NIGERIA NEWS
Fubara: You cannot cry more than bereaved — Ememobong
The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ini Ememobong, has said that Governor Siminalayi Fubara directly influenced how party leaders and supporters navigated the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
Ememobong made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
Speaking on the governor’s conduct throughout the situation, Ememobong said Fubara consistently urged supporters not to escalate tensions.
“In that whole period, he discouraged people from fighting further,” he said.
“A lot of the commentators who were coming out, including those attending the fair, kept asking what the position was. But he would always say he would sort the matter out.”
Ememobong explained that party leaders, particularly PDP governors, were careful not to take actions that might undermine Governor Fubara’s personal strategy.
“You cannot cry more than the bereaved at the funeral so that it won’t become suspicious,” he noted.
“The PDP governors took their positions, they aired their positions, they took steps but the steps you’re taking are in furtherance of the person’s interest. You can’t file a case and then the person will tell you, ‘I didn’t ask you to; you’re complicating my issues for me.’”
According to him, this caution was driven by the governor’s reluctance at the time to openly confront those challenging his authority.
“When he was ready to fight, everyone fought alongside him,” he added.
“Look at the local government election; he had all the support from everywhere. Even when the state authorities were attempting to push him back, you saw how Nigerians supported him and fought back.”
Ememobong further explained that supporters were hesitant to take aggressive action unless the governor clearly indicated readiness for confrontation.
“In a circumstance where you are not fighting from the front and you’re asking people to backtrack, then people think fighting further will hurt your interest,” he said. “And since they love you, they also heed to you.”
He concluded that political allies acted based on the governor’s signals, prioritising his long-term stability over immediate confrontation.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the headquarters of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Companies (IKEDC) in Alausa area of Lagos.
While details of the events that led to the regulatory action were still unclear as of the time of filing this report, staff of the IKEDC were seen outside, while several officials of the Commission donning their green jackets sealed the entrance of the building.
Details shortly…
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At least 32 Nigerians have been deported from India following an extensive police operation targeting a suspected transnational drug trafficking network.
The deportations come weeks after a major coordinated raid conducted by Delhi Police and the Telangana Police EAGLE unit, which led to the arrest of 50 Nigerians allegedly tied to a wide-reaching narcotics syndicate.
Crackdown uncovers large drug and laundering ring
Investigators said the group operated a broad drug distribution and hawala-laundering network spanning several major Indian cities, according to local media reports.
The syndicate allegedly moved drugs from Delhi, disguising the shipments as regular courier packages to evade detection by security agencies.
Officials revealed that the arrested foreigners were working for a Nigerian kingpin identified as Nick, who is wanted in several cases filed by the EAGLE unit.
A senior official disclosed that Nick is believed to be coordinating operations from Nigeria, with an estimated 100 associates operating in Delhi alone.
Devices expose thousands of clients
“Analysis of the peddlers’ devices showed the network serves over 3,000 clients across India, based on payments traced. In one case, a publisher laundered 20 lakh to Nigeria in collusion with the peddlers, and others collaborated with businesses in footwear and apparel,” the official said.
Deportations and ongoing investigations
Of the 50 suspects arrested, 32 Nigerians were recently deported.
Seven individuals from whom drugs were recovered will face criminal prosecution in India.
Authorities added that the remaining suspects may also be deported as investigations widen to identify individuals and companies involved in laundering funds for the syndicate.
Laleye Dipo in Minna
Minna, the capital of Niger State, has been hit by acute water scarcity, forcing residents to search for water for domestic and other uses from any available source.
The scarcity, which started about a month ago, has become so serious that water vendors popularly known as (Mairuwa) sell a truck load of ten 25-liter Jerry cans between N1,500 and N2,000, depending on the location of the community where it is being sold.
The situation has also been compounded by the cessation of the rain, which has made most wells dry up.
The development has resulted in Muslims now buying sachet water to perform ablution before their regular prayers, either in the mosques or at home.
Meanwhile, officials of the state Water and Sanitation Board and those of the government have kept mum on the cause of the scarcity.
However, THISDAY’s investigation has shown that the problem started when the state government directed that the water treatment plant should be metered, a development that resulted in about N6 million credit being bought from the AEDC to power the engines and supply water to the people every three days.
According to the findings, the situation became complicated when some machines packed up and were said to require about N83million to fix them.
The government, according to findings, directed the Board to source the amount from its internally generated revenue (IGR), which officials of the Board claimed they could not raise because consumers have failed to pay water bills as a result of its epileptic supply to their homes.
A senior official in the state Ministry of Primary Health, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed fear about an outbreak of an epidemic as a result of people consuming water from doubtful sources.
He reminded the government that water pollution and consumption of unhygienic water resulted in the outbreak of cholera in August this year, which affected 12 local government areas of the state resulting in the death of not less than 16 people.
Stakeholders at the Tiv Taraba IDP Town Hall meeting held on Wednesday in Kyado Benue state says, over 3000 of the Tiv population have been killed since April 1st. 2019, 300,000 displaced and over 1000 villages destroyed in the southern part of the state.
The stakeholders called on governor Agbu Kefas to fasttrack the safe return of the displaced Tiv population taking refuge in Benue state back to their ancestral homes in Taraba.
Nigerian Tribune reports that the Catholic Bishop of Wukari Diocese, Most Rev. Mark Maigida Nzukwein had expressed concern over the recent wave of killings and continues displacement of people, particularly the Tiv and Kuteb tribes in the southern part of Taraba. The Bishop Condemned the recent attacks and killings in the Chanchanji ward of Takum by Fulani militia where over 70 Tiv people were killed within two weeks.
He called on both president Bola Tinubu and the Taraba state government to expedite action to ending the attacks, and ensure a safe return of the displaced population back to their ancestral homes in Taraba state.
Meanwhile, stakeholders at the meeting comprises of Traditional rulers, Prist and pastors, commurnity leaders and many others, identify that 283 Tiv villages in Wukari, 69 in Donga, 37 in Ibi and several others in Takum LGAs have remain abandone, representing a displaced population of over 300,000 Tiv people since 2019.
In a communique issued at end of the meeting, signed by Mr. Solomon Iornem JP. Chairman Plannig Committee, Rev. A. Y Waako, HRH. Zaki John Ikyo and others, the stakeholders decried the deplorable condition of IDPs taking refuge in Benue, and appealed to governor Agbu Kefas return them back to their ancestral homes in Taraba state.
“Following extensive deliberations on the conditions and challenges faced by the Tiv people of Taraba State, particularly those displaced by the ongoing crisis, stakeholders at the Town Hall Meeting arrived at the following observations and resolutions: “The meeting observed that the Jukun/Tiv violent conflict, which began on 1st April 2019, is still on, as internally displaced persons (IDPs) have not returned to their ancestral homes. Those who attempt to return home have continued to face renewed attacks and killings.
“The crisis has resulted to significant loss of lives across southern Taraba. over 3000 of the Tiv population have been killed since April 1st. 2019, 300,000 displaced and over 1000 villages destroyed in the southern part of Taraba state.
“The prolonged displacement has created severe humanitarian crises characterized by, high number of out-of-school children, lack of access to healthcare for children, women, and the elderly, increased vulnerability of youths to drug abuse, violent crime, and prostitution, widespread hunger, poverty, and starvation.
“The ongoing herders attacks on the innocent farmers, especially, in Chanchaji ward of Takum has continued to cause further bloodshed, destruction of farmlands, and worsening destitution among displaced Tiv communities.
“The proposed establishment of Military Forward Operating Base FOB, in Ikyaior and Jandekyula, lacks transparency, adequate consultation, and community engagement, creating misunderstanding and tension.
In view of the above, the meeting unanimously resolved as follows: “We appeal to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas to urgently facilitate the safe return of the Tiv IDPs to their ancestral homes.
“We reaffirm that Tiv and Jukun are brothers and sisters, united by history, intermarriage, shared values, hospitality, and a long tradition of peaceful coexistence. We therefore, pledge commitment to peace and reconciliation.
“We call on the government to urgently constitute a Jukun/Tiv Ad-Hoc Peace and Reconciliation Committee, with equal representation from both ethnic to address grievances, restore trust and propose sustainable peace strategies. We appreciate Governor Kefas for his intervention in managing the Chanchaji crisis. However, we appeal for stronger measures, increased security deployment, and continued engagement, as attacks and killings persist.
“We call for temporary suspension or review of the proposed FOBs in Ikyaior and Jandekyula, pending proper community consultations, sensitization, and consensus arrangements that aligns with peace-building and confidence restoratory efforts.
“Stakeholders at the Tiv Taraba IDPs Town Hall Meeting, expressed concern over the ongoing violence, displacement, and humanitarian suffering affecting Tiv communities across Taraba State. We believe that justice, dialogue, truth, and mutual respect are essential pathways to lasting peace.
“We call on the State and Federal Governments, Traditional rulers, Religious institutions
Community-based organizations, Development partners, Security agencies and all peace-loving citizens to work collectively and restor peace, rebuild trust, and facilitate the safe return and reintegration of affected persons.
“We reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence, responsibility, and nation building,” the statement read.
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Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, has praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for reactivating the long-abandoned Owena Multipurpose Dam and the Akure Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had, on Tuesday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick-start construction work on both projects.
The Owena Multipurpose Dam, funded through donor agencies, the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government was first initiated during the administration of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu (2003–2009). Despite its importance, the project suffered years of neglect by successive administrations.
In her statement, Akindele said the governor deserved recognition for reviving a water scheme critical to the state’s development.
“I must commend the governor for his numerous developmental initiatives, especially his urban renewal projects,” she said.
“Akure is now wearing a new look. I have traveled to the Southern Senatorial District, I live in the Central District, and I have also visited the Northern Senatorial District. Everywhere is taking a new shape.
“I am most impressed that Mr. Governor has been thoughtful in reviving the Owena Multipurpose Dam Project. It is truly commendable.”
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Federal lawmakers from Edo State have firmly rejected calls for the creation of a proposed Toru-Be State from Ovia and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas of Edo State.
The lawmakers described the affected communities as foundational to the Benin Kingdom, carrying deep ancestral, historical and cultural significance for the Edo people.
The communities listed include Ughoton, Siluko, Aghamioba, Udo (Okomu), Ekewan, Ikoro, Obazuwa, Ologbo and the surrounding riverine settlements.
Their position was contained in a motion sponsored by Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion and supported by L. Eseosa Iyawe, Murphy Osaro Omoruyi and Billy Osawaru.
Igbinedion stressed that the Benin Kingdom, over 1,200 years old remains one of Africa’s most sophisticated pre-colonial civilisations, globally respected for its advanced political systems, urban organisation, military strength and the world-famous Benin Bronzes that continue to define Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
She warned that any attempt to cede historically significant Edo land poses a threat to the territorial integrity of the state and violates the cultural and ancestral rights of the Edo people, adding that such an action could trigger unrest and undermine national unity.
Condemning the proposal to carve out parts of Edo for the creation of Toru-Be State, Igbinedion stated that no individual, political caucus or regional group has the authority to offer any portion of Edo land without the consent of its people and due constitutional process.
She urged the Federal Government, particularly the President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives to reject any recommendation that includes Edo territory in the proposed new state.
She further called on stakeholders in the South-South region to refrain from actions capable of threatening unity and the historical integrity of existing states.
According to the motion, the House should mandate its Committees on Constitutional Review, Intergovernmental Affairs and State Creation to investigate the matter, uphold state boundaries and engage stakeholders to ensure transparency and equity in any future discussions on state creation.
Igbinedion reaffirmed that the people of Edo State remain committed to defending their land, heritage and identity, declaring: “Edo land is not up for negotiation, and Edo State will not cede an inch.”
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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised two terrorists in an ambush at Shettimari general area of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Akelicious that the operation, carried out under Operation Desert Sanity V, was executed by an ambush team in the early hours of Thursday.
The source said the troops, intercepted the fighters around their crossing point at about 1:20 a.m.
He said the soldiers immediately engaged the terrorists, neutralising two of them while others fled in different directions.
According to sources, the troops later conducted an immediate exploitation of the area and recovered two RPG bombs and one magazine loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm special ammunition.
“There was no casualty on the side of the troops. The ambush team later repositioned and continued with their task.
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Tragedy struck in the early hours of Thursday, December 11, 2025, when at least eight students of the University of Jos, UNIJOS, Plateau State, were killed after a trailer lost control and collided with a bus conveying them from a night outing on Zaria Road in the Jos metropolis.
According to eyewitnesses, in addition to the eight students who died on the spot, the bus driver also lost his life, while two students who survived the accident were rushed to a nearby hospital.
The students were reportedly returning from a night outing around 2 am in two hired buses when, in the Zaria Road Stadium area, a trailer travelling at high speed apparently suffered brake failure and rammed into one of the buses. The impact caused the bus driver to lose control, sending the vehicle crashing into an electric pole just before the Farin Gada bridge.
A survivor recounted: “The collision tore the bus apart, killing eight occupants instantly before emergency responders later arrived to evacuate the bodies and rushed the two to a nearby hospital.
“We were sitting at the back, so the force didn’t hit us as badly. Immediately, the trailer struck us, and the bus started shaking. Before anyone could react, we hit the electric pole. The whole bus just broke apart.
“We were heading home after a night out in two buses around 2am when the tragic incident happened. It was so sudden. We didn’t even see the trailer. After the hit, everyone was shouting, then the crash happened.”
The Plateau State Police spokesman, DSP Alabo Alfred, was not immediately available to confirm the incident, but a senior police officer told DAILY POST a manhunt has been launched for the trailer driver who fled the scene following the accident.
NIGERIA NEWS
“Pray For January 18”- Pastor Predicts Troubling Events, Says Northerners Will Expose Them
- Prophet Ritabbi is the senior pastor of Christ As of Old Ministry of All Nations, God of Now Now.
- He has gained significant attention for his predictions regarding events expected on January 18, 2026.
- The pastor urged his congregation to pray against these predicted events.
Clergyman Prophet Ritabbi, the senior pastor of Christ As of Old Ministry of All Nations, God of Now Now, has attracted widespread attention after urging Nigerians to pray against events he predicts will occur on January 18, 2026.
The pastor shared this warning in a video message to his congregation, which has since gone viral on social media.
Prophet Ritabbi claimed that God had revealed concerning insights about the nation’s future, details of which he plans to fully disclose during his crossover service on December 31, 2025.
In his message, he specifically called on Nigerians to intercede in prayer for protection against the events he anticipates on January 18. He also suggested that a situation similar to a past controversial death initially hidden but later exposed might happen again, with Northerners playing a key role in uncovering the truth.
He partly said …
“Pray against 18th January. If Nigeria did not divide, to God be the glory. The way the other one died them cover am naso them wan cover this one, Northerns exposed everything…the president, nowhere to be found. After they’d say he traveled, then later they’d say ‘eya’. What will happen this January God showed it to me.”
See post below:
“All Nigerians should pray against January 18, 2026. The way the last one passed away and it was covered up, they will also try to cover this one, but the Northerners will expose everything. God has already revealed to me all that will happen in Nigeria in January 2026.”👀👀
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 11, 2025
Two Nigerian women, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and media mogul, Mo Abudu, have been named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World for 2025.
The annual list, published on Wednesday by Forbes, celebrates women shaping global business, politics, culture, and technology.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was ranked 92nd on the list. She made history as the first African and first woman to head the WTO, assuming office in March 2021.
Described by Forbes as “an economist and international development professional,” Okonjo-Iweala has more than 30 years of experience across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
She previously served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003–2006, 2011–2015) and briefly as Foreign Minister in 2006. She also chaired the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has immunised over 760 million children worldwide.
A graduate of Harvard University with a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the 71-year-old is widely known for advocating trade as a pathway to lifting developing countries out of poverty.
Media entrepreneur and founder of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu, came in at number 98. Forbes described her as “one of the most influential women in global media.”
Abudu launched EbonyLife TV in 2006, which now broadcasts in over 49 countries, including the UK and the Caribbean. Under her leadership, EbonyLife has inked groundbreaking content deals with Sony Pictures Television, AMC Networks, and Netflix, becoming the first African media company to sign a multi-title agreement with the streaming giant.
In November 2025, the company unveiled EbonyLife ON Plus, a new digital platform available on Google Play and Apple App Store.
Born in London, Abudu spent her early years with her grandmother in Nigeria before returning to the UK.
Topping the 2025 Forbes list is European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, followed by European Central Bank’s Christine Lagarde (No. 2), Japan’s first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (No. 3), and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum (No. 5).
Other notable names include AMD CEO Lisa Su (No. 10), Alphabet’s Ruth Porat (No. 12), Microsoft’s Amy Hood (No. 16), and Meta CFO Susan Li (No. 41). Daniela Amodei (No. 73), co-founder of AI firm Anthropic, and Kim Kardashian (No. 71) also featured.
Forbes also celebrated the women of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters (No. 100), whose global fan base reflects the growing power of women in entertainment and digital culture.
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