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Declare Fulani Militia, Miyetti Allah Terrorist Groups, HURIWA Tells Buhari
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has again accused the government of President Muhammadu Buhari of waging war against self-determination agitators from Southern Nigeria.
HURIWA noted that Buhari has refused stubbornly to declare armed herdsmen and armed Fulani militia, including Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), which backs mass killings of farmers by armed Fulani herdsmen as terrorist groups.
HURIWA said the selective arrests of mainly Southern Nigerian-born agitators whilst pampering and petting terrorists is at variance to Chapter 4, Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which represents the right to freedom from discrimination.
“President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has clearly demonstrated to the world that it is only out to stop crusaders in Southern Nigeria who have effectively activated mechanisms for checking and slowing down the incessant violence and terror attacks against communities all over Southern Nigeria by armed Fulani militia supported by Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
“The administration of Buhari has by fiercely going after Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu, and then, maintaining unpatriotic and active conspiratorial silence on the dastardly terrorist activities of Buhari’s kinsmen, the armed Fulani attackers and kidnappers, including those who shot down a military jet in Zamfara State, together with its refusal to ease out the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Ibrahim Pantami, has shown that it supports the activities of Fulani militants masquerading as Fulani herdsmen,” HURIWA said.
HURIWA said by the arrest of Igboho, President Buhari has shown his support for the agenda of Miyetti Allah, a group that recently accused the South-West governors of providing refuge for Sunday Igboho even when the gentleman has committed no crime.
HURIWA maintained that the arrest of Igboho is illegal and unconstitutional judging by the fact that his being declared a wanted person in the first instance was a nullity.
The rights group pointed out that Igboho was only staying away for his safety to avoid being killed by government security agencies.
Recall that some personal assistants to the activist were murdered by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), when they attacked his home in Ibadan, Oyo State.
HURIWA’s statement was signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and Zainab Yusuf, its National Secretary.
Earlier, Igboho was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, last Monday night and the Federal Government is currently making moves to repatriate him back to Nigeria.
“We think Mr. Sunday Igboho is a prisoner of conscience just like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who was illegally abducted in Kenya and repatriated to Nigeria,” HURIWA said.
“Nigerians should ask the President to declare Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and the armed Fulani attackers bombarding all parts of Nigeria as terrorist groups,” HURIWA said, adding that failure of the President to do immediately will clearly indicate that he (Buhari) is supporting the agenda of these Fulani terrorists to destabilise Nigeria.
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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