Home Blog Page 189

2027: “You Are Wasting Your Time Without Wike’s Support” – APC Gokana Tells Fubara

December 31, 2025

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has told the Rivers state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to go through the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, for him to scale the 2027 political hurdles in Rivers State

Speaking at the occasion of a thank-you-visit to the people of Gokana Local Council of the state on Tuesday December 29,2025 ,the APC National Vice Chairman South South Hon Victor Giadom, emphatically stated that Governor Fubara risks not returning to the State’s seat of power in 2027 if he does not submit to the political leadership of Wike.

Describing the immediate past Governor of Rivers state as a dependable leader, Giadom assured that no political force, no matter how potent, will be able to supplant the influence of Wike in Gokana, and Rivers state in general.

“I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the Gokana people are for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Wike, and nobody will challenge Wike’s influence in Gokana.

“Gokana is a “no-go-area” for anybody, including Governor Fubara. For him (Fubara) to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike”, the APC National Vice Chairman declared.

Also speaking, a former Senator that represented Rivers South East Senatorial District, Magnus Abe, and the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Dumle Maol, separately and collectively warned that any political actor that dared enter Gokana without the express backing of the FCT Minister will surely be wasting his or her time and energy.

According to Senator Abe, the former Governor of the State has proven without doubt that he is a uniting force in Rivers state, as well as a leader to be trusted.

“Wike is a leader that unites, and that is why we are united. If you follow Wike, you will not go home empty-handed.

“The Ogoni people are with him, and as such, we will not go home empty-handed. Please, tell Mr President not to bother coming to Gokana to campaign. We are for him”, Senator Abe assured.

The FCT Minister, while thanking the people for their unalloyed loyalty and support over the years, vowed that there must be leadership change in the state come 2027.

He assured the people that the mistake made in the leadership selection processes in 2023 will not be repeated in 2027.

LG Chairmen Warn Osun Council Workers Against Resumption On Monday

Ayodele Oni

December 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The continued seizure of allocation to local councils in Osun state by the Federal Government, has set elected chairmen and workers against each other.

The Local Government Chairmen in the State under the umbrella of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, have kicked against the order by leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE), that local should resume on Monday at their various secretariats.

The local government chairmen and councilors elected during the election conducted by the immediate past administration of Gboyega Oyetola had earlier been reinstated by a Court of Appeal judgement.

In order not to allow a break down of law and order, the state Governor, Ademola Adeleke directed the council workers to stay away from work.

ALGON alerted the security agencies in the state to hold Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, the President, Osun State Chapter of NULGE, responsible should there be any breach of peace and breakdown of law and order in the 30 Local Government Areas and Ife-East Area Office, Modakeke.

Osun ALGON warned the monetary-induced NULGE executives to desist from any act capable of undermining the peace, unity and tranquillity that the people of the grassroots have been enjoying since the reinstatement of the Council Chairmen and Councillors.

Local government workers in Osun under the umbrella of NULGE were ordered by their President, Ogungbangbe to withdraw their services and desert local government secretariats since February this year, following the resumption of office by the APC reinstated council officers.

The local government workers have been on Sit-At-Home in the last 10 months, a development that suggested gross partisanship and financial inducement on the part of NULGE leadership to frustrate local government administration in the state.

In a protracted turn of event, Ogungbangbe, on Monday 29th December, 2025 issued a statement announcing January 5th, 2026 as the resumption date for council workforce.

Reacting to Ogungbangbe’s requests, ALGON, in a statement signed and made available to newsmen by its Chairman, Abiodun described NULGE President’s resumption announcement as a guise to perpetrate evils, cause chaos and unleash mayhem.

Abiodun warned Ogungbangbe to desist from any form of illegality that could expose anyone particularly workforce to danger as the APC elected council Chairmen and Councillors remain the constitutionally recognized occupants of all the 30 Local Government Areas in the state.

The statement reads in parts: “We found it worthwhile to alert the security agencies on the possible invitation to chaos as orchestrated by the NULGE President, Nathaniel Ogungbangbe as contained in a statement he issued seeking protection from the security agencies to oust the council Chairmen and Councillors.

“As law abiding citizens, we (council Chairmen and Councillors) have been very civil and responsible in handling the needless withdrawal of service by the local government workers since February this year hence our patience, tolerance and noble resolve to explore legal means in resolving any matter associated to local government administration.

” But to our consternation, the latest statement from Ogungbangbe shows clearly the intention and ulterior motive being nurtured by NULGE executives to subject the state to social unrest.

“Hence our resolve to alert the security agencies to hold him (Ogungbangbe) responsible should there be any breakdown of law and order.

“We are aware of the shenanigans being orchestrated by the embattled NULGE President since our reinstatement as he had shown clearly to the whole world his unchecked partisanship and biase.

” As we reaffirm our commitment to peace, unity, harmony, cohesion and stability across the councils, we want to put our security agencies on the alert in case there’s breakdown of the law and order.”

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Maul Uganda

Akinwale Kasali

December 30, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles has recorded its third win at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Championship in Morocco with a 3-1 trouncing of the Cranes of Uganda, bringing an end to their dominance against the three time AFCON Champions.

Coach Eric Chelle made seven changes to the team that defeated the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, with the introduction of Francis Uzoho in Goal, Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaichi in the defense.

Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the midfield, while Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen and gargling Striker, Paul Onuachu leading the attack.

The team Captained by Osimhen started brightly, attacking the Cranes amd keeping them at bay.

Onuachu got the opener late in the first half tapping in a cross from Alebiosu.

The Ugandan Goalkeeper, 40 years old Dennis Onyango sustained an Injury, forcing him to be replaced by Salim Magoola.

Sadly, Magoola was red-carded after stopping a shot from Osimhen outside the 18 Yard Box.

The third choice Ugandan Goalkeeper was brought, and within five minutes of his introduction, he was beaten by a Raphael- Onyedika’s shot to give the Super Eagles a 2-0 lead.

Few minutes later, Chukwueze mesmerized the Ugandan defense and set up Onyedika, who fired home to record his brace.

Uganda, however, got a consolation goal through Rogers Mato, after a team work play, resulting into the goal.

The match ended 3-1 as the Super Eagles recorded a-100 percent performance.

With the victory, Nigeria garnered nine points, while Tunisia clinched the second position after playing a 1-1 draw with the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

2027: We Must Effect Leadership Change In Rivers State – Wike Vows

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 upped the ante in his renewed attack on his estranged political godson Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with an emphatic declaration that there must be a change in the leadership of Rivers state come 2027.

The Source reports that Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, has in the last 48 hours, been launching scathing comments on Governor Fubara, including the threat to deny him the All Progressive Congress, APC, gubernatorial ticket in the count down to the 2027 despite his new found relationship with the President.

The self-proclaimed lord of Rivers State politics had, last weekend, also cautioned Governor Fubara against arrogating to himself the position of the leader of APC in Rivers State, even when he is still professing to be a loyal member of the Peoples Democratic party PDP.

Addressing supporters, loyalists and some stakeholders in Bori, Khana Local Council of Rivers State on Tuesday, in continuation of what he has described as a thank-you-visit, Wike assured that the mistake made in the selection processes of Rivers state leadership in 2023 will not be repeated in 2027.

Obviously referring to planned substitution of Governor Fubara, the FCT Minister insisted that a new leadership that will represent the will of the people and not the one pursing selfish and narrow interests will be installed in the state in two years time.

He emphasized that come 2027, Rivers citizens and residents alike will no longer cast their votes along party lines ,but strictly on “family bases” so as to ensure continued development of the State under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We will not make the same mistake we made in 2023 in 2027. But we will not talk about it now. We will talk about it when the time is ripe.

“Just follow your leaders. Anywhere you see them going, that is where we are going”, Wike stated.

He reiterated his earlier refrain that he is not engaged in campaign but is on mission to appreciate the people for their resilience, and support in the past years.

“Let me State here that during the turbulent period, Khana people stood firmly with us and now, you have benefited from the system.

” From motorable roads to infrastructural facilities including a University of Environment, you have positively been impacted by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“So many appointments have also been given to sons and daughters of Ogoni land, with more still to come” Wike noted .

Kano Emirship Tussle: “We Are Acting Within The Confines Of The Law” – Police

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Police Command has insisted that its actions in the ongoing battle for the control of the soul of Kano Emirate throne between Emirs Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammad Sanusi are being guided strictly by the law, as well as the rules of engagement of the service.

This is as the State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Bakori, maintained that commenting on the Emirate leadership crisis, which is presently awaiting adjudication by the country’s apex court, amounts to prejudicing the matter.

CP Bakori’s comment is coming in reaction to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s public outburst over the continued Police presence at the mini-palace where Bayero resides.

The Source reports that both Bayero and Sanusi have since May 23, 2024, been locked in a bitter face off over who is the authentic Emir of Kano.

While the case is awaiting judicial pronouncement, Sanusi continues to occupy the Kofar Kudu main palace courtesy of his backers – the Kano Government – while Bayero holds court at the mini-palace in Nasarawa GRA, very close to Kano Government House.

Similarly, while Sanusi enjoys the services of the traditional palace guards, Bayero is being protected by the police.

However, while speaking at the occasion of the formal launch of the Kano state Neighbourhood Watch on December 24, 2025, Kwankwaso condemned the Police for providing security for Bayero whom he called illegitimate Emir.

According to the National Leader of the Kwankansiya Movement, and former Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, during the 2023 elections, the continued security presence at Bayero’s mini-palace runs counter to the traditions, and cultural values of the people, as well as has the potential to raise the temperature of the State.

Senator Kwankwaso, a former Governor of the State, insisted that there is only one recognized and legal Emir of Kano – Muhammad Sanusi II

He warned that the Police’s continued support for a parallel Emir could endanger the peace and stability of Kano .

“The legitimate Emir of Kano is Muhammad Sanusi II. He remains the rightful Emir of Kano”, Kwankwaso noted

But, at an end-of-the year interactive session with the media in Kano on Tuesday, CP Bakori, warned against the tendency to be commenting on an issue already before the court.

While insisting that the Police is handling the Emirship tussle with a sense of professionalism, commitment to neutrality and strict adherence to the law, CP Bakori stressed that the police is also guided by the need to maintain peace and stability in Kano while the case lasts.

According to the CP, the Police will not be drawn into making comments or acting in a way that may question their neutrality or prejudice a matter before the courts.

Kebbi Hospital Explosion Caused By Gas Cylinders, Not Bombs – Police

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi State Police Command on Tuesday, December, 30, 2025, attributed the cause of the fire at the Bagudo General Hospital to overeating of air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders within the hospital.

The explanation is coming against the backdrop of growing apprehension, anxiety and speculations linking Monday night’s explosion at the hospital to possible terrorist attacks and helicopter activities.

The Source reports that Kebbi State and its immediate neighbour, Sokoto State have been the epicentre of the emerging terrorist group – the Lakurawas, whose operational camps were the main targets of the recently conducted United States America/ Nigeria joint air raids.

Although the explosion at the hospital did not record any casualties, the incident has significantly precipitated a general air of fear and tension among the people.

Not a few have also tended to link the explosion to the US airstrikes against terrorists.

The Nigerian security agencies had earlier confirmed that similar explosions in some parts of Kwara State were traced to the debris from the US recent airstrikes in far away Sokoto State.

But in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Bashir Usman, SP, the Kebbi Police Command informed that investigations and preliminary assessments conducted by the Explosive Ordinance Disposal/ Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear experts EOD/ CBRN, in concert with the Commissioner of Police, CP, Tactical Team indicated that no improvised explosives or any other explosives were involved in the incident.

“The assessment further established that there were no aerial or helicopter activity connected to the explosion”, the police stated.

The Command, therefore, urged residents to remain calm, and disregard unverified and misleading information linking the incident to a bomb explosion and helicopter activities.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Wary Of Difficult Cranes Of Uganda In Last Group Match

Akinwale Kasali

December 30, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Though the Super Eagles has already booked a spot in the Round of 16 of the ongoing African Cup of Nations Championship, AFCON, in Morocco with their 2-1, and 3-2 triumph over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia respectively, but the team is wary of the threat its East African opponent poses.

The rivalry between the Super Eagles and the Cranes started since their first meeting in an AFCON semi-final duel in Kumasi, Ghana, 47 years ago.

Today’s match is a must win for the Ugandans who need the victory to stand any chance of enjoying the cold climate of Morocco beyond Tuesday evening, while the Super Eagles, already qualified for the Round of 16 no matter the tremor anywhere on the park, need a draw simply to assure top-table finish in Group C.

Veteran Uganda goal-tender, Denis Onyango and team-mates have themselves to blame for being stuck on one point to the final day of the group phase.

After the expected manhandling by Tunisia, and falling behind to Tanzania in their second match, Nigeria-descent Uche Ikpeazu rose from the bench to give them an equalizer against the Taifa Stars.

The game fell into their hands to pick up the three points, but Allan Okelo blasted the ball away from goal from a penalty kick.

The only route left for them is to put a sword through the Eagles. With the Nigerians intent on sustaining a winning mentality, determined to maintain their great form and put fear into the hearts of other possible contenders for the trophy, that is unlikely to happen.

Nigeria’s prolific goalscorer, Victor Osimhen has netted only once in this tournament, but the man who succeeded him as Africa Player of the Year (and who teamed up with him to create a Super Eagles’ terror attack at the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire), Ademola Lookman, has again opted to take Africa’s biggest football championship by storm.

Lookman has netted two goals this term (adding to his three from the 2023 finals), and has made two assists (adding to one from last term). He looks like a man-on-a-mission. His goals have been unstoppable left-footed missiles.

Another big hurdle for the Cranes, is how to deal with is that Osimhen, now on 32 goals in 48 matches for Nigeria, is committed to presenting himself a special birthday gift, having turned 27 on Monday.

In addition, Nigeria’s midfield has come into its own, with Wilfred Ndidi playing a true captain’s game in the Eagles’ first two matches, and Alex Iwobi simply magnificent. Frank Onyeka reminded all of his abilities when he starred against the Tunisians, and there are still Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi yet to be tested.

Nigeria is the country with the most appearances in the AFCON knockout rounds in history, having done so here for the 19th time, and the victory over Tunisia was the Eagles’ 35th group-stage win in the history of the competition.

Nigeria have lost only one of their last 16 AFCON group-stage games – defeat to Madagascar in Egypt after they already qualified for the Round of 16.

Uganda will look to the history of contests between both nations and be hopeful.

In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have lost only twice, winning four times, with the other two games ending in a draw. Five of the matches have been competitive, and Ugandans cannot forget how their star forward Philip Omondi scored the winner to ensure a 2-1 defeat for Nigeria in the 1978 AFCON semi-finals. Uganda have won two of the three international friendly matches, with the other ending in a draw.

Uganda have progressed beyond the AFCON group stage only twice previously, in 1978 in Ghana and 2019 in Egypt.

Ikpeazu will probably start as Belgian tactician, Paul Put throws his aces up from the get-go. There are also James Bogere, who earned the Cranes a second penalty against Tanzania, Okello and Denis Omedi, who scored against Tunisia and assisted the equalizer against Tanzania on Sunday.

Nigeria, now on 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, will aim for a milestone 150th goal, and more, when the game commences at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 5pm on Tuesday.

At his pre-match press briefing on Monday, Coach Eric Chelle said: “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team. Sometimes a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament. For me, I want to present the best team every time.”

Captain Ndidi: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is one the next game.

SUPER EAGLES, CRANES IN HISTORY

14 Mar 1978: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON semi: Kumasi)

26 Sep 1981: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Lagos)

29 Aug 1992: Nigeria 2-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Lagos)

17 Jul 1993: Uganda 0-0 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)

24 Mar 2007: Nigeria 1-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Abeokuta)

02 Jun 2007: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)

25 Mar 2015: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Uyo)

20 Nov 2018: Nigeria 0-0 Uganda (Friendly: Asaba)

Ondo: Amotekun Nabs Suspected 39 Fleeing Bandits

Ayodele Oni

December 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Following recent Airstrike launched on terrorists and bandits in parts of the country by the United States, Ondo state security network agency, codenamed Amotekun corps has announced the arrest of 39 suspects allegedly escaping from the Northern parts of the state.

Similarly, the Corps also apprehended 61 other suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, car snatchers and illegal anti-open grazing offenders during the festive period.

The State Commander of the security corps, Adetunji Adeleye disclosed this in Akure on Tuesday, while parading over 100 suspects before newsmen who were nabbed in different parts of Ondo state.

Adeleye explained that the 39 suspected bandits, who were arrested at Elegbeka forest in Ose loca government area were still being profiling for possible prosecution or repatriate to Sokoto state.

“You will recall that there is this black spot where so many criminal activities, including armed robbery and kidnapping, had been taking place, which is Elegbeka Axis (Ose LGA). As a result of the criminal activities around there, Amotekun Corps has a Control Post domiciled in the forest of Elegbeka

“A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested, all together, claiming that as a result of the heat turned on them in the northern part of the country, they are relocating into the forest.

“We are still profiling them, and after the profiling, we may have to send them back, but those found with incriminating weapons and materials will surely be prosecuted.”

The Amotekun Commander insisted anybody going into the state forest reserves must take the government’s permit, saying that “the government has made its position known.

“For you to stay in our forest areas, you must obtain permits. So, the sudden influx of this element poses a lot of questions that we are still working on.

“Across the 18 local governments of the state. We arrested about 100 suspects, out of which 61 are on parade today, 50 of them engaged in breaking of law and order, two on anti-open grazing , six on kidnapping related cases, and three on abuse of gender and rape.

“I look at this as a concerted effort by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, to rid Ondo State of criminal elements.

“We equally want to thank His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, Honorable Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for giving us an enabling environment to thrive. We thank all other security agencies in the state, the police, the civil defence, the Army, the DSS, the vigilantes, and the public generally for the support we received from them.

“Coming to specific, around Ofosu, near Odigbo area, we had a 34-year-old Mustafa and a 45-year-old Philip arrested for kidnapping at the scene. We equally have in Isua Akoko axis , one Idris, 18; Ibrahim Abdullahi, 20, Lawal Idris, 23.

“On rape and assault on Amateur Corps officers, we have a 19-year-old Daniel Ojo, a 33-year-old Usman, and one Bejide, 41, for raping at Isinkan.

“On armed robbery, we arrested a 30 year-old Ola Tunbosun, Ibrahim, and Shaibu at the shore of Akure North, of Oba Akoko, and Oba Ile also in Akure North,” Adeleye revealed.

Fmr AGF, Malami, Son, Wife Remanded At Kuje Prison

Ayodele Oni

December 30, 2025

Abubakar Malami in Court — Abubakar Malami

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic, Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has secured a detention order for a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son and one of his wives.

They are to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.

The order was issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, where they were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite.

Malami’s son, Abubakar, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, are co-defendants a n 16-count money laundering charge filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The order followed arguments from the defence team led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).

Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In the charge, the EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to several billions of naira.

The Commission further alleged that the offences, which span several years, involved the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations.

The EFCC also claimed that some of the alleged offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Minimum Wage: Workers Of Nasarawa Owned Higher Institutions Begin Strike

Ayodele Oni

December 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Due to the failure of Nasarawa state Government to comply with the mutually agreed full implementation of the New National Minimum Wage, the Joint Unions of the State Tertiary Institutions, (JUNSTI), have instructed members to proceed on an indefinite strike action.

Chairman of JUNSTI, Samson Kale Gbande, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Lafia, the state capital, shortly after a meeting with union leaders of the three institutions comprising the Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic Lafia, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia and College of Education, Akwanga.

Gbande noted that the state government has not been able to meet the agreements reached after several meetings and negotiations on the minimum wage, so the union decided to embark on an indefinite strike.

According to him, JUNSTI regrets the failure of the government to implement the new salary structure from November 2025, insisting that the union is firm and resolute in its decision for the betterment of its members.

“It will be recalled that the union had engaged the Nasarawa State Government severally on this matter through meetings held at the office of the Deputy Governor on 6th August 2025, 23rd October 2025, 3rd December 2025 and 15th December 2025.

“During these engagements, repeated assurances were given that the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage would take effect from November 2025.

“Regrettably, despite the union’s patience for over a year, these assurances have not translated into action,” Gbande narrated.

He maintained that the previously declared strike action announced on the eve of Christmas by the union was reaffirmed during the meeting, and called on the members to remain calm as “no stone would be left unturned until the legitimate demands of members of the union are met.”

The JUNSTI Chairman expressed deep concerns over the continued delay by the government to take action on the salary structure, noting that the failure to implement mutually agreed decisions contributes significantly to the productivity of the government workforce and stability in the education sector.

The union appreciated the cooperation of its members throughout the struggle for better welfare, assuring that their patience would yield expected results soon.

1...188189190...2,878 Page 189 of 2,878