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Missing mace: Senators should return home – MASSOB
The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State Of Biafra (MASSOB) has asked all Senators to return to their constituencies with immediate effect.
It declared that Nigerian Senators have lost the mandate of representing their people.
The pro-Biafar group spoke on Wednesday, in reaction to the invasion of the Upper Legislative Chamber earlier on Wednesday, during which the Mace was snatched by thugs, during which the mace was stolen.
MASSOB spoke through Comrade Edeson Samuel, its National Director Of Information.
The Comrade Uchenna Madu-led group said it was delighted over the development in the National Assembly.
While saying that it has been vindicated by the incident, MASSOB said “as the foremost pro-Biafra Movement we will still maintain non-violence as our watchword; we do not support anarchy or any abnormal behavior.
“But political, economical, religious, academicals and social events in Nigeria under President Buhari administration has shown that Biafra actualization and restoration, MASSOB and other pro Biafra groups are demanding has been proven to be more legitimate.
“The unconstitutional and forceful taking of the mace from red chamber by thugs has shown that Nigeria is a failed and irreparable state that can never stand. Imagine a higher chamber where security agents are supposed to be at alert, but reverse was the case.”
It added that “taking of the symbol of authority means that the government of Nigeria has failed. Every senator should return to his constituency because there is no longer constitutional powers backing them.
“It has also shown that the government of President buhari has collapsed since thugs can invade the National Assembly and make away with the symbol of authority without any resistance from the security agents.
“MASSOB laments what will be the faith of a common citizen in the street. MASSOB is also in full support of the statement credited to former chief of army staff, General T.Y Danjuma, where he urged the people of Middle Belt, Westerners and Biafrans to defend themselves.
“It is obvious that President Muhammadu Buhari cannot provide security for the citizens of this political entity called Nigeria. It’s a pity that the senators of Nigeria have also failed their people.
“MASSOB is calling on the people of Middle Belt to rise and defend themselves from Fulani’s ethnic cleansing organized and sponsored by President Buhari and his APC-led government.
“The People of Middle Belt should know that over 70% of security agents in Nigeria are Hausa Fulanis and they cannot protect you from any attack being carried out by their kinsmen.”
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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