The Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has received a vote of no confidence following rising insecurity in the country, particularly the renewed hostilities in Benue and Plateau states, where dozens have been killed in multiple attacks.

The North West Development Vanguard (NWDV) criticised Badaru for the security disturbances across the country, calling for his immediate dismissal due to what it describes as gross incompetence and political opportunism amid escalating security crises in Benue and Plateau states.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Aminu Sani, and Secretary, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, condemning the minister’s handling of the deteriorating security situation in the country.

“The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has failed in his primary responsibility to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians. His continued stay in office is a threat to national security and a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the Nigerian people,” the statement reads.

The group highlighted recent attacks in the two North-Central states, where armed assailants have wreaked havoc on local communities.

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The NWDV noted that in Benue State, at least 50 persons were killed in separate attacks on Katsina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas, with reports indicating that over 300 armed men, suspected to be militia from outside Nigeria, were involved in the assaults.

Similarly, in Plateau State, over 100 people were killed in multiple attacks across Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

“These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of insecurity that the Minister of Defence has consistently failed to address. His lack of proactive measures and failure to coordinate an effective response have emboldened these criminal elements,” the statement added.

Badary is accused of pursuing personal ambitions

The group further accused the Minister of neglecting his duty to ensure national security and instead pursuing personal political ambitions.

“Instead of focusing on his duties, the Minister is busy engaging in political activities aimed at positioning himself for the 2027 presidential elections. This is a clear indication that he is more interested in power than in the safety and well-being of Nigerians,” the group said.

The NWDV called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action by relieving Badaru of his duties.

“The President must act decisively to restore public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens. Sacking the Minister of Defence is a necessary step towards demonstrating that incompetence and negligence will not be tolerated under his watch,” it added.

In addition to the call for dismissal, the NWDV demanded a comprehensive review of the country’s security architecture.

“There is an urgent need to reassess and restructure our security apparatus to ensure a more effective response to the challenges we face. This includes better intelligence gathering, increased funding for security agencies, and enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders.”

ALSO READ: Group withdraws corruption petition against defence minister, issues apology

The group also appealed to civil society organisations, religious leaders, and the international community to join in advocating for improved security measures in Nigeria.

“The fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility. We must all work together to ensure that our communities are safe and that those responsible for protecting us are held accountable.”

The group warned that unless those overseeing national security are held accountable, the bloodshed will persist and public trust in government will continue to deteriorate.

The health of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has deteriorated following surgery earlier this month, according to his medical team.Bolsonaro is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU) at DF Star Hospital in Braslia, where doctors say he is showing signs of clinical deterioration. A new round of examinations is underway, his team said in a statement posted Thursday on his official X account.The medical team reported elevated blood pressure and worsening liver test results as key concerns.The surgery was linked to ongoing intestinal complications stemming from a 2018 stabbing incident. Bolsonaro had a colostomy bag removed in January 2019, suffered an intestinal blockage in 2022, and was hospitalized in Florida in 2023 due to abdominal discomfort.His latest hospitalization followed intense abdominal pain during an event with supporters in northeastern Brazil, just weeks ahead of a court trial.In March, Brazils Supreme Court ruled that Bolsonaro must stand trial over an alleged plot to overturn the 2022 election, which he lost to current President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing.Despite his condition, the former president posted a photo on Tuesday from his hospital bed, giving a thumbs-up and expressing gratitude for the publics prayers and support.Doctors say he will continue motor physiotherapy and preventive measures against venous thrombosis.  The post Health of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro worsens after surgery, Doctors say appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

Nigeria’s billionaire industrialist and President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has been appointed to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab.

With the appointment, Dangote has joined a select group of global business leaders tasked with driving investment and job creation in emerging economies.

The World Bank announced the decision on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, explaining that the appointment is part of a broader expansion of the investment lab, which is entering a new phase focused on scaling up solutions to attract private capital and create jobs across developing countries.

Other members of the elite group include Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG; Sunil Bharti Mittal, chair of Bharti Enterprises; and Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

ALSO READ: Dangote slashes petrol price again, drops ex-Depot rate

Dangote, who confirmed his acceptance in a statement on Thursday, reiterated his commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through private sector-led investment, noting the transformative potential of such initiatives in developing markets.

“I am both honoured and excited to accept my appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, dedicated to advancing investment and employment in emerging economies,” he said.

“This opportunity aligns with my long-standing commitment to sustainable development and unlocking the potential of developing economies. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable successes of the Asian Tigers, which have demonstrated the power of strategic investment and focused economic policy, I am eager to collaborate with fellow leaders to replicate such outcomes across other regions.”

World Bank discloses reason for expanded membership

According to the global bank, the expanded membership brings together business leaders with proven track records in generating employment in developing economies, supporting the Bank’s sharpened focus on job creation as a central pillar of global development.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said the expanded membership was aimed at streamlining the initiative across its operations and aligning it directly with the jobs agenda that is driving its strategy.

“This isn’t about altruism—it’s about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. It’s central to our mandate,” Banga said.

The body said that over the last 18 months, it convened leaders from global financial institutions to identify the most pressing barriers to private sector investment in developing countries and to test actionable solutions.

ALSO READ: Before Dangote, there was Ojukwu: The story of Nigeria’s first billionaire

The statement noted that the work had now been consolidated into five priority focus areas being integrated across bank operations, including regulatory and policy certainty.

The lab’s founding members included senior executives from AXA, BlackRock, HSBC, Macquarie, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Ninety One, Ping An Group, Royal Philips, Standard Bank, Standard Chartered, Sustainable Energy for All, Tata Sons, Temasek, and Three Cairns Group. Shriti Vadera, Chair of Prudential plc, chairs the Lab.