Mohammed said more and more Nigerians who cut across ethnic, religious and political divide have been joining the party virtually on daily basis, assuring: “Our doors will not be closed to anybody.”
He confirmed the zoning of some positions within the party hierarchy, adding that a non- elective convention will hold on April 14.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene