News
Boko Haram Denies Talks With FG …Disowns Saudi Arabia Mediators
Nigerian Islamist sect, Boko Haram, yesterday ruled out
holding peace talks with the Federal Government and threatened to strike media
houses it said fight the group “with the pen”.
The local press, and at least, two foreign news
organizations, have reported that talks are going on between the government and
the militants who have been staging an insurgency against it, citing unnamed
sources.
Information Minister, Labaran Maku, declined comments on
Wednesday on the talks, citing government’s instructions not to discuss the
issue.
Since launching an insurgency against the government in 2009
with the avowed aim of turning all or part of religiously-mixed Nigeria into an
Islamic state, Boko Haram has killed hundreds of people in near daily gun and
bomb attacks.
“We are telling the government to understand that if it is
not ready to embrace Sharia (Islamic law) and the Koran as the guiding book
from which the laws of the land derive, there shall be no peace,” the sect’s
spokesman, Abu Qaqa said in a written statement in the Borno State capital,
Maiduguri, the heart of the rebellion.
Boko Haram has replaced militancy in the creeks of the
oil-producing Niger Delta as the biggest security threat to Nigeria, Africa’s
top energy producer.
A flurry of efforts to start talks followed accusations
early this year that President Goodluck Jonathan was treating the crisis too
narrowly as a security issue.
But attempts at dialogue are complicated by Boko Haram’s
shadowy nature and the fact that there sometimes appears to be more than one
faction.
The main one, led by Abubakar Shekau, has never shown any
overt interest in dialogue.
Qaqa also threatened media houses, recalling the sect’s dual
bomb attack media houses in Abuja and Kaduna in April that killed five people.
“They should understand that for us there is no difference
between those fighting with arms and with the pen,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has confirmed that it is
in dialogue with Boko Haram, the militant Islamist group notorious for terror
attacks against Christians and others across the country’s restive north.
The dialogue began this month with a secret meeting between
Boko Haram’s deputy leader, Abu Mohammed, and Nigeria’s Vice President Namadi
Sambo, Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, and other top government officials. The
meeting was held in Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed confirmed the talks after they were first announced
by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, Wednesday.
“The government is willing to negotiate because of the
security challenges posed by the group who are attacking security formations,
universities, and other government formations,” said Mr. Maku.
“The government welcomes any initiative that will usher in
peace, security, and tranquility in the country, especially in the light of the
security challenges that we have faced in the last two years.”
This marks the second time the government and Boko Haram
have engaged in talks. The first dialogue broke off because the federal
government could not accept the mediators. This time, the announcement has been
met with optimism in the conflict-weary North.
“Virtually all people of the northern Nigeria are optimistic
with dialogue. These security challenges cause a lot of fear, loss of hope, and
anxiety among the people because the affected states were in serious
destruction by the Boko Haram,” says Abba Anwar, an analyst based in the
northern city of Kano.
“I pray and hope that
the Federal Government will look into their grievances and find out modalities
to address them for the interest of the teeming people who are suffering from
these security challenges.”
The group’s official name in Arabic translates to “People
Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad,” while its
common name means “Western education is a sin.” The group’s stated goal is to
overthrow Nigeria’s secular government and institute sharia law, at least in
the predominantly Muslim north.
In these talks, Boko Haram is seeking release of all their
members in detention, the rebuilding of mosques destroyed in the fighting, and
the prosecution of those who killed their former leader Mohammed Yusuf,
according to a source at the secret meeting who was not authorized to speak.
The Federal Government finds itself under mounting pressure
to show progress in shutting down the violent rebellion unleashed by Boko Haram
since 2009 that has left thousands dead. So far, the military efforts against
the group have done little to slow the killing spree.
While Boko Haram has attacked churches filled with
worshipers, Muslims have also been targeted by the group. Some celebrations of
the Muslim holiday of Eid were canceled in northern areas including Kano
because of the threat of Boko Haram attacks. At a mosque in Maiduguri, Muslims
attending Eid prayers were allowed near with just their prayer mats; vehicles
were directed to park 200 yards away from the praying ground due to fears of
bombing and attack by Boko Haram.
“Nigeria’s security [forces] are seriously worried with
these challenges, though we are succeeding in dealing with them. But our hope
is to dialogue with them Boko Haram because it’s like a guerrilla war, we are
fighting faceless people who at any time attack and kill our people,” says John
Shehu, a security official in Kano.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo