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Benin Republic Intervention: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval To Deploy Troops

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Senate

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

By
The Source
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Governor Ademola Adeleke and Remi Tinubu

By Gideon Njoku

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moreover,  Momodu

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

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

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

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

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

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

CBN Issues Operating Licences To New BDCs

By
James Orji
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Bureau de change

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Burkina Faso Seized Nigerian Aircraft

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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George Akume - SGF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Nation

Kidnappers Again Hit Imo State, Kill Driver, Abduct Passengers, Police On Manhunt For Rescue Operation

By
The Source
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Imo Police

By Charles Igbo

A few days after the convoy of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, was attacked along the Imo State stretch of the Owerri-Aba Road on its way to the Imo Airport, kidnappers have again hit.

The incident took place on  Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Amala, Ngor-Okpala. They struck, shot and killed the driver of a Toyota Highlander Jeep with registration number, SMK 524BD. They abducted its occupants as well as those of a Lexus RS300, with registration number FSD 334XA.

In a statement, the Police Command confirmed the incident and said it has embarked on a massive manhunt to rescue the passengers.

The statement signed by its spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye said:  “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has launched an intensive operation with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to apprehend the hoodlums behind the attack and abduction of motorists at Amala Autonomous Community, Ngor-Okpala LGA, on 7th December 2025, and possibly rescue the kidnapped victims.

“Preliminary findings indicate that at about 17:50hrs, armed men emerged from a bush path at Amala, shot the driver of a Toyota Highlander Jeep (SMK 514 BD), and abducted the occupants of a Lexus RS300 (FSD 334 XA).

“On receiving the information, officers from Ngor-Okpala Division swiftly mobilised to the scene, secured the area, and evacuated the victim to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

“Consequently, joint security operatives have commenced bush-combing, search-and-rescue, and suspect-tracking within the Amala forest axis and surrounding communities. Investigations have commenced with promising progress made toward apprehending those responsible.

“The Imo State Police Command assures residents that all necessary resources are being deployed to rescue the victim and forestall future occurrences. Members of the public are urged to remain calm and provide any information that may assist the ongoing operation to the nearest police station or via 0803 477 3600.”

There has been no further statement on the incident as to the fate of the abducted – if they have been rescued or not, or if any of the kidnappers.

How UNIZIK’s Student Was Electrocuted While Ironing

By
The Source
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Fedwin

By Charles Igbo

Tragedy struck at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, UNIZIK, over the weekend.

A-200 level Student of the Department of Education, popular as Fedwin, was electrocuted while ironing his clothes.

The late Student who lived in an off-campus hostel was ironing his clothes in his room while he was with his roommates and other friends, when he suddenly fell down on being electrocuted.

All efforts to help him were in vain as his mates screamed and called for help.

When help, eventually, came and he was taken to the hospital, he was already dead.

An autopsy is being awaited.

There is, yet, no official statement either from the Police or the University authorities.

Burkina Faso Detains 11 Nigerian Military Personnel, Grounds NAF’s Aircraft

By
Adesina Soyooye
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President Bola Tinubu and Burkinafasoo

By Adesina Soyooye

In an unprecedented incident which signals unfriendliness, the Government of Burkina Faso  has forced a Nigerian Air Force Jet to land in its Country and detained all its passengers – 11 Nigerian Soldiers for violating its airspace without authorisation.

The incident happened on Monday and was reported by the Agence d’information du Burkina, the State-run news agency, from a statement issued by  the Confederation of Sahel States, AES.

AES is made up of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic, all under Military regime. The three countries pulled out of the Economic Council of West African States, ECOWAS, in the wave of Military Coup D’etats which swept through them and which was condemned by ECOWAS. At the time they pulled out, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, was the Chairman of ECOWAS. The relationship between the two bodies has been untidy.

It is not known why the Nigerian Military Aircraft strayed into Burkina Faso’s airspace, but recall that NAF jets were sent into the Benin Republic on Sunday to quash a Coup d’etat aimed at overthrowing the Government by targeting the Coupists. It is yet to be ascertained if the detained NAF Jet was one of those sent on that mission. But the statement, issued in French language  by the Head of AES, who is, also,  the Head of Mali’s Military Junta, General Assimi Goita, and translated to English reads:

“The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 Aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso Burkina Faso following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace. The Military Aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel.”

An investigation, according to the statement, “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device.

The statement also said that the AES sees the incident as a violation of sovereignty and added that it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member state.”

The association warned that  “Air and anti-aircraft defences of the Confedrate space has been  put on maximum alert and authorised to neutralise any Aircraft that would violate the Confedrate space.”

Neither the Nigerian Government nor the Nigerian Military has issued any statement om this seemingly embarrassing incident.

Former Minister’s House Sealed By EFCC

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Timipre House

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has had his Abuja residence sealed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The former Minister under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government, has been having a running battle with the EFCC in the past few weeks. Earlier, before his tango with the  EFCC, soldiers had raided his house and arrested his driver, a special assistant and a couple of other domestic staff who are, allegedly, still in custody. At the time, his name was linked to an alleged coup plot targeted at the President Bola Tinubu Government, an allegation both Sylva and Defence Headquarters denied.

Thereafter, the EFCC stepped in and declared him wanted over an alleged fraud in connection with about $14.8 million meant for a Refinery in Brass, Bayelsa State.

Sylva had protested the declaration and described it as being in bad fate as he had never skipped any appointment with the  EFCC. He said he was currently in the United Kingdom undergoing treatment for a life threatening health issue, and asked the Commission to give him a date for appearance, depending on the advice of his doctors.

Timipre-Sylva
Timipre-Sylva

But according to his Media Assistant, Julius Bokoru, the EFCC has now upped the ante. He said the Commission, on Monday, has gone ahead to seal Sylva’s home, spray- painted: “EFCC “keep Off”, on the property as if they were dealing with a fugitive insteas of a respected statesman. For the records, he pointed out that Sylva’s children were inside the house which has now been sealed.

In the statement titled “Grave Breach of Decency: EFCC Attempted Raid and Defacement of Sylva’s Family Home”, Bokuro insisted the EFCC carried out the action without a warrant and without “even the most basic adherence to lawful process”.

He said: “It is behaviour unbecoming of any institution that claims to act in the national interest. What unfolded at the Maitama residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was nothing short of an affront to decency and a troubling assault on the very principles that underpin a civilised society.

“Officers of the EFCC attempted yet another aggressive intrusion into his home and proceeded to spray-paint his walls in stark red, emblazoning the words ‘EFCC — Keep Off’ as though marking the property of a fugitive rather than the home of a respected statesman.

“To violate such a place without warning, without justification is to inflict terror upon innocent people who have no connection whatsoever to political gamesmanship.

“This latest incident bears all the hallmarks of local political rivalry being misinterpreted, or mischievously presented, as federal instruction. It is a dangerous muddling of partisan ambition with national authority.

“Government agencies and parastatals must never allow themselves to become weapons in political contest. Chief Sylva has, for decades, served Nigeria with calmness, loyalty, and an almost disarming sense of patriotism.

“From his stewardship of Bayelsa state to his contributions at the federal level and his continued, unwavering support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has remained dignified even when confronted with provocation. His commitment to this nation has never faltered.”

There has been no further statement by the EFCC.

Wike Says He Won’t Allow Those Accepted Into PDP Destroy Party

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

By Akinwale Kasali

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has stated that the Party will continue to wax stronger, as he and the founding Fathers will not allow the Party to be destroyed by those who joined the PDP fold from other political parties.

The former Rivers State Governor made this remarks during the 104th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the Party held at the Minister’s official residence in Abuja.

Berating the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Party for violating court judgements by conducting what he described as an “illegal convention”, Wike insisted that the party must respect judicial processes if it hopes to regain public confidence.

He further accused the faction of disregarding two substantive judgements of the Federal High Court, which he said had ruled on the matter, yet they proceeded to hold their own convention and later approached a State High Court to seek recognition.

“You went to a State High Court to sue the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), asking that the convention must take place.

“You got an ex parte order to override judgements of the Federal High Court. How do you disobey two final judgements and still claim leadership?” he asked.

Wike added that that the same group returned to another court, seeking validation after failing to comply with lawful rulings.

“You had the convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a Federal High Court to recognise you. If INEC already recognised you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he asked.

He warned that such actions could jeopardise the future of the party, stressing that leaders must not allow selfish interests to destroy the political platform that has existed since 1998.

“We must not allow our party to die. Leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda.

“If we don’t respect our own laws, how do we earn respect from Nigerians?” Wike asked.

He called on the party faithful to support lawful leadership and unite to rebuild the PDP in line with democratic principles and judicial integrity. He finally added: “Nobody can expel me from the PDP.”

Recall that Wike, along with some other Party members, were expelled at the Ibadan, Oyo State, National Convention held on November 18 by the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP, and their certificates of expulsion signed and forwarded to them by courier service.

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