Wike Will Not Be Allowed To Bring The Spirit Of PDP Into APC

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January 5, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has responded to comments by the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Bashir, on the political crisis in Rivers state.

‎Wike, a former governor of Rivers and a key figure in the ongoing political drama in the oil-rich state, emphasized that Rivers remains a “no-go area” for external interference and cautioned against taking the state’s support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections for granted.

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‎The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Wike and Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a rift that has spilled over into national party dynamics.

In an address during a “thank you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State, Wike accused Basiru of making “unnecessary comments” about Rivers affairs.

Wike said: “Tell the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, ‘Leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before.

“Don’t take our support for President Tinubu for granted. You have to be careful over your statements.

“You’re enjoying in Osun, but you don’t know those who did the work, and you’re opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it.

“When President Tinubu comes back, I’ll tell the Minister of Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to warn him. I can challenge anybody. This State is a no-go area.”

‎Wike’s outburst was in direct response to Basiru’s recent criticism of APC’s South-South Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, who reportedly referred to Fubara as a “so-called governor” in an apparent bid to align with Wike.

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‎Basiru, in a statement quoted widely on social media and news outlets, condemned the remark as unbecoming, stressing the need for respect toward elected officials regardless of political allegiances.

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‎”The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever is occupying it must be respected, irrespective of whatever political differences you have or whatever animosity exists between them,” Basiru said.

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‎The feud traces back to Wike’s fallout with Fubara, his successor, over control of Rivers’ political structures.

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‎Wike, who played a pivotal role in delivering Rivers’ votes to Tinubu in 2023 despite being in the PDP, has been accused by critics of attempting to maintain a godfather-like influence.

Terrorism: Court Denies Bauchi Finance Commissioner Others, Bail

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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January 5, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday January 5, 2025, declined to grant the bail application filed by the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance Yakubu Adamu and others.

Adamu, Bello Bodejo the leader of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and others are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, on multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering and terrorism financing to the tune of $ 9.7. million.

The Presiding Judge , Justice Emeka Nwike , while ruling on the bail application held that the allegations leveled against the defendants are such that have grave implications for the country’s national security,and that granting bail under the circumstances could endanger the public ,as well as threaten social order.

The Judge however in the alternative directed for an accelerated hearing of the case ,in order to equally protect the fundamental rights of the defendants.

” I am not unmindful of the constitutional provision of Section 36(5) which provides that every person who is charged with criminal offence shall be presumed.innocent until proven guilty.

” But, I must not hesitate to state that the said constitutional provision is not absolutely right.

“In the consideration of the bail application, all factors have to be considered” Justice Nwite held.”

To buttress his position,the trial judge cited the case involving Bamaiyi and the State in which the Supreme Court held inter alia” it is proper to consider the nature of the offence ,the nature of the evidence in support of it ,and the severity of the punishment.which conviction will entail.”

Justice Nwite further held that the court as a matter of duty ,must take into consideration every details when considering matters relating to the security of the country and its citizens.

” I cannot say more than this erudite jurist ( Supreme Court Judge) . Our criminal justice system has its stipulations ,and safeguards for the prosecutor ,the accused and the victim.

“In the proper operation of that system ,it can be said that it is in the interest of the society ,and with those safeguards that if an application for bail.pending trial ,there is a good reason to believe or strongly agreed that the accused will not jump bail there y making himself available to stand his trial/or will not interfere with witnesses thereby constituting an obstacle in the way of justice ,the court will be acting within the undoubted discretion to grant bail.

“I have carefully considered the affidavit evidence available before me in this point in time . And I have also considered the proof of evidence , especially the statement of Dan Abdulmumini ,and other prosecution witnesses , together with grave threat to national security and public safety this case poses.

“And I have also taken cognisance that terrorism related Offences threaten social order ,and pre-trial release could endanger the public.

” In my view ,the prosecution/respondent has succeeded in raising a reasonable presumption of criminal.responsibilty on the part of the applicants .( Adamu ,and others).

” In view of the foregoing ,I am of the humble view ,and I so hold that the interest of justice will be met by giving the matter accelerated hearing.

“Consequently ,the application is hereby refused” Justice Nwite ruled.

It will be recalled that the EFCC’ had on December 30,2025 filed a ten-count charge of money laundering and terrorism financing against Adamu ,and others with the Judge scheduling Monday January 5 ,2026 for ruling on the defendants bail application.

The defendants are being accused to have severally and collectively engaged in money laundering activities and the financing of terrorism activities while maintaining their various positions in the Bauchi State civil service.

They were alleged to have committed the offences between January 2024 and May, 2024.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them at the court.

The Source further reports that Adamu and others were last week, Tuesday, granted bail by Justice Nwite in another case of alleged money laundering and contract splitting to the tune of N5.7 billion.

However, the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammad, has accused the Federal Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating the trials in a bid to intimidate him into joining the All Progressive Congress APC .

Wike’s Ally Is Chairman Of NUPRC As Tinubu Reconstitutes Boards

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January 5, 2026

By Ayodele Oni & Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu forwards 21 names To Senate, including NMDPRA Chairman, for confirmation

Twenty one nominees made the list of newly appointed chairmen and members of two bodies in the petroleum sector announced on Monday in Abuja.

Already, President Bola Tinubu has written two letters to the Senate, seeking confirmation of the 21 nominees for the boards of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

In the first letter, President Tinubu nominated Senator Magnus Abe to serve as the NUPRC board chair.

Abe, who represented Rivers South East in the Senate for two terms, is a former NNPC board member and current chairman of the National Agency of the Great Green Wall. He is, also, a political ally of the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike. Abe’s appointment is seen as a confirmation of the influence Wike still wields in the Tinubu Government.

Other nominees for the NUPRC Board are Engineer Paul Yaro Jezhi, a former Trade Union Congress Chairman in Kaduna, and Mr Sunday Adebayo Babalola, a former Deputy Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which was abolished by the PIA in 2021. Both men will serve as non-executive Commissioners.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy), stated that Tinubu also nominated Executive Commissioners to the Board.

They are: Muhammed Sabo Lamido, Executive Commissioner for Finance, Mr Edu Inyang, Executive Commissioner for Exploration and Acreage, Justin Ezeala, Executive Commissioner for economic regulation and strategic planning, and Henry Darlington Oki, Executive Commissioner for Development and Production.

Others are Indabawa Bashari Alka, executive commissioner for corporate services and administration; Mahmood Tijani, executive commissioner for health, safety and environment; and Ms Olayemi Adeboyejo, as secretary and legal adviser.

Former President Buhari appointed Lamido and Adeboyejo in 2022, while President Tinubu appointed Alka in 2023. Inyang, Ezeala, the former managing director of Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited, Mahmood Tijani, Babalola and Jezhi are new appointees of President Tinubu.

In his second letter to the Senate, President Tinubu nominated Mr Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji, a lawyer, as Chairman of the NMDPRA board.

Adeniji has over 30 years of experience in energy and natural resources issues. He was a special technical adviser to the Minister of State for Petroleum on upstream and gas until 2018.

He was a member of the Oil & Gas Policy team at the World Bank, which advised the Government of Nigeria on the reform and restructuring of the petroleum sector, including the development of the Strategic Gas Plan for Nigeria. He is currently the managing partner at ENR Advisory.

The President also nominated Chief Kenneth Kobani and Mrs Asabe Ahmed as non-executive members. Kobani was a former Secretary to the Government of Rivers State, under Wike. He is also, a Wike loyalist.

Also nominated for confirmation are Abiodun Adeniji, executive director of finance; Francis Ogaree, executive director of hydrocarbon; Oluwole Adama, executive director of midstream and Downstream gas infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, executive director of Corporate Services and Administration.

President Tinubu appointed Adama in 2024, while late President Buhari appointed Lamorde and Adeniji in 2021 and Ogaree in 2022

Other members of the NMDPRA board, as proposed by President Tinubu, are Mr Yahaya Nasamu Yinusa, executive director, distribution systems; Adeyemi Murtala Aminu, executive director, corporate services; Ms Modie Ogechukwu, executive director, economic regulation and strategic planning; and Barrister Olawale Dawodu, as board secretary and legal adviser.

Dawodu is an industry player and was, at a time, the Financial Reporting Manager at Exxon Nigerian subsidiaries. The President urged the Senate to approve the nominees expeditiously.

The requests followed the recent appointment of chief executive officers for the two regulatory agencies.

The Senate confirmed Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA.

Mr President has charged all the appointees and nominees to discharge their duties and responsibilities professionally as regulators of the oil and gas sectors.

Cleric Charges Leaders To Prioritize Sacrifice

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January 5, 2026

Ondo Cleric Charges Leaders To Prioritize Sacrifice

By Ayodele Oni

As workers in Ondo state observe Monday, the first working day of the year as prayer session, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, has urged political leaders and senior public servants in Ondo State to embrace purpose-driven leadership built on integrity, sacrifice and genuine commitment to the common good.

Arogundade delivered the charge on Monday at the 2026 First Working Day Prayer Meeting held at the Governor’s Office car park, Akure.

He said leadership must translate into real service for citizens and responsible management of public resources.

The bishop described 2026 as a defining year for the state, appealing to both leaders and citizens to make sacrifices that will build institutions, preserve values and secure a better future.

Arogundade challenged office holders to consistently ask whether they were doing their best for the people.

“Our talents and positions are meant to guide the people and unlock development,” he said, adding that public office should be used to make government truly work for the common good.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who addressed workers at the event, urged public servants and political appointees to put the interest of the state first and work with renewed commitment to the “OUR EASE” agenda.

Aiyedatiwa said ministries, departments and agencies must hit the ground running to meet citizens’ expectations.

The Governor reaffirmed that the 2026 budget would be faithfully implemented, stressing accountability, transparency and strict adherence to targets.

He listed projects executed in the past year including 190 kilometres of road construction and rehabilitation, 280 newly built or renovated classrooms, and improved security support across the state.

Aiyedatiwa added that 112 health centres undergoing renovation or new construction were nearing completion while solar lighting projects would be expanded statewide.

He also highlighted progress on the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence, partnerships for refinery projects and efforts to revive moribund industries such as the Ifon Ceramic Industry and Okitipupa Oil Mill.

The governor said 500 additional Amotekun personnel had been approved to strengthen security while regular promotions, prompt salaries and gradual settlement of gratuities would continue to support workers.

Gov. Oyebanji Approves Upward Review Of Bursary, Scholarship To Students

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January 5, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has approved the upward review of undergraduate bursary and scholarship awards for deserving State indigenes in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

A statement on Monday stated that this is in furtherance of his administration’s commitment to educational development, student welfare, and inclusive governance,

Under the approved upward review, the undergraduate bursary has been increased from ₦20,000 to ₦40,000 per beneficiary; while undergraduate Scholarship Award has been reviewed upward from ₦80,000 to ₦100,000.

The executive secretary, state scholarship board, Bukola Faluyi said the award for physically challenged undergraduate students has been increased from ₦100,000 to ₦120,000.

“The review is aimed at easing the financial burden on students, encouraging academic excellence, and ensuring that physically challenged students receive enhanced support to pursue their educational goals without hindrance.

“His Excellency reaffirmed that education remains a top priority of his administration, describing the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to invest in human capital development and secure a better future for Ekiti State.”

It would be recalled that in November last year, Governor Oyebanji also approved the upward review of bursary awards for Ekiti State indigenes in Nigerian Law Schools, from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000.

In a reaction, the Federation of Ekiti State Students (FESSU), through the State Scholarship Board, commended the administration fulfilling its promise of shared prosperity, through one of the administration’s cardinal pillars ‘Human Capital Development’.

The students pledged their unalloyed support to the Government, promising to serve as worthy ambassadors and vanguards in projecting the positive image and achievements of the Ekiti State Government.

AFCON 2025: Naira Rain For Super Eagles As It Faces Mambas In Round 16 Encounter

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January 5, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles has been inspired by the Official Partners of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, which has promised a $10,000 (approximately ₦14 million) Bonus for every goal scored in their Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Round of 16 encounter against the Mambas of Mozambique.

The same partner had earlier rewarded the team with $5,000 per goal during the group stage, a bonus structure that has now been doubled for the knockout phase.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, confirmed the development while addressing journalists in Rabat.

“We have fully mobilized the Super Eagles to succeed in this tournament,” Dikko said. “On the part of the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the AFCON Intervention Fund on November 14.

“In addition, our partners and sponsors paid $5,000 per goal in the group stage and have now committed $10,000 per goal for the Round of 16. The incentives will continue to improve as the tournament progresses.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are confident of reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after been in prolific form at the Championship, winning all its Three Group Games against the Taifas of Tanzania, Carthage Eagles of Tunisia and the Cranes of Uganda.

It is however gunning for its 18th time Quarter Finals appearance when they engage Mozambique in Monday night’s Round of 16 tie at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

The Super Eagles have the record of most medals in the 69-year-old flagship football tournament of the African continent, viz three triumphs (gold medals), five runner-up positions (silver medals) and eight bronze acquisitions.

The only three times they failed to reach the quarter-finals were at their debut in Ghana in 1963, at the 13th edition in Libya in 1982, and in Cameroon four years ago.

Ghana 2008 was the only time they crashed out at the quarter-final stage. Otherwise, every time they had gone past the first knockout round, they had picked up a medal.

Monday’s encounter against history-making Mambas (they have reached the knockout stage for the first time ever) promises a thrilling contest with Coaches Eric Chelle and Chiquinho Conde preferring to keep tactics, strategies and patterns to their chests.

Nigeria swept to three wins out of three, eight goals for and four against, and reflected a formidable set-up in the group phase, which earned Coach Chelle the mantle of Coach of the Group Phase.

However, against third-placed Mozambique, the three-time champions must be extra-cautious, as a similar third-placed Tunisia bumped them in the same stage in Garoua four years ago.

The Mambas, who famously defeated the Panthers of Gabon either side of defeats to Cup-holders Cote d’Ivoire and five-time champions Cameroon in Group F, look like a team capable of upturning apple carts that are not properly positioned.

Conde can bank on defenders Nené, Bruno Langa and Reinildo Mandava to hold the rear tight, and midfielders Domingues (team captain) and João Bonde to feed the foreline of Chamito and Faisal Bangal, and try to catch Nigeria pants down.

Yet, Coach Chelle, who is driven by his own admission of having imbibed the truism that “Nigerians want their team to win every game,” is committed to putting out a structure that will see the Eagles defend with resolution and attack with panache.

Victor Osimhen who is currently on 32 goals in 49 matches for country, is expected to lead the onslaughts once more.

Team Captain, Wilfred Ndidi and midfielders Alex Iwobi are sure to return after taking a rest for the clash with Uganda, as will centre-back Semi Ajayi, wing-back Bright Osayi-Samuel and forward Ademola Lookman.

Coach Chelle, in admitting that the Eagles must forget the excellent job done in the group stage and get into knockout-phase mode in order to avoid a sucker punch, said: “We will not get ahead of ourselves and think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused for every match as it comes.”

Immediate past African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, who has scored twice and provided two assists so far in the tournament, spoke of his selection in the group phase’s Best IX: “Yeah, we had a great run in the group stage and I am thankful to all that voted. The selection is not just for me, but my entire team-mates, because their efforts on the pitch contributed to my selection.

“However, this is not the vision for our team. We have set targets to accomplish here in Morocco and we are nowhere near our targets yet.”

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has selected Cameroonian official Abdou Abdel Mefir as referee for Monday night’s encounter, with his compatriots Elvis Noupoue and Carine Atezambong as assistants.

Tears As Anthony Joshua’s Associates Are Buried In London

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January 5, 2026

Anthony Joshua Associates Burial in London — Anthony Joshua's Associates Burial in London

By Akinwale Kasali

Anthony Joshua, Former World Boxing Heavyweight Champion, could not hold back tears as his friends and associates were buried yesterday in London, United Kingdom, after the ill-fated car crash in Makun, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, led to their untimely death.

It was a sad gathering in London as family and friends assembled for the Janaza (funeral) prayer service for Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele.

The service began at 10am at the London Central Mosque, 146 Park Road, London NW8 7RG.

A wake for the pair was also held at Cavendish Banqueting Hall in North West London, then after, the funeral for Ghami took place at Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium.

The bodies of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele were repatriated to the United Kingdom following the fatal crash in Nigeria.

Ghami and Ayodele tragically died in a road crash in Nigeria late last year, on Monday December 29, 2025, where Joshua was also involved but escaped with minor injuries.

Joshua had traveled back to UK on Saturday to attend the Burial of Kevin Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and also visited their families.

Joshua couldn’t hold back tears as his friends were committed to Mother Earth.

There Is Plot By Trump To Remove Tinubu From Office

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January 5, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the arrest of the President of Venezuela, Nicholas Madhura by the United States Military on the orders of President Donald Trump, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu of a plot by Trump to remove him from office.

Primate Ayodele claims Trump’s plan is to “cage” Tinubu and eventually oust him, using US support for Nigeria’s fight against insecurity as a means to infiltrate the government.

The controversial Clergyman said Trump is adamant on removing President Tinubu.

**Primate Elijah Ayodele: Cautioned President Bola Tinubu of a plot by Trump to remove him from office.**

“America will be part of those who will be against Tinubu,” Ayodele stated.

The cleric emphasized that despite US assistance, Nigeria will continue to combat insecurity, but Trump’s true intention is not to end violence in the country, but to use that as a way of infiltrating our Security Apparatus.

“Nigeria will still continue to fight insecurity, but either they fight it or not, Trump is focused on removing Tinubu from office,” Ayodele warned.

He urged President Tinubu to take bold political steps to counter Trump’s alleged plans, advising him to “take a very bold step to overcome Trump’s plan because he has caged him already.

Rivers Deputy Gov, Dr. Odu Dumps PDP For APC

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January 5, 2026