₦airaland Forum

While some Venezuelan residents and citizens living across the world celebrated the Trump administration's intervention in the South American country, others condemned what they say is an act of war and a continuation of a long history of U.S. military actions in Latin America.

The Niger State Government has announced the reopening of public and private schools across the state, effective Monday, January 12, following extensive security assessments and consultations with relevant authorities.

The directive, signed by Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Mohammed, outlines conditions for resumption and emphasises the safety of students and school communities.

This is as released by the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on January 2, 2026 and retrieved by our correspondent on Saturday.

According to the press release titled “Reopening of Public and Private Schools in Niger State,” the government stated: “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has graciously approved the reopening of schools across the state, effective Monday, 12th January 2026.

“This decision follows careful security assessments and extensive consultations with relevant security agencies, in line with the Governor’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives while ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education for all children in Niger State.”

The release provides detailed instructions for the reopening process, noting: “All public and private schools located in safe and secure areas of the state shall reopen on Monday, 12th January 2026.

“All public and private boarding schools situated in safe and secure areas are also approved to reopen on Monday, 12th January 2026. All public and private day and boarding schools located in unsafe or insecure areas shall, in the interim, remain closed until such areas are duly assessed and cleared by relevant security authorities.”

School authorities have been instructed to register all returning students immediately upon resumption, with compiled data submitted to the Ministry within a week.

“As a mandatory requirement for reopening, all school authorities are directed to register all returning students immediately upon resumption.

“The compiled data must be submitted to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education within one week of resumption for proper documentation and monitoring,” it further read.

Local government officials are also tasked with providing security support.

The release noted, “All Local Government Area Chairmen are directed to support the school reopening process within their respective LGAs by ensuring adequate security presence in and around school premises, in collaboration with security agencies.”

The Ministry confirmed that the official list of schools approved for reopening will be released on Monday, 12th January 2026, and called on all stakeholders to comply strictly with the directives:
It concluded,

“The Niger State Government appreciates the patience, cooperation, and understanding of parents, school managers, and the general public. The safety of students, teachers, and school communities remains paramount.

“All stakeholders are enjoined to strictly comply with these directives in the collective interest of peace, safety, and sustainable educational development in Niger State.”

The announcement comes after months of school closures in parts of Niger State due to security concerns, including abductions and attacks on educational institutions.

PUNCH Online late 2025 reported that the Federal Government and several state governments ordered the closure of schools in parts of northern Nigeria following a surge in kidnappings and terrorist attacks on educational institutions, including the mass abduction of pupils and teachers.

In response to the insecurity, the Federal Government temporarily shut 41 unity schools, while governors in states such as Niger directed the closure of all schools after gunmen abducted hundreds of students and staff, prompting heightened fear and disruption of academic activities.

CONDITIONS FOR REOPENING

1. All public and private schools located in safe and secure areas of the state shall reopen on Monday, 12th January 2026.

2. All public and private boarding schools situated in safe and secure areas are also approved to reopen on Monday, 12th January 2026.

3. All public and private day and boarding schools located in unsafe or insecure areas shall, in the interim, remain closed until such areas are duly assessed and cleared by relevant security authorities.

4. As a mandatory requirement for reopening, all school authorities are directed to register all returning students immediately upon resumption.

5. The compiled data must be submitted to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education within one week of resumption for proper documentation and monitoring.

6. All Local Government Area Chairmen are directed to support the school reopening process within their respective LGAs by ensuring adequate security presence in and around school premises, in collaboration with security agencies.

The Kebbi State Government has directed the reopening of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state for the second term of the 2025/2026 academic session, with effect from Monday, January 5, 2026.

The directive was issued on Friday through separate statements jointly signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board, Isah Ibrahim, and the Deputy Director (Academics) of the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, Aliyu Bagarawa.

Recall that the state government in reaction to the abduction of 25 Maga students in Zuru by armed men suspected to be bandits, after which the state government ordered all public and private schools in the state to close down.

According to the statements, the decision forms part of the state government’s commitment to ensuring a stable and uninterrupted academic calendar, following the successful completion of the first term of the session.

“All school administrators, education secretaries, principals, head teachers, teachers, parents and students are hereby requested to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance,” the statement partly read.

The government stressed that adequate preparations must be made ahead of resumption to guarantee a smooth take-off of academic activities across schools in both urban and rural areas of the state.

School heads have been instructed to put all necessary measures in place, including readiness of staff and facilities, while parents and guardians were advised to ensure that their children and wards resume school promptly.

“The cooperation of parents and guardians is critical to achieving the objectives of this directive, as punctual resumption will enhance effective teaching and learning,” the statement added.

In a related circular, Zonal Education Officers, principals, head teachers, and proprietors of private schools were informed that the first week of the second term would be devoted to the conduct of outstanding first-term examinations.

Normal academic activities and classroom teaching, according to the circular, are scheduled to commence on Monday, January 12, 2026, immediately after the conclusion of the examinations.

The state government further warned that all schools must adhere strictly to the approved resumption timetable and examination schedule, noting that monitoring teams would be deployed to ensure compliance.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the directive, describing it as timely and necessary to sustain academic discipline and improve learning outcomes in the state.

The Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development has directed the reopening of schools across the state on Monday, January 5, 2026, except in areas currently under special security measures.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Press Secretary of the ministry, Peter Amogbonjaye, said the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Oloriegbe, ordered all public and private primary and secondary schools to resume academic activities on the stated date, excluding locations earlier identified as being under special security surveillance.

“We welcome our children and teachers back to school across the state. Learning activities are to resume immediately in all but areas earlier identified to be under special security surveillance,” the commissioner said.

He explained that the phased resumption was aimed at safeguarding pupils and students amid ongoing security operations.

“This structured school resumption is designed to keep our children out of harm’s way amid renewed security operations. Normal school activities will resume in such places very soon,” Oloriegbe added.

The commissioner, in collaboration with the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board, also wished pupils, teachers and parents a prosperous New Year and a successful academic session.

Meanwhile, the ministry has introduced a radio-based learning initiative to expand access to education beyond conventional classroom settings.

The initiative, supported by UNICEF and the Nigeria Learning Passport, will commence on Monday, January 5.

According to the statement, the radio lessons will be broadcast on Midland FM 99.1 at 11 a.m. on Mondays, 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2.30 p.m. on Fridays, with plans to include additional radio stations to widen coverage across the state.

He said North Korea also wanted to send a message that "we are different from Venezuela" - as a nuclear and military power, ready to respond with "aggressive deterrence".

At 4:21 on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump sent a message on his Truth Social platform: the United States had carried out a daring mission to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

The action came as a surprise, but according to sources familiar with the matter, planning for one of the most complex U.S. operations in recent memory had been in the works for months and included detailed rehearsals.

Elite U.S. troops, including the Army's Delta Force, created an exact replica of Maduro's safe house and practiced how they would enter the strongly fortified residence.

The CIA had a small team on the ground starting in August who were able to provide insight into Maduro's pattern of life that made grabbing him seamless, according to one source familiar with the matter.

Two other sources told Reuters the intelligence agency also had an asset close to Maduro who would monitor his movements and was poised to pinpoint his exact location as the operation unfolded.

With the pieces in place, Trump approved the operation four days ago, but military and intelligence planners suggested he wait for better weather and less cloud cover. At 10:46 p.m. EST on Friday, Trump gave the final go ahead for what would be known as Operation Absolute Resolve, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine told reporters.

"I've done some pretty good ones, but I've never seen anything like this," Trump said on Fox News just hours after the mission was completed.


MASSIVE' OPERATION

The Pentagon has overseen a massive military buildup of forces in the Caribbean, sending an aircraft carrier, 11 warships and more than a dozen F-35 aircraft. In total, more than 15,000 troops have poured into the region for what U.S. officials have long described as anti-drug operations.

According to one of the sources, Trump senior aide Stephen Miller, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe formed a core team working on the issue for months with regular - sometimes daily - meetings and phone calls. They often also met with the president.

Late on Friday night and into early Saturday, Trump and his advisers huddled as a number of U.S. aircraft took off and carried out strikes against targets inside and close to Caracas, including air defense systems, according to a U.S. military official.

Caine said the operation involved more than 150 aircraft launched from 20 bases around the Western Hemisphere, including F-35 and F-22 jets, and B-1 bombers.

"We had a fighter jet for every possible situation," Trump told Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends."

Sources have told Reuters the Pentagon had also quietly moved into the region refueling air tankers, drones and aircraft specializing in electronic jamming.

With the strikes taking place, U.S. Special Forces made their way into Caracas heavily armed, including with a blowtorch in case they had to cut through steel doors at Maduro's location.

Around 1 a.m. EST Saturday, Caine said, the troops arrived at Maduro's compound in downtown Caracas while being fired upon. One of the helicopters was hit, but still able to fly.
Social media videos posted by residents showed a convoy of helicopters flying over the city at low altitude.

Once they reached Maduro's safe house the troops, along with FBI agents, made their way into the residence, which Trump described as a "very highly guarded ... fortress."

"They just broke in, and they broke into places that were not really able to be broke into, you know, steel doors that were put there for just this reason," Trump said. "They got taken out in a matter of seconds."


MADURO IN CUSTODY

Once the troops were inside the safe house, Caine said, Maduro and his wife surrendered. Trump said the Venezuelan leader had tried to reach a safe room but was unable to close the door.

"He got bum rushed so fast that he didn't get into that," Trump said.

Some U.S. forces were hit, Trump said, but none were killed.


As the operation unfolded, Rubio started to inform lawmakers that it was underway. The notifications only began after the operation started and not before, as is customary for key lawmakers who play an oversight role, officials told Reuters.

As the troops left Venezuelan territory, Caine said, they were involved in "multiple self defense engagements." By 3:20 a.m. EST, the helicopters were over water, with Maduro and his wife on board.

Almost exactly seven hours after Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, he made another post.

This time it was a photograph of the captured Venezuelan leader blindfolded, handcuffed and wearing grey sweatpants.

"Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima," Trump wrote, referring to the amphibious assault ship.

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has confirmed that discussions are underway with key opposition figures to join the opposition coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Hausa on Saturday at his Kano residence, Mr Kwankwaso addressed a gathering of supporters amid swirling rumours regarding the imminent defection of Kano Governor Abba Yusuf, along with other elected and appointed officials, to the APC.

“At the national level, talks are ongoing to join an opposition coalition,” Mr Kwankwaso stated, drawing a thunderous applause.

“However, I have made it categorically clear that I will only join a coalition that considers me as either the presidential or vice-presidential candidate.”

Observers see Mr Kwankwaso’s remarks as a signal of a potential alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, possibly under the umbrella of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

However, Mr Kwankwaso’s insistence to be on the presidential ticket may be a stumbling block to the coalition. Other likely presidential hopefuls who are already in the ADC are Messrs Atiku and Obi as well as former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi.

Addressing the rumoured defection of Governor Yusuf to the APC, Mr Kwankwaso pleaded with the defectors to reconsider their position.

While he did not mention the governor by name, he stated that such a move would make Mr Yusuf a “worse politician” than his local rival and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

“We are praying that they do not join the APC,” Mr Kwankwaso said. “But if they insist, I believe the governor should resign his position before defecting. That mandate belongs to all of us and the people, not just an individual.”

Mr Kwankwaso further revealed that he had personally been offered several positions to join the APC but declined, stating the offers were insufficient for himself and his loyal supporters who have faced hardships and violence during their political struggle.

He dismissed claims that the NNPP is no longer a viable platform for the 2027 elections, pointing to the party’s successful congresses and recent local electoral victories.

“What is most painful is the attempt to take our hard-won victory and structure back to Ganduje in the APC,” he added, urging his followers to remain steadfast, and warning that anyone who betrays the Kwankwasiyya movement will ultimately fail.

The core of Kano politics for the last decade has been the bitter rivalry between Messrs Kwankwaso and Ganduje. Governor Yusuf was elected on the platform of the NNPP, backed by Mr Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya movement to dismantle Mr Ganduje’s legacy.

A defection by Governor Yusuf to the APC would mean joining the national ruling party, where Mr Ganduje is a key figure—a move that Mr Kwankwaso views as the ultimate betrayal of their political struggle.

Efforts to reach Sanusi Bature, the spokesperson for Governor Yusuf, were unsuccessful as of Saturday evening to comment on Mr Kwankwaso’s claims.


The rumoured defection

The political landscape in Kano State is currently experiencing a tremor due to the reported rift between Governor Yusuf and his political godfather, Mr Kwankwaso, following the planned defection of the governor.

Insiders said Mr Yusuf may be seeking to “liberate” himself from Mr Kwankwaso’s perceived overbearing influence.

By joining the APC, Mr Yusuf would align himself directly with the federal government, potentially securing the resources and “federal might” necessary to contest the 2027 elections without relying solely on Mr Kwankwaso’s machinery.

The NNPP currently governs only Kano State. If the governor, his cabinet, the state and federal legislators defect to the APC, the NNPP risks losing its only major power base in Nigeria, effectively rendering Mr Kwankwaso a leader without a governing territory ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

Armed groups have intensified attacks across several northern Nigerian states following United States air strikes on Islamic State-linked militants in Sokoto State.

According to a report by The Punch, at least 47 people were killed and 35 others abducted between December 25, 2025, and January 2, 2026, in attacks carried out by bandits as well as fighters linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The attacks affected communities in Adamawa, Zamfara, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Yobe, Kano and Kebbi states, The Punch said, citing its review of security incidents during the period.[i]


The surge followed U.S. air strikes announced by President Donald Trump on Christmas Day. Trump said the strikes targeted Islamic State militants in north-western Nigeria and warned that further action would follow if attacks on Christians continued.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters later confirmed the operation, saying intelligence had identified terrorist elements in the area and that damage assessments were ongoing.

[i]Despite the strikes, there has been renewed violence across multiple states. In Adamawa State, the chairman of Hong local government area, Usman Inuwa, said that Boko Haram fighters killed 14 people in nighttime attacks on the villages of Mubang and Zar, near the Sambisa forest.

In Plateau State, at least seven farmers were killed in an attack in Jos South local government area, while 16 women were abducted and two people killed in an assault on Sabon-Layi village in Zamfara State, the report said.

Gunmen also carried out coordinated attacks on several villages in Kebbi State, killing at least eight people, according to The Punch. In Kwara State, traditional ruler Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun and one of his sons were abducted in the Ifelodun local government area.

ISWAP separately claimed responsibility for a mortar attack on a Nigerian military base in Goniri, Yobe State, though the extent of damage was unclear, the newspaper reported.

In Kano State, bandits attacked multiple villages in Shanono local government area, engaging troops in a gun battle that lasted several hours.

A Nigerian Army spokesman told The Punch that the attackers were repelled and that no civilians were killed.

The newspaper also reported signs of militant displacement following the U.S. strikes, with community sources saying fighters were attempting to move into parts of Niger and Kaduna states through border areas.

By contrast, The Punch said it found no reported attacks in Sokoto State since the air strikes, with residents attributing the lull to the disruption of militant hideouts.

The former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has hinted that winning the presidential ticket would not be easy for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Peter Obi formally joined the ADC in Enugu on Wednesday, urging his political allies, members of the Obidient Movement, and opposition leaders nationwide to join the party.

According to Obi, it is time for opposition leaders to join hands and work together to rescue Nigeria in the 2027 election.

“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026, we will begin a rescue journey.

“We will resist rigging of the election by every lawful means in 2027,” he added.

Speaking with journalists after the declaration, Peter Obi’s aide and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said the main aim of joining the ADC is to secure the party’s presidential ticket.

He said, “That’s our aim. By the grace of God, we will achieve it.”

Tanko said the group’s leadership was working to ensure a smooth integration of its members into the ADC following Peter Obi’s formal defection.

He added, “We want to mobilise and enlighten our members on how they can join the party. This is the internal effort we are currently undertaking. We won’t put a figure on the number of youths we will bring into the ADC, but millions of Nigerians will be brought into the party. And the process will continue right up to Election Day.”

However, in an interview with Punch, Nwosu said Peter Obi will have to lobby with other political heavyweights in the ADC to secure the party’s 2027 ticket.

Nwosu also acknowledged Peter Obi’s long-standing involvement with the ADC coalition, noting that while the ADC has prominent political figures, its real strength lies with the people.

He said, “There are many very important persons in the ADC who will compete with Obi to become the party’s standard-bearer in 2027. ADC is a political party. It’s not like some parties where things are done anyhow. In 1998, when we pressured the military to relinquish power which they eventually did in 1999 we all agreed to enter a democratic system. And that is what the ADC stands for.

“There will be compromises and elections. People will lobby each other because everybody is a VIP in the party. If you join today and want to run, you may even be the one who gets the ticket.

“Peter Obi was part of the processes that culminated in the formation of the ADC as a coalition party. He has always been part of it. But we plan to unveil our strategy bit by bit. What you have seen today is just part of our plans for dominance, particularly in the South-East. The personalities are there, but the party has been taken over by the Nigerian people.

“You heard what Aisha Yesufu said at the declaration. I believe the citizens have decided that it will be a contest between them and the oppressors, who are clearly in the APC. Some governors and others may think they can use public funds to influence the system, but the people will teach them a big lesson.”

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has charged the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to return the N30 billion he admitted was released by the Federal Government as intervention fund for the January 16, 2024, Bodija explosion in Ibadan, since he claimed not to have spent the money.

Fayose said it was funny that the governor did not inform the people of Oyo State of the N30 billion he now admitted to have received and the N20 billion balance, until he blew the whistle on the N50 billion intervention fund.

In a statement on Thursday, by his Spokesperson, Femi Philips, the former governor said;

“since Governor Makinde has now said that he kept the N30 billion he admitted to have received in a bank since 2024, Oyo State Government should return the money to the Federal Government so it can be used for the people for which the money was meant.

“After all, the Federal Government has mechanisms to reach victims of the explosion since their Governor has chosen to play politics with their welfare.”

Fayose also insisted that “N30 billion in a bank for 18 months would have generated at least, N4.5 billion at 10 percent interest.

“Therefore, Governor Makinde must return not less than N34.5 billion to the Federal Government.”

Fayose, who said public office demands transparency and accountability, maintained that he had to make the intervention fund public so as to expose the hypocrisy of the Oyo State Governor.

“If he hadn’t go on national television to disclose what happened in a meeting with the President, and concealed the fact that he requested for N50 billion intervention fund for the explosion victims from the president, and the request was granted, there wouldn’t have been any reason to talk.

“But you can’t tell the public what favours you about a meeting and keep the ones that should favour the other parties. As a Yoruba man, we will not allow you to destroy the President’s name and image because of inordinate Presidential ambition.”

Human Rights Writers of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged the leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to provide transparent information about the achievements made in its first year with the approved budget of N140 billion.

The group emphasised that its team of researchers has been unable to find concrete evidence of any infrastructure set up in the South-East of Nigeria for the benefit of the Igbo people by the commission.

HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, recalled that efforts to obtain detailed information on the commission’s achievements from both the Senate Committee Chairman on SEDC, Orji Uzor Kalu, and the Chairman of the Governing Board, Emeka Wogu, have failed to produce satisfactory responses.

HURIWA in a media statement endorsed by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko said the Governing Board Chairman of the SEDC Chief Emeka Wogu when asked what exactly the commission has achieved, informed us thus:

“We have set our road map etc.” HURIWA disclosed that the Senate Committee Chairman of the SEDC stated bluntly that he has no information to give us about any achievements made by the South East Development Commission since it was set up.

HURIWA recalled that the National Assembly had approved a budget estimate of N140 billion for the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) for the 2025 financial year.

This was contained in the final draft of the 2025 budget of N54.9 trillion passed by the National Assembly on February 14.

Recall that the SEDC board headed by Dr Emeka Wogu and Mr Mark Okoye as Chairman and Managing Director respectively was inaugurated on February 11 last year.

The budget also provided that other regional development commissions, such as the South–West Development Commission, South–South Development Commission, North -Central Development Commission, got the same approval of N 140 billion while North – West Development Commission got 145,61 billion.

The Nigeria Delta Development Commission (NDDC) got the jumbo budget among the development commissions with a budget of N626.53 billion.


The SEDC is saddled with the responsibility of rebuilding and rehabilitation of the Southeast region from the damage of the civil war.

Okoye, in his inaugural speech, quoted the World Bank as saying that South-East required an annual investment of $10 billion for the next 30 years to be able to bridge the infrastructure gap.

He said the SEDC would collaborate with the state governments, private sector, and development partners, we will drive the Southeast towards a $200 billion regional economy by 2035.

Okoye said the Commission would prioritise security and investment infrastructure development, agriculture, industrialisation, technology/innovation and human capital development

“The South East region faces numerous challenges at the moment, including a harsh investment Climate due to security concerns, low ease-of-doing business, unemployment and 2,500 active erosion sites resulting in the displacement of thousands of people,” he said.

The establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), according to HURIWA, had stimulated a groundswell of optimism and skepticism across Nigeria.

As the country’s latest effort to address the historical neglect and marginalization of the South-East region, the SEDC’s success hinges on its ability to navigate the complexities of bureaucratic inefficiencies, political interference, and funding uncertainties, according to economists.

Economists also stated that with its ambitious goals of driving development, promoting economic growth, and fostering social integration, the SEDC has the potential to transform the region – but will it deliver on its promises?

The response to this prophetic question posed by development economists is a direct NO because there is no evidence of any forms of development or infrastructural facilities put in place by the commission since it was set up and it began operations.

SEDC reportedly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising inclusivity and national cohesion. However, its success is said to hinge on viable and transparent partnerships with federal agencies, private investors, and transparent governance structures.
The Commission was officially established on 24 July 2024, when President Tinubu signed the bill into law, marking what observers said is a historic milestone for the region.

Its Board was inaugurated on 12 February 2025, signalling the beginning of operations aimed at addressing decades of post-war neglect and fostering regional growth.

Even more promising is that Mark Okoye, a young and dynamic leader, has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SEDC. His nomination by President Bola Tinubu on 6 December 2024, and subsequent confirmation by the Senate in January 2025 was expected to mark the beginning of phenomenal strides in the development of the South-East of Nigeria but from what is seen on ground in the South East.

HURIWA can comfortably say that the commission has failed spectacularly to take off in such a way that the good people of the South-East region can smile joyfully in admiration.

Okoye, formerly the MD/CEO of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) and a former Commissioner under Governor Willie Obiano, is said by his supporters to have achieved an exceptional personal track record in public service and economic development.

HURIWA therefore demands accountability from the MD and the Board to tell the South East what they executed with the N140 billion reportedly cash-backed for the commission since it took off.

The commission is tasked with driving development in the Southeast states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. Its mandate includes reconstructing war-damaged roads and houses, tackling ecological challenges, and unlocking the region’s latent commercial potential.
The key objectives of the SEDC include investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology to stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation.

Infrastructure development is another major focus, for building roads, railways, and energy facilities to enhance connectivity and spur trade.

HURIWA is asking Igbo youths and intellectuals to demand accountability from the South-East Development Commission because the agency is created to serve the development interests of the Igbo people and it would be criminal if the resources approved by the Federal Government for the SEDC to energize and stimulate development in Igboland are shared and pocketed by political elites of Igbo states.

A faction of the African Democratic Congress has rejected the
reported defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, declaring that his alleged registration at the party’s Enugu zonal office did not follow laid down procedures.

The group, led by ADC National Chairman Nafiu Gombe, described itself as the party’s authentic national leadership and said the exercise breached the party’s constitution., Punch reported.

It urged the public to disregard reports linking Obi’s registration to the ADC through any channel outside the ward level.

ADC faction cites constitutional procedures

Peter Obi had announced his defection to the ADC at a political gathering held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State. During the event, the former Anambra State governor called for the formation of a broad opposition coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

Responding to the development, Gombe issued a New Year statement in Abuja to clarify what he described as misleading information surrounding the party’s membership process. He said the ADC operates under clear rules that guide how individuals can become members.

“It has come to our attention that a certain Mr Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu. The NWC wishes to categorically state that this action does not align with the constitutional and stipulated procedures for membership registration into the African Democratic Congress,” he said.


Ward registration only recognised - Gombe

Gombe explained that the ADC constitution recognises ward level registration as the only valid entry point for prospective members. He said applicants must register at their ward of origin or residence before any documentation is issued.

“The process of registering with the ADC is clearly outlined as follows: ward registration. Prospective members must register at their respective ward levels within their state of origin or residence. This is the primary and constitutionally recognised point of entry,” he said.

He added that membership cards are only issued after successful ward registration and validation. According to him, registration at zonal or national offices has no constitutional backing.

“The party’s constitution does not provide for the registration of individuals at zonal or national offices outside of their designated wards. Any registration carried out contrary to this provision is considered irregular and invalid,” Gombe said.


Party group distances itself from exercise

The ADC leadership said it had distanced itself from Obi’s reported registration at the Enugu zonal office and had commenced an internal review of the incident.

“Therefore, the office of the national chairman distances the original, constitutionally governed ADC from the reported registration of Mr Peter Obi at the Enugu Zonal office. The party is investigating this breach of due process,” he said.

The clarification followed comments from the Julius Abure led National Working Committee of the Labour Party, which described Obi’s exit as a relief.

In preparation for the commencement of the new tax laws starting from Thursday, January 1, 2026, Anambra and Zamfara states have joined Ekiti State in passing legislation to domesticate the laws at their respective state levels by signing the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law.

This is despite Lagos, Katsina, and Bauchi, among others, being at advanced stages of signing the law.

To this end, the executive governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on Monday, in Awka, Anambra State signed the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law, making it the third State to sign this groundbreaking legislation.

Similarly, the executive governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal had, a few days ago, signed the Law to Repeal and Re-enact the Zamfara State Consolidated Revenue Laws; Establish the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service with Powers for the Assessment, Collection, and Accounting for Revenues Accruing to the Zamfara State Government; Provide for the Harmonisation of Tax and Non-Tax Revenue; Establish a Legal Framework for Effective Tax Administration and for Connected Matters.

These landmark actions, coming shortly after the passage of the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law in Ekiti State, mark a growing consensus among states on the need to reform, modernise, and rationalise the framework for tax and non-tax revenue administration in tandem with the tax reforms agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The concerned state governments said that the enactment of these laws reflects a clear policy direction by state governments to dismantle fragmented and outdated revenue practices, replacing them with a pro-people, coherent and harmonised system that leverages technology, prioritises fairness and equity, certainty, and economic efficiency.

By aligning approved taxes and levies within the national tax reform framework, the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, stated that his state had taken a significant step toward eliminating multiple and overlapping charges that had imposed undue strain on citizens and businesses alike.

Stating that the benefits of these laws extend beyond administrative efficiency, he added that a harmonised revenue regime enhances transparency, curbs arbitrary collections, and restores confidence in government institutions.

Meanwhile, the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), while applauding this development, said that this move also creates a more predictable operating environment for commerce and investment, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises that are often most affected by informal levies and enforcement abuses at the sub-national level.

These legislative milestones, the Board said, are consistent with the broader fiscal and economic reform agenda being implemented at the national level, aimed at simplifying governance processes, improving compliance through clarity rather than coercion, and ensuring that public revenue systems serve developmental, rather than extractive, purposes.

In recognising Zamfara and Anambra States, JRB acknowledged the steady momentum building across the Federation. It also disclosed that several States have made measurable progress toward enacting their own harmonised taxes and levies laws, with legislative processes at advanced stages in States such as Lagos, Katsina and Bauchi, among others.

This growing alignment, according to JRB, signals a collective resolve to bring order and uniformity to sub-national revenue administration nationwide.

Earlier, the chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, stated at a briefing in Lagos recently that state governments that have passed the new tax laws at the sub-national level will greatly benefit from the new tax regime.

Such adopting States, he said, will rake in N4 trillion from Value Added Tax (VAT), while State Bonds will be exempt from tax.

The new tax law billed for operation January 2026, he said, transfers the full proceeds of electronic money transfer levies to States and exempt State government bonds from tax, a development, he said, would help reduce borrowing costs and create fiscal space.

“This is a unique opportunity for States to build resilience, close existing tax gaps and invest in infrastructure,” he stressed. Oyedele urged State governments to seize the opportunity provided by upcoming reforms to move beyond survival and ensure shared prosperity.

A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, captured by troops of Operation HADIM KAI in collaboration with hunters in Yobe State has revealed chilling details of how he was recruited, paid and deployed to carry out deadly attacks on worshippers in Maiduguri, admitting that he received up to N100,000 for suicide bombing missions.

Ibrahim, who confessed to involvement in the December 24 suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, said the operation was planned and executed under the directive of Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains.

Zagazola quoted him as saying during interrogation:

“My name is Ibrahim from Michika in Adamawa. We came to Maiduguri to plant bombs in Izala Mosque. We were sent by our leaders, Adamu and Abubakar, who gave us two IEDs to plant in the mosque.”

The suspect disclosed that suicide bombing had become a paid assignment within the terror network.

“I was paid money ranging from N70,000 to N100,000 per mission,” he said.

The Gamboru Market Mosque attack claimed five lives and left 32 worshippers injured, plunging Maiduguri town into confusion during the festive period.

Narrating how the attack was executed, Ibrahim said the operatives exploited periods when mosques were empty to plant the explosive devices.

“We came after Zuhur and Asr prayers when the mosque was empty. We entered pretending to pray. My colleague was digging to plant the IED in the middle of the mosque while I was digging by the side,” he said.

According to him, the devices were coupled and timed ahead of the Maghrib prayers.

“As Muslim faithful gathered to pray Maghrib, after the first raka’at, we detonated the bomb. We set the timing for five minutes. Shortly after, I ran to the market area,” he said.

The planned defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by his political godfather, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into confusion.

Multiple sources told Daily Trust that the governor’s decision is “irreversible”, even if it leads to a complete rupture with Kwankwaso, the movement’s founder who played a central role in Yusuf’s emergence as governor in 2023.

The looming defection has reopened old rivalries in Kano politics, raised questions about the future of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and reshaped calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Insiders said Governor Yusuf reached his decision after extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including members of the Kano State House of Assembly, local government chairmen and federal lawmakers from the state.

A senior aide to the governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the decision was driven largely by internal crises within the NNPP, which, according to him, could jeopardise Yusuf’s chances of securing a second term.

“The major reason is that the NNPP is no longer a viable platform because of the numerous litigations against it,” the source said.

“Even if the governor stays, Kwankwaso’s inner circle has decided he will not get the ticket. Their plan is to give the deputy governor the chance.”

The source further alleged that resistance to Yusuf’s re-election stems from fears that his growing profile and visible projects across the state could eclipse Kwankwaso’s legacy.

“They don’t want him to outshine Kwankwaso. His work is visible, and they don’t want him to continue,” he said.

On the state of relations between the governor and his political benefactor, the aide said the battle lines had already been drawn.

“Kwankwaso does not want this governor back. He wants a new one. If APC gives him the opportunity to replace the current governor, he will accept,” he claimed.

Contrary to speculations, the source said no specific date had been fixed for the defection, stressing that it could happen at any time.

“No date has been set. Any date you hear is speculation. But generally, it will happen,” he said.

Asked whether reconciliation was still possible, the source replied, “Who will facilitate it? Those who should mediate have taken sides. Everyone has decided.”


Movement splits into factions

The unfolding development has reportedly split the Kwankwasiyya Movement into two camps. The faction loyal to Kwankwaso is said to have the deputy governor, the party’s lone senator, two commissioners (commerce and science and technology), the political adviser to the governor and the NNPP state chairman.

On the other side are Governor Yusuf, 13 members of the House of Representatives, 23 commissioners, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, 19 state lawmakers and all 44 local government chairmen. This bloc is reportedly coordinated by the Speaker, the ALGON chairman and the governor’s director-general of protocol.

A former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, confirmed meeting with the governor on Sunday and said discussions were centred on Yusuf’s planned defection.

Rurum, now a member of the House of Representatives representing the Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency and who recently defected from NNPP to APC, said Kwankwaso did not feature in their discussions.

“Throughout our discussion, we never talked about Kwankwaso,” he said. “We discussed strategic issues around the governor’s defection, but nothing about Kwankwaso’s movement.”

While Kwankwaso reportedly held a closed-door meeting with the Speaker on Monday in a last-ditch effort to halt the defection, state lawmakers loyal to the governor were also scheduled to meet Yusuf to formally declare their support.

A source close to Kwankwaso said the former governor was deeply disappointed and initially struggled to believe Yusuf would openly defy him.

“That press conference by the NNPP chairman was Kwankwaso’s immediate response,” the source said.

“He still believes caution is needed so the movement is not destroyed. But from all the meetings Jagora (Kwankwaso) has had, it is obvious the defection is concluded. They are only hoping the governor reconsiders.”


How Kwankwaso, Yusuf fell apart

Sources said tensions between the two men predated Yusuf’s defection plan. Even before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, Kwankwaso was reportedly open to negotiating an alliance with the APC that would secure him a role in the federal government.

However, the talks collapsed after the presidency allegedly concluded that Kwankwaso’s demands were excessive and could position him too strongly among northern power brokers eyeing succession in 2031.

Following the breakdown, APC leaders reportedly shifted focus to Governor Yusuf through the Progressive Governors’ Forum, a move said to have angered Kwankwaso.

“He felt slighted that negotiations continued without him,” a source said. “He wanted all discussions to go through him as leader, not the governor.”

This rift, another source said, also contributed to the expulsion of Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa from the NNPP.

“Kwankwaso felt Kofa overstepped by engaging the president on his behalf. He believes his relationship with Tinubu is peer-to-peer and not something Kofa should manage,” the source said.
Another insider said the APC found Yusuf easier to deal with.

“What does the governor want? A guaranteed second term,” the source said. “But Kwankwaso wanted control of party structures, national appointments and influence over Kano and the North-West. That was too much.”


NNPP pleads for unity; Senator Hanga warns against betrayal

Meanwhile, the NNPP leadership in Kano has rejected the planned defection. State chairman Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa described the move as unacceptable, saying efforts were ongoing to persuade Yusuf and his allies to remain.

Appealing “for the sake of Allah and the Prophet”, Dungurawa urged members not to abandon the NNPP for the APC, which he said Kano voters had previously rejected.

He denied claims that party leaders were deliberately pitching the governor against Kwankwaso, insisting loyalty to the movement’s national leader remained intact.

Political observers, however, say Dungurawa’s resistance may be driven by fears of losing relevance should the governor defect with his cabinet.

NNPP’s only senator, Rufa’i Sani Hanga, also dismissed the defection reports as fabricated, warning that Kano voters “do not support betrayers.”

“Any true supporter of Abba will not support betraying Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” he said, questioning what APC could offer that justified abandoning NNPP.


Mixed reactions trail move Prominent

Kwankwasiyya activist Comrade Sule Ya’u Tariwa warned that signs of disunity could destabilise the movement. He urged both Kwankwaso and Yusuf to act with restraint and avoid advice that could prove costly.

Journalist Jaafar Jaafar also recalled Kwankwaso’s sacrifices for Yusuf, including financial support, stressing the depth of their past relationship.
Others argued that Kwankwaso risked political irrelevance if he returned to the APC but could preserve his legacy by keeping the NNPP intact.

While NNPP leaders plead for restraint, others have welcomed the development. Former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo described the move as “timely”, arguing that aligning Kano with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would attract federal support.

But APC chieftain Abdulmajid Dan Bilki Kwamanda dismissed the defection as a political plot by former APC national chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to block the governorship ambition of Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
“We know Ganduje will do everything to stop DSP Barau,” Kwamanda said, vowing resistance.

Analysts weigh implications

Kano-based analyst Dr Kabiru Sa’idu Sufi said Yusuf’s defection would dramatically alter political calculations.

“The governor’s incumbency carries weight, but it will also generate discontent,” he said, warning that the NNPP would be significantly weakened and the Kwankwasiyya Movement split.
He added that while APC is banking on governors ahead of 2027, incumbency alone does not guarantee victory.

This is not the first time Yusuf has been linked to APC. Since the Supreme Court ruling affirming his victory, he has reportedly encouraged Kwankwaso to join the ruling party.

Last year’s slogan, “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba, stand on your feet), reflected growing calls for independence, though Yusuf publicly reaffirmed loyalty to Kwankwaso at the time.

As Nigeria’s most populous state, Kano remains central to national politics. Yusuf’s defection could strengthen APC’s electoral calculus but deepen internal rivalries.

For NNPP, losing its only governor could reduce the party to a personal platform. For Kwankwasiyya, the move tests whether the movement can endure without power.

Dr Pedro Obaseki, a respected journalist and former Managing Director of DAAR Communications, was said to have been attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he allegedly suffered physical assault, intimidation and torture before being forcefully taken away.

Footage that has since gone viral on social media appears to show armed men escorting a visibly brutalised Dr Pedro, who had reportedly been stripped of his clothes, to the palace of the Oba of Benin. The video also shows some palace chiefs receiving the group on arrival.

Sources familiar with the incident claimed that the armed men were acting on instructions linked to the palace and were allegedly awaiting further directives before the victim’s release.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Obaseki described the incident as a serious breach of fundamental human rights and an affront to the rule of law.

He said: “I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.”

The former governor expressed shock and disappointment over the alleged involvement of the palace in what he described as a disgraceful act.

He added: “I am surprised that our monarch would stoop so low and allow his hands to be soiled in such an ignoble act. This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling.

“I call on security agencies to immediately investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible for this barbaric act and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law.

A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome, a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one no good.

“I urge human rights organisations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights.”

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Sunday said it has completed the main line to the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, on Sunday, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

Mr Ojulari said the purpose of his visit to Mr Tinubu was to update him on the 2025 performance of NNPC and to discuss the strategic priorities for 2026.

“We have been able to successfully complete the welding of the main line of the AKK gas pipeline. You remember sometime in summer, we were able to cross the River Niger which has been a struggle for many years.

“By completing this main line, what that means is that we can begin to make all the connections to the main line, which we will do in the earlier parts of next year,” Mr Ojulari said.

“And why that is very important is that it brings gas in its full form into the northern part of Nigeria. We’re looking at Kaduna, Kano, and also of course, Ajaokuta, and Abuja, where we begin to see industrialisation, industrial parks taking gas for gas-based industry, fertiliser plants, as well as generating power.”

The AKK pipeline can transport two billion standard cubic feet of natural gas per day to three proposed independent power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano, as well as other gas-based industries, and to other identified and proposed commercial off-takers along the entire pipeline route.

Since the flag-off of the project by former President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2020, NNPC Ltd. has recorded significant achievements, and the project is well on course to deliver on schedule.

Speaking further, Mr Ojulari said in 2026, NNPC will focus on increasing production.

“When we say increasing production, it sounds simple, but there’s a lot that goes into it. It means attracting the right investment to increase production, whether it’s oil or gas. And next year, we’re hoping to achieve at least 1.8 million barrels per day again, stepping up from where we are this year in terms of oil production, as well as a further increase in terms of gas production.

“We’re expecting more investment decisions to come through next year. Next year also, we’re looking at our portfolio as well, to rationalise our portfolio.

This is to ensure that we can do that in a way that we attract more investment for incremental production as well as more investment to develop all the fields that have been fallow for a very long time,” he added.

A United States congressman, Riley Moore, says President Donald Trump is focused on ending the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

Moore made this statement in a post via his verified X handle.

According to him, the bombardment of terrorist targets in Nigeria was meant to prevent the killing of Christians.

“We did this in coordination with the Nigerian government, which is very important to point out.

This isn’t the United States unilaterally doing this, we are doing this in coordination with the Nigerian government to help secure their country and end the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria,” he said.

DAILY POST reports that the US on Christmas Day launched airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Bauni forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The congressman said Christians in Nigeria were attacked by terrorists on Christmas Day in the last two years, adding that Trump gave the terrorists a taste of their own medicine by launching attacks against them.

“So, quite a bit different, the President is totally focused on this. He made that very clear in this attack and and this is a very good first step to addressing this issue,” he added.

“Obviously, President Trump has finally stood up to this and I do want to point out something very important: the last two Christmases, there has been a massacre of Christians in Nigeria.

“The tables have absolutely turned this year. The Islamic terrorists in Nigeria were the ones receiving that type of present this year,” he stated.

The US lawmaker stated that those against the air strikes are “playing to their Islamic radical base that they now have to appease for whatever reason.”

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced a “notable” improvement in power generation following the repair and restoration of the vandalised Lagos-Escravos gas supply infrastructure.

According to the statement by the Operator, the repair was carried out by the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), which it said had enhanced gas supply to several key thermal power plants across the country.

The update followed recent reports of poor power supply across the country.

NISO said the development is a positive step toward stabilising the electricity supply and improving grid reliability for consumers nationwide.

“Currently, gradual power offtake is being carried out by the affected plants to ensure a smooth recovery and maintain the stability of both the gas supply network and the national electricity grid.

“This measured approach is aimed at preventing system stress and ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to meet the needs of industries, businesses, and households.”

The statement added that other thermal power plants remain available and on standby, awaiting confirmation of gas supply from their respective suppliers.

“These plants will be integrated into the national grid to further strengthen generation capacity and reduce the risk of outages.

“NISO continues to work closely with relevant stakeholders, including power generation companies, gas suppliers, and regulatory bodies, to monitor developments and address any operational challenges in real time.

“The organization remains committed to sustaining these improvements and ensuring a reliable, efficient, and resilient power system that supports Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“NISO urges all consumers to continue practicing energy conservation where possible, as the coordinated efforts to stabilize power supply progress.”

The federal government has disclosed the exact locations targeted during the recent US-backed airstrikes in Nigeria. FG also clarified that the operation struck two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves in Sokoto state following growing public concern and political criticism.

The clarification comes amid speculation over civilian casualties and questions about Nigeria’s role in the joint military operation authorised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.


FG confirms ISIS enclaves as targets

In a statement issued on Friday, December 26, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the strikes were carried out against terrorist camps located within the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against two major Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist enclaves,” Idris said.

He explained that intelligence reports confirmed the locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS fighters infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, working alongside local affiliates.

According to the minister, the operation was conducted between 12:12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, December 26, after receiving explicit approval from President Tinubu.

“The operation was carried out under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Idris said.



Strikes launched from Gulf of Guinea platforms

The government disclosed that the strikes were launched from maritime platforms located in the Gulf of Guinea after extensive intelligence gathering and reconnaissance.

“A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms,” the statement said.

The government said the strikes successfully neutralised ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria through the Sahel corridor.


Debris lands in Kwara, Sokoto but no casualties recorded

Addressing reports of explosions outside the main strike zones, Idris confirmed that debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara state

“No civilian casualties were recorded in either location, and relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas,” he said.


FG assures Nigerians of control and commitment

Reassuring Nigerians, the minister said the Federal Government remains firmly in control of the country’s security architecture and committed to protecting lives and property.

“Nigeria remains fully aligned with its strategic partners and friends in executing coordinated actions aimed at ensuring lasting peace, border security and regional stability,” Idris said.

Amid the ongoing controversy regarding alleged discrepancies in Nigeria’s gazetted tax laws, the National Assembly has ordered the re-gazetting of the tax laws and the issuance of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the versions duly passed by both chambers.

The legislative arm said this is part of an ongoing institutional review of the legislative process.

Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said that the directive was jointly issued by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in the interest of clarity, accuracy and the integrity of the legislative record.

According to the House, the Clerk to the National Assembly has been mandated not only to re-gazette the Acts but also to issue Certified True Copies of the authenticated versions passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The laws in question are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.

The development follows revelations that provisions contained in the gazetted versions of the Acts differ materially from those passed by the National Assembly.

The alarm was first raised by a member of the House of Representatives, Abdulsamad Dasuki, who during a plenary session alleged discrepancies between tax laws passed by the
National Assembly and the versions subsequently gazetted and made available to the public.

He said his legislative rights had been breached because the content of the gazetted tax laws did not reflect what lawmakers debated and approved on the floor of the House.

The tax bills were passed by the House in February after months of debates, public hearings, and clause-by-clause consideration, and were later harmonised with the version passed by the Senate.

On 26 June, President Bola Tinubu signed the four bills into law.

Since then, opposition parties and civil society organisations have been calling for investigation into the matter.

This triggered the House to establish a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged discrepancies.

The committee is headed by Aliyu Betara, while members include Idris Wase, Sada Soli, Adedeji Faleke, Igariwey Iduma, Fred Agbedi and Babajimi Benson.

Rotimi explained that the move to re-gazette the tax reform laws passed by the National Assembly and to issue Certified True Copies (CTCs) is administrative in nature and intended to ensure that the official records available to the public accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly.

He said: “The Ad Hoc Committee, alongside other relevant committees of the National Assembly, working in collaboration with the Management of the National Assembly, is undertaking an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and to identify any factors that may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the legislative and administrative handling of the Acts.

“This includes a careful examination of any lapses, irregularities, or external interferences, should any be established. The review is being conducted in full conformity with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practice.

“In the course of this review, and in the interest of clarity, accuracy, and the integrity of the legislative record, the leadership of the National Assembly, under the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon.
Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly.

“This administrative step is intended solely to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly.”

He stressed that the review does not imply any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by either chamber, noting that it is strictly confined to institutional processes and procedures.

The statement added that the exercise is being conducted in line with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both chambers and established parliamentary practice, without prejudice to the powers of any other arm or agency of government.

Rotimi added: “This review is strictly confined to institutional processes and procedures. It does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by the House of Representatives or the Senate.

“It is undertaken without prejudice to the powers, functions, or actions of any other arm or agency of government, and without prejudice to any rights, obligations, or legal processes arising under the Constitution or any other applicable law.

“The House of Representatives, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, remains firmly committed to the principles of constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process, and the supremacy of the rule of law.

“Where procedural or administrative refinements are identified, appropriate corrective measures will be taken in accordance with the law and established parliamentary conventions.”
He urged Nigerians to respectfully allow the National Assembly’s institutional processes to proceed without speculation or conjecture.

“The leadership of the House of Representatives remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the faithful discharge of its constitutional responsibility as custodian of the legislative authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

Former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has urged communities affected by the airstrike carried out by the United States to remain calm.

Speaking on the development via a statement, Tambuwal hailed the military operation and commended the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

He disclosed that he is in talks with relevant security authorities to obtain full details on the situation.

His statement read, “I have noted the reports concerning an airstrike carried out as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts through cooperation between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States. I urge our communities to remain calm and law-abiding as relevant authorities clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation.

“I wish to assure the people of Sokoto South that I am in active talks with relevant security authorities to obtain full details and ensure that all necessary safeguards are upheld.

“It is important to reassure the public that counterterrorism operations are targeted at criminal and terrorist elements who threaten our collective safety, and not at innocent civilians who are themselves victims of insecurity. The protection of civilian lives remains paramount and remains central to all legitimate security operations.

“I commend the courage and professionalism of our military and security forces, who continue to work tirelessly, often in collaboration with international partners, to confront terrorism and banditry under extremely challenging conditions. Their sacrifice and commitment to restoring peace and stability deserve our full support and cooperation.

“I also call on community leaders, traditional institutions, and residents to continue working closely with security agencies by sharing credible information and resisting misinformation that could heighten fear or tension.

“Together, through unity, vigilance, and support for lawful security efforts, we will overcome the forces of terror and secure lasting peace for Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.”

Residents of Tangaza and Tambuwal Local Government Areas in Sokoto State have confirmed drone attacks carried out by the United States military on their communities.

The development has sparked fear and raised questions among locals, as some of the targeted areas were previously considered peaceful.

Residents of Tambuwal and Tangaza LGAs in Sokoto State recount panic and property damage following US drone strikes on suspected terrorist hideouts.
Daily Trust correspondent’s findings indicate that one of the airstrikes occurred in Jabo District of Tambuwal LGA, a community that has not been affected by insecurity in recent years.

Eyewitnesses said the incident caused widespread panic.

A resident recounted the moments leading to the explosion:

“We were seated when we noticed an object resembling a small aircraft approaching the community. Shortly after, we heard a loud explosion and saw a huge ball of fire. Everyone was terrified. People rushed out of their houses with their families and started running in different directions.”

According to the resident, some community members later went to the scene and discovered what appeared to be a bomb crater on farmland.

“It created a very large hole, and fire was still burning. We thank God it did not fall on our houses and nobody was injured. We recovered some metal fragments and plan to hand them over to local authorities for investigation.

The residents said they are puzzled by the airstrike on the community because Jabo is not facing any security challenges.

The last bandit attack we experienced was about two years ago, when some villages within our district were targeted,” the resident said.



My family and I were indoors

A medical practitioner who lives in the area, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the explosion occurred just a few metres behind her house, damaging the roof.

“It happened around 10 p.m. My family and I were indoors when we heard a loud blast behind the house. We rushed outside in fear. Later, we realised it was a drone strike. Thankfully, it did not hit our residence and no one was killed or injured, but we barely slept due to fear,” she added.



Tangaza residents confirm US strike

In Tangaza LGA, residents also confirmed attacks on locations believed to be hideouts of the Lakurawa group. A local government official, who requested anonymity, said the strikes occurred between 10 p.m. and midnight at Warriya and Alkasim villages.

“We are yet to ascertain the full impact of the attack, including whether there were civilian casualties. Security operatives are expected to visit the affected areas this morning to verify what happened,” the official said.


However, multiple sources, including local authorities, told Daily Trust that no airstrikes were recorded in the eastern part of Sokoto state, which has experienced banditry for over a decade.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigerian security agencies are working with major social media companies to identify and take down accounts used by terrorist and criminal groups to promote their activities and raise funds.

Speaking at an end-of-year briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X had been used by terrorists to publicise operations, display looted items and communicate with supporters.

According to him, security agencies have held several engagements with social media companies to address posts and accounts that pose threats to national security.

“The issue of social media platforms used by terrorist groups—if you knew how many accounts we took down. We have had several meetings with these social media platforms like: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X.

“They are businesses looking to grow their subscribers, but we engage them, explain the effects of certain posts on national security, and we take them down.

“There was a time when bandits would go on TikTok showing their loot. We took those accounts down—you don’t see that again. At some point, they were even doing live streams and holding conversations, but we’ve been able to handle all that.”

He noted that terrorist tactics continue to evolve, including the use of aliases and unverified accounts, adding that security agencies are constantly adapting to counter such developments.

Laka also said ransom payments remain a major source of terror financing, with point-of-sale operators increasingly exploited to move funds.
He explained that in many cases, ransom payments are transferred to accounts belonging to POS operators, who then release the cash to kidnappers, making tracking more difficult.

“You see a transfer made by terrorists, and when you investigate the account, it belongs to a POS operator. The kidnappers give out the POS operator’s number, the money is transferred, and they go to collect it,” he said.

The counter-terrorism chief said security agencies had intensified efforts to track ransom payments, arrest those involved and disrupt terror financing networks, but stressed that operational details could not be made public for security reasons.

He revealed that several arrests and prosecutions had been carried out in connection with ransom payments and terrorism financing, adding that asset recoveries and seizures form part of Nigeria’s compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.

Laka said the country’s recent progress in meeting the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force was partly due to coordinated investigations by a joint committee involving security agencies, financial intelligence units and the judiciary.

While acknowledging the challenges posed by evolving terror tactics and porous borders in the Sahel region, he assured Nigerians that security agencies would continue to strengthen both physical and digital counter-terrorism efforts.

He said,“Towards the end of 2023, the security situation in Nigeria was improving. But after the coups in some Sahel countries, the situation worsened because these terrorist groups have connections across the region.

“So Nigeria has to play a leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel to address these threats. As long as those countries continue to face these challenges, Nigeria will also face them. We are doing our best, and we will not relent. In 2026, we are going to up our game.”

Social media has increasingly been used by criminal groups to spread propaganda, showcase illicit activities and communicate within their networks.

The removal of these accounts follows repeated calls for platforms hosting content that promotes or supports such activities to take them down.

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally concluded the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, bringing a long-running industrial relations crisis to an end after over 16 years of stalled talks.

ASUU disclosed this in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, noting that the agreement was reached on December 23, 2025, after prolonged negotiations between both parties.

The union added that the agreement would be reviewed every three years.

According to ASUU, the renegotiated agreement is centred on improved welfare for university lecturers and enhanced funding for public universities, aimed at stabilising the country’s higher education system.

A major highlight of the deal is a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff, alongside significantly improved pension benefits.

Under the new terms, professors will earn pensions equivalent to their full annual salaries upon retirement at the statutory age of 70 years, a provision the union described as a major step towards ensuring dignity in retirement for senior academics.

The agreement also introduces a new funding framework for public universities, with dedicated allocations for critical areas such as research, libraries, laboratories, equipment and staff development.

In addition, it proposes the establishment of a National Research Council to fund research with a minimum of one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

It also confirmed that there is stronger university autonomy and academic freedom form a core part of the agreement, alongside provisions for elected academic leadership at the level of deans and provosts, positions to be occupied strictly by professors.

The agreement also guarantees that no member of the union will be victimised for their role in the prolonged struggle.

Confirming the development, an ASUU source said the agreement marked a major breakthrough for the university system after years of uncertainty.

“This is the outcome of sustained engagement and sacrifice by our members. It addresses salary, pension, funding, autonomy and governance as well as the election of academic leaders, including deans and provosts, a process restricted to professors.issues that have crippled Nigerian universities for years,” the source said.

The union also called on the government to extend negotiations to other university-based unions, stressing that inclusive engagement was necessary to promote lasting stability in the Nigerian university system.

The source added that ASUU expects prompt implementation by the Federal Government to avoid a repeat of past failures.

“Our expectation is full and timely implementation. Government must demonstrate sincerity this time, while extending similar negotiations to other university unions to ensure lasting stability in the system,” the source stated.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), with money laundering.

Malami will face a 16-count charge.

The EFCC charged him under Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended and punishable under Section 15(3).

He is charged along with his son, Abdulaziz, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Bashir Asabe.

In the charge, the first in three series, Malami was alleged to have laundered about ₦9billion to buy choice houses in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and others.

The ex-AGF is to account for how he came about 30 houses, valued at ₦212.8billion.

They were reportedly mostly acquired during his eight years in office while serving in the government of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The EFCC may invoke the Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture clause of its Establishment Act to seize some of the properties.

It has a 14-day window to ask anyone interested to show cause as to why the assets should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The anti-graft commission is awaiting a date from the Federal High Court, Abuja, for the commencement of the trial.

The charge sheet was dated December 23rd, 2025.

In what appears a mother of all trials, those who will prosecute Malami are Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) and Ekene Iheanacho (SAN), leading 14 other lawyers.

No fewer than 10 witnesses have been frontloaded to the court in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

The 16 charges were revealing of how Malami engaged Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to launder funds.

The charge sheet read in part, “That you Abubakar Malami SAN, and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami between July 2022 and June, 2025 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did procure Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of the total sum of ₦1, 014, 848, 500.00 (One Billion, Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) in the Sterling Bank Plc Account No. 0079182387 when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum formed proceeds of unlawful activities and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(c) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

"That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami between September 2020 and February, 2021in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did procure Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of the total sum of ₦600,013,460.4 in the Sterling Bank Plc Account No. 0079182387 when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum formed proceeds of unlawful activitiesand you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.

"That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami sometime in March, 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the total sum of ₦600,000,000.00 in Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited as cash collateral for a loan of ₦500,000,000.00 granted to RAYHAAN HOTELS LTD by Sterling Bank Plc when you reasonably ought to have known that the said cash collateral of ₦600,000,000.00 was proceed of unlawful activities and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amendedpunishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.

"That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami sometime in March, 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the total sum of ₦600,000,000.00 in Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited as cash collateral for a loan of ₦500,000,000.00 granted to RAYHAAN HOTELS LTD by Sterling Bank Plc when you reasonably ought to have known that the said cash collateral of ₦600,000,000.00 was proceed of unlawful activities and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amendedpunishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.

“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited sometime in November, 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did indirectly disguise the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of ₦500,000,000.00 paid to Efab Properties Ltd paid for purchase of property known as luxury duplex at Amazon street, Plot No. 3011 within Cadastral Zone A06 Maitama District, Abuja in favour of Abubakar Malami SAN when you reasonably ought to have known that the said ₦500million formed proceed of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2) (a) and punishable under section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”