society
Group Lauds COAS Oluyede’s Commitment To Troops’ Welfare
Group Lauds COAS Oluyede’s Commitment To Troops’ Welfare
A coalition of civil society unions, Campaign Against Injustice, CAI, has lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, for his commitment to the troops’ welfare.
CAI, in a statement issued by its convener, Abbey Jolaosho in Lagos on Monday, said this has further strengthened the resolve by the COAS to tackle headlong the security challenges facing Nigeria.
” The announcement by Gen Oluyede would boost the morale of the troops and give the necessary impetus to put in their best. “We are glad with this news as it further conformed our belief that the Army Chief has got all what it takes ‘to win the war on terrorism,’ the group added.
The group, however, called on well-meaning Nigerians to also lend a helping hands to the Army when necessary, bearing in mind that defeating insurgency requires a collective commitment.
” We are using this medium to urge all Nigerians to ‘own’ the Army and assist in whatever ways at this defining moment in our country. We have to bear it in mind that defeating this hydra called terrorism would require the support of the civilians.
” It’s expedient at this moment to also play our own part, which is incumbent on us by the Constitution as good citizens,” the group noted.
It would be recalled that Gen Oluyede last Tuesday
paid an operational visit to Godwin Ally Barracks, Ogoja, Cross River State, where he commended the resilience and dedication of officers and soldiers of 130 Battalion and 341 Artillery Regiment.
He praised their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and assured them that the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise their welfare alongside operational effectiveness.
The visit formed part of his assessment tour of formations and units under the 82 Division Area of Responsibility. On arrival, the COAS inspected key facilities, interacted directly with the troops, and expressed appreciation for the sacrifices they continue to make in the face of difficult security challenges.
Oluyede, who has consistently underlined his belief in supporting soldiers’ families, disclosed that substantial resources were being invested in revamping schools within the barracks to ensure children and wards of personnel have access to first-class education. He also directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated accommodation blocks to provide better living standards for soldiers and their dependants.
Reaffirming his “Soldiers First” mantra, the Army Chief stressed that his administration was committed to improving the living and working conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, while equipping them with the tools needed to tackle evolving security threats.
He cited the recent increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, which has allowed commanders to provide better meals for their troops, as a measure that must be matched by renewed commitment and professionalism on the part of the soldiers.
The COAS further announced ongoing efforts to provide every soldier with new uniforms and essential military kits to ensure seamless operational performance. These measures, he said, were part of deliberate steps to standardise readiness, reinforce esprit de corps, and raise morale across the ranks.
Charging the troops to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, General Oluyede urged them to strengthen synergy with sister security agencies and engage positively with host communities. Such collaboration, he emphasised, was vital to consolidating peace and stability in Cross River and the wider region.
The Ogoja visit, like others undertaken in recent weeks, highlights the dual focus of the Army Chief’s leadership — driving operational efficiency on the frontlines while also investing heavily in welfare initiatives for the rank and file.
Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Momodu’s remarks spotlight elite affluence as analysts warn of resistance to cost-cutting reforms.”
Prominent publisher and politician Dele Momodu has reignited debate over the vast wealth attributed to sections of Nigeria’s political class, asserting publicly that certain politicians could raise as much as $500 million at short notice to secure presidential power. Though no names were mentioned, the claim has sharpened national conversations about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of governance.
Nigeria’s persistent struggle with corruption is well documented by bodies such as Transparency International, whose global assessments frequently rank the country low on public sector integrity. The optics of expansive private mansions, luxury assets, and foreign-based lifestyles among political families continue to fuel public suspicion, particularly in a nation grappling with inflation, debt pressures, and widespread poverty.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of reform advocacy by Peter Obi, who has consistently argued for cutting governance costs and institutionalizing fiscal discipline. Political economist Professor Pat Utomi maintains that entrenched elites often resist structural reform, describing elite capture as a systemic barrier to democratic accountability. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has similarly warned that democracy without transparency breeds cynicism and instability.
While no specific officeholders have been formally indicted in connection with Momodu’s remarks, the broader issue remains potent: public demand for principled leadership is rising, and scrutiny of political wealth is unlikely to fade as future elections approach.
“Obi Would Defeat Even Jesus at the Polls”: Viral Remark Sparks Political Debate Online
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A viral statement by a prominent supporter of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has ignited widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. The supporter, popularly known as Mama Pee, declared during a live social media broadcast earlier this week that “If Jesus comes down to contest in Nigeria, Obi go win am,” a remark intended to emphasize Obi’s perceived popularity among his core supporters.
The comment, which surfaced on X and Facebook, quickly generated sharp responses from supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While many Labour Party loyalists defended the statement as political exaggeration, critics described it as reflective of growing personality-driven politics.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and placed third according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, has not issued any public response to the remark.
The episode underscores the continued intensity of political engagement following the 2023 general elections, with online discourse increasingly shaping narratives around Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.
Benue Seeks Federal Approval to Rehabilitate 400 Repentant Bandits
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The Benue State Government has requested the support and approval of the Federal Government of Nigeria to rehabilitate about 400 repentant bandits who have reportedly surrendered in parts of the state.
State officials disclosed that the proposal was formally communicated to federal authorities in Abuja this week, seeking collaboration on a structured programme covering disarmament, deradicalisation, vocational training and supervised reintegration into communities. According to government sources, Benue lacks the financial and institutional capacity to independently execute a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative of that scale.
The development follows intensified security engagements across several rural local government areas that have experienced repeated attacks linked to armed groups. Benue, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has in recent years faced persistent violence associated with banditry and farmer-herder clashes, leading to significant displacement and humanitarian strain.
Authorities indicated that the identities of the 400 individuals are undergoing verification by security agencies before any formal reintegration begins. Federal officials are yet to publicly confirm approval of the request, as consultations between state and national security institutions continue.
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