Oba Of Benin’s Palace Sponsored Attack On Me

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December 29, 2025

By Dr. Pedro Obaseki

My name is Dr. Pedro Obaseki.

On Sunday, 28th December 2025, at about 11:00–11:30 a.m., while playing football at Uwa Primary School, Igbesanmwan Street, Benin City, I was suddenly attacked by a group of men.

The attackers, some of whom were armed and brandishing guns, forcibly abducted and kidnapped me. The individuals who led this attack identified themselves as Kapuepue Adun, Osayande Obakhavbaye, Osamede Nomoless Eriyo, and Osamiefan (also known as “Sales Guy”).

During the course of the abduction, they repeatedly stated that they had been sent by the Oba’s Palace to seize me. They alleged that the Palace was angry with me over a speech I had delivered to Edo people in London, which I reportedly closed with the phrase “Edo gha to kpere” (meaning “Long live the Edo people”) instead of “Oba gha to kpere” (meaning “Long live the Oba of Benin”). They further claimed that they had been sent to deal with any Obaseki, beginning with me.

I was severely beaten, dragged along the streets, and stripped completely naked. I was dragged along Igbesanmwan Road, taken to the front of Holy Aruosa Church, and publicly paraded in my nakedness. From there, I was further dragged around Ring Road and forcibly taken into the Oba’s Palace. The public beating, stripping, and humiliation occurred over a distance of approximately five (5) kilometres.

Inside the Oba Palace premises, I was slapped, beaten, gagged, and forced to kneel while naked. While in this condition, I attempted to plead for my life and dignity as the Oba drove past me within the Palace compound. Thereafter, I was forced into a Hilux vehicle and transported to the Oba Market Police Station.

I was detained at the police station for approximately five (5) hours. During this period, the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, visited the Station on three (3) separate occasions and informed me that I would be released pending clearance from the Oba. Eventually, at about 5:15 p.m., I was released from custody.

This statement is a true and accurate account of the events as they occurred.

US Strike: Nigeria Not At War, Edun Assures Investors

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James Orji

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December 29, 2025

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In the face of the recent United States airstrikes on terrorists hideouts in Sokoto, Nigeria, the federal government has assumed investors that the country is not at war.

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the Economy made the remark on Sunday, in a statement saying the country is not at war with itself.

The magazine had earlier reported that President Donald Trump, announced last Friday that he ordered the US African Command in Djibouti to strike ISIS hideouts in Nigeria on Christmas Day.

The US action had caused some apprehension in the country, and elicited chain of reactions in the global business community as to the stability in the country.

Speaking yesterday, Edun assured Nigeria’s multilateral partners that the war against terrorists will yield positive effects.

He said the war against terrorists elements, contrary to suggestions, will not distabilize the country, but rather strengthen peace to enable business thrive in the country.

He said the US strike was precise, intelligence-led, and focused exclusively on terrorist elements that threaten innocent lives, national stability, and economic activity.

Edun: “What Nigeria is decisively confronting—alongside trusted international partners—is terrorism. This distinction is important, and it is fundamental to understanding the positive economic implications of recent actions.

“Far from destabilising markets or weakening confidence, such actions strengthen the foundations of peace, protect productive communities, and reinforce the conditions required for sustainable growth.”

He affirmed that the security and economic stability are inseparable, noting that every effort to safeguard Nigerians is, by definition, pro-growth and pro-investment.

While stating that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has made tangible and measurable progress on both security and economic reform, the Minister said these gains are evident in the nation’s macroeconomic performance.

“In the third quarter of 2025, Nigeria recorded GDP growth of 3.98%, following a strong 4.23% growth in Q2.

“We expect a stronger Q4 2025 GDP performance. Inflation has decelerated for the seventh consecutive period and is now below 15%, reflecting improving price stability and the effectiveness of coordinated fiscal and monetary actions.

“Our financial markets remain resilient. Domestic and international debt markets are stable and functioning efficiently, supported by prudent fiscal management,” he said.

Edun maintained that over the past year, Nigeria has received credit rating upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s—clear, independent endorsements of the strength of its reforms and the credibility of its economic direction.

“We have maintained fiscal discipline, prioritised efficiency, and protected macroeconomic stability—demonstrating resilience in the face of external shocks,” Edun noted.

2027:Wike Re-Ignites War With Fubara, Says APC Ticket Not Sure For Him

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James Orji

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December 29, 2025

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The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike says the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship ticket is not sure for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Minister said the governor’s recent declaration of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu re-election bid would not guarantee him the APC ticket in 2027.

Wike spoke at the weekend during a visit to Enohia Local Government Area of Rivers State, amid the ongoing power struggles with Governor Fubara.

The governor had recently defected to the ruling APC, based on what political watchers say was part of the agreement the governor had with the president as exchange for his return to the Rivers Government House, after his suspension for six months when Tinubu declared state of Emergency in the state.

Other analysts insist that Fubara used the defection to warm himself to the president, and to possibly seal his return to office in 2027.

Some close political watchers even claimed that the president may be willing to ditch Wike for Fubara ahead the next presidential election, saying the FCT minister has become a political liability to him.

But, speaking on Sunday during his Yuletide visit to the state, the minister said the governor’s recent action would not guarantee him the APC ticket, saying the governor cannot use his support for the president as a bargaining chip, as the entire state are already behind Tinubu, and would support his re-election.

Wike: The issue is not whether you support Tinubu or not. That decision was taken long ago. Nobody needs to come here to tell me they are for Tinubu. Supporting Tinubu will not earn anyone a ticket.

“The Rivers State House of Assembly has done its job. They were the first in Nigeria to declare that, on your mandate, they would stand . So the Tinubu issue is no longer an issue. Do you understand me? Who in Rivers State is not for Tinubu? That alone cannot guarantee anyone a ticket.

“The same people who recently made public declarations are the same ones who took the Assembly to court, seeking to have their seats declared vacant.

“All those now chanting ‘on your mandate we stand’ failed when it mattered most. They could not vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We have never wavered in our support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. When we take decisions, we do so out of conviction, not because of what others are doing.”

Speaking recently following his defection to the ruling party, Governor Fubara had boasted that he’s in charge of the APC in the state.

“I Will Not Be Anybody’s Vice President” – Peter Obi

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 29, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

“I have more experience than any Candidate, including the sitting President. I did not travel the world to garner experience only to end up as Vice President”

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Election, Peter Obi, has announced that he will be on the ballot for the office of the President in 2027.

Asking for support and prayers from Nigerians, Obi said he will not be anybody’s Vice President in 2027 because none of the other candidates has the experience he has garnered on leadership and governance as he travelled the world.

Obi who spoke Sunday night during X Spaces said he did not garner all that experience only to end up as a Vice President.

Obi: “I am not traveling round the world to learn governance to be Vice President.

“I know how to turn Nigeria around. I built my business from scratch and have more experience than any candidate, including the sitting President.

“Peter Obi will be on the ballot in 2027. I need your support. I need your prayers.”

Obi has, however, not declared under which party he would run as he has not officially joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the party under which the opposition wants to take power from the incumbent President, Bola Tinubu, and his Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. Strong speculations, however, is that he would run under the ADC.

New Tax Reforms Law: Nigerian Airlines Will Collapse In One Month….. Onyema, Air Peace CEO Warns

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 28, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The implementation of the new tax reforms law in January ,2026 , will drive the domestic air fare to as much as between N1 million and above.

The excruciating multiplier effects of the new tax regime will ultimately drive industry operators under within one month of the commencement of the implementation of the tax reforms.

These were the grim pictures painted about the Airline Industry, by Allen Onyema the Chairman,

Chief Executive Officer, CEO,o Air Peace Airline ahead of the Federal Government’s planned flag off of the controversial tax reforms law.

Speaking on Sunday December 28,2025 on an Arise TV programme ,Onyema expressed great concern about what he described as a looming crisis of unimaginable proportion in the Airline Industry if the new tax reforms laws are implemented in their present form.

According to him, unless there are urgent review of the new tax regime ,many Nigerians will no longer be able to afford domestic air fares ,a development which he fears will add to the already harsh operating environment for the country’s Airlines.

He noted that ,the industry could begin to collapse under the weight of the new tax reforms law , with big Airlines collapsing within three months.

He insisted that Airlines in the country cannot withstand the pressure likely to be exacted by multiple taxations on their operations.

Onyema maintained that the industry before now had been seriously affected by multiple taxation, levies and other sundry charges which had left operators struggling to survive.

He expressed fears that the new tax regime, if not paused, and reviewed, will pose a grave danger to the survival of the industry.

According to him, over 50 percent of the air fares being collected by Airlines go to the servicing of multiple taxations ,and other levies, leaving the operators with barely a little to survive.

“The Nigerian airlines are heavily overburdened by taxes, levies and all manners of charges. Just take a ticket of about N350,000 for example. What comes to the Airlines at the end of the day is about N81 000 .

“The rest goes to the servicing of multiple taxations. Yet, people are talking about the Airlines as if they are making a kill. It is not true. The truth is that the multiple taxes, levies and charges in the industry is what is driving up air fares and not the alleged tendency for high profit by operators.

“We are suffering multiple taxation, multiple charges. For example, the NCAA charges 5 percent for every ticket sold. Mandatorily that is for the NCAA alone. Yet there are so many of such charges.

“These charges drive up air fares, and ultimately reduce passenger demand, as well as contradict international aviation standard. The International Civil Aviation Organization’s rule favours what is called “cost recovery ,and not revenue generation by regulatory authorities.

“But what we see here is a situation whereby regulatory authorities impose multiple taxations and other sundry charges to generate revenue at the expense of the Airlines survival.

“These multiple taxations and levies are at the root of the high air fares, which people are complaining about”, Onyema noted.

He emphasized the need for industry regulators to revert back to the 2020 Act, which he said truely factored in the challenges facing the industry.

He warned that going ahead with the new tax reforms law without a review could spell doom for the Airlines and in deed the industry as a whole.

According to him, the law could spark a chain reaction within the system including the collapse of airlines, and unprecedented losses by Nigerian banks which have provided funds with aircrafts were acquired.

“If we implement.that tax reforms, Nigerian airlines will go under in one months. Some big ones might go down in three months, and the banks in Nigeria will take a hit, because of what they have invested in the industry.

He, however, expressed the optimism that President Bola Tinubu will surely intervene to save the situation .

BREAKING: Nuel Ojei, Business Mogul, Passes On

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 28, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria has lost one of its finest, and both the business and corporate world are shaken.

Business mogul and entrepreneur, billionaire Noel (Emmanuel) Isichei Ojei is dead. Ojei, born on May 23, 1951, reportedly passed on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Details surrounding his passing is not public yet, but very reliable sources told this medium that he had been in Germany for a couple of months over what was assumed to be his usual trip to that country, a country where he had, for years, been going for his medical check-up.

Sources said he spoke to, at least, two people on Friday, and disclosed he would be back to Nigeria in two days time. “He had even called Asaba and arranged for his security as he usually had been doing for decades.”

Ojei incorporated Nuel Ojei Holdings Ltd (NOH) in 1989 under which are his many business and corporate interests.

A native of Issele-Uku, Delta State, he was married to Ekiuwa Ojei, with whom had six children. Ojei died aged 74 years.

Detais later

NJC Disqualifies 34 Applicants As Judges Of FHC, To Screen 28 Lawyers

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Ayodele Oni

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December 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Not less than 28 lawyers have been shortlisted for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court, (FHC), sources at the National Judicial Council revealed.

It was gathered that another set of 34 lawyers were disqualified for failing the integrity test for appointment as Judicial Officers in Nigeria and dropped from the race.

It was gathered that the 34 legal practitioners are part of the 62 applicants nominated for the bench of the high court, but got knocked off by various petitions against them during the integrity test.

Director of Information, at the National Judicial Council, (NJC), Mrs Kemi Ogedegbe confirmed that the Council would meet between January 13 and 14 to consider issues in the process of the shortlisted candidates for appointments as Judges of the Federal High Court.

According to her, the 28 shortlisted nominees will face the Council interview panel days before the meeting, maybe Monday and Tuesday, while meeting is Wednesday and Thursday.

The Director who refused detailed comments on petitions against some nominees insisted that the NJC is fully determined not to lower the entry point bar no matter who is involved.

“You are all aware, like the general public too, that transparency and judicial integrity have remained a top priority for the Kekere-Ekun led administration.

“There is no going back on that. Merit is the only factor that would come to play during the interview and only those found suitable would have their ways,” she said.

The integrity test is part of the new guidelines approved by the National Judicial Council (NJC) under Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to eliminate persons of doubtful characters from being appointed as judicial officers.

It was learnt that the process of integrity test include publication of nominees names which was done on September 17, 2025, during which members of the public were invited to submit feedback on nominees’ integrity, reputation and suitability for judicial appointment.

“Wike And Cohorts Have Destroyed PDP, I Quit” – Ugochinyere Imo Ikenga

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 28, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

One of the most outspoken and active Lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ugochinyere Ikenga Imo, has dumped the Party.

Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North and South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly made announcement on Saturday while addressing his Constituents who paid him a Christmas Solidarity visit at his Akokwa, Ideato North LGA.

He said he quit because the crisis in the PDP caused by some individuals, who think the party has become their personal enterprise has become irredeemable; that it has become of no use to continue to identify with the party.

He said he tried his best to stick to the PDP, but that to his disappointment, people whose job is to destroy it are implacable. The only choice he has, therefore, is to leave.

He, specifically, accused the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and those he called his cohorts, of being on a mission to destroy the Party. Sadly, he said, they succeeded in destroying it “by installing Damagun and Samuel Anyanwu in the national leadership, in total disregard of the party’s laid down procedures”.

Ugochinyere has, however, not revealed where he is headed to next but promised to make it public soon.

“We know You Have Many Cars, But Add This To Them” – Rivers Assembly Members Gift Wike A Car

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 28, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, said defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday, expressed their unconditional love and loyalty to him.

At a ceremony in Porthacourt on Saturday, they gifted Wike a brand new Toyota Camry 2025 Salon Car as a Christmas gift. As an icing on the cake, they even apologised for giving the Minister a gift that “small”. 2026, they said, will be better, during which time they would ask their spouses to be more prudent in their expenses so as to save enough money for a better gift for the Minister.

Presenting the keys to Wike on behalf of his colleagues, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, urged Wike to them as his children.

Amaewhule: “Consider us as your other children at the Rivers State House of Assembly quaters.

“As part of Christmas, as part of the celebration, we brought you a little token to mark this Christmas for the year 2025 so that by 2026 we will be be waiting for you. Your Excellency now that you have started it you won’t stop.

“By 2026, we will be waiting for you and hopefully our wives will save more money to buy a better gift.

“On behalf of members, on behalf of our spouses and children, we present to you keys to a Toyota 2025 Camry.

“We know that you have plenty already but just add this one to the ones you already have.”

Wike is noted to have a fleet of cars including a Rolls Royce.

APC Could Lose Ekiti Election In June Over Complacency – Fayemi, Fmr. State Gov.

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Ayodele Oni

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December 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State not to rely on performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for victory during next year’s election.

Fayemi counseled that members of the APC would still need to step up their mobilisation for Oyebanji’s re- election for a second term, in spite of weak opposition in the state.

Dr Fayemi, who gave the charge during the annual get-together of leaders of APC in the State, held at his Isan-Ekiti country home, stressed that victory at the polls requires sustained hard work, unity and strategic grassroots engagement across all wards and local government areas.

The former Governor noted that while the current administration has recorded notable achievements, party members must not be complacent, adding that strong performance in governance must be complimented with effective political mobilisation to secure re-election.

Fayemi who admitted that Governor Oyebanji’s performance in the last three years had weakened opposition parties and almost made Ekiti a one-party state, said in spite of this, concerted efforts must me made so as to make the June 20, 2026 victory a resounding one.

He further called on party members to remain focused, disciplined and peaceful in their engagements, expressing confidence that with collective effort and vigilance, the APC would record another resounding victory at the next governorship election in the state.

He said “I just want to thank the leadership of the party because when I said as for me and my family we are for Governor Oyebanji, you all queue behind me and I also thank you for supporting the Governor but it’s not yet enough

“Where we are going now is the real business and I don’t want us to be complacent that we do not have opposition.

“We must redouble our efforts, even if Governor Oyebanji is the only one on the ballot on June 20, 2026 (which I know is not ), don’t let us underrate any party.

“Let’s go to the poll with all the energy and mobilisation we can muster and make the victory a resounding one.”

Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks at the event, said the party must approach the election as a united front, stressing that cohesion, loyalty and collective responsibility among members remain critical to sustaining the gains recorded by his administration and securing victory at the polls.

Oyebanji emphasized that the APC must demonstrate strength through peaceful mobilisation, effective grassroots engagement and issue-based campaigns, noting that unity within the party would send a strong signal of confidence and readiness to the electorate.

“Well, I don’t have much to say. I adopt everything as said by our leader. I will just thank God for what He has done for us in Ekiti and also thank our leader and the leadership of the party. I know that there is nobody today in Ekiti that is not proud of our party.

“Governor Fayemi said something that I want us to think about, that we should channel all the strength we have as a party to the June gubernatorial election.

“God has delivered us from the crisis of primaries, let’s approach the June 20, 2026 election with all the energy we have conserved, all the mobilisation and as a united front and demonstrate to them that this state belongs to us”, he added.