Akwa Ibom House Of Assembly Rejects Motion To Ban Consumption Of Dog Meat

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Ayodele Oni

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December 6, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A move to prohibit one of the delicacies of the people of Akwa Ibom has been frustrated by the state House of Assembly.

The House of Assembly dismissed a motion seeking to prohibit the sale and consumption of dog meat in the state.

People from the state are known for their preference for dog meat and are ready to go to any length to satisfy their desire for the consumption of the domestic animal, whose friendship with human beings is unequal with other animals

The motion for the ban sponsored by Uduak Ekpoufot, who represents Etinan State Constituency, failed to proceed during plenary after it received no seconder, a mandatory procedural requirement for legislative debate.

According to Essien Nduese, media aide to Governor Umo Eno, the details of the plenary session were shared on the Governor’s official Facebook page.

Mr. Ekpoufot had highlighted the public health risks associated with dog meat consumption, warning that unhygienic slaughter practices could expose consumers to serious pathogens such as rabies, salmonella, and trichinella.

The lawmaker also raised concerns about the inhumane treatment of animals in the dog meat trade, urging colleagues to consider both ethical and health implications.

Despite these warnings, no other member of the Assembly supported the motion, prompting the Speaker to officially declare it rejected.

With the motion’s dismissal, the sale and consumption of dog meat in Akwa Ibom State remained unregulated, continuing a practice that has long sparked debate among public health advocates and animal welfare campaigners.

“For Doing The Right Thing, President Tinubu Withdrew My Nomination To FCC” – Obinna Oriaku

By

The Source

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December 6, 2025

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By Charles Igbo

Mr. Obinna Oriaku, a former Commissioner for Finance, Abia State, has never been more embarrassed. A couple of days ago, he was full of joy, full of happiness. A politician from Abia State, on October 9, President Bola Tinubu had nominated him as a Commissioner on the Federal Character Commission as Abia State’s representative. His name, along with the others, had been sent to the Senate. Like others, the Senate Committee on Federal Character had screened him and cleared him. He was waiting for the announcement from the Senate. But just while he was waiting for that, his name was dropped, and another- Victor Ikeji – announced in his place on Thursday.

He was shocked. He said nobody told him anything. He said nobody accorded him the simple courtesy of informing him he has been dropped. He was treated crudely.

But he says he knows why he was replaced and treated shabbily. He said it is a product of his insistence on transparency in public service. And that he was aware that some people from the Abia State Government had written a petition against him for standing by the truth. To tell his story to the public, Oriaku took to his Facebook page. He wrote:

“For clarity, I had already undergone the full rigour of the confirmation process, which concluded with my successful approval by the Senate last week.

“This latest development, therefore, speaks to a deeper reality about public service: defending democratic ethics often comes with a cost.

“When you choose to speak the truth, uphold fairness, and challenge entrenched interests, resistance is inevitable. Corruption never retreats quietly; it always fights back.

“Nonetheless, I fully acknowledge that appointments are at the discretion of the President, and it is our duty as democrats to respect and align with his decisions.

“I am also aware that the state government or one of its agencies submitted a petition opposing my nomination. Even so, this will not alter my stance on issues affecting Abia.

“My interventions have always been issue-based, guided by facts, integrity, and the collective good.”

Ologbondiyan, Former PDP, National Publicity Secretary, Dumps Party

By

Adesina Soyooye

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December 6, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

A former National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan has dumped it. Ologbndiyan, in dumping the PDP, joins a long list of other high profile members of the party who had dropped it like hot potatoes.

In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Ologbondiyan disclosed that he had already told the Chairman of PDP in his Okekoko ward 09 in Kabba\Bunu Local government of Kogi State of his decision to dump the PDP.

He put out personal reasons for his reason to dump the PDP.

The letter which she shared on his X, and titled: “NOTIFICATION OF MEMBERS HIS WITHDRAWAL,” reads in part: “Let me start by thanking you as well as other levels of leadership in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the opportunities provided for me to serve the party as well as our fatherland, Nigeria.

“It is now imperative to bring your attention to the fact that I have reviewed my participation in the PDP and came to the conclusion that for personal reasons, I need to make my exit.

“I have, therefore, come to a decision to formally withdraw my membership of the PDP, henceforth.”

Even though he did not indicate his next destination, speculations are strong that he would declare for the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Gov Aliyu Was Not Part Of Abia Gov’s Team That Visited Kanu At Sokoto Prisons – Govt Clarifies

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 6, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Sokoto State Government has vehemently rejected claims suggesting that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied his Abia State counterpart, Dr Alex Otti, on his visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

The Source reports that Otti had, on November 30, 2025, paid a solidarity visit to Kanu, barely a week after the IPOB’S leader was convicted, sentenced to life in jail and relocated from the detention facility of the Department of State Service DSS in Abuja to the Sokoto Correctional Service facility.

Reports of the visit claimed that some Sokoto State Government officials, including the Governor, were among those who accompanied the Abia State Governor.

A statement from Abubakar Bawa, Media aide to the Sokoto State Governor on Friday, December 5, 2025, while dismissing the claims, informed that Governor Aliyu was not even in the country as at the time Governor Otti came calling.

“For the avoidance doubt, Governor Ahmed Aliyu was in the Holy Land performing the lesser Hajj as of 30th November 2025, the day Dr Otti privately visited Sokoto state”, Bawa stated.

Alex Otti - Abia State Governor — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

The statement further noted that on the day of the visit, Governor Otti was only received at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by some Commissioners and Special Advisers who brought him to the Sokoto State Government House in line with protocols.

Besides, the Governor’s spokesperson emphasized that the visiting Abia State Governor was also feted with the traditional hospitality of the Sokoto people.

“As you all know, the people of Sokoto State are hospitable. We treat our visitors with utmost respect, irrespective of tribe or religion”, the statement added.

This is as the Sokoto State Government reaffirmed Governor Aliyu’s unflinching commitment to the “Nigerian project, and deep respect for constituted authorities.

“The Sokoto State Government reiterates that Governor Ahmed Aliyu holds deep respect for constituted authorities, remains committed to the Nigerian project and continues to be a peace loving and law-abiding citizen”, Bawa stated.

The State Government’s reaction is coming against the backdrop of a plethora of both open and subdued agitations from some Federal Government officials and local stakeholders against claims that the Sokoto State Governor was part of the visit to Kanu, which they perceive as having the potential to undermine constituted authorities.

Kano Alleges Intimidation, As IGP Special Squad Whisks Away Fmr. Anti-corruption Commission Chairman

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 6, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government Friday evening December 5 , 2025 strongly condemned the arrest of the former Chairman of the State’s Public Complaints and Anti-corruption commission, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado. The Government described the action of the police as politically motivated.

The Source reports that Rimin-Gado was on Friday whisked away by heavily armed police personnel who stormed his law firm on Zaria road Kano.

The former anti-corruption commission boss, on arrest, was first taken to the Kano State Police Command in Bompai, before he moved to Force Headquarters in Abuja.

At a Media briefing, Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, SAN, alleged that Rimin-Gado’s travails might not be unconnected with the investigations he is conducting into some high profile cases involving equally highly placed politically exposed persons in the state

It will be recalled that Rimin-Gado, during, and after his tenure at the Kano state Anti-corruption commission was, and still involved in the investigation and prosecution of the immediate past Governor of the State and former National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his wife Prof Hafsat Ganduje, some of his immediate family members, and political associates on issues bordering on alleged diversion of public funds properties, and corrupt enrichment.

He was, earlier, in the year arrested and detained by operatives from the Inspector General of Police IGP Special Squad, over the confiscation of some properties said to belong to some highly influencial APC stalwarts in Kano.

According to the Kano State authorities , Rimin-Gado was arrested by well over 40 security personnel,who they alleged invaded his law firm at about 5.30 pm on Friday.

” Up to this moment, as I stand here, the Kano State police Command has failed to provide us with a clear explanation regarding the reason(s) for Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado’s arrest, or his current condition” the Kano State AG and Commissioner for Justice stated.

Maude emphasized that this is not the first time , Rimin-Gado will be subjected to undue harassment and politically motivated arrest and detention by the police, obviously acting on the directives of some higher authorities.

The Commissioner noted that the police had, severally, in the past, invited Rimin-Gado as the Head of the Anti-corruption Commission in connection with investigations he was conducting on certain firms , including one known as Lamash.

“The powers-that-be have severally, used the police in their attempts to stop him from investigating some companies suspected of involvement in shaddy transactions.

“On that basis, he (Rimin-Gado) approached the Court seeking a restraining order against his further arrest, or harassment.

“But despite the restraining Court order, they have again gone ahead to arrest him” Maude lamented.

The State Government expressed serious concern over the tendency by some vested interests to resort to the use of security agencies and personnel in obstructing legitimate investigation processes ,and the wheel of justice in Kano.

While insisting that the travails of Rimin-Gado is politically motivated ,the Kano state Government urged the Police and those suspected to be behind his ordeal to refrain from undermining legitimate efforts to recover state funds and properties believed to have been looted by past state officials.

APC NWC Intervenes In Cross River Chapter Leadership Crisis

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 5, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National leadership of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has waded into the leadership crisis bedeviling the Cross Rivers state chapter.

The Source reports that the festering squabble on Thursday December 4 climaxed with the removal from office of the State Chairman Alphonsus Ogar Eba by the state Executive Committee of the party.

About 30 of the 32-member State Working Committee, SWC, including local council chairmen, had voted to remove Eba as the chairman after many months of open disagreement, accusations and counter-accusations by the two groups.

Eba’s traducers had accused him of high-handedness, diversion of party’s funds and failure to remit stipends to wards and local council chapters of the party.

Reacting late on Thursday evening, Eba described his impeachment as a “joke taken too far.”

He also alleged financial malfeasance by his opponents to the tune of over N60 million.

According to him, the party, after several complaints of diversion of funds meant for wards and local Government Area officials, decided to adopt a direct payment system which he said never went well with some entrenched forces now claiming to be fighting him.

Eba similarly accused the local council chairmen who are involved in the plot to remove him ,of shortchanging other party officials after receiving several millions of naira from political office holders in the state .

The National Working Committee, NWC, in a letter through the National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankia, dated December 4, 2025 while describing the impeachment of the chairman as illegal and unconstitutional, called for restrain by all parties.

The NWC also invited Eba to appear at the national headquarters on Monday December 8, 2025 to respond to the situation.

According to the national leadership, the meeting will afford the embattled chairman the opportunity to defend himself ,and enable the party to hear his own side of the matter.

“Foreign Powers Backing Terrorists, Bandits In Nigeria”, Sheikh Gumi Alleges

By

Akinwale Kasali

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December 5, 2025

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Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi with Bandits in the North

By Akinwale Kasali

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, controversial Islamic Scholar, has raised concerns over the spate of insecurity in Nigeria, alleging the involvement of powerful foreign nations.

Gumi stated that the insecurity crisis in the country is prolonged, adding that some power countries are happy and comfortable with the crisis bedeviling the nation.

Gumi made this assertions while granting an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, Hausa Service in Kaduna State, saying that the recent patterns of attacks across the country suggest external support for armed groups operating in Nigeria.

According to him, the situation on the ground contradicts earlier signs of improvement in national security. He pointed to the Abuja–Kaduna highway—once regarded as a deadly corridor for commuters—noting that the route had become far safer in recent months before the renewed surge in violence.

The Cleric also noted that farmers in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, who had long abandoned their farmlands due to persistent threats, had gradually resumed farming activities, an indication that the security environment had shown signs of stability before the latest spike in attacks.

He insisted that the sudden reversal in progress raises questions that cannot be ignored.

Gumi urged the Nigerian Government to intensify intelligence operations, strengthen diplomatic engagements, and scrutinise all external links that may be fuelling insecurity.

Political Interference Lowering University Leadership Standard – Prof Jega

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 5, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, National Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, has cautioned against the continued interference in the appointment processes of University Vice Chancellors, Governing Council Members and other Principal officers.

Prof Jega, a former Vice Chancellor of the Bayero University Kano, also, expressed serious concern over what he described as “persistent political interference in the affairs of Nigeria Universities.”

Jega, a Professor of Political Science who spoke on Thursday, December 4, 2025 while delivering the 3rd Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture at the Gombe State University, insisted that undue interference over the years has weakened governance structures, encouraged poor administrative decisions, and undermined staff morale.

According to the former INEC boss, the trend has significantly contributed to the gradual decline in the quality of higher education in the country.

Delivering a lecture , entitled, “Challenges and Prospects of Improving University Governance in Nigeria”, Jega insisted that Universities are specialized academic institutions that require visionary experienced, and academically grounded leadership to fulfill their mandates of teaching, research and community service.

“A university is not a political platform. It is a centre of Knowledge creation and human capital development. It cannot.achieve its core objectives when leadership appointments are driven by political considerations rather than academic merit” he stated.

Prof Jega warned that the increasing politicization of such appointments poses a serious threat to academic standards, institutional autonomy, and the future of higher education in Nigeria.

He urged the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to entrench merit, competence and integrity as the guiding principles in the appointment of leadership across Nigerian universities.

This is as he emphasized the imperatives of transparency, competitiveness and merit in the selection processes of University leadership.

According to him, the selection processes should also be anchored on clear criteria, academic record, leadership experience and professional credibility .

Insulating universities from undue political influence remains an essential ingredient for the restoration of confidence in the system ,as well as repositioning of Nigerian universities for the purpose of competing favourably at the global level, the former BUK Vice Chancellor added.

Prof Jega, therefore, warned that failure to reform university governance would continue to erode the capacity of the system to produce graduates who are innovative, globally competitive, and capable of driving sustainable national development.

APC Screening Committee Disqualifies Fmr Nat. Sec., Omisore, Five Others

By

Ayodele Oni

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December 5, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the governorship election in Osun state next year, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified a former National Secretary of the party, Iyiola Omisore; former Deputy Governor, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi; and four other governorship aspirants.

The disqualification is coming ahead of the party’s primary slated for December 13, 2025.

Other disqualified aspirants are Dotun Babayemi; Akin Ogunbiyi; Babajide Omoworare; Kunle Adegoke (SAN); and Babatunde Oralusi.

The seven man screening committee headed by Barrister Obinna Uzor, in a report submitted to the party’s organization department on Friday, cleared Mulikat Adeola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji for the party primary.

The cleared aspirants were found to have fulfilled regulatory requirements as stipulated by the party guidelines, the Constitution, and the Electoral Act

The Committee, however, refered the disqualified aspirants to the National Working Committee (NWC) for final clearance before they can proceed for the shadow election.

In the six-page report signed by all the members, the committee claimed it received a petition from Osun APC Renewal Group, urging the disqualification of the two aspirants, who were identified as falling short of the mandatory nominator requirements prescribed under the APC Constitution and the Party’s Guidelines for the Governorship Primary.

It further said that “upon careful review, the Committee found the issues raised in the petition to be weighty, substantial, and germane to the integrity of the screening process.

“In the interest of fairness, transparency, and uniform application of the Party’s rules, the Committee resolved that the concerns highlighted should not be applied selectively.

“Accordingly, the Committee extended the same scrutiny to all nine (9) aspirants, ensuring that every sponsor (nominator) of an aspirant was assessed on the basis of compliance with Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and paragraph 6(c) of the Guidelines.

“This approach guaranteed a level playing field and upheld the principles of internal party democracy.

“Upon conclusion of the two-day screening exercise, the Committee found that two (2) aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji, satisfactorily met all constitutional and guideline requirements of the APC, including proper nomination by the requisite number of fully registered, financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area.”

The Committee also observed that the six aspirants: Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare-failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirement of being sponsored by five fully registered and financially up-to-date members from each Local Government Area contrary to Articles 9.3(i) of the APC Constitution and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution as well as Paragraph 6(c) of the APC Guidelines for the 2025 Governorship Primary.

Meanwhile, the Screening Appeal Committee, headed by Senator Tola Odebiyi, will sit on Saturday in Abuja to attend to petitions and appeals from the disqualified and any other aggrieved stakeholders.

Borno Spends N100bn On Security- Gov

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 5, 2025

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Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has revealed that his administration has spent close to N100 billion this year on security operations across the state.

Zulum disclosed this on Thursday during a visit to the Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Mamza, at his palace in Uba town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

The state is one of the epicenters of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP insurgency in Nigeria’s North East region.

The level of insecurity in the state was recently heightened following the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by the terrorists, who shot him on the head, and shared the gory murder on the social media for Nigerians to see.

According to Zulum, the funds spent on security in the state could have been used finance to provide social development such as, education, health, and other infrastructure for the people.

He stressed that contractors are refusing to do projects in some parts of the state due to insecurity in those place, saying road construction has been mostly affected.

“In this year alone, what I spent on security is about N100 billion. If there was peace, the money would have gone into development in education, health and other sectors,” Zulum said