President Bola Tinubu on Monday engaged six governors on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a closed-door session at the State House, Abuja.

The purpose of the meeting was not immediately disclosed, and details of its agenda remained unclear as of press time.

Governors in attendance were those of Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Edo, Monday Okpebholo; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; Kogi, Usman Ododo; Sokoto, Aliyu Sokoto; and Kebbi, Dr Nasir Idris, who arrived at the Presidential Villa separately.

The meeting, held in the President’s office, lasted almost two hours.

Although no Presidency official offered insight into the agenda, the consultations come amid rising security concerns across the country and ongoing political engagements within the ruling party.

The governors declined to speak to newsmen when approached for comments.

Tinubu has recently intensified focus on national security by convening a series of high-level meetings involving key security stakeholders, including the service chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as intelligence coordinators and senior officials from various security agencies.

These increased engagements were in response to a worrying upsurge in banditry, kidnappings, and violent crimes that have spread across multiple regions, causing widespread public concern and escalating pressure on the federal government for urgent and effective intervention.

These strategic meetings, frequently conducted in secrecy to ensure confidentiality and candid discussion, were aimed at undertaking a comprehensive review of ongoing security operations nationwide.

Discussions have prioritised enhancing coordination and communication among military, police, and intelligence units to foster a more unified and cohesive response to security challenges.

In addition, the sessions have explored innovative and tactical measures that leverage intelligence gathering, rapid deployment, and community engagement to dismantle criminal networks and restore order.

Throughout these consultations, the President has underscored that safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians was paramount.

He has called on the security apparatus to move beyond reactive measures and instead engage in more preventative, intelligence-driven strategies that anticipate threats before they escalate.

The administration’s renewed approach signalled a commitment to reinforcing national security architecture and improving the operational effectiveness of all agencies involved in the fight against crime and insurgency across Nigeria.

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The Alliance for Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger Republic, has accused Nigeria of breaching its airspace after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, involved a C-130 military transport aircraft carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were military personnel.

In a statement issued by the AES, the bloc explained that the Nigerian aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, a major city in Burkina Faso’s south-western region, while transiting through Burkinabè airspace.

Authorities in Burkina Faso launched an investigation into the incident, concluding that the aircraft lacked proper authorisation to fly over the country, a violation the AES described as a breach of international aviation norms and national sovereignty.

“This constitutes an infringement of national sovereignty and a breach of international law and international rules governing civil and military aviation,” the AES said in the statement.

The confederation described the incident as an “unfriendly act” and pledged to take steps to reinforce the security of its airspace and ensure the sovereignty of member states.

“Measures have been taken to ensure the security of the Confederation’s airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states, and the safety of the populations of the AES Confederation,” the bloc stated.

Incident Follows Nigeria’s Role In Foiling Benin Coup

Tensions between Nigeria and the AES have been simmering in recent months and may be reignited by this latest episode. The incident also comes shortly after Nigeria’s military helped foil a coup attempt in neighbouring Benin Republic.

While ECOWAS and Nigeria saw the intervention as necessary to protect democratic order, the AES bloc has viewed it as a hostile move and a continuation of what it describes as external interference.

In January 2025, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing a lack of support in fighting terrorism and opposition to sanctions imposed following military coups in the three nations.

Although ECOWAS later lifted the sanctions and introduced guidelines for economic and civil cooperation, such as visa-free travel and duty-free trade, the AES bloc introduced a 0.5 per cent import levy on ECOWAS member countries in April, signalling deepening division.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

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The Ambassadors for Peace and Progress (APP) has appealed to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to forgive the five individuals who publicly confessed to running a N500 million smear campaign against him while he was governor of Zamfara State.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the National Coordinator of the group, Rev. Matthew Adejoh, urged the minister not to allow the painful betrayal to distract him from the critical national assignment entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We followed with deep emotion the courageous confession made by Comrade Aryan Abdul Kareem and his colleagues. Their admission has exposed the depth of political desperation in Zamfara State, but it has also opened a rare door for healing and reconciliation,” Rev. Adejoh said.

Describing Dr. Matawalle as “a peaceful, kind and large-hearted leader who is a friend to everyone,” the cleric appealed to him to extend the same hand of fellowship he has always shown to people of all faiths.

“Dr. Bello Matawalle is known across the North as a man who builds bridges, not walls,” he said. Quoting Colossians 3:13, he added: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

“These young men have fallen on their knees in public and begged for mercy. As believers and as patriots, we plead with His Excellency to forgive them and everyone who was paid to destroy his name.

The bandits ravaging our region do not read sponsored articles — they only respect superior resolve and unity of purpose.”

The Ambassadors praised President Tinubu for appointing Matawalle, saying the elevation was divine recompense for years of wicked blackmail.

“Your enemies spent over half a billion naira to pull you down, yet Allah raised you to the very centre of Nigeria’s war against terror. Let this confession be the final burial of that evil plot,” Rev. Adejoh declared.

While calling on the EFCC, ICPC and security agencies to immediately investigate the allegation that the State funds were used to sponsor media attacks, the group insisted that Dr. Matawalle himself should choose the path of forgiveness.

“Let justice run its full course, but let our dear Minister show the maturity, kindness and large-heartedness that made President Tinubu bring him to Abuja. Forgive them, Your Excellency. Focus all your energy on helping Mr. President end insecurity forever. That is the greatest victory.”

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• A Nigerian lady has publicly announced that she won’t be present at the 2026 edition of ‘The Experience’ event
• ‘The Experience’ is an annual, free, all-night gospel music concert held in Lagos and convened by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House On The Rock, and attracts a large gathering for worship
• After her unpleasant experience at the 2025 edition, which was held some days ago, the lady decided to boycott the 2026 edition

A lady, known on TikTok as @naijawifeylife1, has declared that she won’t attend ‘The Experience’ event in 2026.

The lady who was at the 2025 edition in Lagos, which was held on Friday, December 5, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), did not enjoy her time at the event and explained why.

A lady says she won’t attend ‘The Experience’ 2026.
Photo Credit: @naijawifeylife1, @theexperiencelagos
Source: TikTok

Why lady wants to boycott ‘The Experience’

In a TikTok post, the lady lamented that the noise at the 2025 edition was too much and distracting, and for this reason, she won’t be at next year’s edition.

Read also

Lady who attended The Experience 2025 concert shares why she won’t attend next year, video trends

She shared a video from the concluded event showing a group of attendees making noise with vuvuzelas. The words overlaid on her video read:

“The reason why I won’t be attending next year’s ‘Experience’ the noise was just too much and distracting.”

She further lamented that she quarrelled with an attendee because of his unpleasant use of a vuvuzela. In her words:

“Gosh! I legit quarrelled with someone because of his insensitive vuvuzuela blo’wing. They legit bought this to torment people.”

Her unpleasant experience and decision sparked mixed reactions on the social media platform.

A lady complains about the noise problem at ‘The Experience’ program in Lagos.
Photo Credit: @theexperiencelagos
Source: Instagram

Watch her video below:

‘The Experience’: Netizens react to lady’s encounter

Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the lady’s unpleasant experience below:

That_black_girl_💥🦋 said:

“I didn’t attend this year cos of this nonsense!!! I want to go enjoy good sounds and music but these trumpets thing will not allow you so what’s the point? People that are watching online even enjoy it better …. Untill they ban this thing I will not go again.”

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Heated debate trails video of Junior Pope’s widow posing with Mercy Johnson: “She done move on?”

DAiCHE_SHOT 🔥 said:

“Funny how the host does not know you came ! If you like no come thousands go still pull up.”

Darmihdeeva 🥰😌 said:

“I would still go but I discovered that the field behind the stadium is the best with a big screen, good sound, lots of chairs to sit and even very peaceful with less noise.”

CLOTHES VENDOR IN LAGOS 🛍️ said:

“Fr, it was too bad, They need to ban the vuvuzela.”

solobossgadgets3 said:

“Even when they told them to stop blo’wing knockout they didn’t listen ooo.”

ESTIE 🧿👑🦋🌸🧸🍭 said:

“Y’all complaining 🙄 Is it your first time attending Experience? They do this every year.”

itz prebo bliss 101🇧🇪 said:

“If u no like noise no pull body…. Even if u no attend, x1000 are preparing to attend.”

In a related story, Legit.ng reported that ‘The Experience’ 2024 edition had witnessed a large turnout of people.

Read also

Trump airs doubt about Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros.

The Experience 20: Massive turnout at event

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that there was a massive turnout at the 2025 edition of ‘The Experience.’

This year’s edition saw “No Turning Back” hit singer Gaise Baba making his debut appearance. Other Nigerian gospel singers at the event included Frank Edwards, Bidemi Olaoba, Yinka Alaseyori, Moses Bliss, Sinach, Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, among others. They were also joined by international gospel artistes like Travis Greene and Chandler Moore.

The theme for this year was dubbed “Jesus United,” as people joined the event physically and virtually. Videos from the event grounds at Tafawa Balewa Square have shown that worshippers turned up in large numbers.

Source: Legit.ng

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Burkina Faso’s military authorities say they have intercepted a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft and detained 11 Nigerian soldiers on board after accusing the jet of violating the country’s airspace.

In a statement signed by junta leader, Capt. Ibrahim Traoré’s ally and head of state Assimi Goïta on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), the regime said the aircraft was compelled to land on Monday in Bobo Dioulasso following what was described as an “in-flight emergency”.

According to the statement, subsequent checks by Burkinabe security and aviation services revealed that the Nigerian military aircraft had no clearance to enter or fly over Burkina Faso.

“An investigation was immediately opened by the competent Burkinabe services and highlighted the lack of authorisation to fly over Burkinabe territory for this military apparatus,” the statement read in part.

AES Condemns ‘Airspace Violation’

The junta, speaking under the umbrella of the Confederation of Sahel States — made up of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — described the incident as a grave breach of its sovereignty and international aviation norms.

“The Confederation of the Sahel States most strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states,” the statement said.

Goïta warned that the AES would no longer tolerate what it called “unfriendly acts” and announced that joint air defence assets within the Sahel confederal space had been placed on maximum alert.

“In this regard, and on the instructions of the Heads of State, the air and anti-aircraft defences of the Confederal space… were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the confederal space,” the statement added.

Burkinabe authorities have reportedly held the 11 Nigerian soldiers since the aircraft was grounded, as diplomatic and military channels scramble behind the scenes to clarify the circumstances of the mission.

Link to Benin Coup Fallout

The development comes barely 24 hours after Nigerian fighter jets were deployed to Benin Republic to target soldiers involved in a failed coup attempt in Cotonou.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, had explained that President Bola Tinubu approved the use of Nigerian air assets and ground support at the formal request of Beninese authorities.

He said Benin sought Nigerian assistance for surveillance, rapid intervention and precision strikes against fleeing coup plotters, with operations coordinated under Benin’s command.

Reports indicated that Nigerian jets conducted multiple air raids lasting over 30 minutes within Benin’s airspace, targeting armoured vehicles and escape routes allegedly used by the mutinous soldiers.

It remains unclear whether the Nigerian aircraft intercepted over Burkina Faso was part of the same mission or on a separate assignment. Burkina Faso lies northwest of Benin Republic and shares strategic air corridors in the Sahel belt.

ECOWAS vs AES Tensions Deepen

The incident risks further straining already fraught relations between the Confederation of Sahel States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally pulled out of ECOWAS in January after a series of coups and prolonged sanctions imposed by the regional bloc. The three juntas later consolidated their alliance by forming the AES and adopting a common security posture.

Following the foiled coup in Benin, ECOWAS announced the activation and deployment of elements of its standby force to support the country’s authorities, a move seen by AES capitals as an assertion of ECOWAS’ security footprint near their borders.

Goïta, in the Burkinabe statement, said the AES had taken “all necessary measures” to safeguard its territorial integrity and protect its citizens, signalling a more aggressive stance towards any foreign military presence near or within its airspace.

As of press time, Abuja had yet to issue an official reaction to the detention of the 11 Nigerian soldiers and the seizure of the NAF aircraft by Burkina Faso’s military regime.

Eleven Nigerian military personnel are currently being held by the Burkinabe military regime in Bobo-Dioulasso, southwest Burkina Faso, after their aircraft conducted an emergency landing while “violating AES airspace”. https://t.co/8hnvWDOc9r pic.twitter.com/B2AgJ9yivV

— Brant (@BrantPhilip_) December 8, 2025

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In the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Holden at Abuja

On Friday, the 11th day of April, 2025

Before Their Lordships

Mohammed Lawal Garba

Adamu Jauro

Jummai Hannatu Sankey

Moore Aseimo Abraham Adumein

Abubakar Sadiq Umar

Justices, Supreme Court

SC.370/2010

Between

PRINCEWILL ODIKANWA                     APPELLANT                    And

CHIEF JOSEPH DIBIANTA IHEANACHO                                    RESPONDENT

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Adamu Jauro, JSC)

Facts

The Respondent instituted the action at the High Court of Imo State against the Appellant, for slander. He alleged that during a vigil held in honour of the Appellant’s late father, the Appellant made the following defamatory statement against him in Igbo language: “Onye wu ahu kporo ya Dibianta. Awum Dibraukwu, Ganu kpo Dibianta Iheanacho bu a rat nga mno ihe oma eme bun ani igbu madu. Obia ngaa na abiala, o ga eji oso gbalaga” which translates to: “Who is that person that calls himself Dibianta? I am Dibiakwu. Go and call Iheanacho to come here. Dibianta Iheanacho is a rat to me; the only thing he knows how to do is to kill people. If he comes here tonight, he will take to his heels.” The Respondent claimed the defamatory statements made in Igbo Language were understood by those present,  and this caused harm to his reputation.

At the trial, the Respondent testified as PW1 and called four additional witnesses. Among them, PW2 and PW3, who also attended the vigil, testified to hearing the slanderous statements, while PW5, a Higher Executive Officer attached to the High Court, Owerri, who was called to testify as a sworn interpreter, interpreted the alleged defamatory words to English language. The Appellant, on his part, denied uttering any defamatory words, asserting that he only preached at the vigil. 

After the conclusion of trial, the trial court found that the Respondent proved his claim and awarded him damages in the sum of N500,000.00. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal. At the Court of Appeal, the Appellant relied on IBEANU v UBA (1972) 2 ECSLR 194, to argue that the defamatory words must be recorded in the exact language in which they were uttered. In its judgement dismissing the Appeal and affirming the judgement of the trial court, the Court of Appeal held that the uncontroverted testimonies of PW1–PW3, who all heard the said defamatory words and also testified in Igbo language, were sufficient and constituted a valid exception to the rule in IBEANU v UBA (Supra). The Court of Appeal also found that the fact that the Appellant failed to produce the video recording of the vigil despite pleading same, meant that the evidence would have been unfavourable to him, and the Court of Appeal invoked the doctrine of withholding evidence in Section 149(d) [now 167(d)] of the Evidence Act against him.

Displeased, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Supreme Court adopted the two issues distilled by Counsel for the Appellant, for the determination of the appeal as follows:

i) Whether the Court of Appeal was right in upholding the finding of the trial court, that the Respondent had proved his case of slander against the Appellant. 

ii) Whether the Court of Appeal was right in distinguishing the case of IBEANU v UBA (1972) 2 ECSLR 194 from the present case, on appeal to the Supreme Court.

Arguments

On the 1st issue, Counsel for the Appellant argued that in an action for defamation, it is a requirement of law that the exact words complained of must be proved at trial. Counsel argued that where the defamatory words were not spoken in English, the record of the trial court must record the words used as uttered in their original language during the testimony, and the Plaintiff must prove through a sworn interpreter that the translation pleaded in the Statement of Claim is accurate. Counsel submitted that since the words as pleaded were not in English, the fact that the records of the trial court only contained the English translation of the words meant that the exact defamatory words were not proved at the trial. Counsel also argued that that the Court of Appeal was wrong for invoking Section 167(d) of the Evidence Act against the Appellant, because since the Respondent failed to prove the precise words uttered, there was no need for the Appellant to lead evidence in rebuttal.

On the 2nd issue, Counsel for the Appellant argued that there was no basis for the Court of Appeal to distinguish the facts of the case from the facts in IBEANU v UBA (1972) 2 ECSLR 194. Counsel argued that the only recognised exception to the rule in the IBEANU case is where the Defendant admits the defamatory words, and this is not the case here. 

Responding on issue 1, Counsel for the Respondent argued that both the slanderous words and their English translation were specifically pleaded in the Respondent’s Amended Statement of Claim. Counsel argued that the Respondent, and his two witnesses who attended the vigil, gave consistent testimony establishing the defamatory words as pleaded. Counsel submitted that although Igbo Language is not the official language of the court, the trial court understood the language and properly appreciated the evidence given. 

Similarly, in response to the Appellant’s arguments on issue 2, the Respondent’s Counsel submitted that the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were right in distinguishing this case from IBEANU v UBA (SUPRA), since the slanderous words were duly pleaded and the witnesses testified in Igbo language.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

On the 1st issue, the Supreme Court held that in all cases of defamation, whether libel or slander, the onus is on the Plaintiff to prove the defamatory word, and in an action founded on slander, the defamatory words may be proved by pleading the words in a Statement of Claim and establishing same by oral evidence. The Apex Court held further that where slanderous words were uttered in a language other than English Language, whether vernacular or foreign language, what the law requires is that the persons who heard the words understand the language in which they were uttered or published, that the words both in their original form and English translation be set out in the Statement of Claim, and that the meanings of the words in English be proved by an expert sworn interpreter. The Apex Court relied on its earlier decision in ORUWARI v OSLER (2012) LPELR – 19764 (SC).

The Court held that there was no doubt that PW5 who was called by the Respondent at the trial to interpret the alleged defamatory words to English Language, a civil servant who was a Higher Executive Officer attached to the High Court, Owerri as an interpreter, thus, eminently qualified as an expert witness in the circumstance. The Court held further that his interpretation was also materially and substantially the same as the pleadings as contained in the Amended Statement of Claim, and was thus, sufficient proof of the defamatory words.

The Supreme Court also held that contrary to the argument of the Appellant, there is no requirement that the alleged defamatory words must be written in the foreign language/vernacular in the court’s record, in view of the fact that the official language of Nigerian Courts remains the English Language, and it is expected that the trial Judge would record the proceedings in English Language as translated from the original language. The Court held that all that is necessary, is to show that the words were given in evidence in that original language and in the instant case, the record showed that the Respondent as PW1, as well as PW2 and PW3 testified exclusively in Igbo language, and they gave evidence of the slanderous words. This Court held that their testimonies were not disputed by the Appellant, hence, there was no basis to hold that the slanderous words were not proved.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court held that the lower court rightly relied on the case of TOURNIER v NATIONAL PROVINCIAL AND UNION BANK OF ENGLAND (1924) 1 KB 461, in which the Court of Appeal of England and Wales held that in an action for slander, it is not necessary for the Plaintiff to prove the exact words as pleaded in the statement of claim, and it suffices if he proves the substance of the slanderous words pleaded. The Apex Court held that the crucial requirement is for the pleadings and evidence of the Plaintiff’s witness to support the claim that the defamatory/slanderous words were made, hence, the Plaintiff must discharge the burden placed on him by law of proving that the Defendant made a false defamatory statement about him which was communicated to a third party and caused the Plaintiff harm. 

The Supreme Court held that the lower courts were right to have accepted the uncontroverted evidence of the Respondent which showed that, since the publication of the slanderous words, the Respondent no longer commanded the public respect he used to have and that his clientele as a traditional healer had considerably diminished. The Apex Court further held that by virtue of Section 133(1) and (2) of the Evidence Act, the Respondent having successfully discharged the burden of proving his claim on the balance of probabilities, the onus shifted to the Appellant to adduce contrary evidence to rebut the evidence led by the Respondent; however all the Appellant could offer were bare assertions which were not proved by evidence. The Court held that this was more so as the Appellant failed to tender the video recording of the vigil despite asserting in his pleadings that he would tender the same and the Court of Appeal rightly invoked the presumption of withholding evidence as contained in Section 149(d) of the Evidence Act against the Appellant.  

On the 2nd issue as to whether the Court of Appeal was right to have distinguished the case of IBEANU v UBA (1972) 2 ECSLR 194 from the present case, the Supreme Court held that the doctrine of stare decisis or judicial precedent which postulates that where the facts in a subsequent case are similar or close to facts in an earlier case that has been decided by the same court or a higher court, judicial pronouncements in the earlier case are utilised to govern and determine the decision in the subsequent case, only mandates lower courts to abide by the decisions of higher courts and not the other way round. The Court held that by the hierarchy of courts created by the Constitution, the East Central State High Court which decided the IBEANU case is lower in hierarchy and subordinate to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The Court held that thus, the decision in the IBEANU case rendered by the East Central State High Court was not binding on the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, and the question whether the Court of Appeal was right to distinguish the facts of this case from the decision in the IBEANU case is of no moment.  

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

A. I. Nwachukwu for the Appellant.

O. D. Atoyebi for the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

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An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola, has struck out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from a suit challenging the eligibility of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to conduct its elective convention in the Oyo State capital.

The decision followed INEC’s objection, in which the Commission argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, insisting that as a federal agency, it can only be sued before the Federal High Court.

The Commission subsequently prayed the court to strike out its name from the suit.

Justice Akintola upheld the objection and ruled that INEC be removed from the case on the grounds that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of a state high court.

However, he retained the remaining defendants, including the PDP, a party member, Folahan Malomo, and the chairman of the PDP zonal committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. The acting national chairman of the party, Umar Damagun, also remains a defendant.

The matter has been adjourned to January 26, 2026, for further hearing.

Speaking after the ruling, counsel to the claimant, Musbau Adetunmbi (SAN), said INEC’s objection having been upheld, the case would now proceed against the remaining defendants.

Similarly, the PDP’s Oyo State legal adviser, Dapo Durosharan, confirmed that proceedings will continue on the adjourned date.

At its previous sitting on November 14, the court had reserved ruling on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction in the suit filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi regarding the party’s national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

The convention went ahead as directed by the court and produced the Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Executive Committee.

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Manchester United climbed back into the race to qualify for the Champions League as Bruno Fernandes inspired a 4-1 rout of woeful Wolves on Monday.

Ruben Amorim’s side recovered from their disappointing draw with lowly West Ham last week thanks to Fernandes’ double and goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount at Molineux.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde had cancelled out Fernandes’ opener with Wolves’ first goal in six games in all competitions and their first in the top-flight since October 26.

But Mbeumo, Mount and Fernandes netted after the interval to clinch only United’s second win in their last six matches.

United suffered an embarrassing 1-0 home loss to 10-man Everton on November 24 and 10 days later boos greeted the final whistle following a 1-1 draw with West Ham at Old Trafford.

With Amorim growing increasingly tetchy in recent weeks, it was essential that sixth-placed United avoided an embarrassing result against bottom of the table Wolves as they moved within one point of the top four.

Wolves’ eighth successive league defeat equalled their worst top-flight run since 1981-82 and left boss Rob Edwards still waiting for his first victory since arriving from Middlesbrough to replace the sacked Vitor Pereira in November.

Wolves have just two points after 15 games and if they fail to win either of their next two against Arsenal and Brentford they will equal Sheffield United’s longest winless start in the Premier League of 17 matches.

Derby’s Premier League record low of just 11 points in a single season is also under threat from dismal Wolves.

– Perfect response –

Diogo Dalot should have put United ahead in the opening moments when he raced clean through on goal, but the defender’s tame shot was palmed away by Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone.

Hundreds of angry Wolves fans boycotted the opening 15 minutes to protest against owners Fosun and executive chairman Jeff Shi.

When they returned to their seats, the Wolves supporters saw their former forward Matheus Cunha have a shot blocked before United took the lead in the 25th minute.

It was a shambolic goal in keeping with Wolves’ wretched campaign.

Andre’s wayward back-pass was intercepted by Cunha and when he flicked the ball to Fernandes, the Portugal midfielder initially slipped over before recovering to poke a weak shot that somehow evaded Johnstone as it crept over the line.

As boos rained down from furious Wolves supporters, United went for the kill and Cunha’s strike was cleared off the line by Toti.

United’s focus briefly wavered and Wolves snatched their long-awaited goal in first half stoppage-time.

Amorim’s men couldn’t clear a succession of crosses and David Moller Wolfe’s pass was turned in at full-stretch by Bellegarde from 12 yards.

But United provided the perfect response in the 51st minute.

A flowing move cut through the Wolves defence as Mount’s pass found Dalot and his unselfish cutback allowed Mbeumo to slot into the empty net.

In the 62nd minute, Mount timed his run perfectly to meet Fernandes’ cross with an emphatic volley from six yards.

Fernandes’ fourth goal this season put the seal on a one-sided contest as he stroked home an 82nd minute penalty after Yerson Mosquera handled.

The post Man Utd back on track after Fernandes inspires Wolves rout appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Professor AbdulWaheed Olatinwo, has described the practice of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Nigeria as one of the best in the world.

He affirmed this while being conferred with an award of “Excellence in Administration” by the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) at the weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State, during its Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.
According to Olatinwo, of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ilorin, “the commitment of SOGON to excellence in women’s health and the advancement of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Nigeria is truly inspiring, making it one of the best in the world.”
He acknowledged the efforts of all his colleagues at sustaining the expected standards of women’s health in Nigeria, adding that the award conferred on him was feasible through the support given by his colleagues and their collective efforts.

The award recipient spoke against inhuman treatment of some women in Nigeria, especially pregnant women by their husbands, urging the relevant arm of government to legislate against such vices with stringent penalties.
Besides, he canvassed prompt prosecution of cases of rape against women, noting that apart from the traumatic effects on the victims, it would portray the nation as being insensitive to the vulnerability of women in Nigeria.
According to him, “such cases were on the increase in South Africa, for instance, some years back, but the government of the country rose to the occasion via enactment of relevant laws against rape, especially, and today, the result is there for all to see. Nigeria too can take a clue from this.”

For him, the award would spur him into more responsibilities and expectations in his chosen field, thanking the leadership of the association for their thoughtful choice of him as a recipient.
He expressed his appreciation to the managements of the University of Ilorin and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for giving him a conducive environment to thrive as both a lecturer and a surgeon.
Born some six decades ago, Olatinwo, a native of Offa in Offa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, began his education at Adesola Model School, Offa, in 1968. He earned his MBBS degree from the University of Maiduguri and his Fellowship of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS) in 1995.

He was the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) from 2010 to 2018. His contributions, however, extend beyond clinical practice to governance and research.

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As Nigeria grapples with escalating security challenges, marked by increased killings and criminal activities, the effectiveness of recent appointments, including that of the new Minister of Defence, has come under scrutiny from legal minds.

The debate centres on Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which clearly establishes that “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

With criminal elements continuing their reign of terror across the nation, two senior lawyers offered contrasting but ultimately converging views on how the government, and the new Defence Minister in particular, can fulfil this fundamental constitutional mandate.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Babajide Koku, voiced deep scepticism regarding the impact of replacing personnel without addressing structural failures. He dismissed the appointment as a cosmetic approach to a problem that demands far-reaching systemic reforms.

“Do you think that the appointment of a new Minister of Defence is the answer to this problem? I don’t think so,” Koku stated, challenging the notion that a change of guard alone could alter Nigeria’s security trajectory.

He pointed out that the newly sworn-in Minister was in the system before and was part of the existing structure. Koku likened the change to a game of musical chairs, arguing that maintaining the same flawed security infrastructure while simply changing its head will yield no tangible difference.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a musical chair. I don’t think it’s going to make any difference,” he maintained. He believes that sustained peace requires the entire security architecture to be fundamentally redeemed, not merely managed by a new appointee.

Corroborating the necessity for deeper reform, another senior lawyer, Bulus Atsen, provided a more detailed analysis, stressing that the current crisis is a symptom of broader governmental decay. Atsen agreed that the security and welfare of citizens represent the fundamental essence of governance.

However, he emphasised that security has metamorphosed into a multifaceted challenge that cannot be solved solely with guns, bullets and bombs. Atsen referenced the philosophy of the former Chief of Defence Staff (General C.G. Musa, Retd.), who consistently advocated for a non-kinetic approach to addressing insecurity.

This multifaceted understanding of security, Atsen argued, involves aspects well beyond the Defence Ministry’s traditional purview, encompassing physical, human, educational, political, economic and cultural security.

“We didn’t get to where we are overnight. It was a degeneration of governance,” Atsen asserted, attributing the degenerative state of national security to the government’s historical failure to address these various threats over the years.

He stressed that while the Minister of Defence is crucial, he is merely one cog in a vast governmental machine. “Resolving the security quagmire requires a collective and harmonious effort across all sectors.

“It’s not something that he can do as an individual. He is just a Minister of Defence. It’s just one aspect of security,” Atsen stated. He insisted that the security mandate can only be guaranteed if all relevant ministries — those designed to address economic, educational and political sectors — work in unison to secure their respective areas of endeavour.

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