Sultan Of Sokoto To Tinubu: Release El-Rufai Or Charge Him In Court

Sultan of Sokoto to Tinubu: release El-Rufai or charge him in court, and also asks why American troops are in Northern Nigeria.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has told President Bola Tinubu: either release former Kaduna Governor Nasiru El-Rufai or charge him in court.

Sultan Of Sokoto

He also openly questioned the presence of American troops in Northern Nigeria. “Are they here to train our soldiers, or is a permanent base being planned? If a base is built, why in the North?” he asked.

Islamic scholar Sanusi Khalil said the Sultan is calling for due process and deserves support and prayers for asking tough questions.

Akwa Ibom, Cross River Will Remain Brothers, Says Governor Eno

Akwa Ibom, Cross River will remain brothers, says Governor Eno…commends Helen Ukpabio for steadfast service to God, Humanity.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed the enduring bond between the people of Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State, describing both as brothers who must continue to live in peace and harmony.

The governor gave the assurance during a special Sunday worship service at Liberty Gospel Church in Calabar, where he urged Akwa Ibom indigenes residing and working in Cross River to promote peaceful coexistence and support the development of both states.

According to him, the historical relationship between the two states remains strong despite the creation of Akwa Ibom out of Cross River.

“The people of the two states will continue to be brothers because of our bond. Our unity, oneness and peace have always been our goal,” the governor said.

He noted that Akwa Ibom residents in Cross River should continue to pray for and work towards the peace and progress of their host state.

“Akwa Ibom State was created out of Cross River State, but then, we are still brothers. Those of you living here must not stop praying for the peace of Jerusalem as instructed in the Bible. Cross River State is your Jerusalem because you are resident here. Continue to live in peace, love and brotherliness for our overall growth,” he said.

Governor Eno also lauded the virtues of Apostle Helen Ukpabio, describing her as a servant of God whose life and ministry reflect integrity, dedication and compassion for humanity.

He urged the cleric to remain steadfast in her divine calling, noting that criticism often accompanies meaningful work and should not discourage those with genuine vision.

“As a matter of fact, I have come to learn that if people do not disagree with what you are doing, then you are not doing anything. They are free to disagree because God did not give them the vision but you,” he stated.

The governor further commended Apostle Ukpabio for what he described as being “consistently consistent” in her commitment to drawing people closer to God through her ministry.

Umo Eno

In her sermon titled “Commanding the Blessing,” drawn from Book of Psalms 133:3, Apostle Akpabio explained that blessings are superior to curses and often manifest through God’s pronouncements of multiplication and dominion in the lives of believers.

She urged Christians to maintain personal and environmental cleanliness as a way of positioning themselves to receive God’s blessings in their lives and endeavours.

The cleric also described Governor Eno as a compassionate leader and pastor whose administration has demonstrated commitment to people-oriented development.

She thanked the governor for attending the church service and prayed for the continued success of his administration, asking God to grant him strength, grace and wisdom to lead Akwa Ibom State to greater heights.

Members of the governor’s entourage included the Dean of the College of Commissioners and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong; former senator Effiong Bob; President General, ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko; Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah; and Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Eno Ibanga, among others.

Works Minister Umahi Mourns HRH Eze Francis Igwe, Describes His De@th As Shocking

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of HRH Eze Francis Igwe, the revered traditional ruler and father of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Barr. Kelechi Igwe.

HRH Eze Francis Igwe reportedly died in captivity after being abducted a few days ago, an incident that has sent shockwaves across Ebonyi State and beyond.

Reacting to the sad development, Senator Umahi described the news as shocking and heartbreaking.
“This is shocking, very sad and still feels like a dream. It is painful to imagine that such a respected elder and traditional ruler could meet such a tragic end,”.

Senator Umahi noted that the late monarch was widely respected for his wisdom, calm disposition, and dedication to the peace and development of his community. He said the death of the traditional ruler is not only a painful loss to his immediate family but also to the traditional institution and the entire Ebonyi State.

The Minister particularly expressed deep sympathy to Barr. Kelechi Igwe, who served as his Deputy Governor during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, noting that the loss of a father under such painful circumstances is difficult to bear.

“I deeply feel the pain of my brother and former Deputy Governor, Barr. Kelechi Igwe, and the entire Igwe family at this moment. Losing a father is always painful, but the nature of this tragedy makes it even more heartbreaking. My prayers and thoughts are with the family,” he said.

David Umahi

While commending security agencies for the swift arrest of those allegedly involved in the dastardly act, Senator Umahi expressed hope that justice will be fully served to bring some measure of closure to the grieving family and deter such crimes in society.

He prayed for God to grant the soul of the late monarch eternal rest and give the family, his community, and all who mourn him the strength to bear the painful loss.

“May God console the family and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May the soul of HRH Eze Francis Igwe rest in perfect peace,” the Minister added.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
March 6, 2026