News
Ex-Army Chief, Buratai Speaks On Been Linked To Terrorism Financing
Former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt. General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing, describing them as entirely fabricated and inconsistent with his values.
Buratai made this statement on Saturday, through a release signed by former Army spokesperson, Brig. General Sani Kukasheka Usman, in response to an online report that named several prominent figures, including himself, as allegedly connected to terrorism financiers.
The statement described the accusations as “false, unfounded, mischievous,” and labelled them as part of a smear campaign intended to tarnish Buratai’s reputation. It stressed that at no point during his distinguished military career had he been questioned, investigated, or associated with terrorism financing.
The statement reads, “At no point in his distinguished career has he ever been questioned, investigated, indicted, or associated with any such matter by any official body or authority.
“No security institution, intelligence agency, judicial panel, diplomatic mission, oversight mechanism, or administrative body has ever linked him with terrorism financing in any form.”
The former Army chief dismissed the allegations, pointing out that they were based solely on unverified personal claims made by Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd) in the Sahara Reporters article. He described the publication as a “clear misrepresentation borne out of malice,” with no factual or legal basis.
Buratai’s statement further criticised the online publication for repeatedly attempting to discredit his reputation over the years, with each attempt failing due to his longstanding, transparent, and honourable service to Nigeria.
“Each attempt has failed because his record remains forthright, transparent, and distinguished by honourable service to the nation,” the statement noted.
The statement emphasised that Buratai had served the country for over four decades, with “honour, courage, and steadfast commitment” to defeating terrorism. It highlighted his leadership during the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, where the Nigerian Army significantly degraded these terrorist groups, recovered territories, restored civil administration, and resettled displaced Nigerians.
“It defies logic and conscience to suggest that the same person who led decisive actions against terrorism would in any way be associated with the very elements he spent his career confronting,” the statement added.
Buratai’s legal team demanded that Sahara Reporters and Major General Ali-Keffi (rtd) immediately retract the allegations and issue a public apology. Failure to do so, the statement warned, would leave Buratai with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings to protect his reputation.
“Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to initiate appropriate legal proceedings to protect his reputation and seek redress for this malicious attack,” the statement said.
Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants to relocate Nigeria’s capital from Abuja to Lagos upon his re-election in 2027.
Frank made this allegation known in a statement on Monday.
The former APC chieftain slammed Tinubu’s government for what he described as a ‘Lagos-centric agenda.’
He said that it has become clear to him that the President is pursuing an agenda of sidelining other regions.
According to Frank, major decisions of Tinubu’s administration are targeted to benefit Lagos State.
“It is now clear that the President’s long-term plan is to concentrate political and economic power in Lagos if given another term in office,” Frank said.
Frank also claimed that federal appointments and development initiatives under Tinubu have been largely one-sided, warning that such a trend undermines national unity.
“We do not want a president who is one-sided,” he said.
“Where are Tinubu’s MOUs tied to agricultural and livestock production in the North, industrial development in the Southeast, and oil and gas development in the South-South? None!
“Secondly, no president in Nigeria’s history has divided the country and its people along regional and ethnic lines the way this administration has done.
“There is a growing sense of alienation and division among Nigerians that is deeply troubling.
“It appears to be a deliberate strategy to impoverish certain regions, especially the North, South, and Southeast, so that citizens are economically weakened ahead of the 2027 election cycle,” Frank stated.
His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, has announced the date for Eid al-Fitr in Nigeria.
The Emir, who is the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, has not reported the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal, 1447AH, today, Wednesday, the 29th of Ramadan .
This was contained in a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Daular Usmaniyya , signed by the Wazir of Sokoto and Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee of the Sultan’s Palace, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
The statement stated that the Sultan’s Palace Moon Sighting Committee had not received any reliable reports of moon sightings from anywhere in Nigeria. According to this information, Thursday, March 19, will be the day to complete the 30th day of Ramadan.
The Sultan of Sokoto has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day of the lesser Sallah, i.e. the 1st of Shawwal 1447AH.
He urged Muslims to use this time of Eid al-Fitr to pray for peace, unity, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The statement said: “His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, and Chairman, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has received the moon sighting report, which showed that the crescent moon was not sighted today, Wednesday.
“Accordingly, he declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as 1 Shawwal 1447AH (the Day of the Small Prayer). He also congratulated the Nigerian Muslim community on the occasion, and wished them the guidance and blessings of God.”
“He also called for continued prayers for peace, progress, and development of the country . He also wished Muslims a peaceful and prosperous Eid. May Allah (SWT) accept our acts of worship, amen.”
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri approves ₦19.6 billion Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Yola The Adamawa State government says the hospital aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Adamawa State Fintiri explains that the facility will serve as a training center and improve healthcare services in the North-East.
Yola, Adamawa State – Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has approved the construction of a state-of-the-art Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Yola. The proposed Mother and Child Specialist Hospital will cost the state ₦19.6 billion, and it’s expected to be completed within 52 weeks. The landmark project is designed to significantly strengthen maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare services across the state.
The project aligns with Governor Fintiri’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. The hospital will also improve access to quality healthcare and position Adamawa as a referral hub for specialized medical services in the North-East region.
As reported by Daily Trust, the hospital will be equipped with modern medical technology and specialized units when completed.
The state governor explained that the hospital capable units to handle high-risk pregnancies, neonatal intensive care, pediatric emergencies, and other complex medical cases affecting women and children. Mother and Child Specialist Hospital will also serve as a training and research centre for healthcare professionals.
It will help to strengthen capacity and improve the quality of medical services within the state’s health sector. It will offer other healthcare services like advanced diagnostic and laboratory services, fully equipped operating theatres, intensive care units, emergency response facilities, and modern inpatient wards designed to provide quality care for patients.
Recall that Fintiri’s administration executed over 100 infrastructural, educational, health, and social projects across Adamawa state, transforming both urban centres and rural communities. The administration completed major road networks, flyovers, and township roads, including the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha Flyover, Yola, and the Nyibango-Yolde Pate Road in Yola South.
Over 100 new primary health care centres were built, while hospitals such as Numan General Hospital and Specialist Hospital, Yola, underwent comprehensive development and modernisation.
2027: Tinubu Plot To Relocate Nigeria’s Capital From Abuja – Timi Frank
JUST IN: Nigerian’s Woes Deepen As Fuel Price Hits Record High; DETAILS
“I am Under Pressure”: Top Northern Governor Cries Out
Former Super Eagles Star Loses Life Savings, Duped By A Pastor of ₦1.2 Billion
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
