NIGERIA NEWS
Governor Adeleke Unveils Accord Party For Re-election Bid
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has unveiled the Accord Party as his new political platform and announced his intention to seek re-election for a second term on the platform of the ‘thumb up’ party.
The governor made the announcement on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Osogbo, in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party.
The governor sais: “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago precisely November 6th as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.
“Stakeholders and residents of Osun State are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends which have been applauded at home and abroad.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare.
“I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun state and Nigeria at large.
“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for. Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.
“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well being of the people.
“As a governor, I have prioritized the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well being of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery.
“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun state. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.
“From Igbomina to Ijeshaland to Ifeland to Osogbo to Iwoland to Modakeke to Gbongan to Igbajo to Ikire to Ikirun to Ede and other lands of Osun state, we must thumb up according to our collective desires for good governance.
“Osun voted for good governance in 2022 and they will support continuity in chairman of the party, 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity and Accord is our party for victory next year.
“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of Osun people, I hereby accordingly declare for the Accord Party.”
The national chairman of the party, Maxwell Mgbudem, welcomed Governor Adeleke into the party and assured him of the support of the party.
NIGERIA NEWS
Christian Lady Who Wears Hijab Defends Why She Wears Muslim Outfits: “Modesty is a Personal Choice”
- A Christian lady has publicly explained her love for Muslim-inspired outfits, noting that covering her hair doesn’t make her a Muslim
- The lady who wears hijab stated that dressing modestly is not exclusive to Muslims, and added that she has a personal choice to wear what she deems fit
- In a post on TikTok, she explained why she wears hijab, and her reason sparked a debate on the social media platform among Muslims and Christians
A Christian lady, @tf_its.sally, has defended her preference for wearing Muslim-inspired outfits, especially the hijab.
She explained herself while responding to questions about why she dresses like a Muslim despite being a Christian.
A Christian lady who wears hijab has defended her love for Muslim outfits.
Photo Credit: @tf_its.sally
Source: TikTok
Why Christian lady wears hijab
@tf_its.sally shared a video showcasing herself in different outfits, including the hijab. She said that covering her hair doesn’t make her a Muslim, as modesty is a personal choice and not exclusive to Muslims.
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In her words:
“Covering my hair doesn’t make me Muslim. Modesty is a personal choice, Muslim are not the only one who are supposed to dress modest.”
She further explained that she wears hijab because she loves it. She said she strongly believes in her faith, but has a personal choice to wear what she likes.
She added that she feels more confident rocking the hijab. She wrote:
“I wear hijab because I like it! I believed strongly in my faith . I know hijabs are made for the Muslims Buh I have a personal choice to what I want to wear. I wear hijab as sign of cultural appreciation,not that I want to be a Muslim. Embracing myself in Muslim outfit is a way that makes me feel more confident.”
A Christian lady says she wears hijab because she loves it.
Photo Credit: @tf_its.sally
Source: TikTok
Watch her video below:
Hijab use: Christian lady’s post sparks reactions
Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the lady’s post below:
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praizeee🎀💗 said:
“She can dress how she wants Christianity is a heart thing and is not determined by ur dressing.”
Princess 🖤💕… said:
“Madam there’s Christian veiling, no need for hijab the muslims gave it that name, they made it so its muslims dressing ..you hear me so you can dress like the Jewish women if you want with CHRISTAIN VEILING….not dress like muslims with hijab nobody should come for me but christain women should not start normalizing the wearing of hijab.. na here I go stop. Gat lots to say but.”
ella_veda said:
“The irony is that Islam and Christianity are all Abrahamic religions. We all cover our heads, in Christianity it’s a choice. Mary covered her hair, so did most women in the Bible.”
girl 🥰 lyk💓rene🤧 said:
“Girl you could have just called it a Christian veil, not hijab or dressing like a Muslim.There is modesty in chrstianity too so n call it a veil.”
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debola_femii said:
“Covering your hair doesn’t make you a muslim but wearing of hijab portrays you as one.”
marierose0012 said:
“I dress same way and am Christian I really find it offensive when people say I dress like Muslims when all I do is dress decent.”
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that the Kwara state government had approved the use of hijab in al public schools.
Hijab use: Man reacts to Oyedepo’s stance
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a man had reacted after Bishop Oyedepo rejected the use of hijbas in church schools.
Speaking during a church service in an old video, Bishop Oyedepo described the demand as an act of overstepping boundaries, likening it to “a tenant decreeing for the landlord.”
The cleric emphasised that mission schools should maintain their original standards and advised those pushing for the hijab to establish their own schools.
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“I’ve never felt joy in marriage”: Sola Allyson opens up about complicated marital life
Source: Legit.ng
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the All Progressives Congress, APC, as “self-inflicted,” warning that the development threatens Nigeria’s democratic balance.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said the move contributes to what it called a growing slide toward a one-party system.
According to the statement, the governor made political choices that led to his departure and should not blame the party or any stakeholder.
“Everyone who has followed the developments leading to this defection will recall that the governor willingly travelled the path that brought him here,” the PDP said.
It added that despite the tensions in Rivers State, the governor should not overlook the support he received from the party, civil society groups and Nigerians during the crisis.
The PDP also cautioned Fubara against what it described as sympathy for those it alleges pushed him in his current direction.
The party further said the controversy in Rivers highlights weaknesses in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the growing influence of individuals who use federal power to overwhelm opponents.
It maintained that recent events show a shrinking political space and accused the APC of working toward establishing a one-party structure.
The PDP urged citizens, democratic institutions and the international community to remain vigilant as the country navigates what it called a critical moment for Nigeria’s democracy.
The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the Bola Tinubu-led government for its military intervention on fleeing coup plotters in the Republic of Benin.
In a statement on Tuesday, AAC National Publicity Secretary Rex I. Elanu said the move exposes the government’s selective use of power.
“Nigerians are being kidnapped, killed, and terrorised with near-total impunity, yet the same state demonstrates flawless coordination and lethal efficiency when it serves regime or foreign interests,” the party said.
The AAC argued that the attacks reveal a government that prioritises elite convenience over citizens’ lives, highlighting failures in domestic security and protection. “Nigeria does not lack capacity; it lacks commitment to the lives of its own people,” the statement said.
The party urged Nigerians to resist the government’s neglect, calling for organized civic action to reclaim the country.
It also expressed solidarity with the people of the Republic of Benin and condemned attempts to destabilise neighbouring states.
“Nigeria belongs to its people. The time has come to organize, resist, and take it back,” the AAC declared.
Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian military officers who were detained after their transport aircraft made an “unauthorised” landing in the country.
The officers, including two crew members and nine other military personnel, were aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C‑130 that landed Monday in the western city of Bobo‑Dioulasso.
Burkinabè authorities initially detained the officers and seized the aircraft, saying it had entered the country’s airspace without proper clearance.
The unexpected arrival prompted an immediate security response, with defence and intelligence units deployed to assess the situation.
Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo described the landing as a clear violation of national procedures and sovereignty.
The Nigerian government, however, described the stop as a technical emergency while the plane was en route to Portugal.
NAF insisted the diversion was purely a precaution, carried out in accordance with international aviation safety protocols.
Officials confirmed that the officers were treated well and are now safely returning to Nigeria.
The incident has further strained relations between Nigeria and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a bloc of military-led governments including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
AES condemned the landing as an “unfriendly act” and had placed its air forces on maximum alert following the incursion.
The three countries have previously accused Nigeria of overreaching in regional security operations, particularly in Benin, where Nigeria has coordinated interventions against coup threats.
Despite the initial tensions, Burkinabè security officials cleared the Nigerian officers after questioning and allowed them to depart.
The NAF has not confirmed whether the aircraft has been released but maintained that its personnel were treated with respect during the incident.
In a related development, POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that Niger recently introduced new restrictions on goods entering from Nigeria, citing security concerns and possible Nigerian military activity in the region.
All goods from Nigeria must now be inspected at entry points before any transit procedures, according to a directive from Nigerien security authorities.
This episode highlights growing unease between Nigeria and the military-led governments of the Sahel, as the bloc deepens cooperation and reduces reliance on ECOWAS and some Western partners while seeking closer ties with alternative security allies.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor announced his decision on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the meeting, Fubara explained that the decision was tied to his desire to fully align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We can’t support President Tinubu if we don’t fully identify with him, not just the backyard support,” he said. “So we have taken that decision here today that everyone who has followed and suffered with me, the decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC.”
The announcement came a day after Governor Fubara reportedly visited President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Fubara’s defection adds to a growing list of PDP governors who have recently crossed over to the APC, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Siri.
Fubara’s defection marks another major development in Rivers State’s turbulent political landscape. Earlier in March, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state following heightened political tensions stemming from a dispute between the governor and members of the state House of Assembly. The President subsequently suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Assembly for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas—now an ambassador—as the state’s administrator.
After completing the suspension period, Governor Fubara returned to office, describing the emergency rule as a difficult but necessary phase to restore order. In a statewide broadcast, he pledged to foster peace and reconciliation across the state.
Former Kano State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has cautioned party members against prematurely announcing or promoting any individual as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
Ganduje said it was too early to begin naming preferred aspirants, warning that such moves could fuel internal divisions within the party.
The warning followed recent declarations by some senior APC members in Kano that Senator Barau Jibrin would contest the governorship election in 2027.
The endorsement has triggered controversy within the party, particularly after Ganduje declined to back any aspirant and urged supporters to slow down.
One of the Senator’s early supporters, Baffa Takai, later withdrew his endorsement and issued an apology to party members over the development.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, Ganduje stressed the need for restraint among APC loyalists, warning against promoting individuals ahead of the appropriate time.
“People should stop promoting aspirants by saying this one is better than that one. That kind of behaviour will only bring division into the party,” he said.
The former National Chairman of the ruling party added, “Let the proper time for selecting candidates come, and then those who are qualified will emerge. We are not saying there won’t be a candidate, but we must wait for the right time.” Ganduje emphasised.
NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL) recorded daily crude oil production of 355,000 barrels per day (bpd) on December 1, 2025—its highest output since 1989.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.
According to the figures released by the company, NEPL’s average daily production rose sharply from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025 — a significant 52 per cent increase.
The company attributed this surge to structured field development, strengthened asset management, and key improvements in internal operational systems.
The performance comes at a critical time, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to meet its production targets of 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million barrels per day by 2030.
What the NNPC Ltd GCEO said:
Group CEO of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the development signals that the country’s energy resurgence is no longer aspirational but actively unfolding.
“By showing its ability to exceed its own production benchmarks, NEPL confirms that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are being firmly established. The achievement signals that the machinery of production—equipment, processes, capabilities, and partnerships—can be driven with commercial discipline to produce real and positive outcomes,” Ojulari stated.
He noted that the achievement reinforces confidence nationally and across the global energy landscape, assuring partners and investors that Nigeria is committed to reaffirming its role as a dependable energy supplier.
Also speaking, Udy Ntia, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, observed that the milestone goes beyond the 355,000 bpd figure.
“In a sector where shortcuts can yield short-term wins but long-term damage, NEPL is making a different point: sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations. This ensures that scaling production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing, or environmental protection. It reinforces a shift away from extraction at any cost towards sustainable value creation—a core requirement for any modern energy company seeking global relevance,” Ntia added.
Nicolas Foucart, MD, NEPL also noted that NEPL’s record-setting performance mirrors the broader transformation unfolding across NNPC Limited.
“This is a story shaped by leadership that charts a clear course; by partnerships built on alignment and accountability; and by a workforce whose hard work is turning goals into measurable progress. Our people, our processes, and principles are the real engines behind this success. We are building for tomorrow, not just celebrating today,” Foucart stated.
He added: “For Nigerians, this accomplishment means far more than increased barrels; it translates into greater national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation. NEPL has not only produced more hydrocarbons; it has reignited belief in what Nigeria’s energy sector can achieve with the right systems, culture, and dedication.”
What you should know
NNPC E&P Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited involved in the exploration and production of oil and gas resources.
Nairametrics reported that crude oil production experienced a slight dip, falling to 1.58 million barrels of oil per day (mmbopd) in October from 1.61 mmbopd in September.
In November, the company set a target of attracting $60 billion in investments by 2030 through strategic partnerships aimed at driving Africa’s energy transformation.
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Two newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana and Dr. John Chidiebere Ezeamama, have assumed duty at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
While Dr. Kana takes charge of the General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Ezeamama will oversee the Cabinet Affairs Office (CAO).
Both officials resumed duties at separate handover ceremonies held in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen.
Speaking after taking over at the GSO, Dr. Kana expressed readiness to work closely with management and staff of the OSGF to ensure effective implementation of policies and programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He pledged to uphold professionalism and discipline, noting that his tenure would prioritise hard work and adherence to rules.
At his own ceremony, Dr. Ezeamama thanked President Tinubu and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for the confidence reposed in him.
He described his assumption of office as a renewed commitment to service driven by integrity and results, adding that the Cabinet Affairs Office would continue to play a strategic role in coordinating the Federal Executive Council, the Council of State and the Nigeria Police Council.
Outgoing officials, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office and overseeing GSO, and Dr. Emanso Okop Umobong, outgoing Permanent Secretary, CAO, used their farewell remarks to appreciate staff cooperation during their tenure, urging the workforce to extend the same support to the new Permanent Secretaries.
By Luminous Jannamike
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic equilibrium, saying the move accelerates the country’s drift toward a ‘one-party state.’
The party argued that the political upheaval in Rivers State reflects a deeper erosion of democratic norms and the growing influence of powerful actors over state institutions.
In a statement on Tuesday night signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP described the governor’s exit as both unfortunate and entirely self-inflicted.
“This news, as pitiful as it is, is an exemplar of the old legal maxim volenti non fit injuria, meaning ‘to one who is willing, no harm can be done’,” Ememobong said.
The party maintained that Governor Fubara knowingly pursued the political choices that culminated in his defection, insisting that neither the PDP nor any stakeholder should be blamed for the consequences.
It noted that observers familiar with the saga from the beginning would recall that the governor’s own decisions, not the party’s, steered him to this moment.
“Everyone who has followed the developments that culminated in this uneventful defection will recall that the Governor willingly travelled the path that took him to this destination,” the party stated.
The PDP added that despite the intense pressure surrounding the Rivers crisis, the governor should not overlook the support he received from the party, civil society groups and ordinary Nigerians who defended him until he eventually backed down.
“Whilst a person who is at a crossroad of threats of existential proportion will most likely suffer from temporary amnesia caused by trauma, the Governor should have nothing less than praise for our party, civil society organisations, and all Nigerians who freely stood up in his defence since this crisis started until he capitulated,” Ememobong said.
The party also cautioned the governor against becoming sympathetic toward those who, it said, coerced him onto his current path.
“It is our prayer that the Governor should not suffer from Stockholm Syndrome, where a victim falls in love with his captor,” the PDP spokesman prayed.
Although noting that it ‘pities’ the Governor, the PDP said it wishes him well regardless.
The party further stressed that the Rivers episode highlights a broader democratic dysfunction in Nigeria, one in which individuals overshadow institutions and leverage federal power to subdue political opponents.
According to the statement, this trend threatens the strength and survival of multiparty democracy.
“The Rivers situation is a testament to the dysfunctional nature of our democracy, where individuals are bigger and stronger than institutions and can use the apparatus of the Federal Government to obfuscate political life out of their opponents and bring them to their knees,” the party declared.
Reiterating long-standing concerns, the PDP accused the ruling APC of working systematically to shrink the political space and secure electoral dominance at the expense of democratic competition.
“Finally, we reiterate to Nigerians and the global community that with the unrelenting disposition of the ruling party towards the attainment of a one-party state, and the constriction of the political space, democracy is under severe attack in Nigeria. Everyone must rise together to oppose this ignoble trip toward electoral authoritarianism,” the PDP declared.
The party urged citizens, democratic institutions and the international community to remain vigilant as Nigeria navigates what it described as a dangerous turning point in its political development.
Vanguard News
The post Fubara’s exit a ‘self-inflicted injury – PDP appeared first on Vanguard News.
NIGERIA NEWS
‘Father Christmas’ arrested, charged for distributing child pornography in US – Tribune Online
Authorities in Mercer County, United States, have disclosed the arrest of a 64-year-old Santa performer and retired elementary school teacher in New Jersey on allegations of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
This was disclosed by Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey’s office which identified the suspect as Mark Paulino of Hamilton Township.
Prosecutors charged the suspect with second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, second-degree possession with intent to distribute, third-degree possession, and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to investigators, the case began on December 4 after the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit alerted local detectives to uploads of child pornography traced to a Hamilton Township home. Paulino was later identified as the suspect.
Prosecutors said Paulino recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District, explaining that his website advertised him as a Santa performer available for private, corporate and community events.
“Due to his active engagement with young children in that role, detectives worked around the clock to obtain a search warrant,” prosecutors wrote in a press release.
Investigators executed that warrant on December 5, arresting Paulino and seizing several items from his home. He was taken into custody without incident.
CBS News reports that Paulino faces five to ten years in prison on the second-degree charges and fines that could reach $150,000, according to prosecutors.
A motion has been filed to keep him detained while his case continues.
The Hamilton Township School District declined to comment when contacted by CBS News Philadelphia.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and encouraged anyone with information or past interactions of concern to come forward.
(CBS News)
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