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Presidential Panel on Human Rights: Yoruba Group to Sue Amnesty International

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By Dipo Olowookere

Amnesty International has been warned to stop interfering in security situations in Nigeria or be ready to face a legal action.

The National Committee of Yoruba Youth and the Coalition of Civil Society against Terrorism in Nigeria accused the global body of deliberately trying to embark on espionage missions in the country.

The groups, in a statement issued this weekend and signed by its Convener, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, noted that this warning became necessary because of the appearance and submission of Amnesty International before the Justice George Biobele Presidential Panel set up to review the compliance of the armed forces, with human rights obligation and rules of engagement, during their operations in the country.

The youth group said it was amazed by the “audacity of the Amnesty International to tender classified security documents as evidences against the Nigerian military, particularly the Nigerian Army, during the sitting of the Presidential Panel.

Comrade Oladimeji said the group was vindicated by the latest action of the Amnesty International, having earlier accused the AI of consciously embarking on actions and making statements that clearly impugn on the integrity of the nation’s military, mostly based on “unsubstantiated accusations” and the tacit encouragements usually given to the dreaded Boko Haram sect, thereby sabotaging the war against terrorism in the country.

The pan Yoruba youth group further described as ‘shameful’ the petition by the AI to the Presidential Panel, describing it as uncharitable and a mere attempt to further blackmail the Nigerian Army into inaction in order to further entrench the activities of separatist groups and the Boko Haram at the detriment of the nation’s national security and collective well-being of innocent Nigerian.

The group therefore said it will use every legitimate means to resist further attempt by the Amnesty International (AI) to continually denigrate and assault the collective sensibility of Nigerians and in its ploy to continually encourage some anti-democratic forces and sympathizers of the dreaded Boko Haram group to undermine and compromise the country’s national security.

“We are deeply worried over the continued desperation of Amnesty International in using unconventional means to attack the institution of our military, thereby using illegitimate avenues to extort classified information and documents for its personal clandestine operations and that of its foreign collaborators without recognizing that the current threats that Nigeria and her citizens are facing under the Boko Haram insurgency is a global threat that requires global solidarity instead of the lies and campaign of calumny that has become the preoccupation of the Amnesty International,” the statement said.

The group urged members of the armed forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, not to be discouraged by the antics of Amnesty International, stating that it remains committed to his position as earlier submitted before the Presidential Panel and also reminded them that Nigerians were appreciative of their continued sacrifices towards the protection of our lives and properties and the territorial integrity of our country.

The group said it will explore every possible legal option to declare the activities of Amnesty International as illegal and a threat to national security in the country while also restating its support for the war against terrorism as presently being prosecuted by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in the country.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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