Nationwide Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, says the ruling All Progres-sives Congress (APC) has confirmed to be incapable of ar-resting the deteriorating safety scenario within the coun-try, charging his occasion to rise as much as the problem be-cause it will possibly do higher.
Mark made the remarks Wednesday in Abuja through the occasion’s Nationwide Government Committee (NEC). He known as on ADC to step ahead to rescue a nation wallowing in all method of ills.
In accordance with him, “Nigeria is now bedevilled by unabating insecurity, kidnapping and violence of immense proportion. Sadly, these ills at the moment are the brand new regular.
“The ruling APC has proven incompetence. They’ve proven that they’re incapable of arresting the scenario.
“Our occasion, the ADC, should rise as much as the event to handle these ills. We’re ready to do issues in another way and make Nigeria a greater and safer society.”
Mark acknowledged, “As we deliberate at this time, I urge us to method our discussions with open minds, patriotism, and a shared imaginative and prescient for a greater Nigeria. Let our choices replicate the aspirations of thousands and thousands of Nigerians who look as much as the ADC as a beacon of hope.
“We should additionally proceed to work with like-minded people and {groups} who share our imaginative and prescient of rescuing our nation from its present challenges. The time for collaboration, constructive engagement, and strategic alignment is now.”
He advised NEC members that the journey forward is likely to be demanding, however with unity, self-discipline, and dedication, victory shall be achieved.
Mark stated the second NEC assembly got here at a crucial second within the lifetime of the occasion and, certainly, the nation.
He acknowledged, “Nigerians throughout all walks of life are craving for purposeful management, fairness, justice, and a authorities that actually serves the folks. The accountability earlier than us, due to this fact, is not only political—it’s ethical and historic.
“As leaders of this nice motion, we should rise above private pursuits and stay united in our resolve to construct a powerful, disciplined, and people-oriented occasion. Inner cohesion, respect for occasion buildings, and adherence to democratic rules should stay our guiding pillars.”
The ADC nationwide chairman added, “Our job is evident: to reposition the ADC because the foremost platform for nationwide renewal. We should proceed to strengthen our inside mechanisms, broaden our grassroots attain, and have interaction meaningfully with Nigerians throughout all areas, religions, and generations.
“Let me emphasise that unity inside our ranks is non-negotiable. Latest developments have proven that whereas challenges could come up, our collective will to stay targeted and united is stronger than any divisive tendencies. We should due to this fact shut ranks, deepen session, and reinforce confidence in our management and processes.”
In the meantime, the ADC NEC authorized dates for the congresses within the states and the nationwide conference.
In accordance with Nationwide Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, NEC upheld the dates for the nationwide conference and the ward congresses.
Abdullahi stated, “The polling unit and the ward congresses will come up on the seventh of April, the Native Authorities Congresses will come up on the ninth of April.
“The state congresses will come up on the eleventh of April and the Nationwide Conference on the 14th of April.”
He stated the nationwide conference would happen in Abuja.
“Already, the rules for these congresses have been revealed and the varieties have been distributed throughout the nation,” he stated, including that the nationwide conference committee has been arrange.
CDS: Native Arms Production Key to Ending Terrorism, Banditry in Nigeria, West Africa
Chief of Defence Employees (CDS), Common Olufemi Oluyede, stated boosting native arms production was essential to ending terrorism in Nigeria and throughout West Africa.
Oluyede confused that indigenous manufacturing would scale back dependence on overseas suppliers, guarantee well timed entry to army tools, and strengthen operational effectivity wanted to revive lasting safety within the area.
Talking on the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) in Abuja, Oluyede outlined a brand new section of strategic army evolution pushed by self-reliance, improved border safety, and indigenous technological development.
He acknowledged that these components shaped the inspiration of Nigeria’s future defence projection, alongside sustained regional collaboration to handle advanced safety threats.
The CDS disclosed that the armed forces have been prioritising the event of native defence production by means of the Defence Industries Company of Nigeria (DICON) and different home producers.
He additionally highlighted the robust hyperlink between border administration and inside safety, emphasising the necessity for continued cooperation with neighbouringcountries.
Responding to contributions from stakeholders on the lecture, Oluyedeunderscored the significance of synergy and joint army operations, stating that single-service efforts are sometimes inadequate to attain desired outcomes.
He cited sensible cases demonstrating the worth of coordinated operations, stressing that the military, navy, and air pressure should work collectively, whereas leveraging their distinct capabilities.
He revealed that suggestions from the lecture can be forwarded to the Federal Government Council (FEC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Discussion board to safe broader assist for implementation.
Minister of Defence, Common Christopher Musa (rtd), bolstered the necessity for synergy, describing Nigeria’s safety framework as a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government method”.
Musa defined that JDWC, established in July 2025, served as a hub for integrating army experience, stating that true operational effectiveness is determined by unified motion throughout all providers, supported by an alert citizenry.
Earlier, Director-Common of JDWC, Main-Common AE Edet, highlighted progress made inside six months of the centre’s institution, reaffirming its dedication to innovation and full operationalisation.
Terrorists Demand N1bn Ransom for Eight Kidnapped ECWA Worshippers in Kwara
Suspected terrorists, who kidnapped eight worshippers of Evangelical Church Successful All (ECWA) throughout a church service in Omugo city, in IfelodunLocal Authorities Space of Kwara State, demanded N1billion ransom from the households of the victims earlier than they’d be launched.
The worshippers have been kidnapped on the weekend throughout a church service when the terrorists invaded the church.
Safety operatives and native vigilantes, reportedly, rescued three of the worshippers earlier than the others have been taken away.
Since then, stress had gripped the city and different neighbouringcommunities.
Residing pastor of the ECWA department in Omugo, Rev. Omole Sunday Timothy, in an interview with newsmen confirmed the demand of the terrorists from the households of the victims.
Timothy stated the abductors initially made contact with the church and group leaders, insisting on a ransom cost of N1 billion drawn from all communities in Oro-In the past.
He stated determined efforts to barter a decrease ransom had to this point been unsuccessful, because the terrorists rejected a suggestion of N1 million and warned in opposition to additional negotiations involving decrease sums.
“They (the terrorists) known as us and advised us they’re in good spirits, however they demanded N1 billion from all of the communities in Oro-In the past,” the pastor stated.
He added, “We’re pleading with them to depart Oro apart and talk about solely in regards to the victims that have been kidnapped, however they didn’t hearken to us on Tuesday.”
The cleric added that the abductors later re-established contact however remained adamant, dismissing all makes an attempt at negotiation.
He stated, “However at this time they responded, and we’re begging with N1 million. They advised us to not speak about N20 million, not N50 million, not even N100 million, they usually switched off the telephone. Since then, we’ve got not heard from them.”
Timothy disclosed that he was capable of briefly communicate along with his spouse, who was among the many kidnapped victims, alongside different captives.
“Sure, I spoke along with her and others. They have been complaining that they’re all thirsty. Nobody was injured besides an aged man who was hit with a gun on his head,” he stated.
He known as on the state and the federal governments to return to assistance from the victims and guarantee safety of residents of the state.
Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke and Hammed Shittu
Times Nigeria