News

Obi faults Tinubu’s response to Plateau killings, Nigerians react

Published

2 months ago

April 3, 2026

Preport

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as a lack of compassion and visible leadership in response to recent attacks in Plateau State.

Obi spoke in a statement shared on his official X page on Tuesday.

He said leadership in times of tragedy must go beyond official appearances, stressing that empathy and physical presence in affected communities are critical.

“True leadership requires presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor recalled that during a visit to Benue State in June 2025, the President stopped at the Government House without visiting affected communities, adding that a similar situation played out in Jos where engagement reportedly ended at the airport.

“For citizens who have just lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of safety, being addressed from an airport tarmac is profoundly inadequate,” he added.

Obi maintained that beyond words, urgent and practical steps must be taken to address insecurity, insisting that Plateau and other affected areas deserve decisive action and reassurance from leadership.

As reactions trailed the statement, some Nigerians took to the comment section to express concern over what they described as a disconnect between leadership and the realities on ground.

An X user, Chukwu alleged that insecurity in the country has been politicised, noting that, “Nigeria have politicians that have weaponised insecurity to destabilise communities while using security forces to suppress dissenting voices.”

Another commenter, Ojukwu Di Ndu, said moments of grief demand more empathy from leaders, “Leadership without compassion feels empty, especially in times of grief. The people of Plateau and Benue deserve a leader who shows up where the pain is greatest.”

Also reacting, an X user identified as Mayor of Calabar said the situation in Jos requires more than distant engagement, adding that, “The people of Jos deserve more than an airport tarmac speech after such horrific loss. We must demand leaders who stand with victims, not above them.”

Similarly, another X user, Dennis, criticised what he described as a lack of direct engagement with affected communities, “Addressing victims from an airport tarmac while their communities are in ruins isn’t leadership, it’s an insult.”

News

Sen Jang Opposes Indigene Certificates for Hausa/Fulani Residents, Raises Concerns Over Plateau Identity

Published

3 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, has voiced strong opposition to proposals that would allow Hausa/Fulani residents in Plateau State to obtain indigene certificates, describing the issue as one with far-reaching implications for the state’s cultural heritage, identity, and indigenous rights. Jang made his position known while addressing ongoing debates surrounding citizenship, residency, and indigeneity, topics that have remained at the center of political and social discussions in Plateau State for decades.

According to the former governor, indigene certificates are historically linked to communities and ethnic groups recognized as the original inhabitants of Plateau State and should not be granted solely on the basis of long-term residence. He argued that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and conduct lawful activities anywhere in the country, such rights should not automatically translate into indigene status, which he said carries unique cultural and historical significance.

Jang further maintained that preserving the distinction between residents and indigenes is necessary to protect the interests, heritage, and political representation of indigenous communities. He warned that altering the existing framework could create tensions and undermine the rights of groups that have historically been recognized as native to the state. The former governor emphasized the need for careful consideration of any policy changes relating to indigene certificates to avoid unintended consequences.

The comments have since generated mixed reactions among stakeholders across the state and beyond. While supporters of Jang’s position argue that protecting indigenous identity is essential for maintaining social and cultural balance, others contend that individuals who have lived in Plateau for generations should be afforded broader recognition and inclusion. The debate continues to spark conversations on the broader issues of citizenship, belonging, and equal opportunities within Nigeria’s diverse society.

News

Vincent Ugwoke Makes Nigerian Athletics History with NCAA Discus Bronze

Published

4 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Nigerian thrower Vincent Ugwoke produced one of the most significant performances in Nigerian field event history, launching a massive personal best of 63.89 metres to claim the bronze medal in the men’s discus throw at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Sports247 reports that the outstanding effort not only secured Ugwoke a place on the podium but also elevated him into the history books, recording the furthest discus throw by a Nigerian athlete since 2004.

Competing against one of the strongest collegiate fields in the world, Ugwoke delivered when it mattered most, producing a career-best mark to earn his first NCAA medal and underline his growing status among Nigeria’s elite field athletes.

The event was won by Jamaican star Ralford Mullings, who captured gold with a throw of 65.81m, while compatriot Racquil Broderick secured silver with a personal best of 64.15m. Ugwoke’s 63.89m throw completed the podium and ensured Nigeria was represented among the medal winners.

Beyond the medal itself, the significance of the performance lies in its historical context. Nigerian athletics has traditionally been known for its success in sprinting and jumping events, making Ugwoke’s achievement particularly noteworthy.

His mark stands as the best by a Nigerian discus thrower in more than two decades, highlighting both the quality of his performance and its importance for the development of field events in the country.

The bronze medal also caps an impressive season of progress for the Nigerian, whose steady improvement culminated in a breakthrough performance on one of collegiate athletics’ biggest stages.

Delivering a personal best under championship pressure is a testament to both his preparation and competitive mindset.

For Nigerian athletics, Ugwoke’s achievement serves as a reminder of the growing depth of talent emerging across different disciplines.

His success could provide inspiration for a new generation of throwers looking to make their mark nationally and internationally.

With a personal best, an NCAA bronze medal, and a place in the record books now secured, Vincent Ugwoke leaves the championships having achieved a truly memorable milestone.

His 63.89m throw will be remembered as one of the finest Nigerian discus performances of the modern era and a significant moment in the resurgence of Nigerian field events.