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‘Tinubu Will Be Judged By Nigerians’ – Diaspora Group Blasts Atiku, Lobbyist, Over Washington Lobbying Campaign

Published

1 month ago

September 6, 2026

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG), USA Chapter, has accused African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his associates of turning domestic political rivalry into an international embarrassment for Nigeria.

It was reports that the President of the NDMG USA Chapter, Daniel Cosmas, in an e-statement issued on Sunday, slammed Atiku for attempting to use a Washington lobbying campaign against President Bola Tinubu.

The group said the renewed campaign over decades-old United States documents concerning Tinubu was a desperate attempt to influence foreign officials against Nigeria’s elected president ahead of the 2027 elections.

NDMG noted that the documents being circulated had also been deliberately misrepresented, stressing that the 1993 proceedings frequently cited in the campaign were a civil forfeiture case, not a criminal prosecution or conviction against Tinubu.

According to the group, there are concerns that the allegations were being pushed through a lobbying firm whose activities raised serious questions about the credibility and motives of those behind the campaign.

NDMG further accused Atiku’s camp of attempting to manufacture an international crisis around Tinubu rather than making its case directly to Nigerian voters.

The group said opposition politicians were entitled to challenge the President and scrutinise his record, but should not seek to enlist foreign governments in domestic political contests.

The group warned that such campaigns could have consequences beyond the political fortunes of Tinubu or Atiku, particularly for Nigerians living and working in the United States and other countries, adding that the former Vice President should concentrate on telling Nigerians his manifestos.

The statement read, “The attempt to sell an old civil forfeiture proceeding as though it were a criminal conviction is a cynical distortion of history. There is a fundamental difference between a civil proceeding involving the forfeiture of money and a criminal conviction for drug trafficking. Those who understand the American legal system know this distinction, yet political operators appear determined to blur it for propaganda purposes.

“It is astonishing that people who claim to be defending Nigeria’s interests would outsource their campaign to a lobbyist whose own character and background have become subjects of public scrutiny. The irony is even greater when the person leading this campaign has been identified as being of Nigerian origin. Nigerians should ask why someone with such a controversial profile has suddenly assumed the role of an authority on the Nigerian presidency and why Atiku’s camp is comfortable placing its political messaging in his hands.

“Democracy gives Atiku every right to oppose President Tinubu, criticise his policies and seek the support of Nigerians in 2027. What democracy does not give anyone is the right to outsource Nigeria’s political contest to Washington. If the opposition has a case against Tinubu, it should present that case to Nigerians and, where appropriate, to the Nigerian courts. Lobbying American officials with recycled allegations does not make those allegations true.

“Those pushing this campaign should remember that they will not be the only Nigerians answering questions when our country’s reputation is dragged through the mud. There are millions of Nigerians abroad building careers, businesses and families. Their dignity should not become collateral damage in an opposition politician’s presidential ambition.

“President Tinubu will be judged by Nigerians on his record. Atiku should tell Nigerians what he intends to do differently and allow the people to decide. No lobbyist in Washington should be permitted to determine the direction of Nigeria’s democracy.”

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PHOTOS: Seven Feared Dead As Fire Engulfs Canadian Military Base

Published

6 hours ago

October 18, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

At least seven people are feared dead and dozens injured after a massive fire broke out at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta during a live-fire military training exercise on Saturday.

The explosion happened when military training struck a gas line or well, triggering a fire that spread rapidly across the facility. Seven people reportedly lost their lives during the incident, although authorities have yet to confirm the exact death toll.

Defence Minister David McGuinty said emergency teams were responding to the incident alongside local authorities and military personnel. He described the situation as “very, very active and delicate”, adding that he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory.

Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the “serious incident creating a major fire” and expressed solidarity with those affected, saying his “thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected”.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at the military base in eastern Alberta. According to the Municipal District of Wainwright, winds gusting up to 100 kilometres per hour fuelled the flames, which spread beyond the base fences. Local officials alerted the public through online updates at about 5.30pm local time.

Although firefighters have contained the blaze, emergency protocols remain in place, while authorities have urged residents to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate.

Hospitals also activated emergency procedures to handle casualties. Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton declared a code orange disaster response to prepare for incoming patients.

Dr Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the hospital, warned that the scale of the incident could overwhelm healthcare facilities in Edmonton without coordinated emergency arrangements. He described it as a disaster of a scale expected once every 15 to 25 years.

The incident prompted support from neighbouring communities and provincial governments. Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh described it as a “heavy day” for the community, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged the “significant and tragic fire”.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and British Columbia Premier David Eby also offered assistance and dispatched resources to support the response.

It was gathered that Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is a major military training facility used for live-fire exercises. It typically accommodates about 690 military personnel and 300 civilian workers.

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FRSC Ogun Sector Commander, Ogunjobi Dies After Brief Illness

Published

7 hours ago

October 18, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the death of its Ogun State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi.

It was reports that Ogunjobi died after a brief illness.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Sector Command, Chief Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi, announced his death in a statement issued on Sunday.

The command said the late sector commander’s death was a huge blow to the corps, his colleagues, and road safety stakeholders.

The statement read in part, “The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS2.2 Ogun State Sector Command, announces with profound sadness the passing of its Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, following a brief illness.

“His passing is a great loss to the Corps, his colleagues, and the entire road safety community. He will be remembered for his service, leadership, commitment to road safety administration, and dedication to the mandate of the Federal Road Safety Corps.”

The command noted that while in service, the deceased played a key role in the corps’ drive for safer roads, public enlightenment on road safety, stronger partnership with stakeholders and better compliance with traffic rules.

It described his death as deeply regrettable and condoled with his family, loved ones, colleagues and associates.

The command said it would announce details of the funeral arrangements in due course.

“May God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, the Corps, and all those affected by his passing the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.

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Enugu govt rescues banished teenager allegedly impregnated by father

Published

8 hours ago

October 18, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development has rescued a 16-year-old girl following her public banishment from the Nenwe community over allegations of abuse involving her father.

The intervention followed a viral video showing the teenager and her father being forcefully marched out of the village by local elders. In the footage, community members were seen raining curses on the duo, who were draped in palm fronds—a traditional symbol of abomination in Igbo culture—with elders declaring their alleged actions a taboo in the land.

Reacting to the incident, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, confirmed that the ministry has placed the teenager in a safe shelter. Meanwhile, a law enforcement manhunt has been launched to apprehend the father.

Commissioner Enih assured the public that the survivor’s physical health, emotional well-being, and overall welfare remain the state’s top priorities. She noted that the girl will receive comprehensive psychosocial support to navigate her trauma and begin her recovery journey.

“No child should ever be blamed, rejected, or punished for being a victim of such abuse,” Mrs. Enih emphasized.