Nigeria News (Standard)
Abdulsalami Abubakar Explains Why He Transferred Power to Civilian Government in Less Than One Year
Former Head of State says Nigeria needed stability after years of military rule; transition paved way for Fourth Republic
Former Head of State says Nigeria needed stability after years of military rule; transition paved way for Fourth Republic
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has disclosed the reason behind his decision to hand over power to a democratically-elected government within just eleven months in office. Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, Abdulsalami said his main motivation was to restore stability and set Nigeria on the path of democracy after prolonged military rule.
Abdulsalami, who took office following the death of General Sani Abacha in June 1998, oversaw a rapid transition process that culminated in the swearing-in of President Olusegun Obasanjo on 29 May 1999. The former leader explained that Nigeria was at a crossroads at the time, and there was urgent need to end military intervention in governance.
He noted that Nigerians had become weary of repeated coups and instability, and that confidence in the country’s leadership had eroded. “I realised that the nation needed healing and a sense of direction. We had spent too long under military regimes, and it was clear that only a return to civilian rule would restore hope,” Abdulsalami said during an interactive session.
The retired general added that his administration’s swift timetable for elections was deliberate, as he wanted to avoid any suspicion or accusations of self-perpetuation. He emphasised that he did not want to be seen as clinging to power or derailing the country’s democratic aspirations. Abdulsalami’s move marked the beginning of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and brought an end to over fifteen years of successive military administrations.
Political observers credit Abdulsalami’s decision with setting a precedent for peaceful transitions in Nigeria’s recent history. The restoration of democracy in 1999 paved the way for continuous civilian governance, with subsequent elections held every four years.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Boko Haram Insurgents Attack Borno School, Kill One and Burn Classrooms in Chibok LGA
Police confirm security operatives repelled further violence as incident renews fears in community linked to 2014 abductions
Police confirm security operatives repelled further violence as incident renews fears in community linked to 2014 abductions
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched an attack on Kautikari village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday evening, killing one person and setting fire to part of a secondary school. The incident was confirmed by local authorities and the Borno State Police Command on Sunday.
According to Malah Kyari, Education Secretary for Chibok LGA, the attackers specifically targeted the junior secondary section of Government Day Secondary School. “I can confirm that the insurgents attacked the Kautikari community yesterday, killed one person, and set ablaze one block containing five classrooms and an office at Kautikari JSS,” Kyari stated.
Kautikari is a community that previously gained international attention during the mass abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in 2014. The latest attack has revived concerns about the safety of educational institutions and residents in the area, which remains vulnerable despite years of counter-insurgency efforts by government forces.
Police Public Relations Officer for Borno State Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident and said security personnel responded promptly to limit further damage. “They attacked Kautikari village, where they burnt two classrooms at Government Day Secondary School and killed one person, a man,” Daso said. He added that security operatives faced resistance from the assailants but were able to repel them before more harm could be done.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing while patrols have been intensified in Chibok LGA to prevent further attacks. The state government has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Meanwhile, education officials are assessing damages with a view to restoring learning facilities for affected students.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/boko-haram-attacks-borno-school-kills-one-burns-classrooms/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Anambra Government Arrests Pastor Over Alleged Conversion of 75 Women as Wives in Onitsha
State hands Harrison Charles to police after viral video sparked probe into alleged wife-swapping, vows crackdown on fraudulent ministries
State hands Harrison Charles to police after viral video sparked probe into alleged wife-swapping, vows crackdown on fraudulent ministries
The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, following allegations that he converted 75 women—including married congregants—into his wives and encouraged wife-swapping among church members. The arrest was effected by operatives of the state’s security outfit, Agunechemba, after a viral video surfaced online detailing accusations against the cleric.
According to Dr Ejimofor Opara, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Charles was apprehended on Thursday and has been handed over to the police for further investigation. The state government said the move is part of a wider campaign against individuals accused of running fraudulent religious organisations within Anambra State.
The allegations against Pastor Charles have generated significant public concern in Onitsha and beyond, particularly given recent debates around unregulated religious practices in Nigeria’s South-East. Many of the alleged victims are said to be members of his church, with claims that they were pressured into unconventional marital arrangements under spiritual pretexts.
“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him,” Dr Opara stated in a press briefing. “He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”
Authorities have urged residents to report similar cases involving religious institutions or leaders engaging in practices deemed harmful or illegal. As at Friday morning, police investigations are ongoing and no formal charges have been filed yet. The state government has reiterated its commitment to regulating religious activities and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Civil Defence Board Releases Lists of Successful Immigration, Fire, NSCDC, and NCoS Applicants Nationwide
Applicants advised to check official portal as recruitment moves into final phase; board urges transparency and warns against extortion
Applicants advised to check official portal as recruitment moves into final phase; board urges transparency and warns against extortion
The Federal Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has released the lists of successful candidates for ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The announcement was made on Sunday, 14 June 2026, in Abuja, with applicants across all 36 states and the FCT urged to verify their status on the official CDCFIB recruitment portal.
According to information provided by the board, shortlisted candidates are expected to proceed with further screening processes as stipulated in their respective agencies’ guidelines. The CDCFIB emphasised that this phase marks a significant step in addressing manpower gaps within Nigeria’s key paramilitary agencies. The recruitment exercise has attracted thousands of applicants nationwide, reflecting the high demand for jobs in federal security institutions.
The release of the lists comes at a time when concerns over unemployment and security remain prominent in national discourse. Many young Nigerians see careers in these agencies as opportunities for stable employment and public service. The board’s decision to publish the lists online aims to promote transparency and accessibility for all applicants regardless of location.
In an official statement issued on Sunday, CDCFIB management advised successful candidates to beware of fraudsters claiming they can influence final selection or secure postings for a fee. “All applicants should note that the selection process is strictly merit-based; no payment is required at any stage,” the board warned. The agencies involved also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that only qualified individuals are admitted after thorough verification.
Further instructions regarding documentation, medical screening, and physical verification will be communicated directly to successful candidates through official channels. The board urged those who have not been shortlisted not to lose hope, assuring Nigerians that future recruitment exercises will follow due process.
Boko Haram Insurgents Attack Borno School, Kill One and Burn Classrooms in Chibok LGA
Anambra Government Arrests Pastor Over Alleged Conversion of 75 Women as Wives in Onitsha
Federal Civil Defence Board Releases Lists of Successful Immigration, Fire, NSCDC, and NCoS Applicants Nationwide
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