Metro
Abuja Council Chair Tasks Traditional Rulers on Peace, Stability in Their Domains
Blessing Bature-Akpakpan, Abuja
Following heightened tension and campaign of calumny in FCT communities as a result of next month’s council election in the territory, the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon.
Abdullahi Adamu Candido, has warned traditional rulers within the area council not to allow their communities to be used for political crises before, during and after the area council elections.He gave the warning during a town hall meeting with traditional rulers of different communities in AMAC, stakeholders, candidates in the AMAC 2022 election, and other officials.
He expressed sadness at the campaign of calumny adopted by different political parties in the election, citing recent examples in Kabusa Ward, even as he warned that traditional rulers will be held responsible for any political violence in their domains.Candido said, “No traditional ruler should allow his community to become a breeding ground for political crisis. Government will not take it lightly with any traditional ruler that allows political violence in his domain. Government is interested in peaceful conduct of elections, especially the AMAC elections taking place next month. As part of my transition programme, we will continue to preach peace and even go beyond it.
“This meeting is supposed to be held next week, but for an ugly incident that occurred at Kite Community in Kabusa Ward, where a political party went to campaign for the elections coming up next month, but ended up being attacked by certain elements in the community. Fortunately, the situation was brought under control as a result of wise counsels. The Kite incident is the reason for this tripartite meeting between the council, candidates in the election and traditional rulers.”
Speaking further, he said, “We don’t want a repeat of the ugly incident anywhere in AMAC. Even the FCT minister has warned against political violence in AMAC, so I will just be repeating what he said. As traditional rulers, you are the custodian of the culture and responsible for the people in your domain. Polling units are not found in the sky, but in localities overseen by traditional rulers, hence the need for peace and stability in all the 12 wards of AMAC.”
He urged them not to underrate or undermine any political party or candidate in the AMAC elections, saying that anybody can become Chairman tomorrow, so don’t write off anybody or block the gate of your community for any candidate or party coming to canvas for votes in your community. Let whatever happened in the past stay in the past. AMAC should be a reference point for peaceful elections and positive things.
The Esu of Jikwoyi, Jetta Bawa, commended the AMAC Chairman, revealing that he was impressed by the transformation of the council and achievements recorded by the present administration, even as he said his community is open and ready to welcome any candidate coming to campaign in his domain.
Metro
Eid-el-Kabir: Let’s Embrace Peace – Fintiri
Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, has called on the people of Adamawa to rededicate themselves to making the state a model of peace and harmonious living.
As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir Sallah, the Governor said peace and harmony are necessary to enjoy the blessings of Allah, which he said abound in Adamawa.
“First, I use this opportunity to wish all Muslims a happy Sallah, and all Nigerians peace.
But whatever we want for ourselves lies in our hands to achieve, especially as we approach an election year,” Governor Fintiri said.He noted that Nigerians must rescue the country from the vices threatening to pull it down. He added that the period offers the people another opportunity to submit completely to the will of Allah.
“We must renew our interaction with our fellow human beings and, most essentially, our duties to Allah. We must, therefore, reflect more on the reason for our creation and make moves to be closer to Allah,” he said.
While wishing the residents of the state and all Nigerians an exciting celebration during this occasion of piety and sacrifice, the Governor also urged leaders and followers to hold fast to the tenets of hope, sacrifice, and restoration, as epitomized in the central message of Eid-el-Kabir.
Fintiri said God has been good to the country by preserving peace despite aggressions and vexed issues. Despite unwanted developments, he said Nigerians must remain grateful.
“You must remain grateful for many things—peace, love, and well-being. And so long as there is hope, yesterday’s challenges can become history about how we turned things around,” he said.
“Those things should never overcome us. Being alive means there is a possibility to learn from yesterday, improve upon today, and turn around tomorrow. Builders look to tomorrow, and we must be builders in our minds.”
The Governor, who said his administration’s desire is to build tomorrow today, urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their endeavours and prove wrong the cynics who think the country will sink.
Barka Da Sallah!
Metro
Eid-el-Kabir: Hope Lies Ahead Hard Times, says Tinubu
By David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday declared that the sacrifices Nigerians have endured under his administration’s economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results, even as security agencies across the country rolled out massive deployments to ensure peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
In a personally signed Sallah message, Tinubu said the difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by his administration over the past three years had stabilised the economy, improved investor confidence, and laid the foundation for job creation and economic growth.
Drawing lessons from Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, the President urged Nigerians to embrace unity, compassion, and selflessness.
“As a nation, we are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal. The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations,” Tinubu stated.
He added: “The sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth. The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.”
While acknowledging persistent security threats, including killings and kidnappings by terrorists and bandits, Tinubu reassured citizens that his administration remained determined to defeat criminal elements.
He referenced the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader and urged Nigerians to pray for peace and national unity, warning that criminals must either abandon their evil ways or face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, security agencies nationwide announced heightened security operations ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
In Lagos and Ogun states, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, assured residents of watertight security arrangements, directing Commissioners of Police to intensify visibility policing, patrols, intelligence gathering, and traffic management.
In Edo State, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika said no fewer than 6,000 police personnel had been deployed across prayer grounds, highways, markets, motor parks, and recreational centres to forestall criminal activities during the celebrations.
Similarly, Delta State Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi ordered massive deployment of officers drawn from tactical units, area commands, and divisions, with support from the military, DSS, NSCDC, and FRSC to secure the state throughout the festive period.
Kaduna State Police Command also announced strategic deployment of personnel and operational assets to Eid grounds, highways, and public spaces, while bomb disposal experts were directed to sweep prayer grounds and crowded areas.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the police command activated a joint security operation code-named “Operation Sweep FCT” involving the military, DSS, NSCDC, Immigration Service, and FRSC.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said the operation would include continuous patrols, intelligence-led raids, and explosive ordnance sweeps at worship and recreational centres.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Plateau State said it had deployed 1,820 personnel across all 17 local government areas to protect lives, critical infrastructure, and worship centres during the Sallah festivities.
Also in Osun State, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan said security personnel had been stationed at entry and exit points, highways, prayer grounds, parks, and recreational centres to prevent criminal infiltration and ensure peaceful celebrations.
Across the country, security agencies urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement authorities, and promptly report suspicious activities, while reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding lives and property throughout the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Metro
Makarfi Urges Unity, Sacrifice, Prayers for Nigeria in Eid-el-Adha Message
By David Torough, Abuja
Former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has called on Nigerians to embrace the values of sacrifice, peace, unity and obedience to God as Muslims across the country prepare to celebrate Eid-el-Adha 1447 AH.
In a goodwill message issued on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Senator Makarfi congratulated the Nigerian Muslim community and all citizens for witnessing another Eid-el-Adha celebration, describing the occasion as a period for spiritual reflection and renewed commitment to the teachings of Islam.
The former senator stressed the importance of learning from the example of Prophet Ibrahim, whose willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah remains central to the significance of Eid-el-Adha.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of devotion, faith and submission to the will of God.
Makarfi also called on citizens to use the festive period to reflect on the state of the nation and pray for divine intervention amid the country’s challenges.
According to him, Nigerians must deliberately work towards harnessing the positive aspects of the nation’s diversity in order to achieve peace, development and prosperity.
He noted that Nigeria’s diverse human and natural resources should serve as a source of strength and unity, adding that peaceful coexistence and mutual support remain essential for national progress.
The former governor further prayed that the spirit of sacrifice, love and peace associated with Eid-el-Adha would strengthen national unity and bring hope, security and prosperity to Nigerians.
He also congratulated Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj, urging them to pray for the country’s continued peace, security and development while in the holy land.
Makarfi wished the pilgrims a successful and spiritually rewarding Hajj exercise as well as a safe return home.
He concluded his message by wishing Muslims across Nigeria a happy Eid celebration, saying, “Eid Mubarak.”


