News
Eminent Professor Reveals Secret Reasons Trump Wants to Invade Nigeria
Professor Lai Olurode says Donald Trump’s threat of military action against Nigeria stems from racial, economic, and political interests rather than religion
The retired sociology professor links Trump’s hostility to Nigeria’s growing oil independence, led by the Dangote Refinery, and its global cultural influence
Olurode urges President Tinubu to maintain calm diplomacy and national unity in responding to what he describes as Trump’s “provocative and dangerous” rhetoric
A former national commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and retired Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos, Lai Olurode, has described United States President Donald Trump’s recent military threat against Nigeria as a calculated political ploy driven by racial prejudice, economic self-interest, and geopolitical manipulation rather than concern for Christians in the country.
Mr Trump recently listed Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and warned that his administration would take military action if what he termed “the genocide of Christians” did not stop.
The Nigerian government dismissed the claim as baseless, explaining that terrorist attacks within the country affect both Muslims and Christians and that there is no official policy promoting persecution.
In a statement shared with and reported by Premium Times, Professor Olurode described Trump’s allegations as a “smokescreen” masking deeper motives.

“Nigeria has, over the years, suffered indiscriminate terrorist attacks that target military installations, public infrastructure, economic assets, and all places of worship — Christian and Muslim alike,” he said.
“There’s hardly any state in the country that has not fallen victim to such violence. Yet, under the present administration, there are emerging indicators that acts of terrorism are actually declining.”
According to Olurode, Trump’s posture is rooted in a long-standing bias against non-white nations.
“Since his campaign for the White House, Trump has demonstrated hatred for black Americans and colored people generally,” he said.
“His immigration policies were hallmarks of racial bigotry and opposition to the melting-pot ideal that America once stood for.”
The professor said Trump’s policies have consistently eroded America’s image as a multicultural nation and weakened international cooperation.
He further linked Trump’s position to economic developments in Nigeria, particularly the success of the Dangote Refinery, which he believes has altered America’s economic influence in the region.
“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, we are refining our own oil. This development undoubtedly reduces dependency on American oil workers, shippers, and refineries,” he said.
“The Dangote phenomenon must be giving America sleepless nights. As Walter Rodney once argued in How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, the West prefers Africa to remain dependent. A self-sufficient Nigeria disrupts that structure.”
America fears a stable Nigerian democracy Olurode said Nigeria’s rising global cultural influence is reshaping perceptions abroad, something some conservative American leaders find uncomfortable.
“Nigerians in the diaspora are not just economic migrants; they are cultural ambassadors. Our music, art, and entrepreneurship are now embedded in the social fabric of major Western cities. Trump and his allies are no friends of this multicultural reality,” he said.
He also linked the tension to political calculations by powerful nations that seek to weaken emerging democracies.
“America’s global triumph feeds on fueling instability in fledgling democracies. Few powerful nations ever believed Nigeria could sustain 25 years of uninterrupted democracy,” he said.
While condemning Trump’s “provocative and dangerous” remarks, Olurode urged President Bola Tinubu to act with restraint and diplomacy.
He called on political and intellectual elites to stand together in defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“If Nigeria goes under, there will be no country left for our diverse aspirations,” he warned.
Earlier, The Daily Voice reported that former Kano state governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reacted to recent threats from United States President Donald Trump over allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
He said the US should assist Nigeria in fighting insecurity instead of issuing military threats.
Kwankwaso’s statement follows Trump’s comments and a directive to the US Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria
The American president had accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to the “killing of Christians” and warned that his administration might stop all aid to the country.
Responding on Sunday, November 2, Kwankwaso described Nigeria as a sovereign nation whose citizens face security challenges from various armed groups. He said insecurity in the country affects people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds.
The former defense minister urged Washington to adopt a more constructive approach by supporting Nigeria through technological and intelligence collaboration. According to him, such cooperation would help the country combat terrorism and other forms of criminality more effectively.
“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarize our country,” he said.
Kwankwaso also advised the federal government to appoint special envoys and permanent ambassadors to engage the American government on issues of mutual concern. He said maintaining diplomatic dialogue is crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s interests and ensuring balanced international relations.
The Daily Voice earlier reported that Nigeria’s Foreign ministry commented on the claim that Nigerian Christians were being killed in massive proportions. According to the government ministry, the claim by the United States President Donald Trump did not reflect the reality on the ground.
News
JUST IN: Nigerian Gov Approves 13th-Month Bonus
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th-month pension bonus to all pensioners in the state, as well as a one-off welfare support of N10,000 in November 2026.
Speaking at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo on Friday, during the presentation of a merit award by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and an endorsement of his second-term bid, Eno said pensioners deserved to rest well after their meritorious service to the state.
Eno said he was particularly impressed by the pensioners’ sense of gratitude and assured them that the state government, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens.
He said, “This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organisation. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare.”
He urged them to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme, which he said was free for people aged 65 and above, to enable them to enjoy quality healthcare.
Eno recalled that he had promised to clear the backlog of gratuities, adding that N100bn had so far been paid from the accumulated N111bn owed since 2012. He assured the pensioners that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for making funds available to states, saying this had enabled him to fulfil his promise to clear the gratuity arrears.
Eno called on the pensioners to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 elections, saying this would ensure the continued availability of funds for the prompt payment of gratuities and pensions, as well as other welfare packages.
He also urged pensioners from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to vote for the re-election of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Responding, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, commended Eno for what he described as his compassion and care for pensioners in the state.
Abumisi also praised Eno’s leadership and development efforts and urged pensioners across the state to support his second-term bid in 2027.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, thanked Eno for his leadership, saying his commitment to the welfare of elderly people and retired public servants was heartwarming.
“Governor Umo Eno is a true leader with the heart for humanity who deserves prayers and support from the people. I urge pensioners to support his administration,” he said.
News
Full List: 28 States That Approved State Police
The National Assembly has confirmed that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, paving the way for the constitutional amendment bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
According to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the 28 approvals exceed the two-thirds majority required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which translates to 24 states. The National Assembly can therefore proceed with the next stage of the process towards presidential assent.
The bill was forwarded to the 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration, with October 15 initially set as the deadline for them to communicate their decisions. Ogunlana, however, said his office would continue to receive and verify reports from the assemblies ahead of the bill’s transmission to Tinubu.
The 28 states that have approved the proposed establishment of state police are listed below:
Adamawa
Delta
Edo

Kwara
Nasarawa
Ogun
Osun
Oyo
Plateau
Rivers
Taraba
Zamfara
Enugu
Anambra
Imo
Ekiti
Kebbi
Akwa Ibom
Bayelsa
Benue
Cross River
Abia
Yobe
Kaduna
Lagos
Kano
Sokoto
Ebonyi
News
2027 Election: Map Shows States Obi, Tinubu, Atiku Will Win; Details Emerge
A new political prediction has emerged ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a state-by-state electoral map showing the states former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are projected to win.
The prediction, published by Statecraft, outlines the expected performance of the three major political figures across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the prediction, Tinubu is projected to win 15 states and the FCT, Atiku is expected to secure nine states, while Obi is tipped to emerge victorious in 12 states.
The map, which uses orange, blue and white colours to distinguish the three presidential contenders, provides a breakdown of the states each candidate is projected to win.
States Tinubu Is Projected to Win
According to the prediction, Tinubu is expected to win.
The FCT is also included in Tinubu’s projected victories.

States Atiku Abubakar Is Projected to Win

The former vice president is projected to win nine states.
States Peter Obi Is Projected to Win
Meanwhile, Obi is projected to secure 12 states.
The breakdown suggests a competitive presidential contest, with the three political figures projected to command support across different regions of the country.
Interestingly, the prediction places Tinubu ahead with 15 states and the FCT, followed by Obi with 12 states and Atiku with nine states.
However, it is important to note that the map represents Statecraft’s political prediction and not an official election result, an opinion poll or a declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The actual outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by voters when Nigerians head to the polls.
The prediction has also raised questions about the possible political realignments, regional voting patterns and factors that could shape the contest in 2027.
