Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei

Dr Salihu Bakari Girei, Gubernatorial aspirant under the platform All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 described the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the ruling party as a welcome development for the APC in the state.

Girei said that his defection is coming at the right time to galvanise the party’s victory in 2027 General Elections at the national and sub national level.

Dr Girei who is one of the founding fathers of the APC in the state disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola.

He said, Fintiri joined APC at the right time considering his outstanding performance in the state which he said was in line with President Tinubu’s transformation agenda.

He added that the defection would add value to the APC family and also help deliver dividends of democracy to the ordinary people that are yearning for good governance as well as to fast-track development.

He said Fintiri has performed credibly well, in line with his 10-point agenda for the state to justify the people’s trust in his leadership and administration.

Dr Girei further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his effort and strategy in addressing Nigeria’s challenges for and ensuring rapid development.

He said, “President Tinubu is very strategic in addressing Nigeria’s challenges and many now understood that Mr President meant well for this country and has turned the fortune of the country around for good.”

According to him, records have shown that the dollar has crashed, the economy stabilized, security improved, food is affordable and issues of strikes are no more among others.

Bakari-Girei said, all these are factors that naturally attract people joining the APC across the country for more development in the country.

He queried those saying that President Tinubu is turning the country into a one-party system, recalling that the PDP once had 30 governors and no one complained.

“Today people have decided to join APC because of many factors initiated by the President Tinubu administration that naturally attracted people to join APC and support Mr President.”

He pointed to President Tinubu’s history as governor of Lagos, where opposition platforms continued to function, as evidence of his commitment to multi-party democracy.

He also appreciated the foresight of the President for appointing Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser who has invested much in APC in the state.

He further urged unity and understanding of all APC stakeholders in the state for the progress and success of the party at all levels.

Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei

ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised fresh concerns over the escalating hostilities in the Gulf region, cautioning that a prolonged conflict could unleash severe economic and security repercussions far beyond the Middle East, with Africa among the hardest hit.

In a statement issued under the chairmanship of Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, the 12-member regional bloc aligned itself with the position earlier expressed by the African Union Commission, which has voiced deep unease over the intensifying military exchanges.

The warning comes at a time when global energy markets are already on edge. The Gulf region remains central to international oil and gas supplies, accounting for a significant share of global crude exports. For West African economies — many of which are net importers of refined petroleum products despite being crude producers — volatility in oil prices translates quickly into domestic inflation, currency pressures and rising transport and food costs.

ECOWAS noted that beyond energy, the Gulf serves as a strategic artery for global trade. Key maritime routes, including those connected to the Strait of Hormuz, facilitate the movement of energy supplies and commercial goods between Asia, Europe and Africa. Any disruption risks compounding supply chain fragilities that have persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

For food-import-dependent nations across West Africa, the stakes are particularly high. Many countries in the region rely heavily on imported wheat, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs sourced through global supply chains sensitive to geopolitical shocks. Previous international crises have demonstrated how quickly distant conflicts can drive up bread prices and deepen food insecurity in African cities.

In its statement, ECOWAS urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and adhere strictly to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. It stressed that civilian lives and critical infrastructure must be protected at all times.

The bloc also called for renewed diplomatic engagement within established international and regional frameworks, arguing that dialogue remains the only sustainable path to de-escalation. West African leaders have historically positioned the region as a strong advocate for multilateralism, often promoting negotiated settlements in conflicts both within and outside the continent.

Analysts observe that ECOWAS’ swift alignment with the African Union reflects a broader concern about the cumulative impact of global instability on African economies already grappling with debt burdens, currency depreciation and climate-related pressures. Rising energy prices could strain public finances, while shipping disruptions could intensify shortages of essential commodities.

The statement underscores a growing recognition among African policymakers that geopolitical flashpoints thousands of miles away can have immediate and tangible consequences at home. As tensions mount in the Gulf, ECOWAS has signalled that West Africa is watching closely — and urging diplomacy over escalation in the interest of global and regional stability.

ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa

Army troops foils ISWAP attack on picketing troops in Konduga, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on picketing personnel in the North East, of Konduga Borno state.

According to sources at about 1215 hours on February 26, picketing troops at checkpoint came under attack by elements of Boko Haram terrorists.

The soldiers responded aggressively while the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), led by the Sunray team, swiftly mobilised to the contact point where fire was exchanged with the terrorists. The attackers reportedly fled into the Yale Forest following the encounter.

In the aftermath, troops conducted exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route and recovered one PKT believed to belong to the attackers.

The sources confirmed that the operation did not result in any casualties or injuries among the JTF personnel, and no equipment was lost.

The JTF added that monitoring of the area continues, and the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain satisfactory.

The sources said that the latest operation demonstrates the continued vigilance and readiness of the JTF in the North East to protect civilians and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
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