GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Nigeria can think for itself, DHQ responds to Turkish envoy’s terrorism claim

The Defence Headquarters has stated that Nigeria remains an independent nation capable of making its own decisions, particularly on security and counterterrorism matters.

This follows recent comments by the Turkish government alleging that members of a group it designates as the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation are operating in Nigeria under the guise of educational and healthcare institutions.

Speaking at a dinner in Abuja on Tuesday to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day, the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, claimed that FETO still has an active presence in the country.

He said, “The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates… particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.”

Poroy added that Turkey continues to brief Nigeria on what it views as the group’s subversive activities and urged Nigerian authorities to remain “vigilant and cautious.”

However, in a response while briefing journalists on the military operations in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said the Defence Headquarters does not recognise the claims as official or verified.

“Information from the person you are talking about, as far as Defence Headquarters is concerned, is an unofficial announcement. Everybody is free to say whatever they want. There is freedom of information, “he said.

He noted that Nigeria cannot be swayed by external commentary or claims that do not align with its own intelligence and national interest.

“Nigeria is an independent sovereign nation that can think and act for itself,” Kangye said.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic and military relationships with several countries, Kangye cautioned against accepting unverified foreign narratives, especially those that may undermine national integrity or incite suspicion.

“We cannot take what other people are saying about Nigeria and accept it without our own independent assessment. Nigeria knows what it is, and the Nigerian military has its own code of conduct and operational guidelines,” he said.

Kangye also pointed to the rise of global propaganda and psychological operations, suggesting that foreign assertions could be part of broader strategic manoeuvres.

“There are propagandists all over the world. Psychological oppressions go on everywhere. That’s why we must be vigilant,” he added.

Kangye, however, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism on its own terms, guided by national priorities and internal intelligence.

He reiterated that while the country values its international allies, its security decisions will always reflect its status as a sovereign state.

Asue Ighodalo’s campaign director resigns from PDP

The Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, on Thursday, resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.

His resignation was contained in a letter dated July 17, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP, Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Andrew Esemuede.

Iduoriyekemwen cited recent developments within the party at both the state and national levels as the reason for his decision.

The letter read, “I am writing to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

“This is a painstaking decision for me, as the PDP has played a vital role in my political journey and personal development. For this, I remain deeply grateful and will always cherish the platform the party provided me.

“However, recent developments within the party—both at the state and national levels—have made it difficult for me to remain a member.

“The values and principles that once defined the PDP, as laid down by our founding fathers, appear to have been eroded. What we see today no longer aligns with the vision they had for a truly democratic, inclusive, and people-centred political party.”

He added that his decision was not driven by anger or haste, but by reflection and a commitment to his personal values.

“In view of this, I have decided to resign my membership of the party to enable me to concentrate fully on my family and business engagements.

“This is not a decision made out of anger or haste, but one rooted in deep reflection and a sincere desire to preserve my personal values and integrity.

“I sincerely thank the party leadership and all members of Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha LGA, for their love and support over the years. I wish the PDP well in its future endeavours.”

JUST IN: Dele Momodu dumps PDP for ADC, cites hijack by ‘antidemocratic forces’

Veteran journalist and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing what he described as the party’s hijack by “antidemocratic forces.”

Momodu’s resignation was contained in a letter dated July 17, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of PDP Ward 4 in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.

In the letter, Momodu stated that his decision takes “immediate effect,” describing it as a necessary step to uphold democratic principles.

“My reason is simple and straightforward. Our party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight,” the letter read.

The media mogul further described the PDP as a “carcass” in the hands of those he accused of undermining internal democracy, stressing that it was honourable for him to exit the party at this point.

“It is, therefore, honourable to abandon the carcass of the party to them while the majority of us earnestly sign up with the new coalition party known as the African Democratic Congress,” he declared.

Momodu, who contested the PDP presidential ticket in the 2023 general elections, expressed gratitude to party members who supported him during his stay.

“I will forever treasure the kind support you gave me at all times,” he added.

The development comes amid a wave of defections rocking the PDP in recent months, as some party members and leaders complain about alleged imposition and lack of internal democracy.

Zamfara gov disburses ₦322m to support 8,225 schoolgirl

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has launched a conditional cash transfer programme benefiting 8,225 secondary school girls across the state’s 14 local government areas.

The official rollout ceremony held on Wednesday in Gusau, the state capital was held under the state’s partnership with the ACReSAL and AGILE projects.

This was disclosed in a Wednesday statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, who said the beneficiaries were drawn from the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged households.

According to him, each girl is to receive ₦40,000 to support her education, with additional tranches of ₦10,000 each for the second and third terms, bringing the total to ₦60,000 per academic session.

“A total sum of ₦322 million has been approved for the first batch,” the statement noted, adding that arrangements were in progress for the disbursement to the second batch of beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, Lawal said the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader agenda focused on education, social protection, and inclusive development.

“We are committed to tackling and overcoming all barriers, whether economic, infrastructural or social, that prevent our daughters from accessing and completing their education.

“When you educate a girl, you educate a village because these educated girls grow into empowered women who uplift their families, strengthen communities and drive progress in our state,” the governor said.

Beyond the education-focused grants, the governor also flagged off the disbursement of the Community Revolving Fund under the ACReSAL project to 500 beneficiaries in Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda.

He said, “Under the ACReSAL project, we disburse the Community Revolving Fund to 500 beneficiaries in Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda.

“The fund aims to support grassroots environmental and economic initiatives, reflecting our commitment to combating land degradation, promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing livelihoods in the face of climate challenge.

“Our communities face hardships like women building small businesses, youths seeking opportunities and rural households accessing basic services.

“The Community Revolving Fund offers sustainable funding to support development, marking a shift towards resilience and accountability.

“I urge beneficiaries to use resources wisely and transparently, ensuring trust results in visible, measurable outcomes.

“The disbursement will keep circulating within communities, benefiting more people over time.

“Through proper use and repayment, this initiative will exemplify financial inclusion, local resilience, and sustainability accountability.”

Lawal also commended the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, and Education, Science and Technology, as well as technical partners, for their role in implementing the initiatives.

“Let me reassure the good people of Zamfara State that this administration will continue to pursue policies and programmes that deliver meaningful impact, especially at the grassroots.

“We remain committed to accountability, transparency, and service to our people.

“To the beneficiaries of these initiatives, remember that what you receive today is a seed.

“I urge you to nurture it, grow it and let it blossom into a tree of change for your families and your communities,” the governor added.

Ex-Super Eagles coach Monday Sinclair dies at 88

Former Super Eagles interim head coach, Monday Sinclair, is dead.

Sinclair died at the age of 88.

His death was confirmed on Wednesday by former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peterside Idah, who played under him at Sharks FC and considered him a mentor.

Peterside wrote in a tribute shared via Facebook on Wednesday, “Our daddy is gone. What a man.

“He signed me to play for Sharks. Gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna.

“The first day he saw me come to train with Sharks, he said, ‘My friend, are you a boxer?’

“He said I was built like Tyson. From that day, I found me a football father. I became very close to him and his family, with Puppa K as a very close brother.”

Sinclair, who featured for the Green Eagles in the 1960s, was widely respected for his sharp eye for talent and enduring contribution to football development in Nigeria.

He began his coaching career with the now-defunct Sharks FC of Rivers State, before going on to handle Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.

In 1997, he was appointed interim coach of the Super Eagles and later served as head coach of the Equatorial Guinea national team.

Sinclair was credited with mentoring some of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers, including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside himself.

His grassroots influence left an enduring legacy on Nigerian football.

His passing comes just days after the death of another football legend, Peter Rufai, who battled a long-term illness.

Atiku’s PDP resignation letter leaked – Spokesman

Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has said that the letter announcing his principal’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party was leaked.

Ibe stated this during an interview on Wednesday night on Arise News, while reacting to the controversy surrounding the timing of Atiku’s exit from the PDP, which coincided with the nation’s mourning of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was buried on Tuesday.

Ibe claimed that individuals opposed to Atiku’s political ambition, including some members within the PDP and their allies in the All Progressives Congres orchestrated the leak and not voluntarily released.

“We’re here because people who never wished His Excellency Atiku Abubakar well leaked a communication of his. Yes, it was leaked,” Ibe stated.

He further criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for commenting on the matter, accusing him of abandoning pressing aviation challenges.

“It’s unfortunate that the Minister of Aviation, who rather should be concerned with serious issues of aviation matters and there are plenty of them, like runways and better infrastructure, jumped into this fray as though knowing what caused an accident even before investigation,” Ibe said.

He insisted that the leak resulted from “rogue elements in the PDP working in cahoots with APC members,” stressing that the matter should not overshadow national reflection over Buhari’s death.

“Those who claim to know why he resigned, are they clairvoyants? I would rather say we speak on something else and not this particular issue, considering the fact that the nation is still in mourning and the memories of the late President, Muhammadu Buhari, who was just interred yesterday, are still fresh,” he said.

Atiku formally resigned from the PDP via a letter dated July 14, 2025, submitted to his local ward chairman in Adamawa State and shared publicly by his media aide on X.

In the letter, he cited “irreconcilable differences” and noted his disappointment with the party’s current trajectory, which he believes has strayed from its founding principles.

FG dismisses Turkish claim of new terror group in Nigeria

The Federal Government on Wednesday said that there is no new terror group in the country.

This comes on the heels of a warning by the Turkish government that members of a terrorist group known as the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation operate in Nigeria, as well as in other countries around the world.

The Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, also claimed that the group was using schools and health services as a cover for its operations in the country.

Poroy disclosed this on Tuesday night in Abuja at a dinner organised by the Turkish Embassy to mark the country’s Democracy and National Unity Day.

“The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates.

“Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation still maintains its activities in Nigeria, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.

“We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organisation, and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious,” Poroy said.

However, speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, urged Nigerians not to panic, stating that no new terrorist group existed in the country.

“There is no new terrorist group in Nigeria.

There’s no need to panic,” he said.

FETO is allegedly affiliated with the late Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who died in 2024 at the age of 83 years.

Once an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Gulen was later accused of orchestrating a coup attempt in Turkey in 2016.

Gulen, who operated a global network of schools, charities, and organisations, was convicted in absentia of attempting to overthrow the Turkish state.

Though he denied the allegations, the Erdogan-led government classified his network as a terrorist organisation.

While Gulen-affiliated institutions reportedly exist in over 160 countries, including Nigeria, there has been no public evidence or official acknowledgement linking them to terrorist activities within Nigerian territory.

UK annual inflation jumps unexpectedly in June

British inflation jumped unexpectedly to an 18-month high in June, official data showed Wednesday, heaping more pressure on the government and the UK economy.

The Consumer Prices Index increased to 3.6 per cent last month compared with an annual inflation rate of 3.4 per cent in May as motor fuel and food prices stayed high, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.

June’s level was the highest since January 2024, according to the ONS, while most analysts had forecast no change.

The inflation update follows recent official data showing Britain’s economy unexpectedly contracted for a second month running in May, placing more strain on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the UK government as it faces uncertainty caused by US tariffs.

“Inflation ticked up in June driven mainly by motor fuel prices which fell only slightly, compared with a much larger decrease at this time last year,” ONS acting chief economist Richard Heys said in a statement.

“Food price inflation has increased for the third month to its highest annual rate since February 2024,” he added.

In response, finance minister Rachel Reeves said “there is more to do” to help Britons “struggling with the cost of living”.

Analysts said that despite the rise in inflation, the Bank of England could still cut its key interest rate next month as the UK economy struggles to expand.

“The unexpected rise in CPI inflation… may not prevent the Bank of England from cutting interest rates by 25 basis points in August,” said Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics research group.

“But it will add to the pressure on the Bank to continue to cut rates at a gradual pace,” she added.

AFP

Buhari’s daughter mourns late father

Noor, daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday shared an emotional farewell mourning her late father.

The elder statesman passed away on Saturday, July 13, at the age of 82 in a London clinic, prompting an avalanche of tributes from political leaders, religious figures, and ordinary Nigerians who revered his legacy.

Joining the chorus of mourning voices, Noor took to Instagram on Monday, July 14, to express her sorrow in a moving story post that struck a chord with many.

“I’m heartbroken that we won’t get to share the moments and experiences I had planned for us,” she wrote.

“I’ll always carry your memory with me. I pray that you’re granted the highest place in Jannah, and your soul rests in eternal peace, Daddy.”

Her tribute has resonated widely, adding a deeply personal dimension to the public mourning of the late Nigerian leader, whose life was marked by military service, civilian leadership, and a controversial but impactful legacy.

In Bauchi, a three-day prayer session was held by an Islamic school in honour of the late president, a reflection of the reverence he still commands in the northern region and beyond.

Final flight: How Buhari’s body was flown in aircraft cabin

Contrary to the usual practice of placing caskets in an aircraft’s cargo hold, the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari was flown to Nigeria in the main cabin of a Nigerian Air Force jet.

The decision, it was gathered, followed the discovery that the casket could not fit into the aircraft’s cargo compartment.

Rather than resorting to the use of a body bag that would fit into the hold, handlers resolved to transport the casket in the aircraft’s cabin.

To make this possible, the front seats in the cabin were collapsed and tables unfolded to create a bed-like platform where the casket could be securely and respectfully laid.

A source said, “You would have noticed that the remains of the former President were not in the cargo hold, as is the standard procedure, but in the main cabin.

“The corpse was brought in a casket draped with the Nigerian flag. However, it could not fit into the aircraft’s hold, which isn’t designed for such items, and the British airport authorities wouldn’t budge due to safety concerns.

“So, to avoid using a body bag, it took considerable time and persuasion to properly wrap the remains and drape them in the national flag. The front seats were then collapsed and the tables unfolded to create a bed-like space for the remains to be tied down.”

As a mark of honour, a joint team of nine senior military officials served as pallbearers, laying the flag-draped casket on a trolley.

The team, coordinated by Maj Gen Mike Alechenu, included Maj Gen Mohammed Usman, Maj Gen Oluwafemi Williams, Maj Gen Shuaibu Nuhu, Rear Adm Suleiman Dahun, Rear Adm Jonathan Ajodo, Rear Adm Samuel Ngatuwa, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sanni, and Air Vice Marshal Obinna Obiabaka.

In a slow march synchronised with the hymn, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” the pallbearers wheeled the casket through a full military guard of honour comprising six officers and 96 soldiers drawn from the Nigerian Armed Forces.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other dignitaries walked behind the trolley in a solemn procession.

The pallbearers then conveyed the casket into a waiting military hearse for the one-hour trip to Daura, where funeral prayers and interment took place.

The state funeral featured full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.

Earlier, Tinubu, accompanied by Vice President Shettima, received the casket at the foot of the aircraft.

Also present were President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau; Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine; former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou; and Buhari’s immediate past Vice President, Prof Osinbajo.

Tinubu had arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, at 1:42 pm, and inspected a guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force jet conveying Buhari’s remains landed at exactly 1:51 pm.

A large crowd flooded Daura to pay their last respects, with many youths seen climbing trees for a glimpse of Buhari as he was laid to rest at his residence.