₦airaland Forum

Lawal Daura, a former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Tuesday, January 6, declared his intention to run for the Katsina state governorship election in 2027.

Speaking on Tuesday, Daura said he would soon announce the political party of his choice to contest the election.

“I have been making consultations on the platform to use to contest, and the consultations have been concluded. Very soon, I will make the platform known,” he said.

He said the current administration in Katsina has failed to address insecurity and other challenges affecting residents in the state.

“Why do people serve for one or two terms? If they get it right, fine. But if the reverse is the case, then there is no point in seeking re-election. It is obvious the current governor is not capable,” he said.

“It is like putting a load on somebody and adjusting it. If he complains that the load is too heavy, you must lower it to avoid damaging fragile items.

“For the current administration, we can say thank you for your efforts, but you should take a break because you can’t continue.

“I never saw myself coming out to contest. I admire politics, but I only participated from the background. I have been interested in politics since the time of late Shehu Shagari.

“The nature of our job at the SSS brought me into close contact with politicians, but I never envisaged seeking political office.

“The security challenge is not peculiar to Katsina, but it has lingered for too long. Some prominent indigenes of Katsina state, who are perturbed by the current situation, deliberated and felt that, as one of their sons, I should throw my hat into the ring to help salvage the situation.”

Daura said a call to service should be accepted unless it is beyond one’s capacity, adding that he received the call because he did not see anyone better suited for it.

He served as DSS DG from July 2, 2015, to August 7, 2018.

Daura was sacked on August 12, 2018, by Nigeria’s then-acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, following a security siege at the national assembly.

Akwa Ibom state governor, Umo Eno, on Monday, January 5, signed the ₦1.584 trillion 2026 appropriation bill into law.

The budget allocates ₦416.59 billion to recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.167 trillion is set aside for capital projects.

Speaking after signing the appropriation bill during the enlarged state executive council meeting at the exco chambers, government house on Monday, Eno commended the synergy between the house of assembly and the executive arm of government.

The governor, who attributed the collaboration to the numerous achievements recorded in the state last year, urged members of the council to be ready for total commitment and passion in service delivery, warning that no excuse would be tolerated for non-performance.

“We all must rededicate ourselves to delivering our tasks promptly and decisively. This year is not a year for excuses. It is a year for action,” Eno said.

“Let us endeavour to break all barriers, go the extra mile to deliver. And when we deliver, we can sit back and celebrate. We can then be recognised.”

Earlier, the speaker of the house of assembly, Udeme Otong, lauded the governor for his transparency and collaborative approach to governance, insisting that the house of assembly is appreciative of the results achieved by his government.

“You have implemented over 80% of the 2025 budget, and the house of assembly is ready to continue collaborating with the executive, so other people will continue to be happy to have you as their governor,” Otong said.

Speaking after the budget-signing exercise, commissioner for budget and economic planning, Linus Nkan, flanked by the commissioner for information, Aniekan Umanah, said, “Today at EXCO, we witnessed the signing of the 2026 budget, which was passed by the state house of assembly late last year. The 2026 budget, which was presented to the house of assembly on the 25th of November, 2025, had a total budget size of N1.39trn.

“After subjecting the budget to scrutiny in the state house of assembly, where all the MDAs appeared for defence, a whole lot of adjustments were made by the various MDAs, and that adjustment led to an increase in the budget size by the sum of N194 billion, and that increased the total budget size to 1,584,000,000 Naira for the 2026 budget.

“The recurrent expenditure total is 416.5 billion, as against N354 billion originally proposed. Whereas the capital expenditure increased to N1,167 trillion from the original N1,035 trillion.

“We have today, a total budget size of 1,584,271,856,630 Naira to run with for the 2026 fiscal year, and hopefully it is going to stimulate and drive development of our economy.”

In November, Eno presented a N1.39 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 financial year titled “The people’s budget of expansion and growth.”

The budget presented marks a 16 per cent decrease (N260bn) from the revised 2025 budget.

The Yobe State Government has donated ₦20 million to victims and families affected by the deadly boat accident in Nguru Local Government Area that claimed 29 lives, describing the tragedy as an act of God.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy, Idi Barde-Gubana, visited the community to express the state’s condolences and reassure residents of government support. He described the tragedy as a profound loss not only to the affected families but also to Nguru LGA and Yobe State at large.

As part of immediate relief efforts, the government approved financial assistance of ₦500,000 for each family that lost a loved one, while survivors of the accident received ₦200,000 each. The total cash support amounted to ₦20 million, alongside food items provided to ease the hardship faced by the victims.

The delegation accompanying the deputy governor included the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Mallam-Wali; a member of the House of Representatives representing the area, Tijjani Zanna-Zakariya; and the Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Ya’u Dachia, among other senior officials from the zone.

“This incident that happened here is an act of God, and no one can change it. The governor has assured that henceforth all the boat drivers in riverine areas will be trained on the modern techniques of driving, and the government will provide life jackets to the areas using boats,” Barde-Gubana said in Hausa.

“Also, those who lost their lives, a token of ₦500,000 cash would be given to each of their families, and those who have been rescued would receive ₦N200,000 each.

“Similarly, the State Emergency Management Agency has been directed to provide food assistance to the 52 victims of the boat accident,” he added.

The state government reiterated its commitment to improving water transport safety in riverine communities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has accused certain political leaders of misleading Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaking to supporters in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Wike stressed that agreements reached before President Bola Tinubu, following the protracted crisis in Rivers State, must be honoured.

He alleged that Governor Fubara failed to adhere to the accord, which was formally signed by key stakeholders, including former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, leaders of major political parties, and other top officials.

The minister further accused some political actors of deliberately spreading misinformation after endorsing the agreement, describing such actions as irresponsible and capable of destabilising the polity.

“People think they can just say anything in politics and it will not matter. It matters. If it did not matter yesterday, it will matter today, and if not today, it will matter tomorrow,” he said.

Wike emphasized that the agreement had been collectively endorsed, with all parties freely signing before later contradicting the position they had earlier accepted.

Describing Rivers State as a critical political force in the South-South, he urged political leaders to speak the truth, particularly on sensitive matters affecting peace and stability in the state.

The former Rivers State governor also recalled attempts by some factions to dismantle the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, structure in the state during a past convention, noting that those efforts ultimately failed and collapsed. He said subsequent political developments in the state have confirmed the futility of such moves.

Reaffirming his commitment to equity, fairness, and justice, Wike said his political decisions have always been guided by principle rather than personal interest or party loyalty. He commended the people of Ogu/Bolo for their steadfast support over the years, particularly during challenging political moments.

Wike also praised President Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented appointments of Rivers State indigenes to key federal positions, saying the President has demonstrated sincerity and commitment by honouring agreements reached with stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress, George Sekibo, criticised Governor Fubara, calling him ungrateful and declaring support for Wike. He added that Ijaw leaders would work to ensure the Governor is not re-elected.

Executive Director of Finance at the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Boma Iyaye, assured Wike of the continued support of Ogu/Bolo residents and praised him for facilitating key appointments and local development.

Earlier, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Vincent Nemieboka, highlighted several developmental projects brought to the area by Wike and assured the minister of the loyalty of the council and the people.

The meeting, attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, chiefs, and other stakeholders, featured cultural and traditional displays to welcome the FCT Minister and his entourage.

The presidency on Monday, January 5, clarified that a photograph showing president Bola Ahmed Tinubu with Rwandan president Paul Kagame in Paris, France, is genuine and not generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that Grok was used to enhance its quality.

The clarification was made on Monday by the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Temitope Ajayi, following widespread media reports and social media commentary questioning the authenticity of the image.

According to the presidency, the picture, which was shared by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on his Facebook page, is genuine and was taken during an official engagement between the two leaders in Paris on Sunday.

“The narrative that the picture of presidents Bola Tinubu and Paul Kagame taken in Paris yesterday was AI-generated is not correct,” Ajayi said.

“The media reports, and social media comments that followed are misrepresentations of facts.”

Ajayi explained that presidents Tinubu and Kagame met in Paris on Sunday, where they had lunch together before later joining French president Emmanuel Macron for dinner the same evening.

He clarified that the photograph in question was taken with a mobile phone, which affected its initial quality.

According to him, the image was later enhanced using digital tools to improve clarity, but this did not make it an AI-generated image.

“The picture is real and not AI-generated as claimed. The photographer later used Grok to improve the picture quality. That is not a reason to conclude it was AI-generated,” he added.

Ajayi criticised the reports that described the image as fake, noting that journalists and editors should have sought clarification before drawing such conclusions.

“The writer or editor should have asked questions before this wrong conclusion,” he said.

The presidency urged the media and members of the public to exercise caution and verify information before circulating claims that could mislead the public.

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, January 5, announced a cabinet reshuffle, appointing a new Secretary to the State Government (SSG) alongside other changes in his administration.

According to a statement by his special adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor relieved professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo of her appointment as the SSG with immediate effect.

In her place, professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde was moved from the ministry of environment and natural resources to become the new SSG.

It was further stated in the statement that Temilolu Seun Ashamu has been moved from the ministry of environment and natural resources to replace Babatunde in the ministry of budget and economic planning.

Also, governor Makinde announced his senior special assistant on public works, Ademola Aderinto, as a commissioner-designate.

He will consequently be presented to the Oyo state house of assembly for screening.

The statement also announced the appointment of Honourable Abiodun Adedoja as special adviser on energy security and Kolawole Elijah Akanmu as senior special assistant on budget and economic planning.

Fire engulfed the Police Mobile Force (PMF) squadron 13 facility in Makurdi, Benue state, on Sunday, January 4th, destroying the unit’s armoury.

The incident occurred at the PMF complex located around the Old Government Reservation Area (GRA), close to the Makurdi branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), triggering panic among residents due to repeated explosions believed to have come from stored ammunition.

The Benue state police command spokesperson, Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, but is yet to issue a comprehensive briefing.

Eyewitnesses said the inferno started at about 3:00 a.m. from the rear section of the building and spread rapidly to other parts of the facility.

Critical areas affected included the armoury and the office of the squadron commander.

Residents of the neighbourhood were jolted awake by loud explosions as ammunition stored in the armoury ignited, creating fear and confusion in the area.

“The fire triggered serious panic in the area because you could hear loud sounds of ammunition exploding.

“People were scared and didn’t know what was happening,” an eyewitness said.

Although the exact cause of the fire had not been officially determined, residents speculated that it may have resulted from an electrical fault or power surge from the public electricity supply.

Personnel of the Benue state fire service were later deployed to the scene and battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.

There were no immediate reports of casualties as investigations into the incident continue

The federal government on Tuesday, December 22, in Abuja, reaffirmed its commitment to implement the newly enacted tax laws from January 1, insisting that the version signed into law remains unchanged.

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified amid public controversy over reports that the gazetted copy of the Tax Administration Act had been altered.

Idris said the laws followed the proper legislative route, including consultations, debates at the national assembly and eventual assent by the President, stressing that the administration recognises only one authentic version.

“Government is going ahead with commencement of implementation, noting as changed,” Idris said.

He explained that concerns about possible discrepancies in the gazette were raised at the National Assembly and that the executive would rely on the outcome of the legislature’s probe.

He said, “I think it is important for us to wait for the national assembly to look at this again to tell us whether there were discrepancies or not.

“This is, at this point, an affair of the national assembly to which I have no jurisdiction, and I have no authority to speak about.

“As far as the government of Nigeria is concerned, there’s only one version of that tax document.”

He spoke while reviewing the performance of the Tinubu administration in 2025, outlining achievements as well as challenges faced during the year.

His stance was supported by the chairman of the presidential fiscal policy and tax reforms committee, Taiwo Oyedele, and the immediate past executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami, who both urged Nigerians to ignore unofficial documents in circulation.

Oyedele warned against drawing conclusions from unverified copies of the law, noting that there was confusion about what constituted the final version approved by lawmakers.

He explained that only the harmonised document certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly and transmitted to the President could be regarded as binding.

He said, “The official harmonised bills certified by the clerk, which the National Assembly sent to the President, we don’t have a copy to compare. Only the lawmakers can say authoritatively what was sent.

“Even I cannot say that I have it. I only have what was presented to Mr President to sign.”

Addressing widespread claims about a controversial clause, particularly Section 41(, which suggested a requirement for a 20 per cent deposit, Oyedele said the provision had been misunderstood.

“I know that particular provision is not in the final gazette, but it was in the draft gazette,” he said.

He disclosed that after reaching out to the house of representatives committee handling the matter, he was informed that no formal decision had been taken, attributing the confusion to premature actions by unidentified individuals.

“Some people decided that they should write the report of the committee before the committee had met, and it had circulated everywhere,” Oyedele said.

Urging patience, he maintained that the circulating document did not originate from the committee set up by the house and called on the public to allow lawmakers to conclude their inquiry.

The federal government on Monday, December 22, designated kidnappers and violent armed groups as terrorists as part of intensified efforts to curb abductions, attacks on farmers, and rising community violence across the country.

The announcement was made by information minister Mohammed Idris at the end-of-the-year press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

This signals a shift from treating mass kidnappings and rural attacks as ordinary crimes to confronting them with full counterterrorism measures.

Idris said the new designation gives security agencies broader authority to pursue, disrupt, and dismantle criminal groups terrorising communities.

“Henceforth, any armed group or individual that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, and terrorises our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist,” the minister said.

He added that the policy shift would strengthen intelligence sharing and operational coordination across security and intelligence agencies, enabling faster and more decisive responses.

Highlighting recent progress, Idris disclosed that improved collaboration had already yielded results.

“In 2025, two of the most internationally wanted criminals were captured through the coordination of our security agencies and those in the intelligence community,” he said.

The tougher stance comes amid growing concern over the use of forests and remote rural areas by kidnappers, bandits, and insurgent groups as safe havens, particularly in farming and border communities.

According to the minister, the forest guard initiative is intended to close these gaps by combining surveillance, local intelligence, and rapid-response capabilities in hard-to-reach areas.

“Trained and equipped forest guards will be deployed to secure our forests and other vulnerable locations,” Idris said, stressing that criminal groups would no longer enjoy ungoverned spaces.

The move builds on earlier efforts to boost inter-agency coordination and strengthen territorial control beyond major cities.

By designating kidnappers as terrorists, the government signals zero tolerance for abductions and rural violence while expanding security forces’ powers.

The deployment of forest guards is expected to disrupt criminal supply routes, dismantle camps hidden in forests, and reassure farming communities affected by insecurity.

The federal government on Monday, December 22, declared Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Christmas, boxing day, and new year celebrations, respectively.

The minister of interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, extended warm Christmas and new year felicitations to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, as well as to all Nigerians as they celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged Christians to reflect on the virtues of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice as exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ, noting that these values are critical to promoting unity, tolerance, and harmony in the nation.

The minister further called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation, to use the festive season to pray for the peace, security, and continued progress of the country, while supporting the federal government’s efforts towards national development and cohesion.

“The Christmas season and the new year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building,” the minister stated.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also enjoined citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and moderate in their celebrations, while cooperating with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe festive period.

The minister wishes all Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Supreme Court to challenge a ruling of the Court of Appeal in a legal dispute involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly.

The case is linked to the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership.

The appeal follows a judgment delivered on November 28 by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in suit number CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025.

The suspension decision was later overturned by the appellate court.

Akpabio is contesting the Court of Appeal’s decision to deny him permission to rely on his brief of argument, which exceeded the 35-page limit stipulated under the court’s rules.

He is also challenging the refusal of the court to allow him file a replacement brief that would comply with the prescribed page limit.

In the notice of appeal filed on his behalf by a legal team led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Akpabio argued that the appellate court’s actions violated his constitutional right to fair hearing.

He cited section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees fair hearing in the determination of civil rights and obligations.

Akpabio further claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s brief of argument did not comply with the Court of Appeal’s formatting requirements, which specify font size 14 and 1.5 line spacing.

According to him, the respondent allegedly used font size 12 with single spacing, a deviation that enabled the brief to fall within the 35-page limit.

He maintained that the respondent did not seek the court’s permission to depart from the stipulated rules.

Akpabio also faulted the respondent’s notice of appeal, describing it as fundamentally defective, a development that led him to file a notice of preliminary objection.

He explained that under Order 10 Rule 1 of the Court of Appeal Rules, a preliminary objection must be argued within the brief of argument, making it necessary for him to file a longer brief to accommodate both the objection and the substantive appeal.

The Senate President said he filed a motion on November 6, requesting leave to submit a brief exceeding 35 pages due to the complexity and significance of the issues raised.

He relied on Order 19 Rule 6(a) of the Court of Appeal Rules, which empowers the court to allow longer briefs where circumstances demand.

Despite this, Akpabio said the appellate court declined his request and went ahead to hear the appeal, a move he described as discriminatory, given that the respondent’s allegedly non-compliant brief was accepted.

“The court below sacrificed justice on the altar of speed,” the appeal stated.

“The lower court erred in law and breached the Appellant’s right to a fair hearing when it refused to grant the Appellant the opportunity to file another brief of argument within the 25-page limit.”

Akpabio argued that there was no urgency warranting the refusal to allow him refile his brief and maintained that the decisionto resulted in a miscarriage of justice.

He urged the Supreme Court to allow his appeal, set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, nullify the proceedings conducted on November 28, 2025, and overturn the final judgment that arose from those proceedings.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, December 18, renewed his push for the creation of state police, revealing that he had assured the United States (U.S) and European partners that he would implement state police.

He stressed that state police must happen as part of efforts to improve internal security and strengthen governance at the subnational level.

Tinubu spoke at the 14th national caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the state house conference centre, Abuja, where he also insisted that local government autonomy must work in practical terms, urging governors to stop withholding funds meant for council chairpersons.

The president’s comments came amid rising security pressures across the country, renewed calls for decentralised policing, and the push to implement the supreme court judgment on local government autonomy and direct allocation to councils.

Tinubu told party leaders that the APC, as the majority party, must show leadership through reconciliation, accommodation, and flexibility at the grassroots level, as he urged governors and other stakeholders to take responsibility for what happens in their states and local governments.

He said he recently held discussions with foreign partners and assured them that Nigeria would move towards state policing, adding that he was confident the APC would deliver the required backing.

“I had a very long discussion with them. US and European partners, and I was bragging to them that we will definitely pass a state police bill to improve security.

“They asked me if I’m confident, and I said, ‘Yes, I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen,’ and if at this level we fail, God forbid, we will not fail,” Tinubu said.

The president argued that the responsibility for political reconciliation and internal party cohesion rested with leaders at all levels, stressing that flexibility and tolerance were essential for stability and progress.

He also called attention to the recent supreme court judgment on local government autonomy, urging party leaders to support its implementation and use it to strengthen grassroots governance.

According to the president, autonomy would be meaningless if councils were not adequately funded, insisting that allocations meant for local governments must go directly to them.

“Look at the recent supreme court judgment, what can we do with it, and how well we can position our country and our party?

“To me, the local government autonomy, it is and must be effective.

“There is no autonomy without a funded mandate; give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance of the supreme court,” Tinubu insisted.

The President’s remarks on council funding came amid allegations against governors controlling or diverting local government allocations through state joint accounts, a practice long criticised by local government officials and civil society groups as undermining grassroots development.

The president urged party leaders to take leadership “seriously,” arguing that strong governance at the local level would help stabilise communities.

He also offered condolences to Bayelsa state following the death of the deputy governor.

He commiserated with the people while calling for prayers for Nigeria.

Tinubu further appealed for greater inclusion of women in party leadership and participation, urging stakeholders to make provisions that would bring more women into the fold.

The senate on Friday, December 19, confirmed the appointments of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The confirmations were announced at plenary following the consideration and adoption of a report by the joint senate committees on petroleum resources (Upstream, Downstream, and Gas), which screened the nominees.

These appointments follow the resignations on Wednesday, December 17, of the previous heads: Engineer Farouk Ahmed from the NMDPRA, amid corruption allegations levelled against him by Dangote Group chairman Aliko Dangote.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also announced the resignation of Gbenga Komolafe from the NUPRC.

He stated that president Bola Tinubu had promptly written to the senate requesting expedited confirmation of the new nominees.

The presidency describes them as “seasoned professionals” in the oil and gas industry.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is holding a closed-door meeting with the two warring factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today, Friday, December 19, at its headquarters in Abuja to address the party’s leadership crisis.

The meeting brought together the faction led by Tanimu Turaki and the group headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which is backed by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Turaki attended the meeting alongside members of his National Working Committee (NEC), secretariat staff, and former Niger state governor, Babangida Aliyu, while Mohammed was accompanied by members of his national caretaker committee, including its secretary, senator Sam Anyanwu.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, the INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the intervention became necessary following a series of conflicting correspondence received from the party.

“This meeting has become necessary because we have received several correspondence from various sides requesting one thing or the other.

“And we are aware that INEC is charged statutorily under the act and under the Constitution to monitor the activities of political parties,” Amupitan said.

He noted that the intervention was also informed by preparations for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council (FCTA) elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, as well as the governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states slated for June and July 2026, respectively.

“And as a build-up to these elections, we have issued our own schedule of activities to all the political parties. And we are on course to ensure that we have a very smooth election at the area council of FCT and at Ekiti and Osun states,” he said.

“We have received conflicting correspondence from the PDP, and we felt that rubbing minds together would be a good opportunity for us to forge the way forward concerning the elections.

“And I’m happy that this morning we have the very top officials that are present here so that we can discuss as a family and see how the issues can be resolved, and we move forward.”

The INEC chairman stressed that the commission’s actions were guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its internal regulations, assuring the factions of its neutrality.

“So we are mindful of the need for us to maintain the sanctity of the Constitution of Nigeria. Actually, INEC sits on a tripod, comprising three legal regimes: the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the regulations that have been made. So, we are determined to ensure that we follow the provisions of the various laws, the Constitution, and the regulations that we have made.

“So without much ado, I want to welcome all of you, and I request that we should have very, very frank discussions to ensure that we can achieve the objective of this meeting,” he said.

Following the opening remarks, the meeting proceeded into a closed-door session.

The meeting is expected to yield recommendations on resolving the PDP’s

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, December 18, renewed his push for the creation of state police, revealing that he had assured the United States (U.S) and European partners that he would implement state police.

He stressed that state police must happen as part of efforts to improve internal security and strengthen governance at the subnational level.

Tinubu spoke at the 14th national caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the state house conference centre, Abuja, where he also insisted that local government autonomy must work in practical terms, urging governors to stop withholding funds meant for council chairpersons.

The president’s comments came amid rising security pressures across the country, renewed calls for decentralised policing, and the push to implement the supreme court judgment on local government autonomy and direct allocation to councils.

Tinubu told party leaders that the APC, as the majority party, must show leadership through reconciliation, accommodation, and flexibility at the grassroots level, as he urged governors and other stakeholders to take responsibility for what happens in their states and local governments.

He said he recently held discussions with foreign partners and assured them that Nigeria would move towards state policing, adding that he was confident the APC would deliver the required backing.

“I had a very long discussion with them. US and European partners, and I was bragging to them that we will definitely pass a state police bill to improve security.

“They asked me if I’m confident, and I said, ‘Yes, I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen,’ and if at this level we fail, God forbid, we will not fail,” Tinubu said.

The president argued that the responsibility for political reconciliation and internal party cohesion rested with leaders at all levels, stressing that flexibility and tolerance were essential for stability and progress.

He also called attention to the recent supreme court judgment on local government autonomy, urging party leaders to support its implementation and use it to strengthen grassroots governance.

According to the president, autonomy would be meaningless if councils were not adequately funded, insisting that allocations meant for local governments must go directly to them.

“Look at the recent supreme court judgment, what can we do with it, and how well we can position our country and our party?

“To me, the local government autonomy, it is and must be effective.

“There is no autonomy without a funded mandate; give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance of the supreme court,” Tinubu insisted.

The President’s remarks on council funding came amid allegations against governors controlling or diverting local government allocations through state joint accounts, a practice long criticised by local government officials and civil society groups as undermining grassroots development.

The president urged party leaders to take leadership “seriously,” arguing that strong governance at the local level would help stabilise communities.

He also offered condolences to Bayelsa state following the death of the deputy governor.

He commiserated with the people while calling for prayers for Nigeria.

Tinubu further appealed for greater inclusion of women in party leadership and participation, urging stakeholders to make provisions that would bring more women into the fold.

Lagos Government Announces Traffic Diversion Ahead Of Autofest

The Lagos state government on Thursday, December 19, announced a temporary traffic diversion ahead of the seventh road edition of the Lagos autofest 2025 race, scheduled for Sunday, December 21.

In a traffic advisory issued by the Lagos state ministry of transportation on X, the government said vehicular movement would be restricted around Inner Marina, Marina road, and Kakawa street on Lagos Island between 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. to ensure a smooth and hitch-free race.

According to the advisory, there will be a temporary road closure along the race routes: Marina road (UBA), Kakawa street, Balabina street, Broad Street, Issah Williams street, Broad street, returning to Inner Marina, which serves as the endpoint of the race.

The ministry added that all junctions and intersections from Marina Road (UBA) to Broad street (Inner Marina) will be cordoned off with road barriers to restrict access to the main race corridor.

The state government urged motorists to exercise patience, noting that traffic management agencies, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos state neighbourhood corps, will be deployed to manage traffic along the affected routes.

This, it said, is aimed at ensuring orderly traffic control with minimal disruption to overall traffic flow.

A house of representatives committee on Wednesday, December 17, in Abuja, said that plans are underway to review all of Nigeria’s treaties, agreements, and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with foreign partners.

Over the years, poorly negotiated agreements have exposed Nigeria to significant financial, legal, and strategic risks.

Speaking on Wednesday, Rabiu Yusuf, chairman of the house committee on treaties, protocols and agreements, said the exercise will safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and economic security.

Yusuf, who was flanked by members of the committee, said the comprehensive review will strengthen accountability and ensure that every treaty reflects the national interest.

“Nigeria must not be bound by agreements that compromise her sovereignty, undermine her economic stability, or place undue liabilities on future generations,” he said.

Yusuf described the planned review as one of the most critical national exercises in recent history, noting that the exercise will cover agreements across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, finance, power, transportation, ICT, aviation, ports, environment, and security.

He said particular attention will be paid to compliance with section 12 of the constitution regarding treaty domestication, as well as procurement processes, arbitration clauses, loan conditions, collateralisation risks, and local content obligations.

The lawmaker said the committee will send letters to 53 key stakeholders, including federal ministries, agencies, regulators, state governments, Chinese companies, foreign contractors, development partners, and financial institutions.

Yusuf said a nationwide public awareness campaign, featuring full-page newspaper notices and televised announcements, has been launched to inform Nigerians about the purpose and importance of the investigation.

To support the technical and legal rigour of the exercise, he said the committee has engaged consultants who will conduct forensic treaty analysis, legal and financial risk evaluation, stakeholder mapping, documentation review, and digital treaty tracking.

“This is not a political exercise. It is a constitutional and patriotic duty undertaken in the interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We call on all ministries, agencies, companies, and partners to cooperate fully with the committee,” Yusuf said.

He warned that failure to comply with requests for documents would result in the committee invoking its constitutional powers under sections 88 and 89 of the constitution to issue arrest warrants for defaulters.

“Every international agreement affects everyday life, including job creation, trade, taxes, infrastructure, and foreign investment. Poorly negotiated agreements can weaken our economy, increase debt, or even threaten strategic national assets,” he said.

Yusuf said Nigeria will no longer sign agreements in the dark, adding that the committee will protect the nation’s sovereignty by ensuring every treaty is scrutinised before approval.

Former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has officially retired from international football, closing a remarkable chapter in Nigerian football history.

The 33-year-old announced this on Wednesday, December 17, via his instagram account, reflecting on a journey that began when he was a teenager juggling call-ups to Nigeria’s U-20, U-23, and senior national teams.

During his career, Musa earned 111 caps, a national record, and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.

“I wore this badge with pride for 15 years.

“From a 17-year-old boy answering every call to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances.

“AFCON champion, Nigeria’s highest world cup goalscorer.

“Captain, servant, believer, I gave everything.

“Thank you, Nigeria, my heart will always beat green,” he wrote.

Musa became the first Nigerian to score twice in a single world cup match, netting against Argentina in 2014, and later became the first to score in two different world cups, adding a goal against Iceland in 2018.

In total, Musa scored four world cup goals, making him Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer on the global stage.

“Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out.

“Scoring at the world cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I will always carry with me,” he said.

Musa thanked teammates, coaches, support staff, football administrators, and fans for their support throughout his career.

Musa currently serves as the general manager of Kano Pillars football club ahead of the 2025-2026 season.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) announced on Tuesday, December 16, in Abuja, that depositors of Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc will be paid insured deposits of up to N2 million per depositor, following the closure and liquidation of the two banks.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the corporation following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s revocation of the licences of the mortgage banks.

The CBN on Tuesday, announced the revocation of the operational licences of Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc as part of efforts to reposition the mortgage subsector and strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements.

The revocation was disclosed in a statement signed by the acting director of the corporate communications department of the CBN, Hakama Sidi Ali.

According to the apex bank, the action was taken in exercise of the powers conferred on it under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020 and Section 7.3 of the Revised Guidelines for Mortgage Banks in Nigeria.

The CBN stated that the affected institutions violated several provisions of BOFIA 2020 and the Revised Guidelines for Mortgage Banks.

These include failure to meet the minimum paid up share capital requirement for the category of bank licence granted to them by the CBN; having insufficient assets to meet their liabilities; being critically undercapitalised with a capital adequacy ratio below the prudential minimum prescribed by the CBN; and failure to comply with several directives and obligations imposed upon them by the CBN.

Following the revocation of the licences, the NDIC advised customers of the institutions on how to access their funds.

The NDIC said, “In line with Section 55, subsections 1 and 2 of the NDIC Act 2023, the corporation has commenced the liquidation process for Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc.

“Accordingly, the verification and payment of insured deposits to depositors of the closed banks has begun.

“Depositors will be paid their insured deposits up to the maximum amount of N2,000,000 (two million naira) per depositor, using the Bank Verification Number (BVN) as a unique identifier to locate their alternate bank accounts, into which the insured sums will be automatically credited.

“Depositors with balances in excess of N2,000,000 will be paid the initial insured amount, while their outstanding balances will be settled as liquidation dividends upon the realisation of the banks’ assets and the recovery of debts owed by the failed banks.

“To this end, the corporation will commence the sale of the banks’ assets and continue the recovery of outstanding loans in order to expedite the payment of uninsured sums.”

Following the licence revocation, depositors were advised to submit their claims online through the NDIC claims portal by completing the digital claims verification form and submitting the required information.

Depositors who prefer physical verification were advised to visit the nearest branch of the closed banks between Tuesday, 16 December, and Thursday, 30 December, where NDIC officials will be available.

For verification and payment of insured deposits, depositors are required to present proof of account ownership, a verifiable means of identification, such as a driver’s licence, permanent voter’s card, or national identity card, and details of an alternate bank account along with their Bank Verification Number.

Creditors of the closed banks were advised to submit their claims online or visit the nearest branch of the banks within the same verification period.

Payment of liquidation dividends to creditors will commence after all depositors have been fully paid, in accordance with the law.

The NDIC added that payments to staff of the defunct banks will be made after the full settlement of depositors from the proceeds of asset sales, while shareholders will be paid subsequently from further realisation of assets and recovery of outstanding debts.

Debtors of the closed banks were advised to visit the corporation’s asset management department to settle outstanding loan obligations.

The Adamawa state governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, on Tuesday, December 16, ordered the establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry to probe the killing of protesters in Lamurde local government area, where 10 women and an 11-year-old girl were shot dead on December 8.

The governor announced the decision on Tuesday during a visit to Lamurde and surrounding communities in the Suwa District.

He described the killings as tragic, unacceptable and deeply troubling, and vowed that those responsible would be held to account.

Fintiri said the panel, to be chaired by a retired high court judge, would conduct an open and impartial investigation into the circumstances of the killings.

He said it would determine both the immediate and remote causes of the violence and make recommendations aimed at justice, reconciliation and lasting peace.

“The victims were innocent and defenceless women. This should never have happened,” the governor said, urging residents to remain calm and allow due process to prevail.

He assured the communities of his administration’s commitment to accountability and the restoration of peace.

The governor said the Adamawa state peace commission had begun engagements with youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community representatives to defuse tensions.

He also promised government support for the families of the victims, including assistance with education and livelihoods, while pledging to reinforce security in the area.

During his visit, Fintiri inspected the affected communities.

He said relief materials were being provided to displaced residents through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Reaffirming that peace was non-negotiable, the governor said the state government would continue to work closely with community and religious leaders to promote dialogue and rebuild trust.

Local traditional rulers welcomed the governor’s intervention but called for decisive action.

The district head of Lamurde, Pwahomakai Joseph, who spoke alongside Napwamwa Istifanus, said the crisis had deep-seated roots and urged the government to confront the longstanding grievances between the Bachama and Tsobo communities.

Meanwhile, the Tsobo community development association has appealed to the federal government and the international community, claiming that its people are facing systematic attacks amounting to genocide.

At a press conference in Yola, the association’s chairman, Nathaniel Solomon, said the violence stemmed from a protracted land dispute between the Tsobo and their Bachama neighbours.

He claimed that hundreds of Tsobo people had been killed over the years, with many more injured or displaced, particularly following renewed clashes since July.

Solomon also accused the Nigerian Army of killing unarmed Tsobo women during a peaceful protest, an allegation the military has denied, insisting the deaths were caused by local militias.

While acknowledging the governor’s efforts to stabilise the area, the Tsobo leader said the community was demanding full accountability, including formal apologies and justice for the victims.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night, December 16, held a meeting with the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the state house in Abuja, as part of last-minute efforts to stop the proposed nationwide protest by the union against the growing insecurity across the country.

The meeting started at about 11:27 pm and had Joe Ajaero, NLC president, Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo state and chairman of Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Nasir Idris, governor of Kebbi, Monday Okpebholo, governor of Ed0, and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, minister of labour and employment in attendance.

Last week, the congress declared a nationwide protest for December 17 over the deteriorating security situation across the country.

The NLC had on Tuesday evening raised the alarm over a plot by unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings to infiltrate and violently disrupt its planned nationwide protest.

Speaking after the meeting, the NLC president said the labour union would reconsider its protest plans after reviewing president Tinubu’s input.

He said the congress team would regroup following a dedicated session with governors to evaluate next moves.

Ajaero described the presidential encounter as consultative, noting that the labour union would deliberate internally before announcing the outcomes on Wednesday, December 17.

“We came for consultation with the president, and we have finished, so we have to go back to our meeting and then continue tomorrow. By tomorrow, you will get the outcome,” Ajaero said.

“Whether I am insisting on or not insisting on the protest, I will communicate to you; it is not an organization that one person rules.

“Let’s go back; after a meeting of labour and the governor’s forum, we go back to the drawing board and digest all that president Tinubu said to us and move forward from there.”

Also speaking, Uzodimma said the engagement was a productive dialogue, assuring Nigerians of timely updates.

“Consultation is going on; we were dialoguing. As he said, at the end of the day, you will know what you are supposed to know and what you want to know,” Uzodimma said.

“What should Nigerians expect? Of course, we are here to serve the country, both the labour, the government and the governed. We are all working in service to the nation.”

The minister of state for labour and employment affirmed that the NLC leadership had been granted the audience they requested with the president.

Aisha Rimi, MD/CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC); Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); and Usman Bamanga Jada, MD/CEO of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), have all emerged winners in the Ireland-based newspaper, The Street Journal’s first-ever ‘Super Federal Agency Head of the Year’ online poll.

Others who also emerged winners are Akintunde Sawyer, MD/CEO of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND); Engineer Abisoye Coker, CEO/Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); Olanipekun Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Patience Oniha, Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO); and Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

Also emerging as winners in the poll are Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Gbenga Alade, MD/CEO of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON); Ishaq Hussaini Magaji, Registrar-General/CEO of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); and Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, MD of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).

The publisher of The Street Journal, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, who is also the National Chairman of the Association of Online Media Practitioners in Nigeria (AMPCON), disclosed that the aforementioned 13 winners emerged with the highest number of votes from over 50 heads of federal government agencies in the online poll organised by the newspaper.

While congratulating the winners, Arisekola reiterated that the poll was put together to recognise outstanding leadership in Nigeria’s federal agencies, adding that it was the newspaper’s contribution to national development and a way to motivate and encourage excellence in public service.

Rimi bagged The Most Outstanding CEO of a Federal Government Agency award for leading a sweeping institutional repositioning of NIPC, while Komolafe won The Best Performing and Results-Driven CEO of a Federal Government Agency award for implementing groundbreaking reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in the oil and gas sector.

Jada won The Best Results-Driven Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of a Federal Government Agency award for his exceptional leadership and dedication to transforming OGFZA, while Sawyer’s strategy to boost acceptance among Nigerians —making it a programme future governments would not dare to scrap — earned him The Best Performing CEO of a Federal Government Agency award.

Coker, the second female in the lineup, received The Most Data-Driven and Operationally Effective CEO/Director-General of a Federal Government Agency award for transforming Nigeria’s digital identity landscape and positioning NIMC as a frontline player in Africa’s identity sector.

Similarly, Olukoyede’s significant reforms and record-breaking achievements across all operational fronts at the EFCC within two years of his appointment earned him The Most Consistent and Accountability-Focused Executive Chairman of a Federal Government Agency award. Oniha, the third female in the lineup, bagged The Most Strategic Director-General of a Federal Government Agency award for introducing reforms that strengthened the DMO as a critical institution in Nigeria’s public finance ecosystem.

Adedokun won The Most Proactive Director-General of a Federal Government Agency award for turning around the BPP with notable performance and achievements; Ahmed received The Most Operationally Effective Chief Executive Officer of a Federal Government Agency award for his far-reaching reforms at NMDPRA; while Alade won The Most Result-Oriented Chief Executive Officer of a Federal Government Agency award for bringing stability and measurable progress to AMCON despite challenging macroeconomic conditions.

Magaji bagged The Most Service-Centred Registrar-General/Chief Executive Officer of a Federal Government Agency award for reshaping the Corporate Affairs Commission into a business-friendly institution. Marwa earned The Best Performing Chairman of a Federal Government Agency award for adopting a multidimensional and holistic strategy in tackling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. Ogunyemi won The Most Impact-Oriented Managing Director of a Federal Government Agency award for initiating reforms that have driven economic growth, job creation and industrialization within two years in office.

All winners, including will be presented with their awards at a televised ceremony scheduled to take place on January 31, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Also to be presented with their respective awards on the same day are Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior with The Street Journal Award for Transformational Leadership in National Development; the Minister of Education, Morufu Olatunji Alausa with The Street Journal Award for Distinguished Public Service; Ambassador Yusuff Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs with The Street Journal Award for Visionary Policymaking and Meaningful Reform; Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security with The Street Journal Award for Most Effective Leadership in Public Service as well as Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment with The Street Journal Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

All five ministers were earlier declared winners in an online poll organised by this newspaper.

The supreme court on Monday, December 15, struck out a suit filed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors challenging president Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers state governor Siminalayi Fubara, dismissing claims that the action was unconstitutional.

The suit, filed through the states’ respective attorneys-general, sought a declaration that the president had no power under sections 1(2), 5(2), 192(4)(6), and 305 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) to suspend a democratically elected governor, deputy governor, or state house of assembly under a state of emergency.

The plaintiffs also named the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, and the National Assembly (NASS) as 1st and 2nd defendants.

In a split decision of six to one, a seven-member panel of supreme court justices, led by justice Inyang Okoro, struck out the suit for lack of competence.

Justice Mohammed Idris, delivering the lead judgment, held that the plaintiffs failed to establish any actionable dispute between the states and the federal government to trigger the court’s original jurisdiction.

He stressed that the supreme court can only act as a court of first instance where a genuine dispute exists between a state and the federation.

The judgment recalled that the case had been reserved on October 21 after all parties filed their briefs.

Delta state, initially listed as the 5th plaintiff, had withdrawn following governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Other states involved included Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa, some of whose governors have since left the PDP.

Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, representing the plaintiffs, argued that the suit challenged the extent to which a state of emergency could affect the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and state assembly, rather than the president’s power to declare an emergency.

The AGF and NASS defended Tinubu’s action, describing it as necessary to address the extraordinary political crisis in Rivers state.

Senior Advocate Fagbemi told the court that no responsible government would sit back and allow the state to burn without taking action, emphasizing that the president acted to safeguard the state, not to remove its elected officials.

The NASS further argued that the plaintiffs failed to issue the required three-month pre-action notice under section 21 of the legislative houses (Powers and privileges) act, 2017.

It urged the court to dismiss the suit as frivolous, requesting N1 billion in costs jointly and severally against the plaintiffs.

The seven-member panel also included justices Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Tsammani, Obarinde Ogbuinya, Stephen Adah, and Habeeb Abiru.

A former speaker of the Osun state assembly, Najeem Salaam, on Monday, December 15, emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election, following the party’s primary held at the Ultimate civic centre in Osogbo.

Addressing party delegates before the exercise, the chairman of the ADC 2026 primary election committee, Emeka Nwajiuba, said Salaam was the sole aspirant for the office.

“The list and information from the ADC organizing secretary’s office, as well as the screening exercise conducted, indicate that Salaam is the only aspirant vying for the party’s ticket,” Nwajiuba said.

The 528 ADC delegates from across the 332 wards of the state then lined up to cast their votes.

Announcing the results, Nwajiuba said a total of 528 votes were cast, of which 520 were valid votes for Najeem Salaam, while eight were voided.

“By the power conferred on this panel by the constitution of the ADC, I, Emeka Nwajiuba, chairman of the panel, announce the candidate-elect and flag bearer of our party for the Osun governorship election 2026: Najeem Salaam,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Salaam thanked the members and leadership of the ADC for their confidence and the mandate entrusted to him.

“I accept this mandate as the gubernatorial candidate of the ADC with a deep sense of responsibility.

“I accept it with hope because our people still believe. I accept it with prayer because the challenges ahead are real,” Salaam said.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, along with MRS and other partners, is set to begin selling petrol at ₦739 per litre from Tuesday, December 16, across the country, following recent moves to make fuel more affordable for consumers by adjusting retail pump prices in line with the new gantry rate.

Speaking on Sunday, December 14, the president of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said he was aware that, despite lower gantry prices, some filling stations often choose to keep pump prices high, thereby undermining his efforts.

This comes after the refinery slashed its petrol gantry price from ₦828 to ₦699 per litre.

According to him, MRS filling stations would begin selling petrol at prices not exceeding N740 per litre, starting in Lagos.

Dangote alleged that some officials had met with certain marketers and encouraged them to keep prices high in order to frustrate the price reduction, stressing that he would fight to enforce the new price regime.

Dangote said, “I was told that the marketers have met with some officials and were told to make sure that the price is maintained high.

“But this price we are going to introduce, we are going to start with MRS stations most likely on Tuesday in Lagos; that N970 per litre, you won’t see it again.

“We have also asked members of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to come now.”

We have asked anybody who can buy 10 trucks to come and buy 10 trucks at N699.

He noted, “We are going to use whatever resources that we have to make sure that we crash the price down.

“We will get these sales; maybe it will take us a week to 10 days.

“But first of all, within a week to 10 days, we will be able to deliver. For this December and January, we don’t want people to sell petrol for more than N740 nationwide.

“Those who want to keep the price to sabotage the government, we will fight as much as we can to make sure that these prices are down.

“That’s not the price. If you have money to come and buy, you can pick up petrol at N699.”

Dangote said transporting petrol from the refinery costs no more than N15 per litre, questioning why pump prices would rise as high as N900 per litre.

He also accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of issuing 47 import licences to bring in more than seven billion litres of petrol in the first quarter of 2026, a move he said was killing local investments.

He disclosed, “Freight within Lagos is N10 or N15, maximum. So if it’s N10 to N15, everything is going to cost you N715. Why do you want to sell at N900? People should get the real price.

“I cannot come now and take the hit. Did we make money? No, we didn’t make money.

“But as we speak now, even our tanks are full because the NMDPRA has issued reckless licences. And we have to now go and complain to the government.

“They normally issue licences in the middle of the month. So, they are now ready to issue licences for about 7.5 billion litres for the first quarter of 2026, despite the fact that we have guaranteed to supply enough quantity.

“If you are talking about monopoly, did we stop anybody? They issued 47 licences.

“Let those people come and put up a refinery here, or let them go and buy even NNPC’s and operate them. If it’s profitable, they should go and do that now. NNPCL was the only business that was bringing in fuel before.

“Now, we are the only one and one of the few modular refineries that are producing.

“Those modular refineries, I can tell you for nothing that they are almost on the verge of collapse. None of them is making a dime.”

Bayelsa state government has declared three days of mourning for the late deputy governor, senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday, December 11, after collapsing in his office.

The period of mourning will commence immediately, with all flags flying at half-mast.

Announcing the decision in a press statement on Friday, December 12, the state commissioner for information, orientation and strategy, Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, described his passing as painful.

Following the incident, there was public speculation over Ewhrudjakpo’s health as concerned Bayelsans awaited the government’s official statement.

Koku-Obiyai expressed deep regret and profound shock at Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden passing at the age of 60, saying, “The deputy governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day.”

”He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead,” the statement read.

“His demise is not just painful, it is a great loss to the government, people of Bayelsa State and the nation.

“Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished public servant who served the state with distinction as commissioner for works and infrastructure, senator representing Bayelsa west senatorial district and deputy governor since 2020.

“Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, expresses heartfelt condolences to his wife, her excellency, Barr. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, Ofoni federated community, his excellency, senator Henry Seriake Dickson and all citizens of the state.

“Consequently, his excellency, senator Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa state, has declared a state mourning for 3 working days in honour of the late deputy governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12. All flags are to fly at half-mast.

“The governor further prays for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state.

“May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” it added.

The former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, remains in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, as his detention hits its fourth day.

Malami has been held since Monday after failing to satisfy bail requirements set by EFCC.

He is being investigated in connection with 18 offences, which include claims of abuse of office and financing terrorism.

Through his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami rejected all allegations of terrorism financing, describing the claims as false, baseless, and part of a coordinated media trial.

He also dismissed reports suggesting he controlled 46 bank accounts, saying there is no official evidence supporting the claim.

Malami noted that Maj. Gen. Ali-Keffi (rtd) had clarified that he never accused the former AGF of funding terrorism.

He said the recent questioning by the EFCC was focused on an alleged duplication in the recovery of the Abacha loot.

He explained that no recovery process had been concluded before 2016, making claims of duplication inaccurate.

He also addressed reports involving a Swiss lawyer, noting that the lawyer had requested up to 40 percent in fees, which was rejected due to a government cap of five percent.

According to Malami, the appointment of Nigerian lawyers under the capped fee saved the country billions of naira.

Malami said the repatriated Abacha loot between 2017 and 2020 was managed in separate tranches with oversight from the world bank, civil society groups, and international partners.

The former minister highlighted his contributions while in office, including establishing the Nigerian financial intelligence unit and supporting the passage of the money laundering (prevention and prohibition) act and the terrorism (prevention and prohibition) act, 2022.

The federal government is set to recruit over 94,000 new personnel into Nigeria’s security services as part of measures to tackle rising insecurity across the country.

Under the plan, the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will recruit 50,000 police constables.

In a statement on Thursday, December 11, by the head of protocol and public affairs, Torty Kalu, the commission said the recruitment portal would open to eligible Nigerians from Monday, December 15, to January 25, 2026.

“The PSC, in collaboration with the NPF, is pleased to announce the commencement of recruitment of 50,000 police constables into the NPF, as directed by president Bola Tinubu. Following this presidential directive aimed at strengthening community policing, enhancing internal security, and expanding the manpower base of the NPF, the commission has approved the opening of the recruitment portal for applications from eligible Nigerians,” the statement read.

“For the general duty cadre, applicants are required to possess GCE ordinary level, SSCE/NECO or equivalent qualifications with at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in no more than two sittings.

“Applicants for the specialists cadre must possess a minimum of four credits, including English and Mathematics, also in no more than two sittings, and must have at least three years of experience and relevant trade test certifications.”

He said eligible applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth.

An official of the Nigerian Army said the army may recruit about 14,000 new soldiers following the president’s directive.

“You know the president recently gave an order; based on that, we might probably recruit 14,000,” the official said.

The Navy and Nigerian Air Force did not provide exact numbers, but sources said both services will increase their intakes.

In June, the ministry of interior announced a nationwide recruitment of 30,000 personnel across the four paramilitary agencies.

The process was being expedited to inject the recruited personnel into the system.

On November 26, president Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the Nigerian police and the Armed Forces to recruit more personnel to confront the escalating insecurity.

The planned recruitments follow a surge in violence across the country, with the expectation that increased manpower will help strengthen security operations.

Bayo Adelabu, the minister of power and a declared aspirant for the 2027 Oyo state governorship, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder and head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke Afa, Lagos state, of demanding N150 million from him for “spiritual intercession” to make him governor.

Adelabu, a former governorship candidate, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo governorship election.

In a petition dated October 13, signed by Bolaji Tunji, the minister’s special adviser on strategic communications and media relations, to the director-general of the DSS, Adelabu accused Ayodele of making false prophecies intended to malign his reputation after he rebuffed all efforts from the cleric, who demanded a huge sum of money and expensive spiritual items.

In a series of text messages between Ayodele and Adelabu, the cleric asked the minister to bring 24 All Progressives Congress (APC) flags for prayers.

The cleric also demanded 1,000 pieces of saxophones/trumpets, with the least expensive Nigerian, fairly used grade costing a total of N50 million and the imported grade-one from China at N130 million in total.

Ayodele asked Adelabu to bring the items by April 1. He later extended the grace till April 4.

“Sir, I don’t do this, but because of the love I have for you,” primate Ayodele wrote.

The cleric told the minister that he had sent him several letters while he was CBN deputy governor and at other times to the minister in Ibadan, but there was no reply.

He repeatedly made requests to call the minister, who told him he was on pilgrimage.

Ayodele asked him to “recite almu nasira 200 times”.

The cleric told the minister that what he was doing was based on instructions given to him by God.

Ayodele repeatedly told the minister that he would rule Oyo state.

”I have divine advice for you, sir, which can help a lot, sir. Kindly pick up my call,” the message read.

”Do vigil and the angel of God is coming to hear the request by 1 am, I don’t want you to lose the coming election. That is why I’m following the instructions.”

In response, the minister told the cleric that he could not afford the expensive items.

After the incident, Ayodele, while speaking in his church, said Adelabu had failed and would not become Oyo governor.

In some video clips, Ayodele said Adelabu had made mistakes, and his message to the minister was a warning from God.

The cleric dared the minister to arrest or sue him.

Adelabu has contested for the Oyo governorship seat twice, and he is making plans to vie for the position again in 2027.

In the petition to the DSS, Adelabu said he rejected Ayodele’s requests because he believes his ambition is driven by genuine service and not by spiritual manipulation or fetish practices.

The minister asked the DSS to investigate Ayodele and compel him to retract his false prophecies and apologise.

“I write to formally draw the attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the extortive, deceitful, and inciting activities of one self-acclaimed pastor known as Primate Elijah Ayodele, of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, whose actions have become not only personally distressing to the honourable minister of power, chief Adebayo Adelabu, but also capable of disturbing public peace and undermining the integrity of the political process in Oyo state,” the petition read.

“Since his tenure as the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and particularly in the period leading up to his current aspiration to serve as the governor of Oyo state, this individual had persistently approached him with unsolicited offers of ‘spiritual intercession’ purportedly to guarantee electoral success.

“Under this guise, he had on several occasions demanded huge sums of money and expensive spiritual items, cumulatively amounting to over N150 million (one hundred and fifty million naira), as purported prerequisites for divine favour. The minister had consistently declined his requests, believing that his political ambition was driven by genuine service to the people and not by any spiritual manipulation or fetish practice.

“Following the honourable minister’s refusal to accede to his extortionate demands, Primate Ayodele has embarked on a campaign of malicious and false prophecies targeted at discrediting him publicly. He has gone as far as declaring through various media channels that ‘God told him he will not win the election’ and has recently made more provocative and inciting statements suggesting that he would fail because of his association with the ‘Èmi Lòkan’ slogan (“It’s my turn”).

“As a minister of the federal republic of Nigeria, he had previously chosen to ignore his antics to avoid unnecessary public confrontation with a religious figure. However, Primate Ayodele’s continued propagation of these false prophecies, which are evidently retaliatory and malicious in nature, now poses a threat not only to the minister’s reputation but also to public order and confidence in the democratic process.

“I therefore urge the DSS to kindly investigate the activities of the saidp pastor Ayodele for extortion, blackmail, and deliberate dissemination of false and inciting information; compel him to retract his false prophecies and issue a formal written apology; and bring him under the force of the law, in accordance with relevant provisions of the Nigerian constitution and criminal code, to deter similar fraudulent religious practices in the future.”

The minister also petitioned the Oyo state commissioner of police over the cleric’s extortive and inciting activities.

Ayodele said Adelabu was the one who approached him first.

He said Adelabu sent emissaries to him because he was desperate to become Oyo governor.

“I didn’t blackmail him. We didn’t have any transactions. Again, no money was exchanged between us,” the cleric said.

“I discussed some terms with him, which he disagreed with. I didn’t make any attempt to extort him. I can sell my services for any amount. I can value it at N1 billion, as much as I provide the value he wants. It’s nobody’s business. Why did you come to me in the first place if you didn’t believe in me? What are you doing with someone you claim is dishing out fake prophesies? He should say anything he likes.

“I’m big. I’m not poor. I take care of vulnerable people. I’m blessed in the Lord.”

Former vice president, Yemi Osinbajo’s aide, Laolu Akande, has stated that the withdrawal of police protection from very important persons (VIPs) will be gradual.

Speaking on Thursday, December 11, Akande noted that while president Bola Tinubu’s directive is commendable, its full execution is expected to take some time.

“Clearly, the presidential directive to withdraw police from VIPs and VVIPs, I imagine, is in progress. Practically, it will have to take a little while for it to be completely implemented,” Akande said.

“I’ve spoken to quite a few security experts, including current police officers. I don’t think it’s something that you can do so swiftly, according to them.”

President Tinubu had earlier ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs due to escalating insecurity across parts of the country.

The president asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to begin the implementation with immediate effect.

“Well, because there are also specific instances where people were given, for instance, police protection because they are exposed to threats or had documented circumstances,” Akande said.

“Some of them are even foreign investors, people doing business, who consider having that kind of protection as part of the incentives. So it’s fairly complicated.

“I think the president is right that police should be more focused on securing the community. But we may need a little bit more of a transition, because even when you withdraw, and I’ve been speaking with some of the, even when you withdraw those, I think the IGP said about 12,000.

“Are they ready? Are they immediately ready to be deployed? Do they have the motivation? Do they have the equipment? Are they even trained?”

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) to the national assembly for approval, a foundational step in the 2026 budget process.

The document titled “Submission of the federal government of Nigeria’s 2026-2028 medium-term expenditure framework and fiscal strategy paper,” was contained in a letter from president Tinubu and read by deputy speaker Benjamin Kalu during Wednesday, December 10, plenary.

President Tinubu explained that the MTEF and FSP were approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, December 3, and urged lawmakers to expedite legislative action as the 2026 budget will be prepared on their basis.

After reading the letter, Kalu referred the documents to the house committee on finance for detailed scrutiny and possible legislative approval.

At the FEC session presided over by Tinubu, the economic management team led by the budget office of the federation, in collaboration with the ministry of budget and economic planning, presented the draft MTEF/FSP.

The council approved the framework that will guide Nigeria’s fiscal and budget direction for 2026 through 2028.

Key macro-economic and fiscal assumptions were adopted, including: an oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd) for 2026, with a more conservative 1.8 mbpd benchmark for actual budget planning; a crude oil price benchmark of US$64.85 per barrel; and an exchange rate assumption of N1,512 to the dollar for the 2026 budget.

The federal government projects total revenue of N34.33 trillion in 2026 under this framework.

In approving the MTEF/FSP, FEC also endorsed a medium-term fiscal expenditure ceiling, a cap on how much the government can spend, meant to enforce fiscal discipline.

Other decisions at the FEC meeting included the approval of a US$100 million facility from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the Nigeria youth investment fund, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs aged 18–35 across micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The council also approved a development loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for an integrated agricultural project in Yobe state.

The MTEF/FSP is a three-year planning tool that defines in broad strokes how the federal government intends to raise revenue, allocate expenditure, and deploy resources across ministries and sectors over a medium-term horizon.

It is required under the fiscal responsibility act, 2007.

The document presents assumptions behind revenue projections (such as oil price, production, exchange rate), outlines strategic expenditure priorities, and forecasts overall fiscal stance, including debt servicing, transfers, recurrent, and capital spending.

By approving the MTEF/FSP, the government essentially sets the fiscal envelope within which the annual budgets (starting with 2026) will be prepared.

This framework provides a roadmap for fiscal discipline, resource allocation, and policy consistency over multiple years rather than leaving budget decisions ad hoc or reactive.