Headlines
N10bn Suit: Oshiomhole Begs Ortom for Out-of-Court Settlement
A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomole, on Tuesday, sought for an out-of-court settlement in the N10bn libel suit instituted against him by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
Ortom had filed the suit against the former APC chairman over his comments against him at a press conference on July 27, 2018, where Oshiomhole accused the governor of having a hand in the death of two Catholic priests and other parishioners at Mbalom Community, Gwer East Local Government Area on the grounds that one of the priests had preached a “very critical sermon” against him (the governor).
Earlier on the suit, Oshiomhole had filed six preliminary objections which the court resolved all in Ortom’s favour.
However, at the resumption of the case on Tuesday, counsel for Ortom, Samuel Irabor, submitted that he was ready to call his witnesses, but said that Oshiomhole’s counsel, Festus Jumbo had informed him that they have considered putting up a retraction of the publication and it would be ready within a week.
He said he was applying for another date to take a look at the terms of settlement canvassed by Oshiomhole.
Titus Akhuwa who held the brief of Oshiomhole’s counsel, Festus Jumbo confirmed the submission of Governor Ortom’s lawyer.
The Presiding judge, Justice Augustine Ityonyiman of State High Court sitting in Makurdi, after listening to both parties, adjourned the case to October 29, for a report on the out-of-court settlement.
The Punch
The leader of a failed coup in Benin Republic, Colonel Tigri Pascal, has reportedly sought refuge in neighbouring Togo.
Soldiers briefly took control of Benin’s State television station on Sunday morning and claimed they had deposed President Patrice Talon, though Benin’s armed forces, backed by Nigerian firepower and French intelligence and logistical support, thwarted the attempt.
The soldiers identified Colonel Pascal as the coup leader, while his whereabouts had previously been unknown.
However, a senior Benin government official told Reuters on Wednesday that the soldier is in Togo.
The government, however, called for Pascal’s immediate extradition.
Togo’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A Benin government statement on Monday said coup plotters attempted to seize Talon, and came close enough for the president to witness violent clashes first-hand.
The statement added that they also managed to kidnap two senior military officials who were released on Monday morning.
A Benin Republic government’s spokesperson, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, said on Sunday that 14 people had been arrested in connection with the coup attempt.
Reuters
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate the same speed and firmness he showed while responding to the recent coup attempt in the Benin Republic, in tackling the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
The party said the government’s rapid deployment of support to the neighbouring country sharply contrasts with its slow and inconsistent approach to confronting banditry, terrorism and violent crime that continue to devastate communities nationwide.
On Sunday, a group of soldiers announced a takeover of the government in the Francophone West African country.
Hours later, the Benin Republic presidency said President Patrice Talon was safe, adding that the “regular” army was regaining control.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also assisted the Beninese government by carrying out combat air patrols around Cotonou, the Benin Republic.
In a statement on Monday, Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary, ADC, urged the federal government to show similar decisiveness in tackling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime across Nigeria.
Abdullahi said the government’s ability to act quickly abroad highlights its slow and haphazard response to domestic insecurity, which is devastating communities.
He also expressed concern about democratic reversals in the West African region and stressed that the best safeguard for democracy is good governance anchored on improved livelihoods and tolerance for opposition.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes Nigeria’s swift intervention in the Benin Republic following the announcement of a coup attempt.
“We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood. However, the government must align this intervention with the legal provisions of our Constitution.
“While the unilateral action taken by the President might have been expedient, it still requires ratification by the National Assembly for military deployment outside Nigeria,” the statement read.
The ADC spokesperson questioned why Nigeria failed to act swiftly in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was at risk.
He added that the government’s rapid response abroad raises concerns about its handling of domestic insecurity.
“Consistency in our mode of operations, especially in foreign interventions, is essential for any country that seeks to lead the sub-region on democracy and stability.
“If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our borders, why has it failed to act with similar urgency at home? Banditry, terrorism, and violent crime continue to hold communities hostage, displace families, abduct children, and parade themselves openly,” Abdullahi said.
He noted that defending democracy begins with protecting Nigerian lives, restoring security, and rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.
“The best safeguard against military adventurism is for elected governments to make democracy meaningful by improving citizens’ lives and allowing opposition and alternative voices to thrive,” he said.
Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday, announced that he has joined the Accord Party as a new platform to seek re-election in August next year.
Adeleke made the announcement in a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, days after resigning from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor disclosed that he joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely November 6, 2025, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026.
He said the decision was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.
Governor Adeleke noted that he opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with his focus on citizens and workers’ welfare.
“Stakeholders and residents of Osun State are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare. Since I joined, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.
“I welcome the leadership of the Accord from the National into Osun State. You are now part of us as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.
“Our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for future elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for. Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state,” the statement read in part.
On December 2, Governor Adeleke announced his resignation from the PDP, the political platform under which he rose to prominence as senator and later governor.
In a letter he addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde, in Ede North Local Government, Osun State, Adeleke cited the ongoing crisis within the PDP’s national leadership as the reason for his departure.
The governor expressed gratitude to the party for providing him the platform to serve, first as Senator representing Osun West (2017–2019) and later as governor of the State.
