News
Nnamdi Kanu: MASSOB leader dissociates self from IPOB, Dokubo’s face-off
The head of Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has disassociated himself from the conflict between the Indigenous people of Biafra and Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, the former head of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, on Friday.
According to a statement made on his behalf by Mazi Chris Mocha, his Director of Information and Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Uwazuruike is only concerned with how IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, can be freed from the Department of State Services prison, not what Asari Dokubo said on social media.
Uwazuruike said those accusing him of conniving with Dokubo should go and verify from Dokubo if both of them had spoken as friends for the past three years.
He recalled how he visited Dokubo in 2002 in Port-Harcourt when the former militant leader told him that the issue of Biafra was not one to be achieved through non-violence, stressing that violence was the only language that the Federal Government understood.
He said, “I do not even have Asari Dokubo’s phone number, let alone talking with him on the phone. It has gotten to about three years now since we last talked, either on the phone or in a friendly conversation.
“If you had a problem with Asari Dokubo, you should better clarify that with him and not drag Ralph Uwazuruike into the matter.
“I am a non-violent crusader, known all over the world and everyone should fight his own battles, carry the cross and not call me to do that for you.
“So Asari had never worked with me on the path of non-violence struggles, and when he was championing the cause for Niger Delta people, he took up arms and ammunition against the Federal Government, which everyone could testify to.”
Uwazuruike described Dokubo as a man who matches his words with action and urged those who are insulting him on social media platforms to go and face him squarely.
He added that Dokubo’s comments asking the Federal Government not to release Nnamdi Kanu were his personal opinion, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He noted that his opinion cannot override those of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South-East Governors Forum, among others, that have been demanding his release.
Uwazuruike said he is only preoccupied with the process that will lead to the release of the leader of IPOB from DSS custody, not talking about irrelevant matters about who said what and who said the other.
He urged the Federal Government to release Kanu because it is against the rule of law that one should be held incommunicado for this long in a DSS facility, even after several courts of competent jurisdiction had ordered his immediate release.
News
El-Rufai’ loses mother, Hajiya Umma
She died at a time El-Rufai remains in custody following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.
Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the mother of detained former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is dead
Her grandson, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, confirmed the development on Friday in a Facebook post:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I would like to inform the public of the demise of my Grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai who passed away a few hours ago. She is the biological mother of our father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
We are grateful for the life she lived and may Allah SWT bless her gentle soul. On behalf of our family, we seek your prayers.”
She died at a time El-Rufai remains in custody following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.
News
Kano Deputy Governor Resigns
The decision to step down does not amount to an admission of the allegations leveled against him by the Kano State House of Assembly.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo, has resigned from office ahead an ongoing impeachment process by the State House of Assembly.
Spokesperson for Kwankwasiyya Movement , Habibu Mohammed, confirmed the resignation in a statement on Friday, stating that the decision was taken in the overall interest of the people and to ensure stability in the state’s governance.
The Assembly had earlier issued an impeachment notice to the deputy governor over allegations of misappropriation and gave him a two-week ultimatum to respond. The deadline elapsed penultimate Friday,
The statement explained that recent developments had significantly limited the deputy governor’s ability to fully discharge the responsibilities of his office, making it necessary for the position to function without constraints in the public interest.
It, however, clarified that the decision to step down does not amount to an admission of the allegations leveled against him by the Kano State House of Assembly.
The embattled deputy governor who is a strong ally of Rabiu Kwankwaso refused to follow the governor to join the APC.
The Abia State Government on Thursday, March 26, 2026, organised a grand state burial service in honour of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian evangelists and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association.
The solemn ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It drew top government officials, religious leaders, and mourners from across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate the life and legacy of the cleric, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
The remains of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a native of Asaga in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, were earlier received with full honours at the Akwa Ibom-Abia state boundary before being conveyed to Umuahia for the state funeral service.
The body had previously lain in state in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he resided for many years.
Governor Alex Otti’s administration described the late evangelist as a “towering figure” whose life of faith, leadership, and humanitarian impact left an indelible mark on Abia State, Nigeria, and the global Christian community.
The state burial was part of a week-long programme of funeral rites that culminated in the final interment on Friday, March 27, 2026, at his hometown of Asaga, Ohafia.
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, born on January 7, 1945, was celebrated as an international preacher who ministered for nearly six decades. He was widely respected for his powerful crusades, teachings on faith and prosperity, and establishment of numerous charitable initiatives, including educational and medical outreach programmes.
Dignitaries in attendance included senior government functionaries, clergy from various denominations, and notable figures who paid glowing tributes to his spiritual legacy and contributions to nation-building through the gospel.
The state burial reflects Abia’s recognition of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s immense role in promoting moral values and spiritual development. Family members, while expressing gratitude for the honour bestowed on their patriarch, described his passing as a “glorious home-going.
”As the final interment proceeds today in Asaga, Ohafia, many have described the occasion as not just a farewell but a celebration of a life well-lived in service to God and humanity.
The Abia State Government has urged residents and visitors to observe the period with dignity and solemnity.
El-Rufai’ loses mother, Hajiya Umma
Kano Deputy Governor Resigns
Abia State Holds State Burial for Renowned Evangelist Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai
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