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Defection: What Otti Discussed With Tinubu

December 4, 2025

Governor Alex Otti and President Bola Tinubu

Governor Alex Otti of Abia state did not meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to finalise his defection from the Labour Party, LP. The meeting with the president centred on issues concerning the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, one of the governor’s aide said.

According to a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the claim that Governor Otti met with the president to put finishing touches to his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is false, saying the issue of Kanu’s release from prison was the ‘subject matter” when the Abia governor met with Tinubu in Aso Rock, Nigeria’s Presidency two days ado.

Recall that a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Charles Ogbonnaya, had alleged that Otti met with Tinubu to discuss his rumored plans to defect to the APC, ahead the next election in the country.

Part of the statement: “The governor subsequently had a meeting with the President after visiting the IPOB leader at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday, November 30, 2025. This is in continuation of earlier meetings the governor had been having with the FG on this matter in the past two years.:00 / 1:1

“The issue of Kanu was the only subject matter that took Governor Otti to Aso Rock and to the glory of God, the meeting was both positive and fruitful, as the President was so gracious and generous.’

The IPOB leader was recenrly senetnced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja High court, after finding him guilty of terrorism charges preferred against him by the federal government. Kanu’s lawyers said he will appeal the judgment.

South East Reps Caucus Backs Creation Of Anim State

James Orji

December 4, 2025

The South East Caucus in the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind the creation of Anim state as the additional state in Nigeria’s south east region.

If created, Anim state will be the sixth state in the region, thus bringing the zone at per with other regions, which currently have six states except the North West which has seven states.

Having six states in the south east, will also resolve the issue of marginalisation that the people of the region have complained of for years.

Speaking on the decision of the Caucus to unanimously support the creation of Anim state, Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North in the House of Representatives, said in a statement that the lawmakers agreed during a meeting held on Tuesday, in Abuja the nation’s capital, that when created, Anim will be self-sustaining economically, because of the abundant gas deposit in the area.

The proposed state, he said, is expected to be captured from Imo and Anambra state, adding that proposition has also been made for the creation of two other states from the zone; Adada and Anioma states.

“The ANIM proposal captures the agenda of long overdue state for South East which should emerge from the old imo and Anambra block which was the reason for my Orlu State proposal which has now been captured into the ANIM State, “ Ugochinyere said.

“Also our formal proposal for ANIM state was presented before our brother lawmakers from the South East who by majority votes have voted ANIM state as the consensus state proposal for South East agitation for additional state, consideration and voting for the second option is ongoing as I write which are Adada and Anioma proposals.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank my brother and Senator Osita Izunaso and my honourable colleagues from Imo State and the entire South-East for the show of love, consensus, sacrifice and understanding that has brought the weeks of searching for consensus and harmonization to an end. The critical point here is that no matter our desires, the interest of our people must always remain supreme.

“The East has spoken and we hope our brothers from different parts of the country will join this struggle to ensure that we reach the desired destination.”

Few days ago, a group, Adada State Movement, accused

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delsa South in the Senate, of trying to frustrate the creation of the proposed from the south east. state of Adada.

In a statement on Tuesday signed by Ike Abonyi, its director of media and publicity, the group said Nwoko, who is not from the south-east, is attempting to “create confusion, and deny the region its rightful request for equity and justice”.

ASM urged all institutions involved in the state creation process, at federal, state, and regional levels, to adhere strictly to constitutional requirements, saying new states in the country should be created through parliamentary processes, not media statements or personal declarations.

“We commend the mature approach taken by concerned stakeholders despite provocations in the media, particularly from Senator Ned Nwoko who is not from the region,” the statement reads.

“Senator Nwoko has been attempting to rewrite history, create confusion, and deny the South East its rightful request for equity and justice,” the group said.

Ekiti Govt Orders Investigation Into Allegation Of Illegal Kidney Harvesting Against Teaching Hospital

Ayodele Oni

December 4, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, is battling to defend allegation of organ harvesting levelled against it by a school teacher in the state, Afolayan Adebayo.

Already, the Ekiti State Government has appealed for calm as it begins a formal investigation into an allegation made by Adebayo, who claimed his kidneys were removed during a medical procedure at the health facility.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, who confirmed the development, said the government is taking the matter very seriously.

He explained that he has directed the Teaching Hospital Board to immediately set up an independent investigative committee to conduct a thorough review of the incident.

According to him, the committee has been given ten days to examine all aspects of the allegation and submit a detailed report.

“We understand the level of concern this report has generated, and we urge the public to remain calm as the investigation proceeds,” Dr. Filani said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to transparency, accountability, and the protection of all patients in public health facilities.

The commissioner stressed that all state-owned hospitals operate under strict ethical and professional guidelines, and assured residents that the government will take decisive action should any wrongdoing be established.

The government also cautioned the public and the media against unfounded speculation, urging them to allow the committee to carry out its assignment without interference.

The findings, according to Dr. Filani, will be made public upon conclusion.

Recall a teacher, Afolayan Joshua Adebayo cried over an alleged harvest of his kidney by medical doctors at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.

Afolayan explained that he had an accident in August, 2025 and after visiting the hospital he was told that one of his kindly was affected.

According to him, the results of multiple scans carried out including UCH, Ibadan, Oyo State confirmed that the right kidney has been damaged but the left kidney is very fine.

However, during a surgery to remove the faulty kidney so as to protect other organs, Afolayan alleged that he still urinated five minutes to the surgery but since the exercise in October, he has not been able to pass urine again .

He noted that all efforts to get explanations from the hospital proved abortive as they continued to play him around.

Afolayan added that on a second thought, he decided to visit another facility for scanning only to discover that he has been living without a kidney since the operation.

He called on the government to carry out thorough investigation and save his life as he has continued to live in pain.

When contacted, the Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Prof Kayode Olabanji said the allegation was not true.

According to him, the hospital is committed to the life of every patient and would not engage in any act that could jeopardise such foresight.

The CMD explained that the patient had a structural problem with his kidney which requires it to be received so as not to damage the other but during the surgery it was discovered that both kidneys were glued to each other.

He explained that the consultant who handled the case is a well trained professional adding that the hospital does not carry out transplant hence the allegation of selling his organ is baseless.

Olabanji, who said he was touched by the case of the young man promised that the hospital would support him with free dialysis pending the time he is able to get a donor for transplant.

Tinubu: Why I Appointed Musa Defence Minister

James Orji

December 4, 2025

General Christopher Musa Defence Minister

President Bola Tinubu has described Gen Christopher Musa (rtd.) as a fine gentleman, saying that’s one of the reasons he appointed him, and forwarded his name to the Nigerian Senate for approval as Minister of Defence.

The president made the remark in a post he shared on his verified X handle on Thursday, barely few hours after the Senate approved his nomination as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru, who left the position earlier this week, citing health grounds.

Gen Christopher had earlier been grilled on Wednesday by senators who wanted to know how he would handle the myriads of security challenges facing the country, including banditry and terrorism.

On Thursday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said during Gen Musa’s confirmation hearing, at the Upper Chamber of the nation’s Legislature, that the United States, US President Donald Trump was putting serious pressure on the country to rein in insecurity, saying he believed Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, CDS was up to the task on his new appointment.

According to Tinubu, the General’s leadership acumen will be key in addressing the insecurity challenges facing the country, saying his appointment is very ‘critical’ as the country is trying to confront the menace posed by non-state actors such as bandits and terrorists to the country.

Tinubu: “Two days ago, I transmitted the name of General Christopher G. Musa, our immediate past Chief of Defence Staff and a fine gentleman, to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation as the Federal Minister of Defence.

“I want to commend the Nigerian Senate for its expedited confirmation of General Musa yesterday. His appointment comes at a critical juncture in our lives as a Nation.

“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The magazine reports that Gen Musa has received massive support form not a few Nigerians since his appointment, on Tuesday by President Tinubu.

NEC Approves N100bn For Rehabilitation Of Training Institutions For Security Agencies

Ayodele Oni

December 3, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

There is hope for a conducive learning environment for intending policemen as the National Economic Council (NEC) on Wednesday approved N100 billion, for the rehabilitation of training institutions for the police and other security agencies.

This approval will however be subject to President Bola Tinubu’s final ratification.

This followed recommendations by the NEC Ad-Hoc Committee set up to assess the state of training facilities nationwide.

At its 154th virtual meeting, NEC also approved N2.6 billion for consultancy services for the project.

President Tinubu had earlier proposed a full overhaul of security training institutions at the 152nd NEC meeting in October.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, briefed the Council. He warned that many training facilities are in deplorable condition and require urgent intervention.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the meeting, reaffirmed government’s commitment to revitalizing the institutions.

He urged state governors to ensure their economic reforms produce clear and measurable benefits for citizens stressing that governance must translate into real impact.

“Our task is not to admire problems, but to solve them. Not to explain challenges, but to overcome them. Policies must become instruments of change felt in markets, schools, clinics, and farms across our federation.”

Senate Confirms General Musa Defence Minister As Akpabio Warns: “Trump Is Watching”

Adesina Soyooye

December 3, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

After a five-hour grilling, the Nigerian Senate unanimously confirmed the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the Minister for Defence.

Musa was dramatically brought back to service a few week after President Bola Tinubu removed him as Chief of Defence Staff to the surprise and outrage of not a few people.

However, he was nominated by the President as the Minister for Defence, and his name sent to the Senate for screening less than 24 hours after Badaru Abubakar, who not a few people felt was unfit for the position resigned citing poor health condition.

Just before the Senate took on Musa for the long grilling – the longest by the Senate since 1999 – a Senator had urged that the retired General be allowed to take a bow and go, but he was strongly opposed by many, including the Senate President who asked that he be grilled because the world was watching and so was the President of the United States of America.

During screening, General

Musa pledged a united front against insecurity. He pledged to “give his best” to secure the nation if confirmed as Minister.

He described his nomination by President Tinubu as a “defining moment,” and acknowledged that the job comes with deep responsibility and a renewed commitment to confront Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

He the Senate: “I’m grateful to present myself as nominated by Mr. President as Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Standing here, I pledge to give my best in ensuring that Nigeria is secure and safe.

He took the Senators through his long career in the military which gave him first-hand insight into the country’s security landscape.

“It gave me the privilege and understanding of the dynamics of the challenges confronting our great nation.

“From junior officer to senior level, I have served this country all through my life.

“We cannot do it alone. Nobody, no single individual can do it. We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian and everyone living in Nigeria. The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean this country well, and they have no respect for human life.

He reminded Nigerians that security is a collective responsibility.

“All Nigerians must put hands together to defeat the enem. Until we are deliberate and determined, knowing that we are brothers and sisters, we will give room for these criminals to continue their evil acts.”

As it concerns the regional security, Musa expressed worry over instability within the Sahel region. He noted Mali as an example of the dangers of weak security systems. Nigeria must strengthen its borders and empower its security forces to prevent similar outcomes, he warned.

“The Sahel is heating up. You can see what they are doing to Mali. We will not want such a situation to come to Nigeria.

“Our borders must be secured, and our security forces must be supported.”

The nominee expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, and also acknowledged the National Assembly for standing by the armed forces through difficult periods.

“As a servant of this nation, we will continue to work together to ensure we secure our dear country.

“Nigeria is great. We will never be ashamed, and nobody can intimidate us.

“Everybody in the world knows Nigeria is great, and we will continue to do great.”

Two Women Win As IMSU Mgt Conducts Election Of Congregation Reps. To Governing Council

The Source

December 3, 2025

The long-awaited election of two Congregation Representatives to the Governing Council of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri; one Academic Staff and one Non-Teaching Staff representative, as established by the Imo State University law, successfully took place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the University Auditorium.

According to a statement signed by Dr. Onyekachi Augustus Nwaozor, the election, which all participants described as the most credible, free, fair, and peaceful, had five contestants from the Academic Staff (four males and one female): Prof. Gloria Ernest-Samuel (female), Prof. A. O. Ejiogu (male), Prof. Okechi Dominic Azuwike (male), Associate Prof. Vitalis C. Nwulu (male), and Associate Prof. Barr. P. K. N. Enesha (male). On the Non-Teaching Staff side, only one candidate, Comrade John-Anoruo Eugenia C. (female), contested.

At the end of the closely contested election, Prof. Gloria Ernest-Samuel defeated her four male opponents to emerge as the winner among the Academic Staff with 199 (one hundred and ninety-nine) votes. The other Academic Staff candidates received the following votes: Prof. Okechi Dominic Azuwike, 143; Associate Prof. Barr. P. K. N. Enesha, 68; Associate Prof. Vitalis C. Nwulu, 36; and Prof. A. O. Ejiogu, 22. Meanwhile, Comrade John-Anoruo Eugenia emerged winner unopposed from the Non-Teaching Staff side with a total of 446 (four hundred and forty-six) yes votes.

Prior to the election, interested candidates were asked to pick up forms from the Registrar and return them on or before November 25, 2025. On election day, the list of eligible voters was compiled faculty by faculty, including directorates and units, to facilitate accreditation. Two ballot papers, corresponding to the Academic and Non-Teaching categories, were given to voters. Voting was conducted simultaneously with voter accreditation, allowing accredited voters to cast their ballots immediately.

Before voting commenced, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. U. U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, addressed the congregation and read relevant sections of the Imo State University law. Staff members who are not part of the congregation, nominated by the Registrar, served as Presiding Officers under the supervision of the electoral committee chairman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Onuh Martin Onuh.

Prior to accreditation and voting, each aspirant was given two minutes to address the congregation. Voting was by secret ballot, and vote counting began immediately after voting ended. The electoral chairman then announced the results and declared the winners.

Members of the Electoral Committee included: Prof. Onuh Martin Onuh (Chairman), Mr. Cajethan N. Curtis Azubuogu (Member), Mr. Fidelis Njoku (Member), Prof. Blessing Solomon-Uwakwe (Member), Engr. Dr. V. C. Igiri (Member), and Dr. Richard Uzoh (Secretary).

Many Feared Dead In Enugu Road Accident

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 3, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Several persons were on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, feared dead in a ghastly road mishap, involving multiple vehicles near the New Garki Market Enugu , on the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway.

Four long trucks, fully laden with cattle and other goods, two Toyota Sienna vehicles, two commercial buses and several other private vehicles, were involved in the collision that also resulted in many sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

Although the actual number of dead victims were not known as at the time of reporting, it is, however, feared that several persons may have lost their lives going by the number of vehicles involved ,and the extent of damage recorded

A team from the Enugu State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC , Nigerian Army , police ,and other security agencies ,assisted by traders and sympathizers were still carrying rescue operations as at the time of reporting.

The rescue team were seen desperately trying to rescue several persons trapped in the debris ,as well as create way for stranded motorists to continue their journey.

The cause(s) of the fatal accident equally remained unknown.

“People were driving against traffic and at high speed . Before we knew what was happening, trailers vehicles collided ,and everything scattered . Motorists were driving against traffic on the newly constructed lane of the Expressway”, a trader volunteered.

As expected, the incident created an unprecedented traffic hiccups, with many motorists left stranded.

With only the reconstructed lane of the Expressway free to traffic after the collision blocked , motorists became trapped.

However the arrival and intervention of about 15 soldiers assisted in controlling traffic and making way for stranded motorists

The authorities were yet to react to the unfortunate incident as at press time.

Edo House of Assembly Nullifies 324 Employment Offers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 3, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, announced the invalidation of employment letters issued to no fewer than 324 persons in the State.

The Assembly Service Commission in a statement jointly issued by Sir Ezehi Igbas and Isoken Nehi-Olotu Chairman and Secretary, respectively, described the withdrawn letters of employment as unauthorized, illegal and unlawful, a development that renders them null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

According to the Commission, the employment offers did not follow due processes, and never emanated from appropriate channels.

This is as the Commission expressed its regret and sincere apologies for any inconveniences caused to the affected individuals by the revocation.

The Commission, however, did not specify when and how the letters of employment were issued .

But it is strongly believed that the employment letters may have been issued within the early months of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo .

LASG To Phase Out Korope Buses From Lagos Highways

Akinwale Kasali

December 3, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

In a bid to have a broader strategy to modernise the public transport system and improve commuter safety in Lagos State, the State

Government has disclosed its intention to gradually withdraw Small Commercial Buses, known in local parlance as Korope from major highways in the State.

At a Stakeholders Meeting held ahead of the launch of the Lekki-Epe Bus Reform Scheme, which is set to begin operations on December 8, 2025, the decision to phase out the Korope Mini Bus was further reiterated.

The Ministry of Transportation, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, and representatives of informal transport operators were at the meeting and unanimously concluded arrangements for the first phase of the initiative.

The reform is set to introduce exclusive, fully regulated bus services across major transport corridors, including Ajah–CMS (Marina)/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja. Services will later be extended to Epe.

Kolawole Ojelabi, LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, stated that the Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, who presided over the meeting, explained that the state’s long-term objective is to eliminate unsafe and unregulated vehicles from high-traffic routes and replace them with a more efficient, coordinated system.

He said the government aims to enhance passenger comfort, improve safety standards, and ensure better travel experiences for residents.

“We need to take a lot of bad buses off the road. The Lekki–Epe Expressway is not isolated. We are working on other major transit corridors.

“The State Government also plans to remove the small buses, known as korope, from major highways and reassign them to feeder and community routes to strengthen the First and Last Mile bus scheme,” Giwa said.

There are plans that under the new structure, the currently regulated operator on the corridor will continue stage-carriage services, while Oneness, a collaborative group of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, has been approved to operate express services between Ajah, Oshodi and Berger.

All buses under the scheme will bear Lagos State’s official blue-and-white regulated colours and carry quick-response, QR, codes for verification, unique identification numbers, and Touch and Pay, TAP, stickers. Drivers will also be required to wear official Ministry of Transportation badges.

A total of 229 medium- and high-capacity buses will operate in the first phase, with fare payments strictly limited to the Cowry card electronic system.

Giwa cautioned that any transport operator or passenger involved in cash transactions on the corridor will be arrested and prosecuted.

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