Home Blog Page 198

There Are Plans To Arrest El-Rufai, Kwankwaso – Northern Youths

December 23, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

There are plans by the Federal Government, using the anti-corruption agencies to arrest two former Northern Governors, a coalition of Northern Youths has alleged. . The former Governors who were also Federal Ministers, are Nasir El-Rufai and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso.

This allegation was made by the coalition of northern youth groups on Sunday. It also alleged that the plot of arrest would extent to other prominent opposition figures especially from the North.

It further demanded for the immediate release Abubakar Malami, SAN, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, under the Government of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Operating under the banner of the Coalition of Northern Youth Groups, they made the allegations at a press conference in Arewa House Kaduna, where they accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate political opponents from the North.

Ibrahim Mohammed, the Coalition’s Secretary who addressed Journalists said: “What we are witnessing is not an anti-corruption war but a calculated attempt to weaken and silence Northern opposition leaders through selective investigations and intimidation.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — **Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.**

“The continued probe and detention of Malami, as well as reported pressure on members of his family, amount to abuse of state institutions.

“Targeting family members and associates is unacceptable in a democracy and only deepens public distrust.”

According to the coalition, the fate of Malami is being planned against other Northern political figures, including El-Rufai, Kwankwaso and former Adamawa state governor, Jibrilla Bindow.

It noted: “There is a clear attempt to dismantle an emerging opposition bloc ahead of future elections”, the Coalition insisted.

Makinde: Tinubu Asked For My Support For 2027, I said No; Why Wike Is Angry

James Orji

December 23, 2025

More revelations are coming out over the clash between Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and why they went there separate ways politically.

The governor and the minister, a former Governor of Rivers states were once political ally until recently when their political interests clashed, the duo now controls different factions of the party.

According to Governor Makinde, the 2027 presidential election and how to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is re-elected into office is at the middle of the dispute.

The Minister has declared his support for the president re-lection bid, even though he’s a member of the PDP while the president belongs to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Wike, who has been accused of being at the middle of the leadership crisis rocking the PDP has also accused Governor Makinde of trying to hijack the opposition political party, saying he would not allow that to happen as one of the foundation members of the party.

But speaking on Tuesday at a media chat in Ibadan the Oyo state capital, the state helmsman said President Tinubu had a meeting with him and Wike, where he requested that they support him for the 2027 election.

He explained that while the FCT Minister agreed to “hold the PDP” for Tinubu, Makinde said he turned down the request, saying he was shocked that Wike made such commitment in spite of being a member of the PDP.

He stressed that Wike is free to support the president in 2027 “but I will not.”

“I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock,” Makinde said.

The governor claimed that President Tinubu asked him if he could take control of the APC in his state for him. Makinde responded: “I said, no, sir, I can never help you organise the APC in Oyo state because I am of the PDP.

He added that Wike is angry with him because he refused to tow his line of supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying the minister cannot compel him to make his political choice, adding that he took the decision because he wants the survival of the PDP.

His action, Makinde also said is predicated on ensuring that democracy survives in the country.

Makinde: “The real issue is that Wike would like to support the President for 2027. That’s fine; it is within his rights. But some of us want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria, and that PDP survives as well. he should allow us to make our own choices.

“I tried to engage him through a mutual friend, but when he did not back off, I confronted him directly. From that day, I made it clear I would never be part of this. Wike can support him, but it is also within my right to decide who I will support or what I will do in 2027. This explains the current conflict within the PDP.”

“It is within his right to do that. But also, it is within my own right to decide within the political space who I will support or what I will do in 2027.

“Some of us want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria, we don’t drift into a one-party state. And we want to ensure that PDP survives. It should also allow us to do our own thing,” the governor stated.

In 2023, the magazine recalls, Makinde and Wike were members of the G5 Governors, made up of five PDP governors who refused to support their party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar during the election.

Backed by the G5 Governors, Tinubu defeated Atiku in that historic election.

2027: Makinde Exposes Wike, Reveals He Promised To Hold PDP For President Tinubu

Ayodele Oni

December 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has declared that he won’t be supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Makinde also rapped the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allow others make their political choices, rather than teleguiding them.

The governor spoke on Tuesday during a media chat in Ibadan, Oyo State, with Channels Television, where he explained that Wike cannot dictate political choices to others.

Makinde, who recalled a meeting between him, Tinubu, and Wike, claimed that the former Rivers State governor told the president he would “hold the PDP” for him in 2027, expressed surprise at the minister’s comment.

“I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock. Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not.”

The governor asked Wike to “allow us to make our choice” and said his immediate goal is to ensure that “PDP survives”.

Wike and Makinde, as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), supported Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections.

Both were members of the ‘G five’ which comprised five PDP governors as of then — Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Nyesom Wike (Rivers

The group supported Tinubu after the then-PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, failed to step down for a southerner to replace him.

They argued that since Atiku Abubakar, the party’s candidate for that election, is from the same region as Ayu, it was right for the Benue-born to step aside.

But after the election, which was won by Tinubu, Wike’s relationship with Makinde has deteriorated.

In fact, the PDP held its convention a few months back in Oyo and suspended Wike and other high-ranking members of the party, such as ex-governor Ayodele Fayose.

The group, which enjoys Makinde’s backing, accused the former Rivers governor of anti-party activities.

Despite the move, Wike has insisted he remains a member of the PDP and has repeatedly said he would back Tinubu in the next presidential election.

Makinde is currently a second term governor, whose tenure will terminate in less than two years.

UK Based Body Facilitates Relief Materials To Disaster Victims In Ondo

Ayodele Oni

December 23, 2025

Relief Materials donated by a UK based Foundation

By Ayodele Oni

Barnabas Aid UK, a foreign philanthropist group from the United Kingdom, has through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), presented humanitarian aids to victims of terror attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo and Gbalegi community all in Ondo state.

The delegation visited survivors of the June 5, 2022 attack at Owo Catholic Church and distributed relief materials in the spirit of the Christmas season.

Speaking with journalists during the visit, the Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and FCT, Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab, said the delegation was in Owo to fulfill the biblical injunction that urges believers to “mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice.”

He described the church as sacred ground, recalling the tragic incident in which gunmen attacked worshippers, leaving many dead and others permanently injured.

Rev. Hayab noted that the visit was made possible through the support of Barnabas Aid UK, which has consistently extended humanitarian assistance to persecuted Christians across four Northern States and one Southern State.

He emphasized that the right to life and worship of all Nigerians remains a priority, stressing that unity among Christians is essential for national peace and development.

He added that security arrangements around churches in the North have been strengthened, with wisdom and caution applied to ensure peaceful coexistence.

Addressing beneficiaries of the relief materials, Rev. Hayab said the delegation came to identify with those affected by the Owo tragedy, noting that similar experiences are common in Northern Nigeria.

He encouraged the victims to celebrate Christmas with joy, reminding them that Christ came to bring hope to a troubled world, assuring them that justice would ultimately prevail, stating that those responsible for the pain and suffering would face the consequences of their actions.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State, Rev. Fr. Anselm Olorunfemi Ologunwa, in his welcome address at St. said the visit, formed part of activities to identify with victims of violence and promote unity among Christians and people of different faiths across Nigeria.

Rev. Fr. Ologunwa described the visit as a powerful symbol of solidarity, noting that Owo remains a painful reminder of the 2022 attack on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church.

He stated that the presence of the northern CAN leadership demonstrated that the pain of one part of the country is shared by the entire body of Christ.

He acknowledged the support of Barnabas’ Aid UK and other partners, noting that the assistance would help restore dignity to the victims and reinforce ongoing efforts at healing and reconciliation within affected communities.

The delegation at Gbalegi community in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State visited victims of last year’s communal clash, alongside aged men and women and persons living with disabilities.

The beneficiaries were presented with bags of rice and tubers of yam as part of efforts to ease their hardship during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

While addressing the gathering, the Ondo State Chairman of CAN explained that the intervention was driven by compassion and a commitment to stand with suffering communities by the leadership of CAN in Northern Nigeria.

He revealed that the association had undertaken extensive efforts to locate Gbalegi in order to reach those affected by the crisis, stressing that the gesture was meant to restore hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to the people.

Responding on behalf of the community, the Baale and Central Chairman of Gbalegi, Mr. Agboola Rotimi, expressed appreciation for the visit and the support.

He described the intervention as timely and reassured that it would go a long way in providing succour to the people and enable them to celebrate the festive season with renewed hope and joy.

NBA Urges Fed Govt To Suspend New Tax Reforms Law

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 23, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called for the immediate suspension of the implementation of the new tax reforms policy, pending the examinations and resolution of the alleged discrepancies between the bill passed by the National Assembly and the Federal Government gazetted law.

The Source reports that Hon Abdulsammad Dasuki, PDP, Sokoto State had, on Wednesday December 17, 2025, alleged that the tax law as assented to, and gazetted by the executive arm of Government, is strikingly different from the bill deliberated on and passed by the Legislative body.

Although the House of Representatives leadership has since constituted a seven-member ad’hoc committee to investigate the situation, there have been widespread concern among Nigerians , with not a few calling for the suspension of the implementation of the new tax regime until the situation is resolved.

In a statement on Tuesday December 23, 2025, issued by its National President, Emma Osigwe, SAN, the umbrella body of legal practitioners in the country described the development as a serious threat to the sanctity of constitutional governance, with the potential to undermine public trust in the legislative process that produced the laws.

He called for the commencement of investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged discrepancies between the bill as passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted tax law.

According to the NBA leader, an unfettered investigation into the matter is a crucial step towards restoring public confidence in the system , particularly the National Assembly.

“The Nigerian Bar Association considers it imperative that a comprehensive, open and transparent investigation be conducted to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the laws ,and to restore public confidence in the legislative process.

“Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reforms Acts should be immediately suspended”, Osigwe stated”

The NBA expressed serious concern that the present uncertainty arising from the controversy could have far-reaching consequences, including the erosion of investor confidence, unpredictability for individuals and corporate entities required to comply with the laws, and the disruption of business environment.

EKSUTH: NMA Demands Reinstatement Of Surgeon, Health Personnel Indicted Over Organ Harvesting

Ayodele Oni

December 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State Branch, has demanded the immediate reversal of the dismissal of Dr Williams Imade, who was unjustly sanctioned over allegations of organ harvesting at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti (EKSUTH).

The Association also faulted the suspension of resident doctors and other theatre staff on duty at the time of the procedure, noting that those affected were neither invited to appear before any investigative panel nor given an opportunity for fair hearing prior to their suspension.

Dr Imade and other health workers were enmeshed in allegation of organ harvesting of a patient at the teaching hospital and a panel recommended the sanction clamped in them.

The affected surgeon, despite not being a staff member of EKSUTH, a state government owned teaching hospital, but a staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti, he was recommended for dismissal, by a panel and the decision upheld by the state government.

But the state chapter of NMA dismissed the claim as false and misleading allegations, describing it as unfounded, sensational and capable of eroding public confidence in the healthcare system.

This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi, and Secretary, Dr Oluwatobi Akinluyi.

The Association noted that it has observed with deep concern what it described as widespread misinformation and misrepresentation surrounding a recent clinical case at the teaching hospital.

The NMA stated categorically that no organ harvesting occurred at EKSUTH, stressing that no organ was willfully, secretly or illicitly removed from the patient for any purpose outside legitimate medical care.

According to the Association, following the surgical procedure, the removed kidney specimen was formally handed over to the patient’s wife inside the operating theatre, in line with standard medical practice and was subsequently conveyed by her to the pathology laboratory for further evaluation.

“The specimen remains securely within the hospital system and has been handled strictly in accordance with established medical, ethical and legal protocols. Any suggestion to the contrary is entirely without factual basis,” the statement read.

The Association explained that the surgery involved a highly complex procedure arising from a rare congenital anomaly of the kidney, noting that such conditions are well documented in medical literature and often require critical, real-time intraoperative decision-making by surgeons acting in the best interest of the patient.

The NMA, however, condemned the dismissal of the consultant surgeon involved in the case, describing the action as excessive and disproportionate.

It expressed concern that critical professional stakeholders were not adequately consulted before the announcement of the dismissal, giving the impression that the outcome was predetermined.

According to the NMA, the actions taken have negatively affected staff morale and professional confidence, leading to the withdrawal of locum consultants and raising the risk of mass resignations among resident doctors, particularly within the Department of Surgery, with potential adverse implications for service delivery and patient care.

While expressing sympathy for the patient, the Association commended the Ekiti State Government for its commitment to funding the patient’s renal transplant and providing comprehensive supportive care, describing the intervention as compassionate and commendable.

The NMA called for the immediate reversal of the dismissal of the surgeon and the suspension of the resident doctors and theatre staff, urging that professional accountability should be pursued through transparent, evidence-based and peer-reviewed mechanisms rather than actions driven by public pressure or misinformation.

It also advised the government to exercise restraint in public communications on sensitive medical issues and to ensure expert consultation and due process to avoid prejudicing investigations or damaging professional reputations.

To forestall a recurrence, the Association recommended the establishment of an independent, expert-led investigative panel, strict adherence to due process in disciplinary actions, the development of a clear communication protocol for sensitive clinical cases, stronger protection for healthcare workers against harassment and intimidation, sustained engagement between government, hospital management and professional bodies.

The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety, ethical medical practice, protection of professional integrity, continuous improvement of healthcare delivery and the strengthening of health institutions, while calling on the public and media practitioners to verify information responsibly and avoid narratives that unfairly malign medical professionals and institutions.

Implications Of Gov Ododo’s Open Declaration Of Cabals’ Existence In His Government

The Source

December 23, 2025

By Musa Wada

Your Excellency,

I am writing this open letter to you first as one of those who supported you and believed you are the best man for the job of leading Kogi state to the land of development in all its physicality at the time of your aspiring for the job to be the governor of our dear state and your subsequent election as the substantive governor of the state brought great joy to me because of the victory of my often held conviction that tribe, religion and ethnicity should never be the basis of one being elected at any given point to govern a state. Your public declaration of a cabal in your administration is an insult to all. Your proclamation is an insult on the APC stakeholders and a dangerous political provocation to the people of the state.

This public declaration by you of a so called existence of a cabal is a deliberate revelation which we can not attribute to a slip of tongue nor political humor and strategic transparency declaration but a grave insult, reckless provocation of the people of the state and a direct humiliation of the political stakeholders of the party that brought you to power and its members in general across the state particularly across Kogi East, Kogi West and the entire state. This open declaration, Mr governor amounts to a public confession that your governance of Kogi state is indeed drifting away from its required inclusiveness and the needed democratic balance into a sectional control by a narrow clique against the interest of the state which you can never deny.

Usman Ahmed Ododo - Governor of Kogi State — Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.

I am writing this open letter to you as one of those who supported you when you were aspiring to be the governor of our dear state. As an apostle of a new type of politics dispensation in our state that seeks to eliminate ethnicity, tribe, religion and geographical consideration as a basis for electing those who govern the state at every turn to the entrenchment of a political system that emphasizes the election of the best man to do the job of developing the state in all its physicality.

Your recent shocking declaration, disclosure and open confession of the existence of a cabal supported and endorsed by you in your government is a direct insult to the people of the state, the APC stakeholders across the state and all like me who put of good conscience waited in the rain and sun to vote you into power believing you were the right man to move the state forward.

Mr. Governor, I believe you still remember the uproar, political fracas and resentment across the state prior to the 2023 general election immediately when you announced your intention to contest as one of the aspirants in that election. Your party, the great All Progressive Congress was vividly heading for balkanization due to the fact that majority of the members believed that an Ebira man should not be allowed to succeed an Ebira man in the spirit of fairness, justice and equity because of the political tension in the state then.

Most of us used that opportunity then to rise up to support you using the media, public fora and town criers to educate our people that indeed it was time to allow the best which we thought you are then to govern the state. Our people listened and heard the merits in our message clearly by changing their stance then by overwhelmingly voting you to be their governor.

Your landslide victory then which signaled a pragmatic departure from the past ways of politics in the state that recognizes religion, tribe and ethnicity of a candidate as a basis for voting a candidate into office to a systematic approach to politics that recognizes the best man to do the job as the basis for electing a man or woman into office.

Many of us who supported you then are now very disappointed by your open declaration and confession that there indeed exist a cabal that superintends over the state allegedly headed by a female accountant general in the state which you also went ahead to name all its members. What is even more dangerous about your open declaration is that your cabal is divisive in nature and an insult to other ethnic groups in the state because of the sinister manner and ways by which it is constituted and I challenge you to deny that t is made up of only politicians from your own ethnic group (Ebira) against other ethnic groupings in the state.

I want to state here clearly and vividly that this open declaration by you is deliberate has left in its wake a bad taste in the mouth of all those who supported you because by all conscience and intent a devilish and satanic act which should never be tolerated. You are very lucky, Mr governor that the state house of assembly is today made up of your lackeys otherwise this open declaration is an affront on the state, probity and accountability which you took an oath to always adhere to.

By excluding other ethnic groups from your so called cabal administering over the affairs of the state you have also deviated from the best practices expected of all public officers. Mr governor, where is the Igala’s and the name of the Okun’s in the list of your so called cabal?

The present silence in the state after your declaration of the existence of the so called cabal in the state is not agreement but anger being measured by the peace loving citizens of the state. This is unacceptable because governance today in the state is becoming gradually the property of the few from one town and this is making our democracy a laughing stock in the country and a deliberate invitation to anarchy when resentment grows. Mr governor it is very intriguing that what you may laugh off as political humor but is not because what you presented as strength is actually your weakness and it is shameful.

The IMPLICATION and dire consequences of your public declaration for the state is very grave. Your party APC today is tensed with its members not believing what is happening before their very eyes.

Today there is a lot of political bitterness, ethnic resentment, party fracture crossed the party structure and this will ultimately be the IMPLICATION leading to future instability because your government is now seen by the majority of our people as a government built on cabal loyalty and the fear of the absence of accountability in your government is the beginning of wisdom for all the people.

Mr Governor, today the only remedy to your self inflicted deviation from your commitment to the people of the state to cabal system of governance in the state is your speedily returning to the right path of governing our dear state.

Your disbanding of this cabal with immediate effect and returning the party and the stake to the people of the state with immediate effect will do your reputation as a person and your government a lot of good.

Mr Governor, your reputation today has dwindled and I am advising you to repent by openly apologizing to our people and publicly declaring that your administration will no longer condone any cabal in the state. This will help you as a person, the party as an institution and the pride of the people in general.

Return the party now to its leaders, stakeholders and members before Armageddon sets in. No one person is greater than the interest of the state. Power is transient and how will history judge you after your reign?. Think, Mr governor think as posterity is waiting to judge you.

Wada a public affairs analyst, wrote this from Abuja

Tinubu Lacks Powers To Declare Bandits, Kidnappers As Terrorists

James Orji

December 23, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no power to brand any group in the country as terrorists, according to a security expert, Kabiru Adamu.

Adamu spoke on Channels Television programme Politics Today on Monday, amid the ongoing onslaught against bandits and kidnappers by the security agencies after President Tinubu branded them as terrorists. Experts say security agencies now have more reason heighten their crackdown on the criminals after the president’s remark.

Adamu, however, insisted that neither the president nor his cabinet members have the power to brand a group as a terrorist organisation, saying only the court has the power to do so.

Adamu spoke in response to President Tinubu’s recent declaration, to the effect, that bandits, armed groups and kidnappers have now been branded as terrorists by the federal government, saying security agencies have been ordered to go after them because they are enemies of the country.

Tinubu made the remark last Friday when he presented the budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to a joint session of the National Assembly, stating that his government will go after the criminals and their sponsors, saying a new legal framework is been designed for that purpose.

H said: “Under this new architecture, any armed group or gun-wielding non-state actors operating outside state authority will be regarded as terrorists.

“Bandits, militias, armed gangs, armed robbers, violent cults, forest-based armed groups, and foreign-linked mercenaries will all be targeted.

“We will go after all those who perpetrate violence for political or sectarian ends, along with those who finance and facilitate their evil schemes.

“We will usher in a new era of criminal justice. We will show no mercy to those who commit or support acts of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and other violent crimes.

Also on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris also reinforced President Tinubu’s remark.

In his reaction, the popular security expert disclosed that, only the court, as provided in the Nigerian law have the power to designate a group as terrorist.

Adamu: “The law that determines who a terrorist is in Nigeria is the Terrorism (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, as amended in 2022. It defines what constitutes terrorism and also provides procedures for determining who or what qualifies as a terrorist group, or who is supporting and financing terrorism.

“That law assigns the responsibility for such determinations to a competent court of jurisdiction and places the duty of petitioning for these determinations on the Attorney General of the Federation.

“So, even the president does not have the power to determine whether a group is a terrorist organization, nor does any member of the executive arm. That authority resides with the judiciary, through a competent court of jurisdiction.”

Following President Tinubu declaration of bandits and kidnappers and other armed groups in the country as terrorists, experts insist that security forces now have the authority to go after them full-throttle, unlike in the past when they were somehow legally restrained.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Receives Title Documents To Houses, Lands; National Honour Certificates, Gears Up For Tanzania Cracker

Akinwale Kasali

December 23, 2025

Super Eagles Receives Title Documents To Houses, Lands; National Honour Certificates

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in its first Group Match at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Championship in Morocco, members of the team, (Class of 2024) have formally received their Certificates for National Honours, and Title Documents to Housing Allocations in either Abuja or Lagos and land grants in Abuja.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had pledged the rewards to the team following their Second-Place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire held in January/February 2024.

The Presentation was made by National Sports Commission, NSC, Chairman, Shehu Dikko, along with other members of the delegation comprising Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, House Committee Chairman on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, Comptroller General, CG, Customs, Bashir Adewale, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President, Ibrahim Gusau, SSA to the President on Sports, Nathan-Mash, Nigeria High Embassy officials, Mallam Saleh Amadu among other dignitaries present at the brief ceremony held at the Team Hotel in Fez, Morocco on December 22.

Speaking during the presentation, Dikko clarified that all players will receive the National Honour of Members of the Order of Niger, MON except Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen who were awarded, Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, Honours, on account of having MON earlier.

While William Troost-Ekong was awarded, Member of the Federal Republic, MFR, for being named as Player of the Tournament.

Dikko also confirmed that the National Honours, Houses and Land allocations approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, have been processed, with allocations letters issued in line with the President’s commitment to reward excellence and national service.

Furthermore, the NSC Chairman confirmed that the rewards of Houses, National Honours and cash awards of Naira Equivalent of $100,000 awarded by President Tinubu to the Super Falcons and the D’Tigers have been processed with the Title documents to the houses and National Honours Certificates available for collection while the office of the Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation are concluding the cash payments direct to the players accounts.

The move reinforces a growing shift toward structured athlete welfare and accountability, as the Super Eagles turn focus back to on-field performance in their AFCON qualifying journey.

Uzodimma Presents N1.43tr. Budget Of Economic Breakthrough For 2026

The Source

December 23, 2025

Uzodimma presents budget — Governor Hope Uzodimma lays before the Imo State House of Assembly, the draft of the N1.43tr. 2026 Appropriation christened budget of economic breakthrough at the Assembly Complex, New Owerri... Monday, December 22, 2025.

Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monday made another history in Imo State, the first to hit the trillion mark in budgetary presentation, sending a whooping ₦1.439, 573,590,405.04 draft budget for 2026 to the State Assembly for consideration.

Th draft which he christened the “Budget of Economic Breakthrough,” will go a long way in synergizing infrastructure with all the critical economic programmes initiated by his administration in the years gone by to achieve economic freedom and independence for the State.

The emphasis, he noted, is to enable the State reap the full benefit of the of initiatives in the area of Light Up Imo Project, Orashi Free Trade Zone, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport expansion, Digital Economy and consequently job creation, and economic transformation.

Presenting the proposal at the Imo State House of Assembly Complex Monday, December 22, 2025, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that the budget builds on achievements recorded over the past six years, including over 130 completed roads, six functional tertiary hospitals, and improved security across the State.

The 2026 budget represents a 78 percent increase from the 2025 budget.

A breakdown of expenditure shows a strong capital investment drive, with ₦1.201 trillion (83.4 percent) allocated to capital expenditure, while ₦238.5 billion (16.6 percent) is set aside for recurrent expenditure – covering personnel costs, overheads, and statutory obligations.

On revenue, the State expects ₦823.27 billion from recurrent revenue sources, including Internally Generated Revenue, statutory FAAC allocations, VAT, derivation funds, and other federal transfers.

Capital receipts from development partners and donor agencies are projected at ₦382.72 billion.

Capital expenditure is largely directed at economic and social development. The economic sector receives over ₦1.01 trillion, followed by the social sector with ₦87.7 billion, administrative services with ₦32.8 billion, and special intervention votes.

Strategic ministries also receive significant allocations, reflecting government priorities.

For instance, the health sector receives the largest share, aimed at rehabilitating health facilities and improving access to essential services.

Major funding is also earmarked for works and infrastructure, power, education, agriculture, rural development, and entrepreneurship and skills acquisition to drive employment and inclusive growth.

The Governor described the budget as “a roadmap to sustained economic breakthroughs,” assuring that all ongoing projects would be completed and that the investments would translate into tangible benefits for the people of Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma assured the lawmakers that no project would be abandoned and described the budget as a foundation for industrialisation, economic stability, and shared prosperity for Imo residents.

Governor Uzodimma had recalled the state of Imo when he took over the mantle of leadership, noting that the penchant for human beings to have short memory will not fail them so much as to not recall what Imo was looking like in all ramifications in 2020.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, praised the achievements of the State Government under Governor Uzodimma, describing the administration’s record as impactful and forward-looking.

Speaking at the Assembly complex, Olemgbe emphasised cooperation among arms of government and reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to democratic principles.

He highlighted key gains of the 3R Administration, including improved security, the establishment of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, timely payment of civil servants’ salaries, and the recruitment of over 6,000 teachers.

The Speaker also commended ongoing infrastructure development, citing extensive road projects and notable improvements at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

He acknowledged progress in the digital economy, pointing to the creation of a dedicated Ministry that has enhanced government efficiency and social services.

Referencing the recent Imo Economic Summit, Olemgbe described it as a major boost to the State’s investment outlook.

He concluded by expressing confidence in the Assembly’s performance and pledged that lawmakers would give the 2026 budget thorough, urgent and constructive consideration in the interest of Imo State’s continued growth.

In their remarks, the Hon. Members representing; Orsu, Oguta, Oru East, Owerri Municipal and Isiala Mbano Constituencies ( Uche Agabige, Gilbert Nwosu, Chigozie Nwaneri, Clinton Amadi and Sam Osuji) expressed delight on the 2026 appropriation bill and commended Governor Uzodimma for the achievements recorded in the State.

They described the budget as an ambitious document that will provide meaningful impact in the State and for Imo people, and promised to give it accelerated consideration.

In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu commended the Governor for the feat achieved within his administration which stemmed from the harmonious relationship between the legislative and the executive arms of the government; and assured him of continued partnership in the greater interest of the State

1...197198199...2,878 Page 198 of 2,878