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Cross River: Commissioners, Other Appointees Allege Overbearing Attitude Of CoS To Gov Otu

December 9, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Group asks Governor to call him to order

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has called on the Governor of Cross River State, Bassy Otu, to, as a matter of urgency, rein in his Chief of Staff, CoS, Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, before he creates a big gulf between him and his appointees.

A support group within the state chapter of the APC “Emerging Progressive Leaders Forum, EPLF, in a Statement on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, said the over-bearing and domineering disposition of the Chief of Staff has become too suffocating for political appointees, including Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants, to bear.

The group informed that it has, in the last few months, received a plethora of distressed messages from several political office holders in Cross River State all complaining about “the hostile and overbearing attitude of the Chief of Staff.

According to the EPLF, the ugly situation has resulted in a growing discontent within Government circles, a development which it described as being potentially dangerous to the interest of the system ,and the APC as a party.

While insisting that he is not an elected official, the group decried the CoS’s deliberate efforts at hampering the functions of other political appointees and Government officials.

” The Chief of Staff to the Governor has accumulated unprecedented influence, sidelining Commissioners, and diverting control of critical Government functions into his hands.

“He is not the Governor . There are complaints that appointees cannot access funds, execute projects ,or even take basic decisions without his personal approval. They (appointees) are tired, and they need Governor Otu to take back control.

“The Chief of Staff is traditionally tasked with coordinating the Governor’s schedule and staff, but the situation in Cross River state is said to have gone beyond acceptable limits .

“The report that the Chief of Staff now determines which ministries receive funding ; which programmes move forward; who gains or loses political relevance; access to security and administrative approvals are unacceptable.

“Some of the appointees claim that they have been reduced to “begging” the Chief of Staff for funds already appropriated for their ministries.

“A number of the appointees desribed their tenure as one of humiliation, noting that lavish appearances mask reality of dependency and pressure”, the group stated

It also emphasized that what is playing out in the State is tantamount to a systemic inversion of authority with “fear governing, not policy.

This is as the body noted that the Governor still enjoys popular following , owing to his “people first” mantra, with many within the Government circle still fiercely loyal to him

But to prove that he is not aware and in support of the shenanigans ongoing, the group urged the Governor to move swiftly to restore confidence and trust within the system by way of calling his Chief of Staff to order.

12,000 Private Hisbah Outfit: Recipe For Anarchy, Violence In Kano – Group Warns

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 9, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Advocacy for Human Rights and Cultural Values for Development Initiative AHRCVDI, has slammed the planned establishment of a private Shariah Police (Hisbah) in Kano State, describing it as a veritable invitation to anarchy , chaos and violence.

This is as the body insisted that the action is not a religious initiative but a dangerous political gambit with the potential to plunge the ever volatile Kano into unprecedented crisis.

The Source reports that the group’s alarm bell is tolling against the backdrop of allegedl plans by the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to set up a 12,000-strong alternate private Hisbah outfit to assist in combating the emerging insurgency in the commercial hub of the Northern region.

Ganduje, who was also the immediate past Governor of Kano state allegedly made known his intention in the wake of the unusual terrorism activities in some parts of Kano North Senatorial District , particularly Bagwai, Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Councils.

The three Local Government Areas which are bordering Katsina State have been at the receiving end of terrorist attacks, with many killed, and several others abducted in the last one month.

On a sympathy and solidarity visit to Tsanyawa Local Council about three weeks ago, Ganduje was said to have assured the people of swift Intervention with the establishment of a private Shariah Police, despite the existence of the Kano State Hisbah Commission.

Although the promised Security Initiative has since set the Kano State authorities and the former National Chairman of the APC on a collision cause, the latter appears resolute in going ahead with the project in the face of what he perceives as the lackadaisical attitude of the state Government in the face of the disturbing trend of insecurity in the state of late.

But in a statement issued on Tuesday December 9, 2025, by its Executive Director Comrade Sambo Jibril Jada, AHRCVDI, while condemning the planned security initiative known as “Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi” questioned the real motives behind such a project in a State where there is already a functional state-controlled Hisbah outfit.

The group expressed serious concern that the initiative is greatly burdened by political baggages,which render it very suspicious and potentially dangerous for the peace and stability of the State.

According to the body, it is clear attempt by some vested political interests to undermine existing political and legal authorities in Kano State.

“This action reportedly spearheaded by former state officials is a brazen, and reckless attempt to create an illegal parallel security and moral policing architecture outside the constitutional and legal framework of Kano state.

“It constitutes a direct assault on the State,the authority of its elected Government and the rule of law.

“We view this development not as a religious initiative, but as a dangerous political gambit with the potential to plunge Kano State into unprecedented chaos.

“The establishment of a rival enforcement body undermines the legally recognized Hisbah Commission, creates confusion among citizens, and sows the seeds for possible violent conflicts between groups claiming authority.

“Our core concerns are as follows:

“Threat to public order and security: The creation of this group is an act of sabotage against the peace and security of Kano .

“It invites anarchy by promoting multiple, competing centres of enforcement power.

“Violation of the rule of law: No individual or group , regardless of their former status is above the law .

“This initiative appears to have no legal backing from the current Kano State House of Assembly or the Executive rendering it an illegitimate and unlawful association.

“High risk of human rights abuses: Unregulated and unaccountable vigilante groups inevitably lead to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and the violation of citizens fundamental rights without due process or recourse”, Jada stated.

This is as the body urged the Kano State Government, Security Agencies particularly the Police and all other relevant authorities to take all lawful steps to stop the initiative..

According to them , allowing the initiative to proceed will set a very dangerous precedence to the effect that political figures can create personal militias, a development which they perceive to be a direct threat to the country’s democracy, as well as the safety of citizens.

We Have No Hand In The Death Of Protesting Adamawa Women – Nigerian Army

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 9, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army authorities have absolved its personnel of culpability in the death of protesting Adamawa state women.

The Source reports that reports in a section of the Media, particularly the social media space, had accused some military officers attached to the convoy of the Commander of the 23 Brigade of gunning down no fewer than 12 women who were protesting the invasion of Lamurde Local Government by suspected Chobo-speaking militia from Gombe state on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Some reports alleged that the military personnel fired indiscriminately at the women, with several others severely injured besides the dead.

“The unfortunate incident, according to some of the reports, worsened the already tensed situation occasioned by the alleged killings of several innocent people in the Bachama Communities of Adamawa state by the invading Chobo-speaking militia.

But in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, the Army authorities dismissed the reports as a deliberate and orchestrated smear campaign against the Service.

According to the statement, it was the invading armed militia that were responsible for the killing of about seven women.

“The attention of the Headquarters of the 23 Brigade, Nigerian Army has been drawn to a baseless report by the Sahara Reporters and some other online media published on Monday, 8 December, 2025.

“The said reports levelled unfounded and false allegations against the Brigade and its Commander.

“Without equivocation, the casualties were caused by the unprofessional handling of automatic weapons by the local militias who are not proficiently trained to handle such weapons”, the Army stated.

The statement further noted that neither the Brigade Commander, nor his escorts were present at the scene of the communal clash between the Communities.

According to the Brigade Spokesperson, the Commander was participating virtually in the Chief of Army Staff’s Weekly operational briefing as at the time of the unfortunate incident.

Abidoye informed that the Brigade only deployed troops to the area of conflict which he said was as a result of land dispute between Chobo and Bachama Communities.

“In the course of their peace keeping efforts, troops were however attacked by the Chobo-speaking militias”, the Army statement added.

“In the course of its operations, a militia armed group suspected of fighting for one of the the warring Communities – Chobo – attacked the troops.

“The troops, being a professional, adaptable, and combat-ready force decisively engaged the militia armed men in a fire fight.

“During the exchange fire, troops neutralized 3 of the gunmen and forced other members of the militia group to flee the general area. The troops were able to put the clashes under control”, the Army authorities noted .

Abidoye emphasized that the intervention of the Army was sequel to the receipt of a distress call indicating that some suspected armed men had mobilized to attack the Headquarters of Lamurde Local Government Area.

President Tinubu Gets Senate’s Approval To Deploy Troops To Benin Republic

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Senate has resolved to, immediately, forward to President Tinubu its approval of his request to deploy Troops to Benin Republic in the wake of a failed coup on Sunday.

This is sequel to Senate’s Approval of President Tinubu’s request to send Nigerian troops to Nigeria’s western neighbour, the Republic of Benin as part of efforts to help restore calm and stability after last weekend’s attempted military takeover.

The approval will be one of the fastest action taken by the Senate as the request was approved within four hours after it was forwarded to the red chamber.

The endorsement was announced on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, following a review of the President’s letter in the Committee of the Whole, in accordance with Section 5, Part II of the Constitution, Channels reports.

Lawmakers voted unanimously to support the deployment, effectively granting parliamentary authorisation for the regional security mission.

Akpabio hailed the resolution as timely, stressing that unrest in any neighbouring country could easily destabilise the wider region.

“An injury to one is an injury to all’, he stated.

He added that Nigeria has an obligation to stand with its partners under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework.

In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu had requested permission for the troop deployment, noting that Nigeria bears a historic responsibility to assist Benin under existing ECOWAS security arrangements, warning that the situation requires ‘urgent external intervention’ to prevent further deterioration.

The attempted coup in Benin Republic occurred on Sunday when a faction of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” appeared on national television to declare that they had resolved that Mr Patrice Talon be removed from office as President of the Republic.

The move was swiftly contained, as Benin’s loyal military forces pushed back and reclaimed control.

“The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure. It’s just a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clean-up is progressing well’, sources close to Talon said.

Following the failed takeover, ECOWAS announced plans to deploy its standby force.

The sub-regional body said:

“After consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect.

“The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Ghana.

“The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”

Coups: ECOWAS Declares State Of Emergency On West Africa

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), has announced a state of emergency across the region.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, made the declaration on Tuesday during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja.

The meeting was convened in response to a series of coups and failed mutinies affecting countries in the sub-region.

The Region has been plagued by a series of military takeovers and attempted coups, including in Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Benin Republic has also experienced a botched mutiny, highlighting the growing security challenges in the region.

Omar Touray pointed out that the developments underscore the need for “serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community” .

The regional bloc has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and explore measures to strengthen regional cooperation.

ECOWAS leaders have warned that they will use all necessary tools, including the standby force, to protect democratic governments and restore constitutional order where needed.

Benin Republic Intervention: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval To Deploy Troops

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Republic of Benin has formally sought military assistance to stabilise the country and restore public order, following Sunday’s attempted Coup against Democratic government.

As a follow-up to this, President Bola Tinubu has officially requested the Senate approval to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following the attempted coup in the neighbouring West African country.

The request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the upper chamber and read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu explained that the request was made in accordance with Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates presidential consultation with the National Assembly before the deployment of armed forces on combat missions outside the country.

According to him, the intervention became necessary after the Republic of Benin sought military assistance to stabilise the country and restore public order.

The President added that Nigeria shares deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties with Benin, making peacekeeping support both urgent and essential.

The request follows Sunday’s brief seizure of Benin’s state television station by soldiers aligned with the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri.

The mutineers announced the ouster of President Patrice Talon’s administration before the attempted coup was swiftly thwarted.

According to reports, fighter jets and ground troops deployed from Nigeria under Tinubu’s directive played a significant role in neutralising the rebellion and preventing the overthrow.

Tinubu told lawmakers that further support is needed to ensure stability in Benin and prevent a resurgence of hostilities.

The Senate is expected to deliberate on the President’s request as more details are anticipated.

Dele Momodu, Kperogi, Others Chastise First Lady Remi Tinubu For Publicly Humiliating Gov. Adeleke

The Source

December 9, 2025

Governor Ademola Adeleke and Remi Tinubu

By Gideon Njoku

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has come under hammer from Nigerians for his alleged humiliation of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke at a public event.

The First Lady who not a few Nigerians had been praising to high heavens for her philanthropic activities since her husband, President Bola Tinubu, was sworn into office in May 2023, apparently put the wrong foot forward on Monday in Ile-Ife Osun State.

She was in the State to be honoured by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi with a chieftaincy title. Present were every who-is-who, almost, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governors, Wives of Governors, led by Mrs Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, as well as wives of Ministers, National Assembly Members, top Traditional Rulers, top Government officials, industrialists, Businessmen and women, and more.

As the host Governor, Adeleke was there and was called up to deliver a speech. On getting to the podium, the Governor who loves to sing and dance started by singing a Church song. But just as he started, the First Lady, in an unprecedented manner, left her seat, walked up to the Governor, and asked him to stop, and that he had only five minutes to speak. As the Governor continued to, at least, finish the song he started, Mrs Tinubu walked back and warned that she would switch off the microphone.

Not a few Nigerians were shocked at what they saw as an unwarranted humiliation of the Governor when they saw the viral video on social media.

One of those who condemned Mrs Tinubu is Chief Dele Momodu, celebrated Journalist and Politician. He was swiftly followed by another celebrated academic and columnist, Dr Farooq Kperogi

In a statement he posted on his social media platforms, Momodu said Mrs Tinubu’s behaviour was “totally beneath” her status and described it as an insult on the Governor.

He insisted that the office of the First Lady “carries no constitutional authority to publicly reprimand an elected governor.”

Momodu alleged the incident amounted to the “public humiliation” of Governor Adeleke before a global audience, and argued that such conduct was inappropriate, especially given that the First Lady is not an elected public official.

Moreover, Momodu

expressed surprise that Mrs Tinubu, a “self-professed Pastor” would reportedly object to a Governor praising God before making a speech. He added that the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where Mrs. Tinubu worships, should be worried about such behaviour.

He, also, wondered whether the First Lady would have done same to a Northern Governor reciting verses from the Qur’an before speaking.

Momodu accused the First Lady of acting as if “her family owns Nigeria,” and described such mindset as dangerous in a democratic system.

He praised Governor Adeleke for maintaining his composure, describing him as “a perfect gentleman” for handling the situation with restraint.

And in his reaction, Kperogi described Mrs Tinubu’s behaviour as ”arrogant and imperious”.

There has been no reaction either from the office of the First Lady or that of the Osun State Government.

CBN Issues Operating Licences To New BDCs

James Orji

December 9, 2025

The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued operating licenses to 82 Bureau De Change, BDC, operators in the country, saying the action was in line with its regulatory powers, under the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureaux De Change Operations in Nigeria 2024

According to a statement on Monday signed by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, the apex bank said the new BDC became fully licensed effective November 27, 2025.

It however, warned the public to stop patronising BDC operators whose licenses have not been fully verified. unlicensed BDC

“By this notice, only Bureaux De Change listed on the Bank’s website are authorised to operate from the effective date.

“While the CBN will continue to update the list of Bureaux De Change with valid operating licences for public verification on our website (www.cbn.gov.ng), the Bank advises the general public to avoid dealing with unlicensed Foreign Exchange Operators,” the CBN said.

Nigerian Airforce: Burkina Faso Landing Was Deliberate, No Course For Alarm

Tosin Olatokunbo

December 9, 2025

Contrary to reports the Nigerian Airforce has clarified the circumstances surrounding the landing of one of its aircraft (C-130) in Burkina Faso, a development that’s currently generating controversy across the country.

On Monday, the Burkina Faso government claimed that the aircraft carrying 11 soldiers was forced to land and grounded in the country after reportedly violating its airspace.

Reacting, the Nigerian Airforce, in a statement on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the crew took off on December 8 from Lagos and was on their way to Portugal when an emergency happened, forcing them to divert to the nearest airfield in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

Following the incident, Ejodame said, the personnel on board the aircraft that landed in Bobo-Dioulasso, are safe and receiving cordial treatment from Burkinabe authorities, .

He stressed that the crew were already planning to resume the mission as scheduled, expressing gratitude to Nigerians for their concern and support for the NAF.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Air Force wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. The NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.

“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.”

FG Ends Cash Payments For Services, Directs MDAs To Use POS Machines

Tosin Olatokunbo

December 9, 2025

The Federal Government has directed all federal ministries, parastatals and agencies to stop receiving physical cash for services they render effective January 1, 2026.

In a series of memo released on Monday, the Tinubu administration declared that cash transactions will not longer be allowed from next year, saying it is alarmed that the Treasury Single Account , TSA, and e-payment policies are still being grossly violated.

According to the circulars, the continued use of cash by some MDAs has created loopholes, weakened the integrity of the government’s electronic payment systems and exposed public revenue to leakages and manipulation.

The Accountant-General, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, noted that the practice of collecting cash at government offices is not only unlawful but undermines transparency and accountability, which the TSA was created to enforce.

The government therefore directed all MDAs and Federal Government-Owned Enterprises to immediately stop accepting or collecting physical cash, whether in naira or any other currency, for any government revenue.

It added that all payments must henceforth be made through approved electronic channels integrated into the TSA. MDAs were further instructed to sensitize their staff, service users and the public on the new order and to display visible notices at all payment points bearing the warnings: “No physical cash receipt” and “No cash payment.”

It also directed all the agencies currently handling cash, 45 days to deploy functional POS machines or other approved electronic collection devices, with Accounting Officers held personally responsible for violations.

Similarly, the OAGF condemned the growing trend of MDAs using customised portals and Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSPs) that deduct fees, charges or commissions at the point of revenue collection before remitting the balance to the TSA.

The circular warned that these unauthorised platforms have led to significant revenue leakages and contravene financial regulations guiding the deployment of payment systems for government collections. It therefore ordered the immediate stoppage of all such deductions and insisted that every kobo collected must be remitted in full to the designated TSA or Sub-TSA account.

Service providers’ charges, where applicable, are to be paid separately from designated TSA sub-accounts.

The government also directed all MDAs using portals or PSSPs without approval to regularise their arrangements with the OAGF on or before December 31, 2025.

Any agency that fails to comply risks having its GIFMIS and TSA access disabled.

As part of the reforms to strengthen transparency, the government also announced the introduction of the Federal Treasury e-Receipt (FTe-R), which will become the only recognised and mandatory proof of payment for all Federal Government revenue from January 1, 2026.

The OAGF said the e-receipt will be centrally generated, issued to payers through the RevOP platform and transmitted electronically in line with approved technical and security standards. The new electronic receipt, once generated, will serve as both the payer’s official receipt and the government’s proof of revenue collection for the relevant MDA.

In another circular, the Accountant-General unveiled the Revenue Optimization (RevOP) and Assurance Platform, which will now serve as the unified system for real-time government revenue collection across all MDAs and Federal Government-Owned Enterprises. The platform is expected to enhance visibility, automate billing and reconciliation processes, enable real-time monitoring of local and foreign accounts, and integrate seamlessly with TSA, GIFMIS, CBN, NIBSS, FIRS and all revenue-collecting banks. MDAs were ordered to nominate three focal officers within seven working days, integrate all their existing financial or ERP systems with RevOP, and ensure that only CBN-licensed and NITDA-recommended PSSPs approved by the Treasury are allowed to operate on their platforms. Agencies were given sixty days to comply and must also submit details of all local and foreign accounts being operated to the OAGF.

The four circulars were dispatched to the highest levels of government including the Chief of Staff to the President, Ministers, Service Chiefs, the Central Bank Governor, heads of constitutional bodies, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, Directors of Finance and Accounts, Internal Auditors and all key government institutions. The Accountant-General urged immediate and strict compliance across the public service, warning that the directives are binding and supersede previous circulars on the affected matters.

“The Federal Government cannot continue to tolerate practices that compromise transparency and weaken the integrity of our financial systems. Physical cash transactions have been identified as a major source of leakages, and this administration is fully committed to eliminating them across all MDAs without exception.

“All revenues must enter the government’s coffers in their complete form. No MDA, service provider or third party is permitted to make deductions at the point of collection. Any charges for services rendered will be settled through approved Treasury channels only.

“From January 1, 2026, the FTe-R becomes the only valid proof of payment for Federal Government revenue. This measure is designed to protect payers, strengthen audit trails and ensure end-to-end visibility of every transaction conducted in the name of the government,” the federal government said.

The Nation

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