Category: Uncategorized

Abdulsalami Abubakar has revealed the dramatic events surrounding the death of Sani Abacha in 1998, following which he became Nigeria’s new head of state.

In his autobiography, ‘Call of Duty’, to be unveiled today in Abuja to mark his 84th birthday, the retired general wrote that he was deceived that Abacha wanted to see him on the morning of June 8, 1998.

But on getting to the Presidential Villa, he was locked up in a room for over one hour without any explanations — until the late Ibrahim Coomassie, then inspector-general of police, came to open the door.

The autobiography, published by Cable Books, an imprint of Cable Media & Publishing Ltd, is distributed nationwide by Rovingheights Bookstores and can also be ordered on Amazon.

‘THEY SAID ABACHA WANTED TO SEE ME’

He wrote: “On Monday, 8 June, I received a call very early in the morning that he (Abacha) wanted to see me. I quietly prayed that he would not send me to Togo where there was going to be an ECOWAS summit. I was tired of going everywhere.

“By this time, Lt-General Diya, his No 2, was in detention (over an alleged coup plot). I was effectively the No 2 man in government and I was always representing him at events. I told my wife I was not happy with the call because I didn’t want to travel to Togo. I told my orderly to pack my travelling bag and other personal effects.

“As I entered the bathroom, there was another call. I was told again that the Head of State wanted to see me. Out of frustration, I asked if I was travelling to Togo and the caller replied that it was on another issue. Because of the urgency, I didn’t wear my uniform. I wore a tracksuit and slippers and proceeded to the Presidential Villa.

“On getting to his residence, I was told he was in the office. I wondered why he would be that early in the office. As I was climbing the stairs, one of the guards informed me that Abacha said I should stay in the waiting room. What struck me was that anytime I went to see him, regardless of who was with him, I would still go in.”

‘IGP BROKE THE NEWS OF ABACHA’S DEATH TO ME’

Abdulsalami was in the waiting room for a while and felt something was not right.

“After waiting for about half an hour, I reasoned that it was odd. Major-General Ishaya Bamaiyi joined me shortly after. We waited for about an hour. I decided to go and see Abacha by any means because I could not understand why I should be kept that long. To my greatest surprise, the door of the waiting room had been locked. I asked Bamaiyi if he was aware that we had been locked inside. Something kept telling me that something was wrong but I could not place a finger on it,” he said.

“After some time, the door was opened and the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, came in. He said: ‘Let’s go.’ We walked towards the residence and I informed him that I was told Abacha was at the office. It was at this stage that he informed me that Abacha was dead. I was shocked. I asked him what happened and he insisted we proceed first. He did not tell me anything else.

“When we got to the residence, I asked to see Abacha’s body. I was told it was inside. I entered the room and removed the covering. I was in shock at the sudden development. I prayed for him and left the room.”

Abdulsalami did not reveal who ordered the door of the waiting room to be locked but insinuated that some military officers had “other plans” as events unfolded.

Later in the day, Abdulsalami was named Abacha’s successor after a vote by the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC).

He organised a very short transition programmed and went on to hand over to a democratically elected government, led by President Olusegun Obasanjo, in May 1999.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated his commitment to pursuing a political solution to the case involving Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, stating that dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving longstanding grievances and tensions.

Obi said that if elected President, his administration would prioritize engagement, consultation, and peaceful conflict resolution in addressing issues of national concern, including separatist agitations and regional discontent.

According to him, governments achieve more lasting results when they address the root causes of agitations through dialogue, justice, and inclusive governance rather than relying solely on coercive measures.

The former Anambra State governor maintained that national unity is better strengthened through reconciliation and mutual understanding, stressing that democratic societies should create avenues for citizens to express grievances while preserving law, order, and national stability

Obi also argued that sensitive national issues require political courage and statesmanship, noting that leaders must be willing to engage stakeholders and pursue solutions that promote peace and social cohesion.

He emphasized that his position on Kanu’s case has remained consistent over the years, insisting that dialogue and political engagement offer a more sustainable pathway to peace, particularly in the South-East.

The remarks have renewed discussions on the role of political solutions in addressing separatist agitations and other security challenges confronting the country, with many observers continuing to debate the best approach to achieving lasting peace and national unity.

The United States Men’s National Team came through with a decisive 4-1 victory in their 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay.

The Americans who entered the tournament ranked No. 17 in the world, beat their first opponent in the tournament to assert their superiority.

An own goal gave the U.S. a lead in the seventh minute, before striker Folarin Balogun scored twice, including a goal that was the final kick of the first half, to give the U.S. a comfortable lead in one of its most dominating performances ever.

Paraguay was able to claw a goal back in the second half before Gio Reyna scored in the 98th minute for the U.S. to push the lead back to three in the game’s final play.

That Paraguay goal doesn’t matter much for the ultimate outcome, obviously, but it could be huge for the Paraguayans’ goal differential at the end of the group stage.

Eight third-place teams across the 12 four-team groups will make the Round of 32.

If there was any downside to the win for the USMNT, it could be about Christian Pulisic’s health. The U.S. star was brilliant in the first half, but came off at halftime. There was no immediate indication if Pulisic was injured in the first half or if his removal was precautionary.

W/Cup: U.S. Romp Past Paraguay, Secure Dominant Victory In Opener is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has met with the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and other senior party leaders in a closed-door meeting that lasted about three hours.

Dickson, who described Obi as his brother, colleague and partner in the New Nigerian Project, said the meeting focused on reviewing recent developments within the party and addressing issues that had raised concerns among stakeholders.

According to him, the discussions ended positively, with the leaders amicably resolving the issues and agreeing on how to handle future concerns in a way that will strengthen unity within the party.

The former governor stressed that he and Obi remain committed to the bigger political mission of winning elections for candidates of the party and rescuing Nigeria from what he described as the misgovernance of the APC-led government.

Dickson also appealed to members of the party to stop bickering, name-calling and internal divisions, urging them to focus on unity, cohesion and the shared goal of building a better future for Nigerians.

He added that Obi, himself and other party leaders would continue consultations and engagements to resolve concerns, strengthen internal cooperation and keep the party focused ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nigeria defender, Igoh Ogbu has successfully undergone surgery after recently sustaining injury on international duty, DAILY POST reports.

Ogbu ruptured his Achilles tendon few days before Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal.

The centre-back will be sidelined for three months, according to his club, Slavia Prague.

The 26-year-old is now expected to miss the start of next season.

Ogbu featured in three back-to-back games for the Super Eagles before the injury setback.

The former Nigeria junior international was part of the squad that won the Unity Cup invitational tournament, featuring in the games against Zimbabwe and Jamaica.

He also played the first half of the 2-2 friendly draw against Poland.

Super Eagles: Igoh Ogbu undergoes successful surgery 

The Borno State Government has reintegrated a total of 720 repentant insurgents who have completed their deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme back into society.

The latest batch, described as low-risk and minor clients, is part of Batch 9 under the state’s rehabilitation initiative and was sworn in using the Holy Quran before being released to return to their respective communities across the state.

The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi (retd.), disclosed this on Friday, June 12, 2026 at an event held at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri to mark the completion of their rehabilitation process.

He said the exercise represents another milestone in the state’s non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East, describing it as one of the most effective peacebuilding models globally.

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Special Assistant on Youths and Media Mobilization, Atu Terver Joseph has resigned from his position.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Atu thanked the government for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him to serve in Governor Alia’s administration.

“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to serve under your administration and the confidence reposed in me.

“I am appreciative of the experience gained and I wish your Excellency continued success in the service of Benue State”, he said.

Although Atu failed to state his reason for quitting the job, it may not be unconnected to his recent alliance with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume and plans ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a post on his official Facebook page on Friday, Atu revealed his meeting with Akume, eulogizing the former governor as the “most powerful Benue man alive”.

He wrote, “Today, I decided to pay a surprised June 12 visit to our dear father the secretary to the government of the federation Senator Dr George Akume.

“He is the most powerful Benue man alive with a good heart and it was an honour to have such a wonderful reception from him. Today, I understand why God has been elevating him to where he is Today.

“May things always fall in great places for you daddy SGF”.

DAILY POST reports that there has been a cold war between Alia and Akume, his estranged political godfather.

2027: Gov Alia’s aide tenders resignation letter hours after meeting SGF, Akume

The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal constituency in the National Assembly, Obi Aguocha has advised Igbo families and communities to defend themselves against bandits.

DAILY POST recalls that two indigenes from Aguocha’s country home in Ohuhu, Umuahia North LGA , Dennis Izuchukwu Okechi and Mrs Onyinyechi Ekechukwu were on Thursday night, rescued from the bush after being kidnapped by suspected bandits.

Reacting to the development on Friday, Aguocha raised the alarm that different Igbo communities may be attacked by invading terrorists.

He regretted that another kidnap victim, identified as Uche Amaechi from Akpahia community has not been seen, five weeks after he was abducted.

“Insurgency is coming to Ala Igbo and what I am saying is that we should defend our families and communities. We can no longer say it silently because if we keep quiet, these people can come in and strangle us in our sleep.

“This thing that is happening in Oyo and other places has started here and we can not keep quiet. We must rise in defense of our communities”, Aguocha sounded.

Aguocha acknowledged the efforts of the government, but made it clear that all communities in Igbo land should be vigilant enough to defend themselves against terrorists.

Defend yourselves against bandits’ incursion – Rep member, Aguocha tells Igbo communities 

Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti has openly acknowledged the immense pressure surrounding his team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Morocco.

The 67-year-old Italian has made history as the first foreign coach to guide the Selecao in a World Cup match, describing it as both a privilege and a significant responsibility ahead of Saturday’s Group C encounter.

Ancelotti assumed his role in May 2025 and has committed to a contract lasting until 2030, taking the helm of a squad eager to secure a sixth global title after a lengthy wait. He emphasized that his players should welcome the pressure of leading the world’s most successful footballing nation while remaining cautious of Morocco.

In a press conference, the esteemed manager remarked (via MadridXtra), ““Pressure? Fear is good. If you go without fear, you will face the lion thinking it’s a cat.”

The seasoned coach also acknowledged the significance of the challenge, stating that the occasion is an honor, while recognizing that expectations are an inherent aspect of the role in Brazil (via OneFootball):

“This is a new experience, yet undeniably something extraordinary. It entails the responsibility and honor of representing the country of football, the most decorated national team globally. Two elements: responsibility and honor.”

His laid-back demeanor has long been regarded as the ideal remedy for the overwhelming demands that have previously hindered several talented squads.

His ability to secure victories in knockout matches throughout a distinguished club career instills hope in Brazilians, who have been deprived of FIFA World Cup success since their triumph in 2002.

World Cup 2026: ‘You’ll face lion thinking it’s cat’ – Brazil coach, Ancelotti speaks ahead of Morocco clash

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Rivers State, Blessing Fubara, has declared that he has no godfather but God.

Fubara disclosed this while noting that he and his brother, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State have a different perspective.

He spoke on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Friday night while dismissing claims that his political ambition is an extension of Fubara’s political project.

According to Fubara: “I don’t have a godfather but I have God the father. You would also agree with me that if my ambition is determined by the grounds you are mentioning, it would mean I have no clear vision or focus for what I am working toward.

“My brother, Nigerians, and indeed the wider world saw what happened between him and his party. We have different political ideologies and individual perspectives.

“It’s a trying moment for us in Rivers State and there are all sorts of narratives. They come with different narratives and try to set up a perspective for the people to run with but we are focused with our eyes on the ball that the sole of Rivers State must be rescued.”

Rivers guber: ‘I’ve no godfather’ – Fubara