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Outrageous Airfares: Senate Summons Aviation Minister Keyamo

December 10, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Outraged by the astronomical increase in the air fares charged by local airline operators ,the Senate on Tuesday December 9, 2025, resolved to invite key operators including the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN.

The Source reports that following the approach of the Yuletide, airlines, particularly those operating on the South East and South South routes have hiked their fares by as much as over 100 per cent .

Operators on the Abuja/Owerri and ,Lagos/Owerri routes are believed to be charging as much as between N600,000.and N 700,000, while the Abuja/Port Harcourt and Lagos/Port Harcourt routes attract as much as between N550, 000 and N600,000.

The worst hit however remains the South East region where the only two dominant airlines- Air peace and United Airlines have seemingly priced themselves out of the reach of most travellers , desperate to avoid the dangerous and kidnappers- infested road network.

The Senate while roundly condemning the development, also described it as totally outrageous and unacceptable.

The Senate said it has resolved to urgently look into the circumstances surrounding the unprecedented extortionist tendencies of the airline operators, especially during this festive season.

The Senate has therefore mandated its committee on aviation ,to immediately invite the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, Heads of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, and other relevant stakeholders within the industry.

The invited stakeholders are expected to interact with the Senate Committee before the Lawmakers proceed on Christmas and New year break in two weeks time.

Moving the motion seeking the Senate intervention, the Aviation Committee Chairman, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North, lamented that local travellers have been subjected to a regime of outrageous airfares, with some airlines said to be charging as much as N 500,000 and N 650 ,000 for a one-way ticket , instead of the usual N150,000 or N 250,000 .

Similarly, other Senators who contributed to the debate on Tuesday also expressed concern that airlines are now exploiting Nigerian air travellers beyond measure .

According to Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, Air peace has put its price for South East routes at N500,000 and N450,000 by Akwa Ibom Air .

The Senators noted that such astronomical fares are well beyond the reach of average salary earners in the country,who may have to save for up to five months to be able to afford a single ticket.

The Lawmakers also expressed serious concern that the fare increase is coming at a time there is stability in the prices of aviation fuel .

This is as they dismissed the airline operators’ claim of increase in the prices of spare parts.

Ruling on the motion, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed his total support for the Senate intervention, noting that travellers are being exploited at every little opportunity.

The Senate President equally expressed shock and surprise that the sharp increase in air fares is coming, even with the presence of Nigeria Air.

Instructively, Senator Orji Kalu, (Abia North), who attempted to justify the increase in airfares was overwhelmingly shouted down.

Osun: Gov. Adeleke Defects To Accord Party, To Seek Re-election On Party’s Ticket

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2025

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Few days after making public his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially joined the Accord Party, (AC)

The Governor announced his intention to seek re-election for a second term on the platform of the Party on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party in Osogbo.

The governor said, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.

“Stakeholders and residents of Osun state are aware of why we are taking this important decision.

“We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.

“I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us, as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.

“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for.

“Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.

“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.

“As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well-being of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery

“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun state. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.

“From Igbomina to Ijeshaland to Ifeland to Osogbo to Iwoland to Modakeke to Gbongan to Igbajo to Ikire to Ikirun to Ede and other lands of Osun state, we must thumb up according to our collective desires for good governance.

“Osun voted for good governance in 2022 and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity and Accord is our party for victory next year.

“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of Osun people, I hereby accordingly declare for the Accord Party”, the governor announced

Finally, Rivers Gov. Fubara Dumps PDP, Accuses Party Of Abandoning Him, Joins APC

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

As part of political realignment and to ensure smooth running of his administration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is a follow-up to the mass resignation of 16 Lawmakers in the State House of Assembly last week from the PDP and joined the ruling APC .

The Governor had, on Monday, met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja during a closed door meeting.

Fubara made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Speaking at the meeting, Fubara openly declared that “Siminalayi Fubara has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, bringing an end to his long affiliation with the PDP.

His defection has drawn mixed reactions across the state.

During the meeting, Fubara noted that his move was driven by the need for a more stable environment to run the affairs of the state.

He hinted that constant internal battles had slowed progress and that it was time to “focus on the real work” his administration was elected to deliver.

He said: “I went to see Mr. President not just for a personal visit, but for a consultation on state matters.

“The most important outcome of that meeting is that we now have full support to leave where we were because we didn’t get the protection we needed. The struggles we faced were due to the crisis in the state.

“The PDP abandoned me when I was facing battles. The APC stood by me.

“If President Tinubu had not intervened, there wouldn’t be a Siminalayi Fubara today. We have the people and supporters with us. Our decision is to move to the APC and fully support the President’s second-term bid.”

Leaders of the APC in the state are expected to stage a formal reception for the governor in the coming days.

The PDP in Rivers is yet to release an official statement, but internal consultations are reportedly ongoing as the party evaluates the impact of losing its sitting governor.

Fubara met with President Bola Tinubu on Monday, a meeting that sparked widespread speculation about possible political shifts.

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

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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.

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