Gov Dauda Lawal Hosts Chief of Defence Staff, Reaffirms Commitment to Security in Zamfara

By Bashorun Oladapo Sofowora

Earlier today, Governor Dauda Lawal received the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Government House in Gusau during an official visit to Zamfara State.

The Chief of Defence Staff commended the Zamfara State Government for its consistent support to troops operating within the state, acknowledging the administration’s collaborative approach in addressing security challenges.

During the meeting, the Governor reiterated that security remains the foremost priority of his administration. He emphasized that without security, meaningful development and governance would have little impact on the lives of the people of Zamfara State.

The Governor stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the state government and the military in confronting insecurity and restoring lasting peace across affected communities. He noted that effective synergy between civil authorities and security agencies is critical to overcoming the menace threatening the state.

He further assured that his government remains fully committed to providing continued support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies to enhance their operational effectiveness and safeguard lives and property.

Party Discipline Must Not Be Mistaken for Victimisation, Aduwo Cautions Gbenga Daniel on Ogun APC Caucus Meeting Saga

The President of the Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI), Mr. Olufemi Aduwo, has described attempts to portray recent developments within the Ogun State chapter of the APC as evidence of exclusion or persecution as unconvincing and misleading.

According to Aduwo, such claims reflect a selective reading of events and a disregard for the operational realities of party organisation. He noted that the controversy surrounding Senator Gbenga Daniel and the APC caucus meeting in Ijebu-Ode has been overstated, stressing that what occurred was the routine enforcement of accreditation procedures, not any form of political conspiracy.

“No serious political organisation operates without rules governing access to its internal meetings. Accreditation is essential to order, security and institutional credibility. To present adherence to such procedures as victimisation is to fundamentally misread their purpose,” he stated.

Aduwo further observed that the APC in Ogun State, like any major political party, accommodates internal competition and disagreement, which do not amount to institutional breakdown but are inherent features of democratic politics.

He also referenced the 2023 electoral cycle, noting that allegations regarding Senator Daniel’s political alignment during the governorship contest inevitably influenced internal perceptions, regardless of their substantiation. Despite this, he maintained that the party remained cohesive and electorally successful.

“It is a matter of record that Senator Daniel’s senatorial candidacy in 2023 emerged from internal party arrangements and political accommodation, including the decision of a sitting senator to step aside. This underscores the primacy of collective decision-making over individual entitlement,” Aduwo added.

He emphasised that a caucus meeting is not a platform for personal assertion but a regulated forum governed by rules binding on all members. Recasting the enforcement of such procedures as exclusion, he said, is disingenuous.
Commenting on leadership within the state, Aduwo stated that Governor Dapo Abiodun has demonstrated political responsibility by maintaining cohesion amid internal tensions through a balance of firmness and restraint.

He further advised that, at this stage, it would be more constructive for Senator Daniel to embrace a reflective posture consistent with elder statesmanship, noting that figures such as Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun have transitioned into roles where influence is exercised through counsel rather than electoral contest.

Aduwo concluded that political parties are sustained by discipline, not sentiment and cautioned against elevating routine procedural enforcement into narratives of persecution.

*4 BRIGADE HOSTS 2 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY INTER-BRIGADE CORPORALS AND BELOW COMPETITION 2026 IN BENIN CITY*

The 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition 2026 commenced on Monday, 20 April 2026, at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan Barracks, Benin City, the Edo State capital. The week-long combat competition is being hosted by 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

In his welcome address, the Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, while thanking Almighty God for granting participants safe journey from their respective formations to Benin City, stated that the event could not have come at a better time, given the growing security challenges confronting the nation, in which the Nigerian Army is increasingly engaged. He further noted that the essence of the Corporals and Below Competition is to enhance combat proficiency, leadership skills, organisational ability, teamwork, endurance, and to promote esprit de corps among junior soldiers, thereby preparing them to effectively counter emerging security threats.

He also highlighted that events to be competed for during the week-long exercise include drill, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country run/obstacle crossing, map reading, and combat swimming.

In his opening remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, who was represented by the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, urged the competing formations to conduct themselves professionally throughout the competition. He noted that a team of impartial umpires and judges had been carefully selected to ensure fairness, stressing that no team would be favoured or victimised. He further disclosed that all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free competition, and urged all participants and officials to take the competition seriously and adhere strictly to the rules.

He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for providing the necessary resources to host the competition. He equally appreciated the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training (AHQ DAT) for their support in enhancing the combat competition every year.

The 2026 edition of the 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition has the following formations participating: 4 Brigade, 12 Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 42/52 Engineers and Signals Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison. The ceremony was graced by heads of security agencies in Edo State and friends of the Brigade. Highlights of Day One of the events included the drill competition among formations, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.

*KENNEDY ANYANWU*
Captain
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
4 Brigade Nigerian Army
Benin City

20 April 2026