Gov Oborevwori urges Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies

Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has charged Nigerians to shun inflammatory remarks and divisive tendencies to ensure  sustainable peace, unity and development of the nation. The governor gave the charge at a special Interdenominational Thanksgiving mass in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Emmanuel The Saviour Catholic Church, on Sunday in  Asaba. Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said Nigerians emulate the  sacrifices and commitment of fallen heroes  and pursue the path of peace, unity, and justice. READ ALSO: Oborevwori Unveils Plans for Asaba International market, Others in 20025 He called on all to pray for global peace at this time, especially for the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestinian crisis  and the Russia-Ukraine war. The governor said the thanksgiving service was part of activities lined up to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour the nation’s fallen heroes and legionnaires. He said that it was also a platform for sober reflection on the past, present and future of the country. The governor noted that many compatriots paid the ultimate price to protect  the sovereignty of the nation  and preserve its unity. He lauded them for their bravery, courage and abiding faith in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Delta Govt, APC in War of Words Over Rumoured Gov Oborevwori’s Defection The governor challenged all to support the legionnaires  , their widows and children . The governor  said that the state government was committed to supporting the legionnaires in various ways. He also called on the legionnaires to reciprocate government’s gesture by organising themselves and embarking on meaningful projects and programmes that would complement the efforts of the government to improve the living standard of ex-servicemen and that of their families. The governor urged those in positions of trust to lead with the fear of God  for them to be able to make the right choices and decisions that  would deliver good governance to the people. READ ALSO: Delta Gov Shuffles Cabinet, Aniagwu Takes Over Information Ministry In his sermon, Monsignor John Aduba, the Rector of Saint Joseph Pro Cathedral, Asaba, noted that the service was to celebrate members of the armed forces still serving and to remember the fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the unity of the nation. Aduba thanked them for their selfless service to the nation and reminded them  of the need to give special attention to the needs of the families of fallen heroes. The  ceremony to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day will be concluded on Wednesday at the Cenotaph, Asaba, with laying of wreaths.

Nigerians Condemn New Retirement Package for Army Generals

The internet has gone into a frenzy as Nigerians curse and swear in condemnation of a new retirement package approved for Service Chiefs and other generals by President Bola Tinubu. The highlight of the package include bulletproof SUVs, annual medical allowances of up to $20,000, and domestic aides.  The package provides luxury benefits like personal assistants, security escorts, and free local and international medical treatments. Top-ranking officers, such as the Chief of Defence Staff, will receive bulletproof SUVs, Peugeot backup vehicles, and five domestic aides, while lieutenant generals will get Toyota Land Cruisers and similar perks.  Lower-ranking officers, such as brigadier generals and colonels, will receive lesser benefits, including medical care and cars. Medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), criticized the allowance for foreign medical treatment. They argue that officials should receive healthcare in Nigeria to strengthen the local health sector. The public has raised concerns over the fairness of these benefits, especially given Nigeria’s economic challenges. Critics believe government funds should be used to improve healthcare, infrastructure, and social services rather than offering luxury retirement perks to retired officers.

Tinubu appoints Oluyede as acting COAS

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Another Yoruba from the president’s ethnic extraction Gen Oluyede replaces Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, also a Yoruba. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Wednesday said Oluyede will act as the COAS pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,, who is said to be indisposed and receiving treatment abroad. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). “Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” the statement reads. The current appointment further contradicts Nigeria’s Federal Character principle which encourages inclusivity in line with the country’s multiethnic composition. Currently, people of the president’s ethnic extraction dominate the management of the security aparatus and commanding heights of Nigeria’s public finance.