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Borno Attack: Military Admits Death Of Six Soldiers, Kills 34 Terrorists, Ndume Hails Gallant Soldiers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senator representing Borno South District, Ali Ndume, on Wednesday January 8, 2025,  lauded the resilience and gallantry of the Nigerian Military.

This is even as the Defence Headquarters confirmed the death of six soldiers during an Attack on its facility in Borno state by terrorist.

Senator Ndume’s commendation comes on the heels of he audacious assault on the Nigerian Military Base in Sabon Gari Village, Damboa Local Government of Borno state on Saturday, January 4, 2025, by suspected ISWAP/ Boko Haram insurgents .

A statement on Wednesday, by the Director Defence Information ,Edward Buba a Major General ,noted that 34 terrorists were also eliminated in the offensive  that followed the attack by the group .

According to the Defence spokesman, the  terrorists were goaded into the attack by  apparent zeal to retaliate the killing  of their Commander and combatants  of recent by troops.

He noted that the insurgents, in their numbers, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks attempted  to invade the military formation, but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and gallantry of the troops .

” On January ,4, 2025 an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari village of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight .

“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their Commander and combatants by troops .

“The terrorists were taken unawares when troops ,fighting patrol returning to base ,foiled their planned attack as soon as the assault commenced .

“Additionally, a reinforcement team compromising elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce ,Vigilante ,and Hybrid forces arrived at the scene on time to overpower the terrorists”, Buba stated .

General Buba, also, informed that the air component of Operation Hadin Kai equally carried out air interdiction which resulted in the killing of many of the fleeing insurgents.

In all , he noted,  no fewer than 34 of the terrorists were killed, and 23 AK-47 riffles and ammunition recovered.

Senator Ndume spoke during a visit to the Military  formation ,and the nine Local Government Areas that  make up his Senatorial Zone .

According to him, the visit was aimed at interacting with troops ,with a view to assessing their efforts and needs in the fight against insurgency .

The Senator added that his mission is to also encourage troops to sustain the ongoing efforts  at  ensuring the protection of lives and properties of the people.

While commiserating with the families ,relations and friends of the dead soldiers, he equally prayed for the quick recovery of the injured .

” I deeply appreciate the unwavering commitment and sacrifices of our officers and soldiers in ensuring the safety of our communities .

“Your resilience is commendable and we will continue to stand by you” Senator Ndume, APC, stated .

The Source reports that Ndume’s Borno South Senatorial District has been the epicentre of terrorists’ activities in Borno state, since the advent of Boko Haram and other splinter groups.

War Against Hard Drugs: NIMASA Partners NDLEA 

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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NIMASA and Marwa

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime domain. This was emphasized during a courtesy visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria. He pledged that NIMASA would collaborate with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria’s maritime space against the illicit shipment of drugs.

Mobereola stated: “We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs. NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s Ports and Terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities.”

In response, Brig. Gen. Marwa (rtd.) expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.

“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA. The global maritime space has increasingly become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge,” he said.

Highlighting recent developments, Brig. Gen. Marwa noted: “Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat. We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space.”

The NDLEA Chairman also pledged the agency’s support in sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.

Mobereola assured Brig. Gen. Marwa that NIMASA would explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.

The Deep Blue Project, a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, is domiciled in NIMASA with contributions from various security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, and the Department of State Services.

Defiant APC’s Morka, Says He Will Continue To Stand Up To Obi, Denies Threat Allegation

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Morka and Peter Obi

By Adesina Soyooye

National Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has distanced himself from any threat against Peter Obi and/or any plans to harm him.

Morka was reacting to the strong allegations Obi made that his life was being threatened over his New Year message to Nigerians for which Morka said Obi had crossed the borderline, and should expect what is in store for him.

Not a few people, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, took up Morka, and chastised him for what they agree is a threat against Obi.  A graduate mate of Morka, and Law Don, Sam Amadi, while describing Morka as a polished, decent human being who is not capable of harming Obi, said he didn’t know what has finally  become of Morka.

He did not deny saying that:

“Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it”, but

Morka insisted he issued no threats against Obi, his family or businesses. He, instead, accused Obi of delibertely misinterpreting what he said and dismissed  Obi’s Allegation as malicious and a distortion of facts and events.

Morka said:  “The allegation that I threatened Mr. Obi is a baseless lie and an intentional attempt to play the victim. Such a claim is not only false but also deeply irresponsible.”

He said that  Obi’s false accusations has resulted in an incitement of online attacks against him, Morka.

He noted: “As a public figure, Obi has a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information to the public. Instead,  Obi has chosen to spread falsehoods in a bid to gain political leverage and attention.”

Morka asked Obi to retract what he called “unfounded claims, apologize for the damage caused, and urge his supporters to stop the threats and harassment against him and his loved ones. Such actions are not only harmful but also irresponsible, particularly coming from someone seeking to lead the nation.”

“You Are On Your Own”, PDP Scolds Staff For Attacking Journalist

By
James Orji
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Umar Damagun - PDP Chairman

The Attack on The Sun journalist by an employee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been condemned  by the party, which said the action of the staff member is contrary to what the PDP represents.

Debo Ologun Agba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP made the position of the party known on Tuesday, saying the party has commenced investigations on the issue.

The attack on the journalist, Ndubuisi Orji by Emmanuel Okoronkwo, a staff of the party took place yesterday during a press conference organized by the party, according to a statement by the Chairman of the PDP Press Corps, Samuel Ogidan.

The attack, he said, negates freedom of speech and ‘undermines the core principles of media independence” which the party stands for.

According to him, “Eyewitness accounts indicate that Okoronko attacked Orji after first physically preventing him from gaining access to the National Secretariat.

“As Orji made for his vehicle parked outside the vicinity of the secretariat, Okoronkwo pounced on him with a series of slaps heralding other forms of physical assault until private security guards attached to the secretariat rescued him.

Reacting, Ologunagba said in a statement that  Okoronkwo acted on his own, and his action does not represents what the party stands for, assuring that investigations have already commenced on the matter, adding that assaults on journalist will not be entertained.

He said journalists are allowed free access to the party’s secretariat anytime so long their works are legitimate, adding that media practitioners are major stakeholders for the party.

He said the party “regrets the incident and assures of its unalloyed respect for the Press”.

Ologunagba said, “The leadership of the PDP has received a very disturbing report that a staff of our party, Mr Emmanuel Okoronkwo, yesterday assaulted, a correspondent of the Sun Newspapers, Mr Ndubuisi Orji, locked out and forcefully prevented other journalists accredited to cover the activities of the PDP from gaining access into the premises of the national secretariat of our party to conduct their legitimate duties.

“The PDP, as a party committed to the rule of law and the democratic tenets of freedom of the press, transparency and openness strongly condemns and completely dissociates itself from such acts of violence and attack on members of the press and the institution of the media which is critical to the activities of our Party and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

“For clarity, whereas the PDP national secretariat is closed for secretarial activities to enable our staff to participate in the Yuletide festivities with their families, it does not preclude anybody particularly the press from having access to the secretariat to conduct their legitimate business.

“Moreover, Mr. Emmanuel Okoronkwo is not in the security department of the party and has no business whatsoever regarding the regulation of movements into the complex. He acted on his own, in violation of democratic and all-inclusive principles for which the PDP is known and outside the code of conduct guiding activities of staff at the PDP National Secretariat”, the PDP spokesman said.

2025 Budget: Senator Insists On January 31 Deadline; Blames Tax Bill For Delay

By
James Orji
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Godswill Akpabio

Senator Solomom Adeola has assured that the 2025 Budget will be passed as scheduled on January 31, urging Nigerians not to worry.

The senator who is the Senate Chairman Committee on Appropriation said the Senate is working together with the House of Representatives to ensure that the deadline for the passage of the 2025 Financial estimate is sacrosanct.

Senator Adeola made this remark on Tuesday saying the Budget would have been passed last year but was delayed due to the Tax Reform Bill  sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The magazine reported that President Tinubu sent the Tax Bills to the National Assembly in August 2024 amidst  serious controversies among Nigerians on whether the Assembly should go ahead to pass the bill.

Amidst the strong divisions among Nigerians over the Tax Bill, President Tinubu had last December presented the 2025 Budget before the Joint Sitting of the National Assembly.

Critics of the administration insist that the Budget was presented late to the NASS, the reason why the lawmakers failed to pass it before the end of the year as stipulated by the Act of the NASS.

According to Senator Adeola,  the Tax Bill sent to NASS by the president took much of the lawmakers’ time, as they had to deliberate on it, adding that the Bill has now passed First and second Reading and has been sent to Committee stage for further deliberations.

To fast track the passage of the 2025 Budget, the senator said the Senate the  relevant committees of the Upper Chamber with  the House of Representatives committees have been meeting.

The joint committees started meeting on January 6, he said, urging Nigerians to be patient.

Adeola said, “ the tax reform bills took a lot of our time and focus as we worked to ensure they scaled through’’ but “the bills have successfully passed second reading in the Senate and are now before the committee for final review.”

To meet the January 31 deadline “we recommended a joint sitting of both Senate and House committees to engage with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

“This approach ensures that we complete our work swiftly and deliver the budget on time.”

He adds, “We are working around the clock to ensure that the delay does not derail the set aims and objectives of this administration, especially in driving economic growth and infrastructure development.

“We might have faced a slight setback, but we are determined not to lose focus.

“The budget passage by January 31 will allow the government to implement its programs effectively and on schedule.

“The Appropriation Committee’s focus on a joint legislative approach highlights the urgency placed on recovering lost time.

“We urge stakeholders and the public to remain optimistic. The process reflects the Senate’s dedication to ensuring economic stability and sustainable growth,” he said.

573,519 Chase 3,927 Customs Positions

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Customs Officers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Over half a million applicants are currently  chasing less than four thousand job opportunities at the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

The Source reports that the Federal Government ,late 2024 gave the Service the nod to recruit  3,927  personnel within the first quarter of 2025.

Following the approval which was conveyed through the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, the NCS,  three weeks ago,  opened its recruitment portal for interested persons.

But with the closure of the recruitment portal last week, the Service said it received 573 ,519 applications ,cutting across the various ranks listed for the exercise.

Speaking with Daily Trend ,a Maritime publication ,on Tuesday January 7, 2025, the spokesperson for the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, ACS, informed that applicants also were drawn from University graduates, Higher National Diploma HND ,ND  NCE  holders ,and Secondary school leavers

“I want to breakdown the number of people that applied. We have two categories of officers. We have the support staff that are professionals and we have the general duty.

“For the general duty, we have three categories of ranks. For the general duty under the superintendent cadre, we have 249,218 candidates that applied.

“Under the superintendent cadre Support staff, we have 27 ,722 applicants, with HNDs and University degrees.

“For the Inspector cadre ,ie those who applied with National Certificate for Education NCE and or National Diploma ND, we have 115 ,634 applying under general duty ,while 12 ,952 applicants fall under support staff .

“As for the Customs Assistants, these are those who are supposed  to come in with a minimum of Secondary school certificate .

“There are two categories here – those who have basic five credit results including Mathematics and English Language and those without Maths and English .

“For the general duty, we have 153,000 applicants ,while 14,400 applied under Support staff category” Maiwada stated .

The Source further reports that the unprecedented high number of applicants came even amidst several complaints about the difficulties experienced by some people in accessing the recruitment portal.

Bauchi Governor Sacks Five, Nominates Nine New Commissioners

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has dropped five  members of the State  Executive Council, in a major rejigging exercise announced on Tuesday January ,7,2025 .

A statement from Mukhtar Gidado, Media aide to the Governor, informed that the move is primarily aimed at repositioning the administration for enhanced service delivery.

“Governor of Bauchi State has approved the reconstitution of his cabinet, In that respect,  five Commissioners were dropped.

“This move reflects the administration’s commitment to injecting new ideas and energy into governance in line with the Governor’s vision of strengthening the machinery of Government and addressing emerging challenges effectively.

“The Commissioners affected by this development are, Dr Jamila Dahiru ,Commissioner for Education, Barr.Abubakar Abdulhameed Bununu , Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs , Comrade Usman Danturaki, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prof.Simon Madugu Yalams, Commissioner for Agriculture, and Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza ,Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation.

“Conversely, Governor Mohammed has forwarded  the names of replacements for the sacked  Commissioners to the State Legislators for screening and possible confirmations.

The newly nominated Commissioners are Hon  Isah Babayo Tilde , Abdullahi Mohammed ,Dr Bala Musa Lukshi ,Usman Shehu , and Iliyasu Gital .

Others are Prof Titus Saul Ketkukah ,Hon Adamu Babayo Gabarin and Dr Mohammed Lawal Rimin Zayam.”

Governor Mohammed, according to the statement, expressed the optimism that his administration will deliver on its electoral mandate.

Threat On Obi: Atiku Says Tinubu’s Administration Is Hostile To Opposition

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has flayed what he described as ” increased hostility towards opposition figures” by the ruling party in Nigeria.

The former Vice President, who took to his X account condemned the recent inflammatory remarks made by APC Publicity Secretary Felix Morka against Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the last general election.

Atiku described the threats and continued detention of prominent critics like Mahdi Shehu as troubling signs of Nigeria’s slide toward authoritarian governance.

In his post, Atiku expressed alarm over Morka’s statement that Obi has “crossed the line,” calling it a dangerous attack on democratic principles.

“Democracy thrives on civil discourse, not on hostility and threats,” Atiku wrote, urging the APC to apologize to Obi and the nation for the disparaging comments.

The former Vice President emphasized that a democratic government’s duty is to engage critics and embrace alternative viewpoints.

“What does it mean for Obi to ‘be ready for whatever comes his way?’ This rhetoric undermines the foundations of our democracy.”

He also highlighted the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, describing it as a blatant suppression of dissent and called on President Tinibu’s administration to respect the rule of law and protect the freedoms essential to a vibrant democracy.

NFF Appoints Eric Chelle As New Coach Of Super Eagles

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Éric Sékou Chelle

By Akinwale Kasali

The Abdullahi Gusau-Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Executive Committee has approved the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The decision to appoint Chelle was formally endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7, 2025, following the recommendation of the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee during its meeting held in Abuja on January 2, 2025.

The 47 year-old brings a wealth of experience to the role, having managed clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He also has international coaching experience, having led Mali’s senior national team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

During his playing career in France, Chelle represented several clubs, including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

Born in Côte d’Ivoire to a French father and a Malian mother, Chelle was eligible to represent Côte d’Ivoire, France, and Mali. He opted for Mali, earning five caps before retiring.

As Mali’s head coach from 2022 to 2024, Chelle recorded an impressive 14 wins, five draws, and three losses. His tenure with Mali ended in June 2024.

Chelle’s appointment as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles comes after Finidi George’s resignation following disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Chelle’s appointment is effective immediately, and his primary task will be to guide Nigeria to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals and also to the 2025 African Cup of Nations Championship scheduled for December to January 2026 in Morocco.

Chelle is saddled to guide the National Side for their Crucial Matchday 5 and 6 World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for March 2025.

How Suspended Edo Council Chairmen Gifted Party Leaders N12 Billion – Gov Okpebholo

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, accused the suspended Chairmen of the Local Councils of being the conduit through which billions of Naira public funds were illegally channeled to some Peoples Democratic Party PDP bigwigs in the State.

The Source reports that the 18 Local Government Chairmen and their Deputies were, on December 15,  suspended from office by Governor Okpebholo.

The Edo state Government cited the failure of the Council officials to avail the State- inaugurated Assets verifications and recovery committee their  Councils’ financial records as earlier directed by the Governor.

A statement by his Media Aide, Fred Itua, alleged that the suspended Council officials collectively and severally remitted a whooping sum of N12 billion to some leaders of the ousted PDP within a very short  period

Okpebholo who revealed this at an interactive session with the Interim Leadership of the Councils at the Government House, alleged that the  embattled Chairmen were making a monthly payment of N800 million to the coffers of the PDP stalwarts.

According to  Governor Okpebholo, the outrageous payments were made under a nebulous subhead called ‘Environmental Security Funding.’

“When I came into office, I had a meeting with the Accountant General of the State, and he showed me some books. Some of these spending had no explanation.

“I picked interest in some of the spendings because I saw an item which was tagged ‘Environmental Security Funding’

“I have never heard about that before, and the amount involved was huge – N800 million every month. These Chairmen were contributing this money and giving them to the leaders of a party.

“This development led to inviting the Chairmen to a meeting. But I could not meet with them personally. However, my Deputy met with them.

“He asked them to explain certain spendings but none could explain. He asked them to provide their books and they agreed, and promised to do so within 24 hours. But my Deputy said no, let it be in the next 48 hours

“But these Chairmen ended up not obeying the directive even in two weeks time as none submitted his books.

“Following the  development, I sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to look into the records.

“As a former parliamentarian, I know there is a body that has a function over them. So l sent a letter to the Edo State House of Assembly ,and they were invited, but they refused to go. They were subsequently suspended from office for two months”, Governor Okpebholo stated.

He expressed deep concern that this high level of  profligacy and questionable expenditures were being incurred at the same time most of the public infrastructures, particularly schools, were in a very deplorable condition.

“These Chairmen were engaged in wasteful spendings, even when our schools did not have teachers .When you get to primary schools, you will find two or three teachers where you are supposed to have 10 or more”, the Governor noted .

He, therefore, appealed to the interim leadership of the Councils to prioritize grassroots development which he insisted is one of the focal points of his administration.

“The only way to drive development to the grassroots is through you. The President also recognizes the Local Government as such and has been consistently advising Governors to be intentional in accelerating growth through the Local Governments .

“I am ready to work with the Chairmen of various Local Government Areas .I am ready to work with you to see that various council areas progress .

“You have the full power as Local Government Chairmen. The Local Government Commission will cooperate with you to ensure you succeed in your duties to serve the grassroots people”, the Governor noted.

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