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NAF Jet Crashes In Borgu, Niger State, Pilots Survive

By
Adesina Soyooye
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NAF Jet Crashes

By Adesina Soyooye

There has been a crash of a Nigerian Air Force Jet near Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Borno State. The crash occurred in the evening of Saturday, November 6, 2025.

The two Pilots of the Alpha Jet, reportedly, survived as both ejected before impact. The Jet caught fire thereafter.

An eyewitness was quoted as saying that the Jet reportedly took off from Kainji Air Force Base.

According to a report by The Punch, a villager identified as Lukman Suleiman confirmed the incident. The newspaper quoted him as saying: “It happened some miles away from my home.” He said the crash occurred at about 4:10pm in Karabonde town, Borgu LGA.

He said: “We were all at our respective homes when suddenly we saw an Alpha Jet that was coming closer to our roof with smoke and flames. Thank God it could have crashed inside town, but the Pilots on board were able to control it and took it some miles away from our hometown. Let me say it landed in the backyard of the town. But God so kind, the two Pilots ejected safely using their parachutes.”

At the time of filing the story, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force.

Gov Idris Rescues Kebbi Intending Pilgrims With N10b

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Reprieve on Saturday, December 6, 2025, came the way of Kebbi State intending pilgrims experiencing financial hiccups in securing their Hajj seats.

The State Governor, Dr Mohammed Nasir Idris, has approved the sum of N10 billion for the State’s Pilgrims Welfare Board to assist intending pilgrims in the payment of Hajj package, before  the end of the deadline given by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCOM.

According to the original schedule by NAHCOM, all payments for Hajj seats and other obligations will end on December 6, 2025.

According to a statement from the Executive Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Faruku Aliyu Yaro, Governor Idris, in order to avert the loss of the  remaining seats allocated to the State because of the deadline, lent N10 billion to the agency to secure about one thousand seats for the State’s intending pilgrims.

The Board Chairman informed that before the expiry of the deadline, only two thousand intending pilgrims were able to fully meet their financial obligations, a development which he said put the remaining seats allocated to the State at risk.

“Before the closure, only two thousand intending pilgrims were able to complete their payments ,which is a shortfall from the annual number of pilgrims Kebbi usually registers”  Yaro stated.

This is as he blamed the low number of intending pilgrims that were able to meet the payments for their Hajj package on the crash of the prices of foodstuffs and other farm produce.

He noted that majority of the intending pilgrims from Kebbi state are farmers who heavily rely on the sales of their farm produce to procure Hajj seats.

The Board Chairman stated that with the N10 billion lifeline from the Governor, the agency will now be able to open a window of opportunities for other intending pilgrims to procure Hajj seats.

However, he emphasized the need for intending pilgrims to submit themselves to complete medical examinations as provided in the Hajj guidelines.

Yaro, who warned against attempts to evade the medical examinations, informed that anyone found to have adopted shortcuts will be deported if caught in the Holy Land.

My Disqualification Biggest Joke Of The Year – Omisore

By
Ayodele Oni
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Iyiola Omisore

By Ayodele Oni

A former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and Osun State governorship aspirant, Iyiola Omisore has faulted his disqualification, by the party’s screening committee saying the action is baseless and procedurally flawed.

Omisore,  dismissed the Committee’s report describing it as “biggest joke of the year.”

He alleged a rigged process marred by partisanship, multiple fabricated reports, and pressure to favour a shadowy “preferred candidate.”

Addressing journalists after his appearance before the APC Appeal Committee in Abuja on Saturday, the former deputy governor of Osun State vowed that he and six other disqualified aspirants would fight for reinstatement.

He warned that the scandal exposes deep factionalism threatening the party’s chances against incumbent PDP Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 election.

The APC’s Screening Committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, had on Friday, disqualified Omisore alongside Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (former deputy governor), Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.

The Committee alleged that the disqualified aspirants failed to submit proof of nomination by at least five fully registered and dues-paying party members from each of the 30 local government areas, as mandated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and the 2025 primary guidelines.

The Committee cleared two aspirants – Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji to proceed to the December 13 primary.

Omisore declared that “That panel report is the biggest joke of the year. It is unfortunate that partisanship has been taken beyond politics.”

According to him,  the Committee drafted “multiple reports” and submitted a doctored version to the National Secretariat.

“As we speak, none of us has been shown the report or told why we were disqualified,” he stated.

Omisore revealed that the screening panel chairman privately confessed to succumbing to external pressures aimed at sidelining major contenders.

“The chairman told us he was under pressure. Unfortunately, we are all victims of this.”

He further shredded the nomination shortfall claim, noting the party’s access to its membership database for verification.

“He who alleges must prove,” Omisore retorted, insisting the onus lies with the accusers.

“Even the committee’s own report said the party is factionalised and at risk of losing the election. So what exactly are we talking about?” Omisore queried, expressing optimism that the National Working Committee (NWC) would reverse the decision upon review.

All seven disqualified aspirants are slated for individual hearings before the Appeal Committee, led by Senator Tola Odebiyi, with Omisore demanding “fairness and transparency” to salvage the process.

Governor Yahaya Blames Alleged Marginalization Of Herdsmen For  Insecurity

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Governor Muhammad Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has dropped a bombshell. He disclosed that the failure of the Federal Government to understand the grievance of Herdsmen and Bandits has led to the spate of insecurity in the nation.

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum added that the failure of the Federal Government to dialogue with Bandits led to the grievances that pushed them to take up weapons. He said it is one of the major factors worsening insecurity across northern Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, Hausa Service, the Governor revealed that the 19 Northern Governors have agreed to establish a joint regional security coordination agency, with each state contributing ₦1 billion monthly to strengthen collective responses to kidnapping, banditry, and school closures.

The decision to donate N1 billion Monthly Security was reached during the Northern Governors’ meeting earlier in the week, following a surge in attacks that have led to mass abductions and the shutdown of schools in several states.

Speaking further, Governor Yahaya explained that part of the security deterioration stems from the unjust treatment and marginalisation of pastoralist communities, which created anger, frustration, and conditions exploited by criminal networks.

He emphasised that addressing the root causes—including exclusion, lack of justice, and economic hardship—remains central to ending the conflict.

The Governor further added that the new regional security framework will improve intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and preventive strategies across the affected states.

Ndume Asks President Tinubu To Withdraw Ambassadorial List

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ali Ndume and Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Senator Ali Ndume, former Senate Leader  has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the list of Ambassadorial Nominees he sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Senator Ndume said this in Abuja where he explained that his appeal was based on his observation that the list, as presently composed, breaches the Federal Character principle enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Speaking further, Ndume said his argument stemmed from the fact that while certain States have three and four nominees each, Gombe, for example, has no representation.

It also noted that the only nominee from Yobe, Senator Adamu Garba Talba, died last July.

He added that the entire Northeast has Seven nominees on the list, while the Southwest zone alone has 15 nominees.

The Northwest and Southeast have 13 and 9, respectively.

North Central has 10 nominees in the list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominees, while South South accounts for 12 nominees.

The Borno South Senatorial District’s representative explained that the list of nominees contravened Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which states: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies.”

Ndume said: “My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical time in the life of his administration, he should avoid missteps that would endanger national unity and promote ethnic distrust.

“I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country.

“He should withdraw that list and present a fresh set of nominees that will align with the spirit of the Constitution on the Federal Character Principle that the government’s structure and operations must represent the diverse states and peoples of Nigeria.”

Rivers Assembly Lawmakers Defection: PDP Vows To Seek Legal Redress

By
Ayodele Oni
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Martin Amaewhule - Speaker Rivers State

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened to seek legal action against the legislators at the Rivers state House of Assembly that defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), few days ago.

The party condemned the latest defection announced by some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing the move as a “defection from APC to APC” and an assault on democratic integrity.

The Speaker of the assembly Martin Amaewhule, had on Friday led 15 other members of the House to announce their defection to the APC.

The House of Assembly is currently in session with the defectors blaming their departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the crisis in the PDP.

According to report monitored on Channels Television, the major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the party.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ini Ememobong, said the lawmakers had previously defected from the party, recanted their action, and have now “announced the same defection for the second time.

”We have seen on various media platforms news of the redefection of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who, for a second time, announced their defection from our party.

“We recall that they had done so earlier and later recanted. These are people whom the world is aware are doing the bidding of their paymaster and demigod.”

He accused the legislators of undermining the sanctity of the legislature and acting as instruments of destabilization.

“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress.

“They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”

The PDP Spokesperson added that the lawmakers’ conduct fits a pattern of political absurdity.

“So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” he said.

Ememobong announced that the party will deploy constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandate from those who have “ignobly and surreptitiously” abandoned the platform on which they were elected.

“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party which these people have now switched to another platform.”

He urged party members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast.

“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness and equity,” Ememobong assured.

How Police Inspector Was Shot Dead – Edo Command

By
Ayodele Oni
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Monday Agbonika - Commissioner of Police Edo State

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for those responsible for the death of a Police Inspector during a routine stop-and-search operation.

In a statement, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, Moses Yamu, disclosed that all available intelligence and operational resources have been deployed to apprehend the perpetrators.

According to the statement, “The Edo State Police Command regrets to inform the general public of the unfortunate loss of a serving Police Inspector attached to the Ekiadolor Area Command, who died in the line of duty while carrying out a legitimate routine stop-and-search operation

“The incident occurred today at about 1200hrs when an unregistered, black, heavily-tinted Lexus SUV approached the checkpoint and refused to stop when flagged down by the Police team.

“The suspicious conduct of the occupants prompted the operatives to make further efforts to subject the vehicle to standard security checks.

“Tragically, in the course of this lawful engagement, one of the occupants of the vehicle suddenly opened fire on the Inspector at close range and zoomed off.

“The Command has since commenced a full-scale investigation and intensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

“All available intelligence and operational assets have been deployed to ensure that the assailants are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of a vehicle matching the description to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines.

He also called on residents to cooperate with security agencies.

“The Edo State Police Command remains committed to its constitutional mandate of safeguarding lives and property, and will not relent until the criminals behind this attack are brought to justice,” the CP promised.

CP Agbonika reassured the public that the command is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents, especially during the yuletide season.

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Akwa Ibom House Of Assembly

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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Obinna Oriaku

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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Kola Ologbondiyan

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.

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