Tinubu Appoints New Service Chiefs After Sacking Gen. Musa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday announced new appointments in the Nigerian Armed Forces following the dismissal of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Chief of Defence Staff.
A statement issued by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, confirmed that Musa was replaced by Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, formerly the Chief of Army Staff. Other newly appointed service chiefs include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
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Obasanjo Reveals Why He Rejected El-Rufai as Successor in 2007
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he declined a proposal to support former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his successor in 2007.
Obasanjo made this revelation during the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday.
The former president did not give further details on why he refused the suggestion but emphasized that leadership choices should prioritize national unity and stability.
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FCT Approves N1.74bn for 12 New Ambulances to Boost Emergency Response
The Mandate Secretary of Health, Human and Environment Services, Adedolapo Fasawe, has announced that the Federal Capital Territory Executive Council has approved a contract worth N1.74 billion for the purchase of 12 new emergency ambulances.
Fasawe disclosed this after a council meeting at the FCT Minister’s residence, noting that the move is aimed at strengthening emergency medical response services across the capital.
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Court Warns Kanu to Use Opportunity to Defend Himself in Terrorism Trial
A Federal High Court in Abuja has cautioned Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to take advantage of the opportunity granted to him to conduct his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him.
Justice James Omotosho issued the warning on Friday while adjourning further hearing in the case to October 27, stating that failure to do so could prompt the court to make necessary orders.
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Wike Warns PDP Governors Against Excluding Him from Party Decisions
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors against sidelining him in major party deliberations.
Speaking during a live media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike warned that such exclusion could lead to the party’s downfall, emphasizing his long-standing contribution to the PDP’s survival.
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ADC Challenges Tinubu to Explain Sudden Change in Military Leadership
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to clarify the reasons behind what it described as the “sudden and rather abrupt” replacement of Nigeria’s service chiefs.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that the reshuffle came shortly after rumours of a coup plot, raising public suspicion.
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Former Bishop of Oyo, Julius Adelakun, Dies at 91
Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Julius Adelakun, has died at the age of 91.
A statement on Saturday by the Bishop of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, confirmed that Adelakun passed away on Friday.
Adelakun served as Bishop of Oyo for 36 years, from April 13, 1973, until his retirement on November 4, 2009.
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Katsina Governor Radda Appoints New Officials for State Agencies
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has approved the appointment of key officials to head critical agencies in the state.
Among the appointees is Abba Junaidu, who was named Chairman of the Katsina State Road Maintenance Agency.
This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Mohamed, on Friday.
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Six Corps Members Sue Anambra Government for N1bn Over Alleged Assault, Detention
Six members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have filed a N1 billion lawsuit against the Anambra State Government over alleged assault and unlawful detention by operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group.
The corps members — Jennifer Elohor, Greatness Oyeh, Eze Ikenna, Anighoro Godspower, Feyisara Amore, and Chimenum Wonodi — filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Awka.
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Niger Petrol Tanker Explosion Death Toll Rises to 45
Two more victims of the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State have died, bringing the death toll to 45.
Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Minna Office, Hussaini Isah, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
He added that 62 others are still receiving treatment for severe burns, attributing the accident to poor road conditions.
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Tinubu Explains Why He Replaced Service Chiefs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained that the recent changes in the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces were aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
In a statement shared via his X account on Friday, Tinubu said the move was part of ongoing reforms to ensure the armed forces serve “with renewed commitment and honour.”
He expressed appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs and urged their successors to discharge their duties with professionalism.
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Wike Says PDP Crisis Proves His Predictions Right
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, says ongoing crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) confirm his earlier warnings about the party’s instability.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja, Wike said: “There’s nothing I said that hasn’t come to pass. I told them things were being done wrongly, and we would regret it and that’s where we are today.”
He expressed concern over continued defections, describing them as “embarrassing” for the opposition party.
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ADC Demands Transparency from Tinubu on Service Chiefs’ Sack
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain the reasons behind the abrupt replacement of the country’s service chiefs.
In a Friday statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the change, coming after rumours of a coup attempt, “raises legitimate questions about transparency and accountability.”
The party urged the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with a clear explanation to maintain public confidence.
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PDP Governors Will Destroy the Party — Wike Warns
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may collapse if its governors continue to exclude other stakeholders from decision-making.
Speaking at a media chat in Abuja, Wike said, “Have I not said it before now that the way these governors are going, they will bury this party?”
He accused PDP governors of acting with impunity and ignoring his contributions to the party’s survival.
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Police Deny Fresh Charges Against Sowore, Clarify Court Incident
The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports that activist Omoyele Sowore was re-arrested on fresh charges after being granted bail on Friday.
Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that Sowore was not re-arrested but remanded pending fulfillment of his bail conditions.
He dismissed reports suggesting new charges, describing them as “procedurally incorrect and misleading.”
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Nigerians React to Tinubu’s Sack of Service Chiefs Amid Coup Rumour
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other service chiefs.
The move came just a week after reports surfaced that several military officers had been arrested for allegedly plotting a coup.
While some praised Tinubu for “acting decisively,” others claimed the sack might be linked to the alleged plot.
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Williams Uchemba Calls for Public Execution of Kidnappers
Nollywood actor, Williams Uchemba, has urged the Nigerian government to introduce public execution as punishment for convicted kidnappers.
In a video shared on Instagram on Friday, Uchemba said such action would deter others from engaging in the crime.
He cited China as an example, noting that “capital punishment for kidnapping and corruption there has drastically reduced the crime rate.”
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Kiddwaya Declares He’s Not Interested in Working
Reality TV star, Kiddwaya, has revealed that he has no interest in pursuing a career, saying he prefers to enjoy life as the son of a wealthy man.
Speaking on the Off the Record podcast, the 32-year-old said, “What I do for a living is wake up, decide where I want to go, and party with my friends.”
He, however, added that he still “works hard to maintain his integrity and family’s reputation” despite living a luxury lifestyle.
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Super Falcons Defeat Benin to Edge Closer to WAFCON Qualification
Nigeria’s Super Falcons took a major step toward qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after beating Benin Republic 2-0 on Friday.
Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo secured victory for the nine-time African champions in the first-leg qualifier in Lomé, Togo.
The second leg will take place on October 28 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, where a draw would see Nigeria book its ticket to Morocco 2026.