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Catholic, Anglican Bishops Call For Buhari’s Resignation
The Bishop, Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, Timothy Yahaya and the Bishop of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, Matthew Manoso Ndagoso, have called for President MuhammaduBuhari’s resignation over raging insecurity in the country.
The call was contained in their separate Easter messages to the nation, where Yahaya said the right thing to do by a leader who could not deliver was to bow out of office.
“There is hope for Nigeria as a nation,” he said.
Similarly, Ndagoso said it was hard to disagree with the Northern elders’ position on the need for Buhari to resign from office over killings in the country.
He said the only thing the people got each time Nigerians are killed, maimed and abducted, were empty assurances and reassurances of security by political leaders.
“My Easter message is that there is hope for every individual in this country, there is hope for Nigeria as a nation. I know what we are going through, it is a dangerous and perilous time. But I tell you the only tonic of tomorrow is hope.
“I don’t want to join issues with the Northern elders because I am not a politician. But the truth about leadership is that there is morality in leadership. If you cannot deliver as a leader in a civilised clime, the right thing and best thing to do is to bow out.”
“But what gives me concern seriously is that I am not sure if the president knows that his name is going down in history as the president that is supervising the killing of his people, as a President who is the petroleum minister, today in Kaduna we don’t have petrol for how many months. As the president who is supervising the nation, ASUU have closed down universities, the future generation is bleak.
“As a president who supervises where you hear billions of naira being budgeted and you don’t see anything verifiable for it.
“So, for me I am not talking as a politician, am talking as a citizen of this nation, I am talking with the voices of the masses, I talk with the reality on the ground.
“I don’t know, those of you around Mr. President, all you want to do is to rub his name from the glory of the future. I hope it is not the best thing you are doing because I don’t know if they are shielding you from information.
“Look at the railway attack, our brothers and sisters are in captivity. And we are not hearing from Mr. President himself. The spokesman can speak for the president that the citizens of this country are in the hands of terrorists. Mr. President should sit up. Even if somebody is speaking for him, he is telling lies. In other clime, the president will not sleep, and heads will roll because somebody is responsible for the laxity that led to this train attack.
“For me, Mr. President needs to do an x-ray of his leadership in the past seven years because by next month he will be seven years fully on the saddle. Has he done very well? How much was Dollar when you took over power? How much was petrol when you took over power? How was insecurity when you took over power? Where was education when you took over power? Where was the name of Nigeria when you took over power? Today we hear money being budgeted for a Turnaround Maintenance of refineries, where are the refineries? And how do you want me to believe that corruption is being fought in Nigeria?”.
Commenting on the state pardon granted former governors of Taraba and Plateau states, Jolly Nyame and Joshua Dariye, respectively, the Anglican bishop said, “Like Femi Falana said, somebody stole Indomie and you sent him to six months imprisonment and somebody stole billions of naira you set him free.
“Therefore, let’s go to our Prisons and begin to apologise to the prisoners. You cannot set free those who stole patrimony of the people and sent to prison to languish; those who stole N5,000or N100,000 in this country. Are you telling me that what is good for the Goose is not good for the gander? Are you telling me that it is animal farm that we have as Nigeria?
“As far I am concerned, I have said it before, Nigeria is at war, soldiers are being killed, citizens are being killed. If you take the statistics of the number of soldiers and police that are being killed you will know that Nigeria is at war. Infrastructures are being attacked and vandalised.
“There should be national emergency to recall ex-servicemen and recruit young men to fight insurgents if possible because desperate time needs desperate measure. Begin to train young people in all the 36 states. In a state where we have less 50,000 soldiers we are not ready for this war. Also technology should be deployed. This is war; it is a very serious war. The fact that they were able to attack the airport, the train, I hope the Villa is safe”.
Catholic Bishop Ndagoso said “given where we are right now in terms of insecurity and the government’s handling of the situation thus far, it is hard for one to disagree with BulamaBukarti’s assertion that, the Buhari government is incompetent, inept and careless”, and the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) that “his leadership has proved spectacularly incapable of providing security over Nigerians.
“Our predicament, today, especially in the North-West region of our country and particularly in Kaduna State is akin to that of the two runaway disciples with high hope prior to 2015 that someone will rescue us from the grip of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, cattle rustlers, marauding herders and such like.
“All we get are empty assurances and reassurances of security by our political leaders each time scores of Nigerians are killed, maimed and abducted as witnessed recently in the mass killings and abductions in Agunu, Kagoro, KoronTsohuwa area, attacks on Kaduna International Airport, the Abuja-Kaduna-bound train that led to the killing of eight people, injury of scores and the abduction of more than 150, the killings of our gallant soldiers and vigilantes in the notorious BirninGwari axis and most recently the Plateau, Benue and Taraba mass killings have left most Nigerians with little or no trust and confidence in those charged with the constitutional responsibility of securing their lives and property.
“To say the least, the seeming incompetence and the lack of political will to face the ever increasing insecurity head-on has left most Nigerians in a state of quandary to the extent that some members of the National Assembly and other well respected individual Nigerians are publicly calling on the citizens to bear arms in order to defend themselves. Do we need any further signs of a failed state? Your guess is as good as mine”.
Rivers State Government has taken a step toward improving urban aesthetics in the State with a new agreement reached with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) on the adoption of uniform fence colours across designated auto dealership zones.
The initiative, which is part of broader urban renewal efforts, aimed at enhancing visual orderliness and creating a more structured business environment within the state’s growing commercial corridors.
The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon Amairigha Edward Hart, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with leaders of the motor dealers’ association at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.
Hart explained that the move aligns with the government’s commitment to building a modern and visually appealing city that reflects planning standards and coordinated development.
According to him, the ministry has approved a white and blue colour scheme proposed by the association, noting that the choice resonates with the identity and official colours of Rivers State.
He stated that AMDON is expected to submit detailed design specifications to guide implementation and ensure uniformity across all approved dealership locations.
The commissioner commended the leadership of the association for demonstrating cooperation and readiness to support government policies aimed at improving the built environment.
He noted that such collaboration between the public and private sectors remains critical to achieving sustainable urban development goals.
Earlier in his remarks, AMDON Chairman, Christian Okolie, confirmed that members of the association had collectively agreed to adopt white and navy blue as the standard colours for fencing around their business premises.
Okolie explained that the uniform colour scheme would not only enhance visibility but also make it easier for customers and visitors to identify auto dealerships within designated areas.
He added that while the standardization would create a consistent outlook, individual businesses would still retain their unique brand identities and signage.
Describing the engagement with the ministry as productive, the AMDON chairman said the agreement represents a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the government and operators in the sector.
He stressed that the decision underscores the association’s commitment to promoting orderliness and supporting policies that foster a conducive business environment.
Implementation of the new colour scheme is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative will contribute to a more organised and visually cohesive urban landscape in the State.
By: King Onunwor
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term to enable him continue the implementation of his “bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development” of the country.
Fubara gave the charge last Thursday while declaring open a meeting of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He described President Tinubu as a “dedicated and highly patriotic” leader, who should be given a second chance, stressing that with him in the saddle, Nigerians should be rest assured that the nation is in safe hands.
He recalled the various achievements of the Tinubu administration in the last three years and projected that a lot more will be achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda, if Tinubu is re-elected in 2027.
“We are all witnesses to the transformation of our battered economy and the ongoing infrastructural revolution, including the remarkable coastal road project in the southern and other parts of the country in just three years.
“Although challenges remain in certain regions, we all trust in Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and dedication to safeguarding our nation, transforming the economy and delivering equitable development to all regions.
“In football, the saying goes that no coach changes a winning team. Therefore, Nigerians have no choice but to support President Tinubu at this crucial time and work together to re-elect him in 2027 to continue implementing his bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development of our nation,” he said.
Welcoming the royal fathers to the meeting, Fubara said their presence in Port Harcourt was a testament to the fact that Rivers State is very peaceful and ready to host high profile visits, meetings and events as well as a confirmation of the unity of the people of Southern Nigeria.
“Although we are ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse to some extent, the beauty lies in the fact that we are all committed to being part and parcel or an ever- indivisible Nigeria, despite our differences. As a region, we have a duty to build our future together and promote the collective interests of our people for a better life which we can achieve more rapidly through collaboration with the Federal Government.
“Similarly, southern cooperation and solidarity will offer a clearer and more practical pathway for sharing knowledge and ideas, working together to realise the common goals and aspirations of our people for sustainable peace, security, and development,” he said.
The governor who acknowledged the strategic position of the traditional rulers in Nigeria, stated that by being the closest to the grassroots, they serve as a link between the people and the government, wielding capacities and influence that extend beyond their ceremonial roles.
He commended their commitment to peace and progress of southern Nigeria and urged them to stay vigilant and focused on pursuing their cultural, economic and political goals for the region and its people.
Fubara further charged the traditional rulers to dwell on productive discussions that will foster peace, security and progress in Southern Nigeria and the country at large.
The meeting which had in attendance traditional rulers from the South -South, South-East and South-West zones of Nigeria, was billed to discuss the roles of traditional institutions in promoting unity peace, cohesion and development across Southern Nigeria.
Among the royal fathers present at the meeting were the Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Co- Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council and Obi Obinugwu, His Majesty Eze Cletus Ilomuanya; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; and the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, the Eze Oha Apara IV and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, amongst others.
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has been named Social Impact Man of the Year 2025 by Daily Independent Newspapers.
The award was presented at the Independent Awards 2025 Silver Jubilee Edition held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary of editorial excellence.
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers, Steve Omanufeme, said the award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and transformative impact in their respective fields. He explained that recipients emerged through a rigorous process involving public voting, editorial board scrutiny, and assessment by a panel of judges.
Omanufeme noted that Zabbey’s selection reflects his outstanding contributions to environmental restoration and community development in Ogoniland through the Ogoni cleanup project.
With over two decades of experience spanning research, advocacy, capacity development, and administration, Zabbey has, within three years of leading HYPREP, implemented people-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Under his leadership, the project has reportedly created more than 7,000 direct jobs and facilitated the training of thousands of youths and women in high-demand skills, including mechatronics, cybersecurity, commercial diving, underwater welding, and data analytics.
HYPREP has also trained over 5,000 beneficiaries across 21 vocational skill areas, providing start-up kits to support entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
In the area of environmental sustainability, the agency has established 31 environmental clubs in secondary schools and trained 2,500 youths with International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification to support shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration efforts.
The project has recorded significant ecological milestones, including the cleanup of over 1,000 hectares of shoreline and restoration of 560 hectares of mangroves. This progress contributed to the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as a Ramsar Site of international importance.
Beyond environmental remediation, HYPREP has expanded its social intervention programmes to include educational grants and scholarships for over 1,000 students, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and skills training for persons living with special needs.
Infrastructure and healthcare development have also featured prominently, with ongoing projects such as the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, a Cottage Hospital, the Ogoni Power Project, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration. The agency has further strengthened emergency healthcare delivery by donating five ambulances to medical facilities in the region.
Additionally, potable water has been provided to more than 40 communities, alongside the construction of wind-powered water systems in underserved areas.
Speaking on the award, Zabbey described it as a validation of HYPREP’s integrated approach to environmental restoration, healthcare improvement, and economic empowerment.
“We remain committed to delivering a cleanup that not only restores the environment but also improves livelihoods in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
HYPREP, in a statement, expressed appreciation to the management of Independent Newspapers for the recognition, the Federal Ministry of Environment for its oversight role, and the Ogoni communities for their continued support and collaboration.
The agency was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and restore areas impacted by oil pollution.
By: Donatus Ebi
