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Assurance from the Nigerian Army: No Leadership Vacuum Amidst COAS Leave
In light of recent concerns regarding a potential leadership vacuum within the Nigerian Army during the official leave of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Army has issued a statement to reassure the public of its operational integrity.
Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, emphasized that Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been appointed to act on behalf of the COAS during this period. He firmly stated that the Army is a highly structured organization with established protocols designed to maintain operational continuity, even in the absence of its top leadership.
Nwachukwu addressed the speculation surrounding the COAS’s leave, asserting that such situations are not uncommon within military operations. He pointed out that there have been instances in the past where service chiefs have been absent for extended periods, yet the Army continued to function effectively under the guidance of designated officials.
Furthermore, the Director of Army Public Relations clarified that the COAS’s absence has not hindered the promotion process within the Army. Recent examinations for the Captain-to-Major promotion have been conducted, and results have been released following the necessary approvals. Ongoing promotion exercises for warrant officers further highlight the Army’s commitment to maintaining its personnel development agenda.
Nwachukwu also dispelled the notion that the COAS’s leave has led to delays in promotion results, explaining that such decisions are routinely managed by departmental chiefs rather than requiring direct oversight from the COAS.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Army reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to national security and operational readiness. The Army remains vigilant and prepared to defend the country’s territorial integrity, reinforcing the message that leadership continuity is firmly in place.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
