₦airaland Forum

The newly elected factional President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Jackson Omenazu has vowed to stop at nothing in order to secure Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom.

Omenazu said the restoration of peace in Igbo land rests upon Kanu’s release.

In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Omenazu said “I stand resolutely prepared to exchange my freedom, my liberty, and, if need be, my very life, in pursuit of the release of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

He stressed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of over 80 million Igbos across the globe, was unwavering in its conviction to explore every conceivable avenue to secure Kanu’s liberty.

“We recognize the historical precedents set by the Yoruba leadership exemplified in the release of Sunday Igboho, where steadfast solidarity and bold diplomacy carved pathways to justice.

“It is incumbent upon us, as guardians of our cultural heritage, to adopt a similar resolute approach, employing innovative and discreet tactics rather than the ineffective, superficial measures that have characterized our past engagements.

“In pursuit of this noble cause, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will embark on a strategic collaboration with all religious organizations active within Igbo land, be they Christian, Muslim, traditional, or Jewish.

“We shall consecrate the last weekends of each month throughout 2025 as sacred times for prayer, supplication, and ordinances.

“We will earnestly seek the countenance of Chukwu Okike Abiama (God Almighty) imploring divine intervention in the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, other prisoners of conscience in the country for restoration of peace throughout our homeland.

"As the leader entrusted with the voice of our people, I vow with utmost commitment to this cause.

In the spirit of true leadership, which is defined not by titles but by sacrifices made for the collective good for all humanity.

“I declare: I am prepared to sacrifice my personal liberty and comfort for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This is not just an aspiration; it is an oath I solemnly take as I assume my role as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide,” he noted.

The Ohanaeze President urged President Tinubu to listen to the cries of the Igbo people, just as he offered himself as a guarantor “for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s cooperation post-release, ready to ensure that his return catalyzes healing and reconciliation rather than discord.”

“We must not allow fear to hinder our collective responsibility—a fear that unfounded in all political calculations because the stability of the Nigeria government will not be destabilized for single action based justice in this instance.

“The challenge before us is profound, yet it is not insurmountable.

“The advocacy for Kanu’s freedom only serves to underscore the need for a unified front.

“This sacrifices must be counted as steps toward justice—let us not shy away from this noble endeavor.

“I call upon every Igbo individual, every leader, and every citizen of goodwill to rally together in this quest for justice.

[b]“Let us remember the sacrifices of our forebears who fought valiantly for our rights and freedoms,” [/b]he further stated.

Despite the Federal Government’s multi-billion-naira border surveillance systems launched in 2019, illegal migrants, some of whom have been identified as bandits, terrorists and kidnappers, continue to cross into Nigeria from the Republics of Benin, Chad, Niger, Mali and Cameroon.

This is as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said e-border surveillance is now being mounted across the nation’s borders with its neighbouring countries.

“As we speak, more than half of our borders have been automated. There are visuals, and a lot of processes going on now. So, effectively, there is e-border surveillance now in our borders.

"By October (2024), we will be done with the first phase of the e-border surveillance project, including our marine borders. Now, we have the command and control for air and land. You cannot secure your borders effectively without technology,” Tunji-Ojo said in a live national television programme in May 2024.

At the launch of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex in early December 2024, the minister said about 250 trained Immigration Service personnel run 24-hour shifts at the e-border control centre.

However, some foreigners still crossed to Nigeria from the Republic of Benin through the Baruten/Kaiama border posts despite the closure of the border by the FG.

Checks by The PUNCH from residents of border communities in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara state revealed that illegal immigrants still crossed the border into the country daily.

The immediate past chairman of Baruten Local Government Council, Abdulrasheed Abdullahi, who spoke with one of our correspondents, said that citizens of the Benin Republic are still migrating into the country through several illegal routes.

Abdullahi said, “Although the border posts have been closed since 2020 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to beef up security, the border closure has not stopped citizens of Benin Republic who are our neighbours from coming into the country.”

"The e-border control system installed to stop the illegal immigrants from coming to the country had not stopped their citizens from entering Nigeria,” Abdullahi, who ended his tenure as the council chairman in September 2024, added.

The Federal Executive Council approved N52bn for the e-border surveillance system in 2019 to monitor and provide real-time information from major border posts nationwide.

However, the project faced delays due to funding challenges and did not commence until 2022. Nigeria’s extensive borders, covering approximately 5,330 kilometres, have numerous illegal entry points and present ongoing security challenges.

The Nigeria Immigration Service says it has since deployed advanced e-border solutions to over 80 crossing points nationwide, marking the project’s first phase. It says the e-border system offers real-time, 24/7 monitoring and intelligence, enabling better tracking and management of border activities.

Speaking in a telephone with The PUNCH on Monday, the Emir of Yashikira, a border community in Baruten LGA, Umoru Usman, said foreigners cross into the locality daily.

Usman explained, “Despite the border closure and the e-border control system installed by the Federal Government to stop illegal immigration into the country, which are all moves by the government to ensure security, the people from the Benin Republic who are our neighbours still crossed the border. Though we cannot give the figure, people are still crossing the borders on a daily basis.”

When reached for the comments, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kenneth Udo, did not respond to calls to his mobile line. Also, text messages sent to his mobile and WhatsApp number were not answered as of this report.

Meanwhile, the Eselu of Iselu, Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, on Monday, said that the purported N9bn e-border control system project initiated under the Buhari government has failed to check the influx of illegal migrants into the country.

The royal father said there has been a steady increase in the number of illegal migrants moving into the country from the Benin Republic due to the absence of tangible barricades or landmarks demarcating the borders of both countries.

He attributed the influx of illegal migrants for the surge in crime.

Oba Akinyemi said, “The N9bn e-border control system project is a white elephant project just like the botched Nigeria Airways” under the same government of President Buhari.

He expressed doubts about the existence of any e-border control system along the land border with neighbouring Benin Republic.

Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has expressed his willingness to stand as a guarantor for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Abaribe made the remark while addressing journalists after his visit to Governor Alex Otti of Enugu State.

He also urged President Bola Tinubu to listen to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi and other stakeholders over their calls to release Kanu.

Abaribe informed Tinubu that releasing Kanu would put a stop to the issue of criminalities in the Southeast.

He said: “I expect that the President will listen to both his Attorney General and every one of us who have been agitating that the issues in the Southeast; first of all the insurgency, the sit-at-home on Mondays and every other thing we have noticed in the Southeast, what we now know in the Southeast is that criminals and all other people who advocate violence have taken over and using the name Nnamdi Kanu to perpetuate all these their despicable acts.

"We know that the President, being a listening President, will also look at all the issues involved which we have presented to him from various mediums and that he will do the needful and release Nnamdi Kanu so that it will put a stop to all these things that are happening in the Southeast and bring back the Southeast as the hub of production in Nigeria.

“So he needs Nnamdi Kanu out so that all those things that are holding us down in the Southeast, that have made us not produce as much as we ought to produce, will not be there.

“So, we continue to call on President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu and we are ready and willing to be guarantors for him to be released so that we can have life coming back into the Southeast and take it away from the criminals, kidnappers, the cultists and dangerous elements that are floating around us who have made it a point that they would perpetrate violence, do criminal activities and use Nnamdi Kanu’s name as their reason.”

Kanu remains incarcerated since June 2021 when he was rearrested and subjected to extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria.

Upon his return to Nigeria, the Appeal Court in Abuja ordered his release but the Nigerian government refused to let him off the hook.

President Bola Tinubu has said he removed the subsidy on fuel to safeguard the future of Nigerians.

Tinubu said he couldn’t allow Nigeria to go bankrupt, hence the need to remove the subsidy on fuel.

He disclosed this during a town hall meeting with the people of Enugu State after inaugurating some of the projects built by Governor Peter Mbah on Saturday.

According to Tinubu: “We must build this house called Nigeria to not just satisfy our immediate need, but our tomorrow too. That’s why the removal of the fuel subsidy was necessary. We cannot spend the future of generations yet unborn in advance. Don’t bankrupt the nation before they’re born.”

Tinubu had announced the removal of the subsidy on petrol on May 29, 2023.

His actions led to a hike in the prices of commodities, with some of his critics condemning the policy as not well thought out.

A former presidential aide, Mr Reno Omokri, has said that Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, lacks the moral authority to criticise President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

The Labour Party’s former candidate recently assessed the President’s performance as below par. He said his economic policies had left many Nigerians poorer than he met them, advising the President to tour the states to experience first-hand the high poverty rate across the country.

However, Omokri, in a statement on Friday, said Obi did not have the moral right to make adverse comments on Tinubu’s economic policies, because as the governor of Anambra State, his people’s poverty level worsened.

"Peter Obi, who worsened poverty in Anambra State, has no moral authority to accuse President Tinubu, who is reducing it,” the former aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan said, adding, “Mr Obi’s recent blunder, in which he urged the President to travel to the states to see the poverty level faced by Nigerians, is just another reminder that the only New Year resolution he appears to have made is to continue to misrepresent statistics through propaganda.”

Omokri recalled that under Tinubu’s watch, Lagos State experienced a reduction in poverty while Obi increased misery in his home state of Anambra State.

"Before Peter Obi took over as Governor of Anambra, poverty in that state was 41.4%. However, under Mr Obi, it grew to 53.7%. This is partly because Peter Obi refused to use the state’s allocations to build infrastructure, preferring to deposit them in his bank to yield interest,” he stated.

He said that rather than building schools and improving the education of his people, the former governor of Anambra State chose to build breweries, which he claimed benefited his family’s interests.

Omokri said Obi’s persistent criticism of Tinubu’s economic policies was mischievous because it discountenanced its increasing gains in the last 18 months.

He said that with the autonomy the President has secured for the local governments, the people at the grassroots level will witness poverty reduction as the councils’ direct funding starts this month.

He pointed out that improved security and local refining of petroleum products would help the President’s efforts to tame inflation. He contended that the former Labour Party presidential candidate was too fixated on president-bashing to see the gains of the ongoing economic reforms.

Omokri said: “Obi is fixated on President Tinubu because he wants the President’s power and the ability to wield it well. Therefore, he is the wrong person to advise about fighting poverty. Obi is the problem. President Tinubu is the solution.

“Obi is blind to the progress happening in Nigeria. Before President Tinubu assumed office, no single refinery in Nigeria worked, and Nigeria depended on imports for our refined petroleum needs.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he was made Governor of Rivers State by some political leaders in the state.

Wike, however, maintained that while he received political support from certain leaders, he ultimately fought his way to power.

He contrasted his rise politically to that of the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whom he claimed he made governor of Rivers State.

Wike made the remarks during a civic reception he held in honor of some Rivers State politicians loyal to him on Friday in Port Harcourt.

The statement follows the resurfacing of old videos circulating on social media, where former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, appeared to present Wike to former governor Peter Odili and some political leaders in Rivers State as the preferred successor to then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The videos resurfaced amid a verbal exchange between Wike and Odili, arising from the political crisis in the state that has placed the FCT Minister at loggerheads with his successor, Fubara.

Odili had publicly shown support for Governor Fubara, which infuriated Wike, who believes the former governor should have refrained from taking sides and instead played the role of a father figure by addressing the political crisis in the state.

Wike said, “You didn’t give me. To be governor of Rivers State 2014, I fought for the party structure. I took it from Magnus Abe, yes, I did.

“So you can’t say you made me Governor. Nobody, I don’t want to make comments about certain people, I won’t do that.

"You Magnus, all of you, Victor Giadom, I fought you people, took the party structure.

“So, nobody can say I brought Wike, I dashed you. Nobody can say that. But it would be unfair to me, to Almighty God, for me to say nobody supported me.

“No you can’t say that. You need people’s support, but not to say you gave me.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Patience Jonathan, and Peter Odili were said to have played major roles in Wike’s emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.

At the time, former Governor Amaechi had fallen out with Jonathan and his wife, prompting them to throw their support behind Wike, who had served as Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and later as Minister of State for Education under Jonathan.

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, on Friday said President Bola Tinubu would have written his name in gold if he orders the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Chukwu made the remark while welcoming Tinubu to the South-East ahead of his official visit to Enugu State on Saturday.

He expressed immense delight over the gradual attitudinal change of the Federal Government under Tinubu towards the Igbo nation.

In a statement by Ohanaeze spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia, Chukwu said: “It is therefore hoped that with the Enugu visit, President Tinubu will write his name with gold in the hearts of Ndigbo and all the well-meaning Nigerians, if he orders for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

Ohanaeze insisted that national peace, unity, patriotism and sustainable economic development of any country are the outcomes, effects or products of equity, and social justice.

According to the statement: “In other words, there is hardly any society or group that can be complacent under severe existential threats such as orchestrated marginalization, relative deprivations, and external instigation of insecurity, conflagrations and crises.”

Ohanaeze also commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State for his “disruptive, innovative and massive infrastructural developments in Enugu State; Enugu International Conference Centre, Enugu Smart schools in all the electoral wards of Enugu State, hospitals across the states, resuscitation of Hotel Presidential Enugu, Flour Mills, Nigergas, the construction and rehabilitation of hundreds of roads in the State, etc, within a short period of his administration”.

The statement added: “We also appreciate His Excellency, Sen Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Chairman of the All Progressive Governors Forum, for the life-saving installation of Night Landing Equipment at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.

“Finally, we wish President Tinubu a safe, joyous and eventful trip as he is treated with the Igbo hospitality in Enugu State.”

The Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his administration’s “anti-people policies” or risk being voted out in the 2027 general elections.

Dungurawa also dismissed rumours that the NNPP’s presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Dungurawa emphasized that the NNPP is gaining momentum and expanding its presence across all 36 states of the federation. According to him, the party has established offices and structures in states and local government areas, a development he believed would position the NNPP to win both state and federal seats in the upcoming elections.

He urged the federal government to focus on implementing policies that alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and to refrain from introducing measures that contradict the aspirations of the people.
“With these harsh, anti-people policies, and your refusal to reconsider, prepare for defeat in the next general elections. Either you change them, or we Nigerians will change you,” Dungurawa warned.

He criticised the President’s policies, stating that, “From the podium on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu began rolling out anti-people policies.”
“It’s as though Nigerians offended him, as these policies have continued relentlessly. With these issues, and many others caused by the APC government, it’s only a matter of time before we ensure Tinubu is voted out in 2027. Kwankwaso, a true democrat, will step in to lead,” he added.

Dungurawa also praised the Kano State Government for its strides in democratic leadership, describing it as a model for others.

“We are fortunate to have a God-fearing governor who has transformed Kano through infrastructure development, empowerment initiatives, and human capital growth. Today, Kano can compete with any modern city globally, thanks to state-of-the-art facilities in both urban and rural areas,” he said.

He expressed concern over what he described as the APC-led administration’s efforts to create a one-party state, warning of the dangers of stifling democracy.

“Kano remains a shining example of what true leadership can achieve. It is now up to us to replicate this success at the national level in 2027,” he added.

The Federal Government may cut its crude oil supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, reducing it from the current allocation of 300,000 barrels per day, except if there is a surge in Nigeria’s oil output, The PUNCH gathered on Wednesday.

This reduction is expected to take place as part of adjustments under the government’s naira-for-crude initiative following the coming onstream of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.


Both refineries currently operate at a combined capacity of about 135,000 barrels per day. The plants, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, commenced operations recently after years of neglect by successive governments, preferring fuel imports.

It was gathered that the planned reduction of crude to the Dangote refinery was also predicated on the necessity to ensure a sufficient supply of crude to all refineries.


This is aimed at boosting competition in the downstream sector, with the government facilitating this through the naira-for-crude initiative. Before the initiative, the government used to allocate about 445,000 barrels per day of crude to domestic refineries operated by NNPCL.

While most countries and cultures around the world celebrate the New Year in some form, there are certain regions, communities, or groups where New Year celebrations are not observed or hold minimal significance. These exceptions usually arise due to cultural, religious, or political reasons. Here are some examples:

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, public New Year celebrations are rare due to the country’s strict adherence to Islamic traditions. The Islamic calendar, not the Gregorian calendar, is primarily observed.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan follows the Islamic calendar, and the Persian New Year (Nowruz), celebrated on March 21, holds more significance than the Gregorian New Year.

North Korea

In North Korea, the Gregorian New Year is not widely celebrated. Instead, the Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung’s birthday) and the Korean New Year (based on the lunar calendar) are more prominent.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia uses its own calendar, which is roughly seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. Their New Year, “Enkutatash,” is celebrated in September.

Iran

Similar to Afghanistan, Iran celebrates Nowruz, the Persian New Year, on the vernal equinox (around March 21). The Gregorian New Year has little cultural or traditional significance.

From Christmas Island To Tokyo: Countries Welcoming 2025 Ahead of Nigeria

As Nigerians eagerly await the New Year, several countries around the globe have already stepped into 2025. This difference is due to the varying time zones worldwide, allowing some regions to celebrate hours ahead of others.

Interestingly, while Australia and New Zealand are often thought to be the first to welcome the New Year, smaller island nations actually take the lead. Below is a list of countries that celebrate 2025 before Nigeria, along with the corresponding Nigerian time:

Christmas Island

At 11 am Nigerian time, Christmas Island, part of the Republic of Kiribati, becomes the first place in the world to enter 2025.

New Zealand

By 12 noon Nigerian time, New Zealand will have begun its New Year celebrations, marking 2025 with joyous festivities.

Samoa

Samoa, an island nation in the South Pacific, shares the same time zone as New Zealand and also celebrates the New Year at 12 noon Nigerian time.

Tonga

The Polynesian kingdom of Tonga, with its over 170 islands, joins New Zealand and Samoa in welcoming the New Year at 12 noon Nigerian time.

Fiji

At 1 pm Nigerian time, the island nation of Fiji ushers in 2025, celebrating with vibrant traditions and festivities.

Russia (Far East)

Russia’s Far East regions celebrate the New Year simultaneously with Fiji, at 1 pm Nigerian time, due to the vast expanse of the country across multiple time zones.

Australia

Between 1:30 pm and 2 pm Nigerian time, parts of Australia such as Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, and other eastern regions will celebrate the New Year.

Papua New Guinea

By 2 pm Nigerian time, Papua New Guinea, situated in the southwestern Pacific, joins the New Year celebrations.

Guam (US Territory)

Guam, a U.S. territory in Micronesia, celebrates the New Year at the same time as Papua New Guinea, at 2 pm Nigerian time.

Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Indonesia.

At 4 pm Nigerian time, East Asian countries like Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and parts of Indonesia ring in the New Year with their unique traditions.

These different celebrations across the globe serve as a reminder of the diversity and interconnectedness of our world as we step into the new year.

Oil marketers and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority have said the prices of refined petroleum products are to drop further following the commencement of operations at the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited.

Dealers in the downstream oil sector said competition in the space would now be stiffer, as domestic refiners would be forced to reduce prices to get buyers.

They stated this on Monday following the announcement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited that the 125,000 barrels per day WRPC in Delta State had commenced operations.

NNPCL also announced plans to begin the export of locally refined products to foreign countries in exchange for foreign currency.

The development comes barely a month after the commencement of operations at the 60,000 barrels per day-old Port Harcourt Refinery in Rivers State.

During an inspection tour of the facility on Monday, the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, explained that the inspection aimed to show Nigerians the level of work completed so far.

Kyari, addressing a tour team, which included the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, and the NNPC Board Chairman, Pius Akinyelure, noted that the repairs on the facility were not yet 100 per cent complete, but refining operations had commenced and would focus on producing straight-run kerosene, diesel, and naphtha.

However, President Bola Tinubu, in a statement celebrating the milestone, said the facility is operating at 60 per cent, representing 75,000 barrels per day capacity.

Kyari said, “We are taking you through our plant. This plant is running. Although it is not 100 per cent complete, we are still in the process. Many people think these things are not real. They think real things are not possible in this country. We want you to see that this is real.”

He stated that the restart of the Warri refinery will help the nation become a net exporter of petroleum products, as some of these products will be sent to the international market.

"Secondly, this plant had three stages; we have started plant one, which we call Area One. It’s able to produce AGO (diesel), kerosene, naphtha, and a blend of crude oil. These are high-grade quality products that are required in the country, and we may need to export them. So this will give us cash, this company will make money and the promise of Mr President that this country must be a net exporter of petroleum products is already happening. Some of these products will go into the international market.

“Most importantly, I must put on record that Mr President believes that we can get this to work and get them to start and gave us the charge that we must start all three refineries. It’s already happening; we have started the 60,000 barrels per day refinery, and Area One of the Warri refinery is already working. Other plants that would produce PMS are being streamed and they would also come alive.

Lastly, the Kaduna refinery is also on stream. We are not going to give you a date, but we would surprise Nigerians as we did the other day, and Kaduna would start operations. We thank Mr President for supporting us all the way through. I must congratulate our team for their determination and extreme belief that this country can restart this plant. This has brought this result in collaboration with our contractors and our entire staff. I would like to thank them and appreciate them for making history and that it’s possible to start a plant that you deliberately shut down. It’s possible and we have proved it,” he added.

Fighters from the Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad JAS, commonly known as Boko Haram, have carried out a series of coordinated attacks against the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, in northern Borno State.

These attacks have resulted in significant casualties and the capture of valuable equipment.

According to security expert, Zagazola Makama, the attacks, which took place between December 23 and 24, targeted known ISWAP strongholds in Toumbun Gini, Mangari, Toumbun Saje, and Metele, leaving scores of ISWAP militants dead.

He further revealed that the JAS fighters reportedly overpowered their ISWAP counterparts, seizing 20 motorcycles and destroying several camps.

No fewer than 14 Nigerians have been declared wanted by the International Police for offences ranging from human trafficking, drug trafficking, robbery, cheating, and forgery, among others.

PUNCH Metro gathered on Tuesday from Red Notices published on the INTERPOL website that the 14 Nigerians were wanted by different countries where they had allegedly committed the crime.

The notices identified the wanted persons as Felix Omoregie, Jessica Edosomwan, Uche Egbue, Jude Uzoma, Chinedu Ezeunara, Benedict Okoro, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, and Alachi Stanley.

Others are Bouhari Salif, Timloh Nkem, Austine Costa, Okromi Festus, Akachi Vitus and Mary Eze.

According to the notices, Omoregie is wanted by the Belgian authority for allegedly leading a criminal organisation that exploits minors for prostitution.

It read, “Family name: Omoregie, Forename: Felix, Gender: Male, Date of birth: 22/10/1977 (47 years old), Nationality: Nigeria.

“Charges published as provided by requesting entity: Sexual exploitation or exploitation of prostitution of minors over 16 years of age; Sexual exploitation or exploitation of prostitution of another person/Leader of a criminal organisation/Human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation.”

The notice on Edosomwan indicated that she is wanted by the French authority for “multiple victims trafficking in human beings, committed against several persons. Organised gang competition in an operation of placing concealing or converting the proceeds of an offence.”

It indicated that Egbue is wanted by authorities in Argentina for alleged drug trafficking, while Uzoma is wanted by the Brazilian government for alleged drug trafficking, Ezeunara is wanted by the Uruguayan government for alleged drug trafficking, and Okoro is wanted by the Nicaragua government for alleged organised crime.

Further checks on the INTERPOL website by our correspondent on Tuesday indicated that Obidiozor, Vitus and Stanley are wanted by the Angolan government for alleged “kidnapping, robbery and illegal possession of firearms.”

Other notices by the INTERPOL indicated that Eze is wanted by Denmark for alleged “traffic in human beings”, Salif by China for alleged “drug smuggling”, and Nkem by Canada for alleged “sexual assault, and failure to comply with a condition of recognisance.”

Costa, according to the published notices, is wanted by India for alleged “criminal conspiracy; having possession of document knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine; forgery of valuable security, will etc; forgery for purpose of cheating” and Okromi is also wanted by India for “criminal conspiracy and cheating.”

INTERPOL, however, noted that the notices were aimed at alerting the public to possible threats and seeking help in locating an individual.

The statement read, “A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant.

"The individuals are wanted by the requesting member country or international tribunal. Member countries apply their laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.”

It urged members of the public to report to their local police authorities should they have information about the wanted persons.

The Presidency yesterday criticised former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, over his comments on the recent tragic stampedes that claimed lives, including those of children, in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja.

This is coming as the LP yesterday insisted that the unfortunate food stampedes across the country, were clear evidence of the hunger epidemic that has descended on the nation.

This is even as the All Progressives Congress, APC, kicked back at criticism by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying stampedes also took place under their watch.

Reacting to the tragedies in tweets on X, Obi had described the stampedes as systemic failures plaguing Nigeria and expressed concern that despite the nation’s abundant resources and fertile land, citizens are dying of hunger.

In response to Obi’s tweets, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, said Obi was simply politicising the tragedies to achieve cheap points.
According to Dare via his X handle, Obi’s remarks are indecent.

He wrote: “When seeking someone who benefits from the misfortune of others or from confusion — what the Yoruba people describe as Aríje nínú Màdàrú — look no further than Peter Obi.

“His recent comments on the avoidable tragedies in Anambra and Oyo states lack statesmanship and decency, even as he clings to the fading echoes of his much-vaunted political victory. This attempt to score cheap political points falls flat.

“In times of unfortunate tragedy, leaders are expected to speak responsibly and offer support. President Tinubu cancelled all engagements, expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives, and ordered an immediate investigation.

‘’That is the way of true leadership. These incidents have highlighted critical issues that must be addressed.”

Hunger responsible for food stampedes —LP

Meanwhile, the Labour Party, LP, has insisted that the unfortunate incidents of food stampedes across Nigeria is evidence of the hunger epidemic that has descended on the nation.

Speaking on the issue, National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Umar Farouk said: “It is only poverty that made some Nigeria to go scooping fuel from accident scenes resulting to inferno which brought about hundreds of casualties. These happened on several occasions in the last one year.

“Also, the National Bureau of Statistics survey revealed that more than 2 million people have been kidnapped in Nigeria in the last one year and that Nigerians paid a cumulative $1.42 billion to kidnappers within the same period.

“One major reason why people resort to crime is due to hunger. Nigerians in their millions have been subjected to hunger arising from other reasons such as rising inflation and poor economic management.

“The economic reforms of the Tinubu administration have caused untold hardship to Nigerians. Hunger is turning into an epidemic and not many people can survive this situation. We are therefore calling on the government to scale down most of its agenda in 2025 and redirect its policies towards food production.

Stampede also happened under your watch, APC tells PDP

The APC yesterday hit back at PDP over the latter’s position on the wave of recent deaths recorded due to stampedes at palliatives distribution sites.

APC spokesman, Felix Morka, in a statement, said Nigerians had not forgotten the ill-fated 2014 recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, which led to the death of some desperate job seekers.

He said: “Rather than genuinely commiserate with the victims and their families, the PDP chose to politicize the grief of the victims by blaming the stampedes on the All Progressives Congress APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The tragedies have brought together all well-meaning Nigerians in mourning and sober reflection on how the incidents might have been avoided through better planning and organization by all involved. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Nigerians to pray for their leaders, saying that the country is on the path of restoration and progress.

The President in his Christmas message which he personally signed, said Christians should use the spirit of the season to renew their “hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.”

He also commiserated with those affected by the stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State and Abuja, praying that Nigeria never witness such tragedy again.
Part of the message said, “On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures.

“Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.”

President Tinubu said recent tragic stampedes “deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.”

He said as “we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.

“Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement. We must also honour our brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard our nation. They deserve our prayers and steadfast support.

“Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.

“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.”

For those travelling during this period, the President wished them safe journeys, assuring them that government would take all necessary steps to ensure the transportation routes are secure and convenient.

“We also provide free train services and subsidised road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels,” he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says indicators have shown that the economy is responding positively to stimulus.

Tinubu, who said this while presenting the 2024 budget on Wednesday before a joint session of the National Assembly, said the focus of the 2025 budget was to stimulate the economy through the implementation of targeted fiscal stimulus packages through public expenditures and specific non-inflationary spending.

He said Nigerians would soon experience a better and more functional economy going by the positive indicators in the aspects of global economic growth and foreign reserve.

He said, “The global economic growth for the outgoing year 2024 was projected at 3.2 percent, and against predictions, our country made significant progress.

"Our economy grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, up from 2.54 percent in the third quarter of 2023.

“Our Foreign Reserves now stand at nearly 42 billion US dollars, providing a robust buffer against external shocks.

Our rising exports are reflected in the current trade surplus, which now stands at 5.8 trillion naira, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

"These clear results of gradual recovery, among others, reflect the resilience of our economy and the impact of deliberate policy choices we made from the outset.”

Tinubu said the goals of advancing national security, creating economic opportunities, investing in the youthful population, infrastructure development, and national re-orientation form the core of the 2025 budget.

"But more than that, this will lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future growth trajectory”, he said.

A member of the House of Representatives, Paschal Obi, who represented Ideato North and South Federal Constituency has dumped the Labour Party, LP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He was welcomed back to the APC fold by the State party expanded executives led by Macdonald Ebere, having officially formalized his membership in the ward and LGA levels.

Making his speech, Obi said that he was encouraged to rejoin APC because of what he described as massive infrastructural development efforts of Hope Uzodinma.

He equally thanked the State party leadership led by Ebere, for its excellent leadership, which according to him, culminated to wonderful performances of the party at the grassroots as observed during the last LGA election.

The former lawmaker assured the executive members of the party of his continuous support and loyalty to the party.

In his response, the State Chairman of APC thanked him for deeming it necessary to return to the APC.

Many political stakeholders from Ideato South accompanied Obi to the event.

DAILY POST reports that Obi, before now, has been a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, later joined APC, then left for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, joined LP and now back to APC.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, on Sunday, said it was not threatened by the weekend visit of ex-presidential flag-bearer of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, to the Abeokuta, Ogun State home of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo “to discuss the political future of Nigeria.”

In the past few weeks, there have been increasing debates about the 2027 generation elections after the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, canvassed for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for second term.

According to Akume, there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031, when Tinubu would have completed a second term.

According to Akume, there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031, when Tinubu would have completed a second term.

But the opposition would have none of it, insisting that the ruling APC would be removed from power come 2027.

At the weekend, Kwankwaso and Duke, a 2007 presidential aspirant, visited ex-President Obasanjo in Abeokuta and held a closed-door meeting.

While the details of their discussions remain undisclosed, sources close to the leaders suggested that the meeting was part of a larger effort to strategise for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Obasanjo, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has been actively engaging various stakeholders to explore alternatives to the ruling APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

The ex-President has recently been very critical of Tinubu’s government, decrying alleged corruption and increasing debt burden.


Though specifics of their conversation remain under wraps, Kwankwaso’s statement after the meeting hinted at a collective intention to challenge the existing political structure and foster a new direction for Nigeria’s political landscape.

Confirming the meeting via his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso stated, “I was pleased to be in the company of my friend, His Excellency Donald Duke, and other associates to pay a courtesy call on former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta.”

He added, “Deliberations on significant national issues, including the future of politics and governance in Nigeria, defined the conversation. We are grateful to Baba for his warm reception, support, and hospitality.”

However, reacting to the development in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, the National Publicity Director of the ruling APC, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the meeting as a potential to the APC continuity.

Ibrahim boasted that Tinubu’s political profile and relevance in contemporary politics had dwarfed the opposition figures and statesmen.


He said, “With due respect, I hold Obasanjo in high esteem. As a former President, ex-Head of State, and an elder statesman, I don’t want to take issues with him. But when it comes to the politics of Nigeria, particularly contemporary politics, Tinubu is not their mate.

“Tinubu is head and shoulders above them in modern politics in Nigeria. So the combination of Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Donald Duke, who was my schoolmate, does not present a threat to Tinubu. These are people who were trashed in the last election.

"This is not the first time Obasanjo is going to rally around someone, and that person is defeated. Remember, he supported (ex-President Goodluck) Jonathan, who later lost to Buhari. Obasanjo supported another candidate, Peter Obi, in the last election again and Tinubu trounced them.

“So they can have marathon meetings and meet till the end of time, they will not present any threat to the government of APC. Who among Kwankwaso, Obasanjo, Obi, Duke was not beaten? If they are bringing angels, it’s a different story. But if it is these same spent forces that will combine and meet, their meeting cannot bring any good outcome.”

Three persons have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between worshippers of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, UMCN, and the Global Methodist Church, GMC, in Taraba State.

The crisis erupted on Sunday in the Karim-Lamido local government council after one faction reportedly unsealed a church building for service.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Usman, said the incident occurred on Sunday in Munga Dasso village of Karim-Lamido council.

"There was a crisis in Karim-Lamido Local Government Council, which led to the killing of three people,” he said.

He added that six suspects have been arrested, and security forces have been deployed to prevent further violence.

The conflict was observed to have stemmed from a prolonged leadership dispute between the UMCN and the GMC, which recently emerged as a breakaway faction.

To mitigate tensions, the state government had previously sealed church properties across the region, but Sunday’s incident reignited hostilities.

Some worshippers, speaking with our reporter, expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to resolve the ongoing crisis, which they believe is jeopardizing peace and security in the state.