The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Tuesday swore in Prof. Rahmon Tella as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Oyo State. The event, held at the commission’s headquarters, marked Tella’s redeployment to Oyo State and, according to INEC, forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral administration across the country. In a statement posted on its X handle, INEC said the ceremony was conducted with “solemnity and purpose,” in line with Amupitan’s drive to entrench discipline, integrity, and punctuality within the commission. Administering the oath, Amupitan said, “An occasion of an oath-taking is a solemn occasion. It is an occasion that calls to duty,” adding that the role of a Resident Electoral Commissioner carries significant trust and responsibility. He reiterated his stance on electoral integrity, noting that the commission’s mission “transcends regulatory duty” and represents a “moral and legal duty” to Nigerians. “I admonish you that the integrity of our election is not negotiable. You must uphold the highest standard of professionalism and integrity in every action you take… Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated,” he said. The INEC chairman also charged Tella to ensure that voters in Oyo State have full confidence that their ballots will count, urging him to serve as “a beacon of hope and democratic values.” Responding, Tella expressed appreciation for the chairman’s guidance, saying, “The honourable chairman’s remarks are very much brimming with value and experience,” and pledged to align his work with the commission’s vision. A Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy, Tella currently serves as the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences at Atiba University, Oyo. He had previously served as REC in both Oyo and Ekiti states, representing Osun. His first term ended in September 2025, according to INEC records.

The South West Governors’ Forum has announced a series of security, economic and administrative measures aimed at strengthening safety and development across the region. The announcement was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the forum’s meeting held on Monday at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and made available to THENEWSCREDIT The governors said the resolutions followed extensive deliberations on agriculture, economic and regional development, as well as security challenges affecting the South West region. The forum also threw its weight behind ongoing Federal Government rescue efforts in the North-West and North-Central following recent attacks. The communique read, “The torum commends Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda. “The forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary’s in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State. “The forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State. The forum reviewed the current state of security of our region and took some decisions to ensure the security of the lives and property of our people.” The communiqué outlined several security-focused decisions, including a regional fund and a new tech-driven intelligence network. “South West Regional Security Fund: The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and to meet monthly. “Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform: The forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response,” the communique added. The governors also raised the alarm over criminal activities in forests and the security risks posed by unregulated migration. On forest surveillance, the communiqué stated, “Forest Surveillance: the Forum commends the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Hunters, Amotekun Corps Members and all the other security agencies. “The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States and calls for the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements. “To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South West states, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel. The Governors reaffirm their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests and ensuring that these spaces no longer serve as safe corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.” On interstate movement, it added, “Interstate Migration: the forum expresses deep concern on the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges across the Southwest. The forum calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self-identification, and for each South West State to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification. The forum agrees to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity.” Sharing its opinion on illegal mining in the country, the Forum warned that it was becoming a major threat to stability and safety in the region. “Illegal Mining Activities: The forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security. “The forum calls for a comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining”, it stated. The governors, however, reiterated their long-standing demand for state-controlled policing, stating, “State Police: The Forum reaffirms its support for the establishment of State Police, emphasising that ‘The Time is Now’ and It can no longer be delayed.” They also acknowledged ongoing national efforts in food security and climate resilience. It stated, “Agriculture, Food Security Climate Resilience: The Forum acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government in providing food sufficiency and in particular, commends the various farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural output and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.” The Forum further expressed gratitude to Tinubu for establishing the South West Development Commission. “South West Development Commission (SWDC): The Forum thanks Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the establishment of the commission and charges the Commission to effectively deliver on its mandate. DAWN Commission: The Forum commends the DAWN Commission and its activities on regional integration and security.” The governors ended by urging residents of the South West to uphold peace and harmony. “Finally, the forum enjoins all the south west people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in our dear region. We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for”, the communique concluded. The South West Governors’ Forum, comprising the governors of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, has in recent years positioned itself as a key regional bloc addressing the economic, security and development challenges confronting the zone. With rising concerns over insecurity — including kidnapping incidents, forest incursions, illegal mining, and unregulated migration — the forum has intensified coordination efforts through platforms such as the DAWN Commission and regional security outfits like Amotekun. Monday’s meeting came at a time when the region continues to grapple with evolving security threats and economic pressures. The governors had previously advocated the creation of state police, improved federal collaboration and the strengthening of security intelligence-sharing across member states.

Governor Seyi Makinde has presented a ₦891.9 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the Oyo State House of Assembly. During the presentation, the governor said the 2026 budget is aimed at consolidating the state’s accelerated development agenda. This marks the seventh budget he has submitted to the Assembly. According to the breakdown, recurrent expenditure is projected at ₦389.3 billion, while capital expenditure stands at ₦502.64 billion. Governor Makinde disclosed that ₦210 billion has been earmarked for infrastructure, ₦70.84 billion for health, and ₦19.9 billion for agriculture. The remaining ₦435.91 billion will fund other priority sectors, including security, education, and other critical areas. In his remarks, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, pledged continuous cooperation with the executive arm to ensure the effective implementation of the budget. He also commended the governor for maintaining a harmonious relationship with the legislature in driving meaningful development across the state. The total budget estimate for 2026 stands at ₦891,985,074,480.79, eight hundred and ninety-one billion, nine hundred and eighty-five million, seventy-four thousand, four hundred and eighty naira, seventy-nine kobo.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has issued a strong warning to politicians planning to manipulate the 2027 governorship election in the state. The governor also declared that anyone attempting to rig the polls “will be met with madness.” In a viral video circulating on social media on Monday, the governor cautioned political actors against plotting to undermine the electoral process, stressing that Oyo voters are now more politically aware and will resist any form of manipulation. Makinde said, “In a few months, I will be out of here. I have already started preparations for the transition. “In 2027, other players will be there. If they think attacking Seyi Makinde and politicising this issue will make the people vote for them, maybe they should think again. Oyo State people are wiser.” Speaking further, he warned those contemplating election malpractice to rethink their plans. “The next set of leaders will be the ultimate deciders. If you think you can rig the gubernatorial elections in Oyo State in 2027, think again. ‘Were, la n fi wo were’ (We will use madness to cure madness),” he said. The governor’s latest remarks come months after he declared that the choice of who succeeds him in 2027 lies strictly with the people of Oyo State, not political godfathers or those claiming entitlement.

The founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide and Senior Pastor of the Faith Tabernacle, Bishop David Oyedepo, has stated that Nigeria will never become an Islamic state, condemning the surge in killings and insecurity across the country. Oyedepo, while addressing the congregation during the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service on Sunday, expressed concern over continued attacks on worshippers and communities, describing the growing violence as “unacceptable” and “a direct assault on innocent lives.” He said, “The Church of Christ in Nigeria is indestructible. The gates of hell cannot prevail against it. Nigeria will never become an Islamic state. Never, never, never. The battle is raging. The Islamic jihadists are running. But we belong to a higher realm of authority.” He condemned the attackers and those he accused of sponsoring them, placing a curse on them. “Five people were shot dead in a church last week. Thirty-five abductees can’t tell where they are. And they are demanding a hundred million from a village setting. “Every perpetrator of these killings and their sponsors come under a curse today,” he said. Oyedepo urged members of the church and Christians nationwide to engage in seven days of intensive prayer beginning at midnight, describing it as a spiritual response to worsening insecurity. “When this church prays, God hears. All who are baptised in the Holy Ghost will join me in praying extensively in the spirit. By so doing, we are sending angels on a run. There will be catastrophes. “There will be catastrophes. There shall be catastrophes. In the camp of the wicked, there shall be catastrophes,” he said. He directed congregants to anoint their homes and workplaces as “no-go areas” and to take spiritual responsibility for the protection of their families and communities. He added that attacks on church members would no longer go unanswered, announcing that a spiritual operation would begin at midnight. “I’m asking every living winner, no matter how much anointing you have for sleep, that anointing is broken. Amen. Amen. Amen. As the Lord lives, who sent me as one of the watchmen over this nation. This shall not continue. “12 midnight tonight, the operation begins. Satan is in trouble.Its agents and it is arrayed, in the name of Jesus. Any member of this church touched, equals fire and brimstone, in the camp of the enemy. I’m saying so by the Holy Ghost. Go and try it.”

In recent times, Nigeria has gone through turbulent periods of different kinds. THENEWSCREDIT examines 10 tragic events that occurred in the last 10 days as the security of the country continues to deteriorate. 11/11/25 – Six Senior Directors from the Ministry of Defence were kidnapped along the Kogi axis, reminding us that even those tasked with securing our nation are no longer safe. 15/11/25 – A senior military officer, a Brigadier General, was brutally executed, a grave signal of the danger engulfing both civilians and security personnel. 16/11/25 – Sixty-four civilians, including women and children, were abducted in Zamfara, with innocent lives also lost in the attack. 17/11/25 – Twenty-five schoolgirls, young children with dreams and innocence, were abducted in Kebbi, and their Vice Principal was killed, adding to the heartbreaking list of attacks on our nation’s future. 18/11/25 – Worshippers praying peacefully in a church in Kwara State were violently attacked, with some killed and about 38 abducted. A place of worship, meant to be a sanctuary, became a scene of fear. The kidnapped victims were reportedly released on Sunday. 18/11/25 – A disturbing crisis unfolded at the PDP Wadata Plaza headquarters. Instead of de-escalation, elements within the security agencies worsened the situation and further instigated it. Rather than focusing on protecting citizens, the government appeared to watch with amusement, encouraging the destruction of political parties and the weakening of our democracy. Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Monday morning 18/11/25 – During the All Nigeria Judges’ Conference, judges who should embody neutrality and integrity were seen standing as the APC partisan song “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” played ahead of the President’s address. This troubling moment further eroded public trust in institutions expected to protect the rule of law. The judiciary, however, denied the allegation. 19/11/25 – Soldiers heading to rescue the Kebbi State abducted schoolgirls were ambushed, showing once again how undersupported our security forces have become. 21/11/25 – Nigerians awoke to the devastating news that over 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State. Fifty of them reportedly escaped on Sunday and reunited with their families. 22/11/25 – Bandits opened fire on farmers in Kaduna, killing one. Terrorists also ambushed and gunned down five police officers and injured two in Sabon Sara, Darazo LGA, Bauchi State.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons across the country, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties. The directive was issued during a security meeting the president held on Sunday in Abuja with service chiefs and the director-general of the Department of State Services. According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police. “Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult. “In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” the statement read. Onanuga also disclosed that the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel and that the Federal Government is working with states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide. Those in attendance at Sunday’s meeting included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Adeola Ajayi. The withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs comes amid long-standing concerns over the overstretching of Nigeria’s police force. Several reports have highlighted that more than 100,000 police officers are assigned to politicians, businessmen, and other VIPs.

President Bola Tinubu has thanked security forces, after Catholic School students in Niger State and worshippers in Kwara State, regained their freedom. In a statement on Sunday, he promised that every Nigerian would be safe under his watch. His statement read: “You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me to coordinate the security efforts at home. “Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued. “I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered. “I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline. “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed the release of 38 persons abducted during the attack on Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area. The victims, who were taken during an assault on the church last week, regained freedom on Sunday. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said the development followed days of coordinated efforts by security agencies and federal authorities. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had directed increased security operations in response to the incidents in Kwara and Kebbi states, including the deployment of additional tactical teams to Kwara. AbdulRazaq expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police Force for their roles in the rescue operation. He also commended community leaders and residents for their support during the period. Security agencies have yet to release further details on how the victims were freed or whether arrests were made.

The President, Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, has cautioned Nigerians, especially those using social media platforms against mocking Christian religious leaders over the country’s security challenges. Oladele during his sermon at the dedication and handing-over service of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Restoration, Osogbo, Osun State, donated by Prof. and Mrs ‘Siji Olamiju on Saturday, said prayers of the religious leaders has kept Nigeria from total disintegration. The religious leader, who made reference to a particular post he observed on the social media recently, said the author of the message spoke derogatorily about Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor Williams Kumuyi and Bishop David Oyedepo, over their inability to use prayers to end insecurity in the country. Declaring that Nigeria’s spiritual fathers have been praying for the country to experience divine peace, Oladele said social media criticism of clergymen would eventually amount to nothing, imploring Nigerians to pray for leaders in the country, rather than attacking them. “We are being guided by the Bible and not by the criticism of any social media post by bloggers. The bible remains our own courage and we do His will. There is a way you comport yourself as a minister but we denounce unrighteousness, violence and insecurity. “The Bible tells us to pray for those who are in authority and not just to criticise. Most of the battles of life, as far as we are concerned, are fought and won on our knees and not necessarily by confronting or criticising people disruptively. “But we live in the days of mockers and no matter what you do, they don’t see anything good in it. We have our culture and our culture teaches us that when you have an elder, there is a way to talk to them. “There are men of God everywhere and we are human. You don’t expect perfection from us, but I want to believe that we have men of God in this country who are always on their knees to pray to God for the sustenance of the peace of this country,” Oladele said. In his admonition to all Nigerians regardless of religious inclination in this era of insecurity, Oladele added, “The Bible says ‘Look on to me, oh you nations,’ We still have to keep looking to God. Without God, there is nothing we can do. It is only which that is done in the heaven,’ that we can achieve here on earth. So, let’s keep trusting God who has helped us this far. “Why is it that Nigeria has not totally disintegrated? He queried. “It is because we have God who has been looking after us. For Christians generally, let us be the light of the world. Represent God and His interests anywhere you are.” Earlier, in his address, the donor, Olamiju, said the church was built to appreciate God after he miraculously survived a medical challenge. He stated readiness to keep supporting efforts that would spread the gospel, urging Nigerians to continue to live in love and mutual respect. The church dedication was attended by the former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, a former Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, ex member representing Ijesa South in the House Representatives, Mr. Ajibola Famurewa, royal fathers, religious fathers and members of CAC across Osun State and beyond. Hiding behind the veil of anonymity that social media platforms sometimes provide, some users usually target clerics with libellious claims, and malicious attacks. THENEWSCREDIT on January 13, 2025, however reported that a youth group known as The Concern Nigerian Christian Youths, called on all relevant security agencies to spare no effort in identifying and prosecuting those who misuse social media to incite religious tension and propagate lies against the church, mosque and clerics. The group enjoined relevant authorities to intensify the fight against cyberbullying across the country, saying that attacks on the Christian faith and indeed other religions on social media when left unchecked portends a great danger for the country.