Following the unprecedented working tour embarked upon by wife of the President and First lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu to Benue State, the apex body of Civil Societies in Nigeria, the Conference of Harmonized Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (COHCSIN) has described the visit as a solidarity visit by the first family to identify with the transformational leadership of His Excellency, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Alia and to familiarize with the good people of Benue for their unyielding support to the governor and her husband.

In a joint statement released to journalist in Makurdi, the Executive Secretary of (COHCSIN), Dr Patrick Oduma, and the Zonal Coordinator of Freelance Journalists Federation (FJF), Comrade Ibrahim Isa all reiterated the significance of the President’s wife visit to Benue to commission projects. ” Not only has the visit and commissioning of selected critical infrastructural project including an ICT center in the Governor’s home town and other intra -city roads in the state capital amongst over 512 kilometers of completed and ongoing road projects across the state serve as a moral booster for the governor, it also serve as a vote of confidence by the first family on Governor Alia to do more for the people of Benue ” We must add that governor Alia’s administration disposition to urban and rural infrastructure is highly commendable” Your Excellency is Deliberate, focused and purposeful” Dr Oduma added.

The statement further acknowledged the wife of the President for identifying Governor Alia’s people centric leadership model which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. ” We must commend Her Excellency, Sen Oluremi Tinubu for her vision and intiative to champion the Renewed Hope Initiative as a pet project in alignment with the Tinubu administration blueprint.
“Through your foundation, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which you have pioneered and implemented various social interventions for Nigerians across the country among which Benue State and her people are prime beneficiaries remain a symbol of this administration commitment to social welfare ”

Dr Oduma noted that Governor Alia’s mass appeal amongst the people of Benue is proportional to his transformational reforms and fiscal financial disciple which has brought about the state wide infrastructural milestones with direct impact on the people, part of which is being commissioned today. ” Governor Alia’s footprints are visible through the administration’s commitment to infrastructural projects and welfare which people can actually see and feel” The twin fly overs and multiple intra -city roads in the state cutting across the state as well as the aggressive opening of rural access roads and construction of culverts statewide has restored hope to farmers and rulers dwellers ” The administrations regularisation of salary and pension payments has further reinforced the governors determination to implement comprehensive welfare reforms for the people of Benue .

“We are thankful to the wife of the President for always answering to the people of Benue at short notice, your moral support remains a driving force to what our governor is doing for the people of Benue ”
In a concluding remark by Freelance Journalists Federation (FJF), Comrade Ibrahim Isa urged the people of Benue to stand by their governor and Mr President and offer them unyielding support and trust in return for sustainable good governance. The groups passed a vote of confidence on Governor Hyacinth Alia and urged the people of Benue to re-elect him for a second term in office to actualise his modest vision for the people of Benue State.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria has become a very high destination for investment despite the many challenges confronting the nation.

President Tinubu also said the economy is on an upward trend and has attracted billions of dollars of investment in the hydrocarbons sector, which he described as unprecedented.

President Tinubu said this on Thursday at the State House when he met with the delegation of the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI).

The meeting was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“I have just received the good news that our gas investment has successfully navigated the most difficult river and is progressing very effectively,” he stated, referring to the milestone achieved by NNPC in crossing the River Niger with the OB3 Gas Pipeline.

The pipeline, installed 2km below the riverbed using state-of-the-art HDD technology, opens up a transport capacity of 2 billion scf/day—reinforcing Nigeria’s energy security, power generation and industrial expansion.

He praised the Civil Society Group for the quality of people working on its programmes.

“Thanks for kicking off high-level intellectuality and inquisitiveness in governance. We’ve made it through the edge of bankruptcy; we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

“We have an audacious project – the Sokoto- Badagry highway. In that corridor, we have over 75 dams that can be used for irrigation and technology, and power generation that will serve the majority of Nigerians to improve the quality of life,” he said.

The President also stressed that efforts to improve the security situation in the country were on course and added that the issue of state police was being looked into as “it’s not a situation that you can rectify with a snap of the finger. We shall overcome. “

The Director General, Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), Kunle Yusuff, told the President that the organisation is a United Nations (UN) accredited non-profit establishment that coordinates various registered Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), to aid Socio- Economic Development, Community Enhancement and Humanitarianism.

He praised the bold, transformational reforms of President Tinubu’s administration. He assured the organization’s determination to complement government efforts to ensure that citizens appreciate government developmental efforts.

“Mr President, it is neither hyperbolic nor gainsaying to describe you as the architect of Nigeria’s new financial infrastructure. “Revenue outcomes have grown exponentially by over 300%.”

The Director General said Nigeria was doing well in the implementation of the SDGs Global Agenda 2030 with the appointment of seasoned principals to drive this process.

On the administration’s policy on local government autonomy, Yusuff said the President’s position showed the political will to address structural bottlenecks that have hindered governance from reaching the grassroots.

Mr Yusuff also praised the government’s achievements, particularly on infrastructure development, NELFUND and Social Investment Programmes, calling, however, for an increase in the list of beneficiaries.

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately cancel a recent order from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) that they say is illegal and a threat to press freedom.

On April 18, 2026, the organization’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, wrote a letter to the President asking him to tell the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, and the NBC to take back the notice.

“The NBC’s notice is a dangerous attempt to censor the media before it happens and stifle legitimate journalistic expression,” SERAP said.

The group also asked the government not to censor Nigerian journalists, including presenters, before they go on air and to let them do their constitutional duties without interference.

The demand comes after the NBC sent out a formal notice on April 17, 2026, saying that there had been an increase in violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and warning stations against things like expressing “personal opinions,” allegedly threatening guests, or not being neutral.

In response, SERAP said that these kinds of rules are unclear and against the law. They said, “The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law protect both the absolute right to hold opinions and the qualified right to express ideas of all kinds.”

It went on to say, “Journalistic opinion is protected speech.”

The group also criticized Section 1.10.3 of the Broadcasting Code, saying, “This is prior restraint that wrongly keeps out commentary, analysis, and value judgments, which are the heart of journalism and democratic discourse.”

SERAP said that the NBC’s use of vague and broad rules could lead to arbitrary enforcement and stop critical reporting, especially in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.

“The threat of sanctions for broadly defined behavior makes journalists and broadcasters less likely to report the news, which goes against constitutional protections,” the group said.

It said, “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours,” and warned that not doing anything could lead to legal action. If we haven’t heard from your government or the NBC by then, SERAP will take all necessary legal steps to make sure you follow the rules.

SERAP also asked the NBC to change parts of the Broadcasting Code so that they are in line with international and constitutional human rights standards.

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HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA), a pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group, has criticized Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for their ongoing shortcomings in intelligence and leadership to stop the ongoing bloodletting and terrorist attacks, despite reports that at least 23 Christians were killed in a Palm Sunday attack in Jos, Nigeria.

According to HURIWA, Fulani terrorists specifically target the Christian natives of Plateau State. Before firing his underperforming National Security Advisor, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, whose relatives are terrorizing various communities across Nigeria, President Tinubu has been asked to tell Nigerians how many more Nigerians should be killed by Fulani terrorists.

Given that Nigerians have been informed by former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) and Kaduna Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi that President Tinubu’s administration is aware of the names, addresses, and movements of the terrorists killing Nigerians and has taken no action, is the Tinubu administration sympathetic to terrorists? HURIWA will submit a petition to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, Netherlands, and President Donald John Trump of the United States tomorrow, requesting that this government be held accountable for the thousands of terrorist killings that the government is aware of.

According to the constitution, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces. He is legally responsible for protecting Nigerians through the proactive, effective, and efficient deployment, control, and command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the weak Nigeria Police Force. However, the governor, who was elected primarily to protect the lives and property of the people of Plateau State, has shown blatant irresponsibility and a severe lack of tact, strategy, and practical ways to stop the ongoing slaughter, slaughter, and other Nigerians who have made Plateau State known for their hospitality.

Why can’t President Tinubu and his purported National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, create workable plans and tactics that soldiers and other security personnel are required by law to undertake in order to stop the ongoing genocides of Christians in Plateau State?

“Are these individuals at the top of the government permitting these murders to go on because the victims are Christians and the administration is Muslim-Muslim?

What about Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State and a self-described Christian? Why is the governor doing nothing to prevent Fulani terrorists from murdering his relatives, women, and children, including University of Jos students? The governor has an obligation to the state to protect his people, who unquestionably controlled all of Plateau State, from outsiders like Fulani militants. GOVERNOR MUFTWANG, WE THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULD APPEASE THESE FULANI TERRORISTS TO END THE VICIOUS CIRCLE OF INCESSANT MASS MURDERS AND GENOCIDES OF CHRISTIANS OF PLATEAU STATE ORIGIN by switching to Tinubu’s APC from the party that brought you to power.

WHY ARE YOU AFRAID? ARE YOU NOT ON GROUND? DOES IT MEAN YOU MOVED TO APC FOR YOUR OWN SELFISH INTEREST? REMEMBER HOW YOU HID IN AN ARMOURED VEHICLE WHILE ADDRESSING SURVIVORS OF THE TERRORISTS’ KILLINGS IN ANGWA RUKUBA JOS?

According to a humanitarian worker cited by HURIWA, “at least 10 Christians killed; official toll yet to be released.”

According to a humanitarian worker, an attack on student-populated areas in Jos, Plateau State, on Sunday resulted in at least ten verified deaths.

According to reports, the Palm Sunday incident happened in and around Angwa Rukuba, Eto Baba, and other residential neighborhoods for students.

As attackers began fire in the impacted areas, locals described scenes of fear.

However, according to a different story from local sources, the attackers—who were identified as Fulani militia—arrived on motorbikes, fired intermittently at the locals, and then fled into neighboring mountainous areas.

Numerous deaths and injuries are among the casualties from this story, while precise numbers are still unknown.

Additionally, witnesses reported intermittent gunfire near Angwa Rukuba Junction, where multiple fatalities were noted. At the time of reporting, certain parts of the region were reportedly on fire.

Due to persistent security concerns, local sources have recommended students in Angwa Rukuba, Eto Baba, and the surrounding school environs to stay indoors and limit their activity.

“Security agencies have not released an official statement about the incident or the identify of the attackers as of the time this report was filed.

In Jos, the capital of Plateau State in north-central Nigeria, there is a heavily inhabited region called Angwa Rukuba.

Armed organizations, including robbers and rebels, have frequently attacked the city and its environs in recent years; land, religious, and ethnic problems have frequently been mentioned in these instances.

HURIWA recalled that the Palm Sunday assault came after the Palm Sunday assault in Plateau State last year, which claimed 54 lives.

The Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday, honors Jesus’ victorious entry into Jerusalem.

The holiest Christian holiday week, which ends on Easter Sunday, begins on this day.

“What in the world is wrong with the IGP, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the National Security Adviser?

These officers bear direct responsibility for preventing terrorist attacks of this nature.

“Why are they unable to stop these genocides since 2023, and why is the Third Division of the entire Nigerian Army situated less than thirty minutes from the Angwa Rukuba killing fields of Fulani terrorists? There is no actionable intelligence.”

The governor’s first constitutional obligation is to safeguard the people of Plateau State, thus he must either resign immediately or use the State House of Assembly to organize armed vigilantes who should be well-trained and armed with military-grade weaponry.

If you lack courage, Mr. Governor, step down.

In order to protect law-abiding Nigerian adults’ right to life, President Bola Tinubu must grant them the freedom to possess and use AK-47 rifles. If this right is denied, there is no recourse because the victim has already passed away.

The post HURIWA Condemns Palm Sunday Massacre, Urges Tinubu and Mutfwang to Act appeared first on TheNigerian.

The Edo State Government and the State Commissioner of Police have been given a seven-day deadline by a group operating under the auspices of Edo Civil Society Organizations, or EDOCSO, to free the 52 anti-kidnapping demonstrators who were placed under remand from the Correctional Center.

In a statement to reporters in Benin City on Tuesday, Leftist Godspower Okumbor, the organization’s secretary general, made the request.

Additionally, EDOCSO ordered the government and security services to move quickly to apprehend terrorists, kidnappers, murderers, and anyone embezzling money from the state by collecting ransoms.

“We are urging the Nigeria Police and the Edo state government to immediately free the 52 Edo students detained in the Ubiaja correctional facility, while the police must pursue and prosecute the kidnappers who are terrorizing Ekpoma.”

“The government’s security incompetence should not cause suffering or dehumanization for the residents of Ekpoma and other regions of the state who were promised the safety of their lives and property during the most recent election campaign.

Instead of using these “kindergarten” policing systems that use the commissioner of police to harass innocent but active citizens of Edo that he promised to protect, Mr. Governor should focus his efforts on allocating more funds to the state security architecture for the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

“The respect and protection of citizens’ lives and property should be the Edo government’s primary concern, rather than just infrastructure development,” he stated.

Okumbor voiced his disapproval of the widespread detention and arraignment of fifty-two Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, students for their protests against ongoing kidnapping activities within the campus community.

Okumbor stated that protest should not be criminalized by the government or law enforcement, despite the fact that it is a guaranteed and constitutional form of self-expression.

He pointed out that protest is a component of democracy and a way for people to voice their disapproval of any circumstance in an effort to draw the attention of the appropriate government or its agencies.

“Protests must be conducted without causing damage to public property or engaging in other illegal activities. It is well acknowledged that casualties in combat are unavoidable.

“A process of de-escalation and addressing the remote cause of action can mitigate these outcomes,” he continued.

According to the EDOCSO scribe, the demonstration and all that followed were caused by the government’s negligence and inaction to protect citizens’ lives and property while kidnappers were in control of Ekpoma town.

Nonetheless, he tasked all levels of government with being responsive and upholding their mandate.

The Edo State Police Command was criticized by the organization for not apprehending a single kidnapper even after the demonstration. Instead, they quickly allocated personnel and resources to pursue students who were accused of stealing and causing malicious damage during the demonstration, and subsequently charged 52 of them in court.

The CSOs, who said that Edo residents should receive responsive policing, claimed that the state’s police have developed a habit of making large-scale arrests that never lead to suspects being found guilty.

“A similar pattern was seen throughout the state government’s battle against cultism, so this is a diversion at its best. The security architecture of Edo State needs to be updated, he continued.

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