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Nine Months After, Supreme Court Dismisses PDP Governors Suit Against Rivers State Emergency Rule

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Supreme Court of Nigeria

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Monday December 15, 2025, dismissed the suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum challenging the declaration of a State of emergency in Rivers State.

The Source reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on March 18,2025 in the wake of the political crises in Rivers state , between  Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike-backed House of Assembly, suspended democratic governance for six months ,after proclaiming emergency rule.

But irked by the development, which not a few strongly believed  fell short of constitutional requirements, the umbrella body of the then eleven PDP Governors in April ,2025   filed an application  seeking the interpretation  of the provision of Session 305 of the 1999 Constitution which dwells on the powers of the president to declare emergency rule.

The plaintiffs in their application among others had prayed the court to declare unconstitutional, illegal  null and void the action of the President in sacking the Governor ,and other democratic institutions in Rivers state, after declaring a state of emergency.

Strangely, and curiously too, the country’s apex court could not take action on the suit, until the expiry of the emergency rule on September 18 2025.

In a split judgement of six-to-one the Supreme  Court held that the plaintiffs (the PDP Governors Forum) lacked the locus standi to institute a legal action against the President’s action in Rivers State.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Idris, the Supreme Court held that PDP Governors failed to establish the existence of any dispute between them and the Federal Government headed by President Tinubu as far as the emergency rule declaration in Rivers state is concerned.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court held that in the face of  the inability of the PDP Governors to prove any actionable cause, the Court cannot, therefore, exercise its original jurisdiction to hear and determine the application.

Instructively, the judgment is coming nine clear months after the application was filed, raising concerns about the ability and readiness of the country’s judicial system to play its expected critical roles in the advancement of democratic norms in the country.

COAS Annual Conference: Tinubu Lauds Military On Successes  Against Banditry

By
Ayodele Oni
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The Chief of Army Staff COAS Annual Conference 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 opened in Lagos on Monday with a commendation by President Bola Tinubu to the military on achievements in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.

The president described as positive reports from various theatres of operation as clear evidence of courage, resilience, and professionalism and stressed that joint operations with sister services and other security agencies underscore the power of unity of purpose in securing the nation.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army, describing the sacrifices of officers and soldiers as a debt of gratitude the nation can never fully exhaust.

The President pointed out that Nigeria remains profoundly grateful to its armed forces for choosing “duty over comfort and service over ease,” and for standing in harm’s way to guarantee national peace and stability.

He commended the Nigerian Army for its enduring professionalism and resilience, noting that the annual conference remains a critical platform for honest reflection, rigorous evaluation, and continuous improvement in training, administration, and operations.

He urged senior commanders to consolidate operational gains and adapt Nigeria’s national security architecture to meet the demands of an increasingly complex global and domestic security environment, assuring them of the administration’s full support in fulfilling their constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.

The President praised the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaib and all officers and soldiers for their clarity of vision and sense of purpose in transforming the Army into a professional, adaptable, and resilient force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency frameworks.

Reiterating the importance of constitutionalism, the President emphasized that the Nigerian Army must continue to uphold its apolitical posture and operate strictly within the framework of the Constitution and national security strategy, noting that such discipline is essential to sustaining public trust and confidence.

He further commended the Army’s extensive civil-military cooperation initiatives nationwide, observing that modern security efforts go beyond the use of force to winning hearts, restoring dignity, and supporting development at all levels of government.

Paying tribute to fallen heroes, the president said their sacrifices are permanently etched in Nigeria’s national memory, assuring that the government remains resolute in supporting their families.

He also pledged continued improvement in the welfare and motivation of serving personnel through enhanced amenities and targeted programmes.

On the conference theme, which examines terrorism through diplomatic and military lenses with strategies for long-term prevention and stabilization, the President described it as timely and aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He encouraged frank, constructive deliberations capable of producing practical and enduring strategies to secure Nigeria for present and future generations.

Declaring the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 formally open, Tinubu expressed confidence that the discussions would yield actionable solutions to advance national security objectives and restore peace across the country.

“May your deliberations be fruitful and strengthen our collective resolve to build a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria,” he said, praying for God’s blessings on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Republic of Nigeria

APC Says President Tinubu Has Genuine Intentions For Nigeria

By
The Source
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has appealed to Nigerians to have faith in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration.

The APC stated that the two-term former Governor of Lagos State has genuine intention in reshaping the nation’s economy, making the nation safer, united and prosperous.

Making these assertions is the Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman, APC, Lagos State at the  3rd edition of the Party’s “Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons” held Sunday evening.

This year’s edition tagged, “Prince of Peace (Omo Alade Alafia),” was held at the Party’s Secretariat on Acme Road, Ogba area of the State.

He urged Nigerians to reaffirm their unbreakable spirit in the face of challenges, said the President’s intentions remained genuine and beyond doubt.

“We acknowledge with gratitude and commend the good intentions of President Bola Tinubu to make Nigeria a safer and more prosperous place for everyone to live without fear and intimidation.

“We appreciate his commitment to national unity, economic revitalisation and the welfare of every Nigerian.

“His intentions truly inspire us to redouble our efforts for Lagos and the nation,” Ojelabi said.

He added that the Lagos APC leadership, led by Governo Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is committed  to the security of lives and property in the state.

“Lagos is safe and will continue to be safe, a safe haven for all residents, visitors and tourists,” Ojelabi said.

He urged citizens to play  their part to make the country great, and reclaim its position in the comity of nations.

Speaking on the Christmas Carol, Ojelabi said the theme “Prince of Peace, Omo Alade Alafia” recognised the special place of Jesus Christ in creation.

He described Jesus as “a true prince and an embodiment of peace.”

According to him, in the true spirit of devotion that Christmas embodies, the event was organised to celebrate Christ.

He said the carol  was a reminder of the importance of religious leadership in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for communities, states and the nation.

“As we share in the joy and reflection of this season, I hope we can find a common ground in the universal messages of love, humility and service that the Christmas story inspires.

“Let us love one another more and show greater enthusiasm for our country. Let us eschew all forms of bitterness, hatred and violence.

“Let us collectively resolve to make Lagos and Nigeria brighter, safer and more prosperous,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the state had enjoyed peace for the past 25 years, urging residents to prioritise peace above all.

Sanwo-Olu said: “APC stands as a shining star of progress. We must use this season to share love among ourselves.

“For us in Lagos and the APC, peace has always been our cornerstone, irrespective of political affiliations. Let us use the Christmas season to strengthen our unity.”

Expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to peace and unity, Sanwo-Olu called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Religious and political leaders present at the occasion includes; Rev. Esther Ajayi, founder of the Love of Christ Generation Church (C&S), and the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, took turns to read the Carol’s Nine Lessons.

Also present was Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, and Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, offered special prayers for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu,Nigeria and the state.

Dangote To Tinubu: Probe NMDPRA Boss For Spending $5m On Children Sch Fess In Switzerland

By
James Orji
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Aliko Dangote

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has accused the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, of spending close to $5 million on the secondary school education of his four children in Switzerland.

Dangote, who accused the NMDPRA of spending beyond his means as a public servant, called for Ahmed’s probe, saying the issue should not be swept under the carpet as it’s capable of worsening the corruption in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

He made the allegation at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, wondering how a pubic servant like Farouk could afford to send his children to school abroad where such humungous amount is paid as school fees.

Recall that some civil society organisations had in July called for Farouk’s probe for allegedly spending $5 million to enroll his children in foreign school.

According to Dangote, he ensured that his children attended their secondary school in Nigeria despite his huge wealth as Africa’s richest Man, with over $30 billion in combined wealth.

He stressed that Farouk’s  expenditure is inconsistent with the earnings of a career public servant, saying he should be probed to ensure public confidence in the sector.

“That secondary school education, which is six years for four children, allegedly cost about $5 million. You cannot imagine somebody paying $5 million just to educate four children in secondary school.”

The billionaire businessman said such spending would ordinarily attract scrutiny from tax and anti-corruption authorities.

“When you look at his income, his income does not match paying this kind of fee,” Dangote added.

“Even if it’s me paying $5 million over six years for my four children, the taxman has to look at my taxes and how much I pay.”

Dangote further questioned the contrast between the alleged expenditure and the economic hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians, particularly in Ahmed’s home state.

“From Sokoto, where he comes from, people are struggling to pay ₦100,000 for school fees,” he said.

“A lot of children are at home, not going to school because of ₦100,000. I cannot understand why somebody who has worked all his life in government would have four children whose school fees amount to $5 million.”

He also stressed that his remarks were not a personal attack but a call for accountability

“I am not calling for his removal,” Dangote said.

“What I am asking for is a proper investigation. He should be required to account for his actions and demonstrate that he has not compromised his position to the detriment of Nigerians. What is happening amounts to economic sabotage.”

Dangote said relevant authorities, including the Code of Conduct Bureau or the Code of Conduct Tribunal, should investigate the matter.

“If he denies it, I will not only publish what was paid as tuition in those secondary schools, but I will also take legal steps to compel the schools to disclose the payments made by Farouk,” he stated.

He also disclosed that, unlike the alleged case, his own children attended secondary school in Nigeria.

“Even my own children didn’t go to those schools,” he said. “My children went to a Nigerian secondary school. They didn’t go outside Nigeria to attend secondary school.”

Zoning: El-Rufai Says He Never Attacked Atiku; It Is Fake News

By
The Source
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Atiku Abubkar and Nasir el-Rufai

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that he never said that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is zoning its Presidential Ticket to the South.

 

The viral report also suggested that El-Rufai may be backing the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, instead of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

 

In a statement issued on Monday via his official X handle, El-Rufai described the trending report as “untrue” despite its wide circulation.

 

Making clarifications, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, said that at no time did he make such remarks in any of his speeches, media interviews or on his verified social media platforms.

 

“My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027.

 

“This claim is untrue, despite its virality. I did not make such a statement in any of my speeches, interviews or social media posts. I maintain verifiable social media platforms where I speak my mind and express my personal views directly.

 

“It is also wrong and improper to attribute to me opinion articles written by other authors, even when I share such articles on my platforms as contributions to the national conversation.

 

“These clarifications are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for the spread of fake news.

 

“The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by fake news platforms is no justification for treating such platforms with any seriousness.”

 

He urged media professionals and the public to always verify information before publication or sharing, warning that society suffers when media leaders and influencers fail in this responsibility.

 

The former All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain also called on all stakeholders to act responsibly in order to curb the spread of fake news and irresponsible politicking.

 

“In this age of turmoil and falsehood, the obligation to verify information before posting or publishing has become more important than ever. In this instance, it appears that some senior editors ignored this duty.

 

“Society stands to lose when media leaders align with the most irresponsible actors on social media in what can only be described as the unedifying Olympics of fiction and fakery. Everyone must live up to their responsibility.

 

“I wish to reiterate that no views should be attributed to me unless I have explicitly expressed them on my official social media platforms or during interviews with reputable media organisations,” the statement reads.

Christmas: Ebonyi Gov. Approves N150,000 Bonus For Civil Servants

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ebonyi State Governor - Francis Nwifuru
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru

By Ayodele Oni

Public servants in Ebonyi State are looking forward to a bountiful yuletide as the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru,  approved payment of ₦150,000 Christmas bonus to all civil servants in the state ahead of the festive season.

The Governor announced the incentive on Sunday during a Church Service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki, describing it as part of his administration’s deliberate efforts to prioritise workers’ welfare, despite a decline in revenue accruing to the state over the past years.

Nwifuru also dismissed claims suggesting a slowdown in the construction of the Vincent Agwu Nwankwo Flyover, widely known as VANCO, one of the flagship infrastructure projects of his administration.

He stressed that the scale and complexity of the project set it apart from similar developments across the country.

“There is hardly any state in Nigeria currently undertaking a flyover of this magnitude,” the governor said.

He explained that the demanding engineering processes involved in the project account for its pace, noting that once completed, the flyover would significantly transform the city’s outlook and enhance its visual appeal.

 Nwifuru criticised what he described as misleading narratives by “social media contractors,” insisting that such commentaries fail to appreciate the technical depth of the work.

According to him, the administration remains focused on positioning Ebonyi State as a modern and progressive society, driven by durable and forward-looking infrastructure.

“We are not doing this because we have excess funds. We are doing it because we want to leave a lasting legacy and etch our name in history,” he said.

The Governor added that his vision is for Ebonyi State to gain recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a model of good governance anchored on sustainable development.

In August, Nwifuru approved a ₦20,000 increase in the State’s  minimum wage, raising the salary of public servants to ₦90,000 with immediate effect.

The Ebonyi State Government said the adjustment was inspired by the Governor’s  People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, which places strong emphasis on improving the living conditions of workers.

Osun 2027: Accord, INEC Affirm Adeleke As Gov Candidate

By
James Orji
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Accord and Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke remains the governorship candidate of the Accord Party, based on his nomination last week, the party has said.

The party insists that any other candidate parading himself as its governorship candidate is an impostor, saying the governor has the overwhelming support of members of the party as its sole candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

Accord Party made the affirmation in the communique issued on Sunday by the South-west National Vice Chairman of the party, Paul Igbinsola, in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

The affirmation is coming on the heels of a parallel governorship primary held at the weekend by some members of the party, where Clement Bamigbola emerged as the governorship candidate.

Not a few insist that the action of the Bamigbola faction is capable of throwing the state into violence, as the party has also accused the All Progressives Congress, APC of instigating the crisis because of the alleged threat posed by Governor Adeleke to its plan to take over the state.

Affirming Governor Adeleke as its sole candidate, Igbinsola at the meeting, flanked by other party state chairmen from the south west disclosed that all the stakeholders agreed to Adeleke’s candidacy.

Apart from him, those who attended the meeting include Raji Waheed (Oyo), Dr Oyedamola Babarinde (Ekiti), Abimbola Falaja (Ogun), Mrs Balogun Titilayo (Ondo), and Dolapo Tolulope (Osun), saying Segun Fanibe, who led the faction that produced Bamigbola had left the party since 2018 .

Part of the communique: “We have met, resolved our differences, and agreed to collectively support the candidacy of Ademola Adeleke to fly the ticket of the Accord Party. We have buried the hatchet and united behind Adeleke candidacy, having recognised that this is an emergency decision that required the immediate convening of all stakeholders.

“As a result of Adeleke’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to Accord, and in line with our party’s constitution, Adeleke has automatically become our national leader.

“Today, we have formally endorsed and approved him as the national leader of our party.

“Furthermore, we hereby disown Segun Fanibe, the former chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State between 2016 and 2018. He has since left the party for the All Progressives Congress and has therefore ceased to be a member of Accord. He is no longer associated with the party in any capacity.

“All factions within the party, across the South-West zone and at the national level, have unanimously endorsed Ademola Adeleke as our candidate and national leader.

“In view of this development, any kangaroo primary organised by Fanibe is null and void,” Igbinsola said.

Last week, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu affirmed that the ruling APC was now ready to reclaim the state, saying the emergence of Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s candidate.

Oyebamji, the magazine reports emerged as the party’s governorship candidate  based on consensus.

Umahi: Under Tinubu Biafra Agitations No Longer Necessary

By
James Orji
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Dave Umahi - Works Minister
Engr. Dave Umahi

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged Igbo people across the world to stop agitating for a separate Biafran nation, saying President Bola Tinubu is currently addressing key issues raised by the agitators.

Umahi is among prominent Igbo leaders in the country promoting the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

Speaking at the week end  during an inspection tour of ongoing mega projects on the Enugu–Anambra Road, the minister said President Tinubu is implementing an inclusive government for all, by bringing igbo to the government at the federal level, saying the exclusion of Ndigbo from the mainstream of Nigerian politics have been the bone of contention among the Biafra agitators for many years.

These concerns are now being addressed by the incumbent administration, the former governor of Ebonyi said, noting that the rate of development currently being enjoyed in the south east under President Tinubu was unprecedented.

He explained that the respect that Ndigbo has been seeking for many years have been achieved under Tinubu, who he said has0”fully integrated, respected and empowered” Ndigbo within the Nigerian nation through “cooperation.”:00 / 1:01

Umahi: “The push for Biafran secession over the years was borne out of neglect, exclusion and underrepresentation, but today the narrative has changed dramatically under President Bola Tinubu.

“The President has deliberately opened the doors of national development to the South-East. Appointments, policy inputs and infrastructure priorities now reflect true federal balance.

“Every sector now bears visible Igbo footprints. The emergence of Igbo sons and daughters in strategic positions is a testament to this inclusion.”

Dangote To Crash Petrol Price To N740 Before Xmas, Acquire More CNG Trucks

By
James Orji
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Dangote Refinery

President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has promised to crash the price of PMS also known as petrol to N740 per litre before the end of the month.

The Richest Man in Africa stated that the Dangote Refinery is working tirelessly to ensure that the pump price of petrol is reduced before Christmas.

To ensure that this is achieved, he said, the Refinery has reduced the minimum purchase by petroleum marketers to 500,000 litres from two millions litres.

The magazine reports that the Refinery announced last week that it has reduced the Depot Price of PMS to N699 per litre.

Speaking on Sunday at a press conference in Lagos, the businessman said the company is committed to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the benefits of local refining, noting that all MRS filling stations, will, from Tuesday December 16 begin to sell petrol at N740 per litre.

He stressed that the company is going ahead with its plan to ensure that fuel is evenly distributed across the country, using the 4000 CNG trucks it procured recently, adding that more trucks will be added to the fleet soon.

He explained that the products from the refinery are better than imported ones because they are straight-run fuels and not blended products imported by some marketers into the country, saying Nigerians have “a choice to buy” quality and affordable locally produced fuel instead of paying more for imported blended products.

Dangote stressed that he was not driven by personal gains by setting up the multi-billion refinery, adding that his concern was primarily to leave behind a good legacy for Nigerians, citing, for instance that he decided to list the Refinery on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NGX so that interestd Nigerians can have a share of the business.

He disclosed that discussions were already ongoing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, to enable Nigerians to purchase shares in naira while receiving dividends in dollars.

“We want every living Nigerian to have the opportunity to benefit, no matter how small their holding. If the market takes 55 per cent and I retain 45 per cent, I am satisfied,” he said.

On December 6, Dangote met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso Rock, after which he told journalists that the price of petrol will continue to crash.

Six days after on December 12, the refinery lived up to its promise by reducing the Depot Price of PMS to N699 per litre, the action marked the 20th price adjustment in the year 2025.

El-Rufai Thumbs Down Atiku’s 2027 Ambition, Says It Is The Turn Of  The South

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Atiku Abubkar and Nasir el-Rufai

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

“I Will contest for the Presidential Seat in 2031” – El-Rufai

 

Amidst uncertainty sorrounding the zoning of the 2027  Presidential slot to the Southern part of the country within the nascent opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has settled the issue.

 

In a post on the official site of ADC News on  Saturday, El-Rufai one of the leading figures in the ADC informed that he has remained quiet and inactive in the run up to the 2027 Presidential battle because the slot is still domiciled in the Southern part of the country until 2031.

 

He noted that he also refrained from throwing his hat into the ring in 2023 owing to the same zoning arrangement which excluded his Northern region from the race after eight years of late President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration.

 

However, he expressed the confidence that he must surely be on the ballot in the race  for the highest office in the land come 2031.

 

“I refused to contest in 2027 because it is the turn of the South.

 

“You will see me in action come 2031”, he was quoted by the ADC News.

 

Instructively , El-Rufai’s position is coming at a time when the speculated ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a Northerner, appears to be threatening the cohesion and the ability of the ADC to meaningfully challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

 

Not a few people are of the firm conviction that the fielding of a strong and vibrant presidential candidate from the Southern region will potentially pose a handful for President Tinubu.

 

However, Atiku’s ambition which has been confirmed by a known ally, Dele Momodu, has continued to pose as a major threat to the unity of purpose expected of the ADC.

 

The inability of the ADC National leadership to decisively resolve the zoning conundrum has reportedly been responsible for delaying Peter Obi and some others from fully committing themselves to the party.

 

So far, the ADC in the face of the comatose state of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, remains the one sure rallying point for those Nigerians who may not be favourably disposed to the second term ambition of the President.

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