*Rivers 2027: Niger Delta Group Endorses Kingsley Chinda as Rainbow Coalition Candidate*

*…Applauds Wike For Enthroning Inclusive Democratic Culture*

The Niger Delta Development Ambassadors (NDDA) has endorsed Kingsley Ogundu Chinda (aka OK Chinda) as a consensus candidate of the emerging “Rainbow Coalition” ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.

The group said Chinda possesses the political experience, legislative exposure, and cross-party acceptability required to consolidate the coalition’s broader objective of stability, inclusive governance, and development in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by King David Attah, national president of the organisation, the NDDA also commended Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his role in fostering a more inclusive democratic culture through the coalition arrangement currently gaining momentum in Rivers politics.

The organisation described the Rainbow Coalition as a strategic political alignment involving multiple political interests and parties working together beyond partisan divisions for the collective development of Rivers state.

According to the group, the coalition model reflects political maturity and could help reduce the prolonged tensions and divisive politics that have affected governance and democratic stability in the state in recent years.

“The Rainbow Coalition represents a significant shift from politics driven solely by rivalry and exclusion to a broader culture of accommodation, consultation, and collective responsibility,” the statement read.

“We commend the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for encouraging a political environment where different political tendencies can work together in pursuit of stability and development.”

The group said Chinda, who currently represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has remained one of the few political figures with relationships cutting across various blocs in Rivers politics.

According to the NDDA, his experience within the National Assembly and his understanding of governance, lawmaking, and public administration position him as a credible figure capable of sustaining political balance within the coalition structure.

The organisation added that Rivers State requires leadership capable of unifying competing political interests while prioritising infrastructure, economic growth, youth development, and security.

“Rt Hon Kingsley Chinda has demonstrated capacity, political maturity, and the ability to engage across divides. At this critical point in Rivers politics, the state requires consensus builders rather than politicians driven by bitterness and endless conflict,” Attah said.

The group also praised the conduct of the APC primaries in Rivers state, describing the process so far as peaceful, orderly, and reflective of growing democratic maturity among political stakeholders.

According to the NDDA, the relatively calm atmosphere surrounding the primaries contrasts sharply with the tension and instability that have historically characterised political contests in the state.

The organisation urged political actors across party lines to sustain the atmosphere of restraint and cooperation as alignments ahead of 2027 continue to evolve.

It added that the success of the Rainbow Coalition would ultimately depend on its ability to place governance, development, and the welfare of Rivers people above narrow political interests.

The group further called on youths and community leaders in the state to support initiatives capable of promoting peace, political inclusion, and long-term stability ahead of the next electoral cycle.

A DEFINING MOMENT IN THE WAR AGAINST TERROR: WHY THE ELIMINATION OF ABU-BILAL AL-MINUKI MUST MARK A TURNING POINT

By

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr

The reported neutralisation of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) globally and one of the most influential commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with scores of other terroristts, through a joint operation involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the United States military, represents an extraordinary milestone in the long and arduous countertrerrosim efforts and war against terrorism in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. If sustained and properly consolidated, this unprecedented feat may well be remembered as one of the most consequential counter-terrorism successes in our national history.

For over one and a half decades, Nigeria has borne the devastating burden of terrorism unleashed by Boko Haram and its splinter groups, particularly ISWAP. Thousands of innocent citizens have lost their lives. Communities have been destroyed, livelihoods disrupted, and millions displaced. Military units, critical national infrastructure, schools, places of worship and entire communities have repeatedly come under attack. Yet, despite these painful realities, the resilience of the Nigerian people and the courage, sacrifices and professionalism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have remained steadfast and optimistic.

Against this backdrop, the reported precision air-land operation conducted at Metele in Borno State under the auspices of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, in close collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), deserves commendation and national recognition beyond just the newspaper headlines and breaking news. The operation, according to official statements from Nigerian authorities, was the culmination of painstaking intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition and operational planning. Such coordination, reportedly involving precision strikes and ground force containment measures, demonstrates the increasing sophistication and maturity of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts and architecture.

What makes this operation particularly significant is not merely the elimination of a high-profile terrorist leader, but the symbolism and strategic consequences attached to it. If indeed Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki occupied the exalted but ignoble operational position attributed to him within the ISIS global network, then his elimination sends a clear message to terrorist organisations everywhere: there will be no sanctuary for those who orchestrate violence against innocent populations and sovereign nations.

It is therefore fitting to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for providing strategic leadership and political support to the Armed Forces in prosecuting the counter-insurgency campaign. His public acknowledgement of the operation and appreciation of international collaboration demonstrates a leadership posture committed to national security and international partnerships.

Equally deserving of commendation are the Ministers of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and other security forces, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, whose courage, resilience and professionalism have continued to deny terrorists freedom of action in the North East theatre. The sacrifices of these brave men and women, often operating under extremely difficult conditions and in hostile terrain, should never be taken for granted. They continue to stand as the last line of defence between law-abiding citizens and forces of chaos. The leadership and command of Operation HADIN KAI and the support of well meaning annd law abiding people of the north east deserve a pat on the back.

The operational and intelligence personnel involved in this mission, including air and ground components, also deserve special recognition. Successful counter-terrorism operations of this nature are rarely accidental. They are products of meticulous planning, sustained surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, operational discipline and strategic patience. That the operation was reportedly executed without casualties or loss of assets further attests to the professionalism, competence and preparedness of the personnel involved.

The role of the United States government and military authorities also merits acknowledgement. Counter-terrorism today is increasingly transnational in nature, requiring intelligence sharing, technological cooperation and operational synergy among partners. Terrorists and insurgent organisations exploit societal vulnerabilities, porous borders, digital networks, illicit financing and regional instability. Consequently, no nation can effectively confront such threats in isolation. The reported cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, therefore, serves as a worthy model of strategic partnership in confronting shared security challenges.

Indeed, the commendation reportedly issued by President Donald J Trump on the operation and the collaborative disposition of both nations reinforces the importance of international solidarity in defeating violent extremism. Terrorism is not merely Nigeria’s problem; it is a global menace that threatens international peace, economic stability and human security.

However, while this development deserves celebration, it must not lead to complacency. History teaches us that terrorist groups are adaptive, opportunistic and often quick to regenerate leadership structures after suffering battlefield setbacks. Therefore, the elimination of a major commander and a handful of his loyalists, however significant, must be viewed as a strategic opportunity to intensify and consolidate gains rather than a signal of mission accomplished.

This is why the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Operation HADIN KAI and the Multinational Joint Task Force must seize this momentum to relentlessly pursue remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across the Lake Chad Basin, Mandara Mountains and anywhere else. Follow-on operations, sustained intelligence exploitation, denial of safe havens and coordinated offensives must continue with renewed vigour. Terrorist regrouping must be prevented at all costs.

More importantly, there is an urgent need to deepen and expand collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries, particularly Cameroon, Chad and the Niger Republic, under the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force. Terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin is regional in character and therefore demands regional solutions. Criminal and terrorist elements exploit border vulnerabilities, governance gaps and local grievances to sustain their activities. Stronger military cooperation, intelligence fusion, joint patrols, clearance operations and harmonised operational strategies among these countries are therefore indispensable.

At the same time, Nigerians themselves must recognise that the fight against insurgency is not the sole responsibility of the military or the security forces alone. Citizens have important roles to play through vigilance, information sharing, community resilience and support for lawful authorities. Intelligence provided by local communities has repeatedly proven decisive in disrupting terrorist activities. Communities must therefore reject fear and refuse to provide shelter, sympathy or logistical support to violent extremists.

Likewise, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, public opinion moulders, civil society organisations and the media must continue to support national counter-terrorism objectives through constructive engagement, public sensitisation and responsible communication. We must eschew divisive, unsubstantiated and demoralising statements. Terrorists thrive on propaganda, misinformation and fear. Society must deny them these advantages.

As a retired senior military officer who proudly and gallantly took part in the counterinsurgency efforts and has closely observed Nigeria’s security trajectory and understands the sacrifices of our troops, I remain cautiously optimistic. The destruction of Boko Haram and ISWAP is possible. It is difficult, certainly, but it is achievable and doable. Other nations have confronted seemingly intractable terrorist threats and prevailed through persistence, coordination, technological superiority, political will and public support.

The present military and security architecture leadership and the brave troops on the frontlines have before them a historic opportunity. Posterity would remember them favourably if, in their time, they achieve what many Nigerians have long prayed for: the complete dismantling of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents and terror networks and the restoration of enduring peace to the North East and beyond.

This latest operation should therefore not merely be seen as a tactical victory. It should be treated as a defining strategic moment and opportunity, a morale booster for troops, a warning to terrorists, and a rallying point for national and regional unity against extremism.

Nigeria has paid dearly in blood, treasure and collective trauma. The time has come to finish this fight decisively.

May God continue to bless and protect the Armed Forces of Nigeria, security agencies and all those working tirelessly for peace and security in our nation.

The writer, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra fnarc FIOARM fspsp, is a renowned strategic communication, public relations and security expert. He is a former Director of Army Public Relations and spokesman of the Nigerian Army, former National Publicity Secretary of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), and Consultant Director, Corporate Affairs and Information Services, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

SHAME ! FREE BARABAS PARADE OF “BISHOPS” ON ABUJA STREETS.

It was a mingling of people wearing shorts and T-shirts together with about four wearing may be newly sewed cassocks with the leader putting up a James Bond like sun glasses all trying to masquerade themselves as Bishops and servants of the Most High GOD yet what they were asking for was evil, the freedom for a person declared wanted by the EFCC for obtaining money by false pretence in conjunction with another person already apprehended.

THE NOMENCLATURE:

Nobody would have cared if charlatans had gathered themselves for such oddity in poking their nose into a criminal matter already situated within the powers of a High Court in Abuja but the shame of it all was that the motley crowd that came out protesting on the streets of Abuja held itself out as a ” College of Bishops and Peace Initiative Movement” led by one supposed Bishop Abel King of no church name or address.

An ordinary Google check of the name touted by the so called College of Bishops shows that they are virtually non existent except for this there single street corner outing where they are trying to disrupt and becloud the course of justice.

Their leader, one Bishop Abel King, did not deem it fit like a truly called into God’s vineyard servant to address the Press Briefing in his church or other befitting compound but like the crowd of Pharisaic incited gatherings, comparable to the one at the Court of Pontius Pilate, came shouting “Free Barabas !” at a street corner in Abuja. The placards they carried showed which side they belong to. The strong suspicion is that this gathering are not a gathering of those entrenched in the House of God but mere charlatans serving the purpose, whims and caprices of a wanted person going by the nomenclature of HRH Halimat Adenike Tejuoso.

THEIR GROUSE:

What they stated as their grouse of protest is stated in online reports as mainly that, “the organization… expressed concern over a petition reportedly filed by Prophetess Sholoye at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission describing it as selective and misleading in light of claims surrounding the financial transactions”. The supposed College of Bishops who should in normal circumstances live above board described the petition against Olori Tejuoso as “selective, unfair and misleading” ! Can you beat that ?!

A College of Bishops is protesting and commenting on a petition that has gone beyond a mere petition but squarely a matter that a High Court has taken control of ? Who is really advising this guys ? Don’t they know that the matter has become sub judice ?

THE CAN PETITION:

Nothing stops even individuals from forwarding petitions to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) but a College of Bishops and Peace Initiative Movement tendering a petition to CAN from a street corner is nothing but terribly childish and devoid of normal protocol. They could have submitted their petition to CAN and use decorous means of presenting their dilemma.

It also seems that whoever is directing the charade and drama of the College of Bishops did not inform them of the basic facts or rather they are solely relying on the explanations dished out by the accused person, HRH Tejuoso. For one will even ask what’s wrong for a Christian to seek the way forward from the Holy Spirit ? What takes away the ability of a Christian to seek legal means of advancing their livelihood ? What stops a Christian from entering into legal agreements that stipulates that refunds shall be made if the lobby goes down south ? It really seems the College of Bishops were not following the dictates of the Holy Bible to seek the truth and follow same. They have chosen to seemingly follow the dictates of whoever is behind their charade.

Moreover, the “Bishops” attached to their nomenclature, that they were apart from being a College of Bishops were also a peace initiative movement. But, one dare ask where’s the movement for peace in all they’ve done when they came out carrying placards that a victim should be disciplined while they seemingly protest for the release of the suspect from the claws of the anti corruption agency. Where’s the peace initiative in that ?

The “Bishops” were bold enough to announce that the money collected by HRH Halimat Tejuoso were “funds…. knowingly routed through mutually agreed channels”. Who exactly informed them that the funds were given to mutually agreed people ? How do they arrive at this ? Are they now assuming the role of the Court trying the matter ?

CYBER BULLYING ?

The College of Bishops led by their leader and probably the speaker at the street protest said that their protest and petition “is not persecution. This is accountability.” One dare ask whether this is not cyber bullying since their protest has found its way onto the social media. They can be said with the inscriptions on the placards they carried that they were out to “fry” the person they came out to protest against. Their behavior has no semblance except to that in the Bible where the multitude gathered at the Court of Pontius Pilate shouted “Free Barabas !!!” when the call was made on whether to release the accused or the convicted. It seems the first century is being acted live in the 21st century.

Lastly, we want to advise the College of Bishops and in the same vein the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) that this matter being pushed by the so called College of Bishops is a matter sitting pretty under the jurisdiction of a competent court of law and actions such as the one being perpetrated by the Bishops is sub judice and may attract the wrath of the Court for contempt. The Court should be allowed to do its job. Let justice be allowed to flow.