NIGERIA NEWS
Osun 2026: Oyebamiji’s emergence, right step towards APC’s victory – Oyintiloye
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s candidate in the August 8, 2026 governorship poll is a sign of victory.
Oyintiloye, while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, said that Oyebamiji’s election through a consensus arrangement should be dedicated to the APC leadership, members and, most especially, other aspirants who stepped down.
According to him, the manner of Oyebamiji’s emergence is an indication of the growth and excellence in character that the APC is known for.
He said, “With Oyebamiji as the party’s candidate and the APC’s impending victory at the polls, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu will be translated into good governance in Osun without a hitch.
“Having successfully completed the primary, the attention should be on the main poll. Oyebamiji as our candidate is a right step towards a victory awaiting APC.
“We must, however, work hard as a family united with a purpose for the victory to be won.”
The former lawmaker recalled that some individuals had predicted implosion in the party due to a large number of aspirants who initially came out to vie for the APC gubernatorial ticket.
Oyintiloye however, lauded the intervention of the party leaders, which he said made the process seamless and commended President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Chief Bisi Akande, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegoyega Oyetola, and others for their guidance and commitment towards a successful primary for Osun APC.
Appealing to the APC leadership in the state to strengthen the party further so that victory in the governorship poll is less stressful, Oyintiloye said assured that, when elected as governor, Oyebamiji would lead a people-friendly government that would implement programmes and policies meant to positively impact the lives of residents.
He also called on party members in Osun to redouble their efforts and unite with the purpose of returning the APC to power in the state.
The Rivers State Government has said that the state’s health system is undergoing deliberate structural and transformational reforms spanning service delivery, governance, financing, and infrastructure.
Speaking against the backdrop of World Universal Health Coverage, UHC Day, commemorated annually on December 12, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to ensuring that no resident is denied access to healthcare because of cost, distance, or circumstance.
According to Dr Oreh, Governor Fubara has taken a bold step in demonstrating his commitment to Universal Health Coverage through the Rivers State Health Contributory Health Protection Programme, RIVCHIPP.
The commissioner described RIVCHIPP as a strategic pathway to achieving universal health coverage in the state, adding that the insurance programme is “very operational, functional and already delivering real protection to residents of Rivers State.”
Dr Oreh explained that “RIVCHIPP is now giving families access to accredited health care facilities, offering essential services including emergency and referral services, maternal, newborn and child health, preventive and primitive care, and financial protection from catastrophic health expenses.”
She noted that the insurance programme serves as the state government’s engine for universal health coverage, ensuring that low-income earners and the most vulnerable residents are not left behind.
The commissioner further assured that the Rivers State Government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage goes beyond health insurance.
She said the state is “expanding and strengthening the entire health system, upgrading physical infrastructure across primary, secondary and tertiary health systems in the state, equipping facilities with essential diagnostics, modern technology and functional medical equipment, and recruiting and deploying health workers” to ensure that every community has access to skilled health professionals, among other critical interventions.
She explained that these efforts are aimed at reducing the financial burden on residents, improving the quality of care, and advancing the state’s journey towards achieving UHC.
Dr Oreh emphasised that attaining Universal Health Coverage is not solely the responsibility of government.
She appealed to residents to enrol in the state government’s health insurance programme, stressing that “good health should not depend on your ability to pay but on your right as a resident of the state.”
She commended Governor Fubara for his leadership, which she said has continued to strengthen and reposition the health system in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of RIVCHIPP, Dr Vetty Agala, speaking on the theme for this year’s Universal Health Coverage Day, “Unaffordable Health Care Cost: We are Sick of It”, said the state insurance programme is no longer just an idea on paper.
Addressing an event to mark UHC in Port Harcourt, Dr Agala emphasised that UHC is not merely a mandate but the operating system by which the state functions every day.
She stated that for UHC to be effective, residents must be protected from “catastrophic health expenditure.”
She stressed that citizens must be “visible in the policy of the government, covered in practice and enrolled in the UHC plan of the state, which is RIVCHIPP.”
Dr Agala revealed that approximately 140,000 people have already begun accessing care through RIVCHIPP since the programme commenced in 2024.
She added that RIVCHIPP maintains a network of healthcare providers, both public and private, spanning 210 facilities across the 23 local government areas of the state.
NIGERIA NEWS
Man Reacts to Doris Ogala’s Alleged Chat With Pastor Chris Okafor, Blows Hot: “Put Her in Jail”
- A Nigerian man has expressed outrage on social media after seeing the alleged chat between Doris Ogala and pastor Chris Okafor
- In a trending post shared on X, the angry man called for the arrest of the actress over false allegations and blackmail
- Massive reactions trailed his viral post as social media users stormed the comments section to share their opinions
A Nigerian man has reacted angrily to an alleged private chat between actress Doris Ogala and pastor Chris Okafor.
The man, who appeared deeply upset, took to the online space to condemn what he described as damaging claims and intimidation directed at the clergyman.
Man calls for the arrest of Doris Ogala.
Photo credit: @OzoUde/X.
Source: Twitter
Man claims viral WhatsApp chat is false
In the post circulated via the X app, the man identified as @OzoUde directed his anger at Doris Ogala.
He argued that the situation had gone beyond personal disagreement and had entered the territory of criminal conduct.
Read also
“It’s wrong”: Man shares disappointing thing he discovered about Doris Ogala and Pastor Chris Okafor
According to him, the accusations levelled against the pastor and the viral chats which he reposted online were extremely serious and should not have been made publicly without proof to support them.
The man also insisted that saying pastor Chris Okafor was responsible for a family member’s death amounted to a grave offence if not proven.
He noted that such claims damaged reputations and undermined public trust, particularly when directed at a religious leader.
In his words:
“Pastor Chris Okafor, Doris ogala should rot in jail! Enough of all these false accusations, blackmail and allegations. How can you openly and publicly accusea man of God of killing your brother? You must bring evidence!Must he marry you?Perhaps you gave him a paid sexx and expec. This was how one lady blackmail Apostle Suleiman without prove. This is unforgivable. @PastorChrisokafor make sure you get her arrested today. Even if she mentally unstable, let her celebrate Christmas in detention!”
Man asks Pastor Chris Okafor to arrest Doris Ogala.
Photo credit: Doris Ogala.
Source: Twitter
Reactions as man blasts Doris Ogala
Nigerians did not hesitate to share their various opinions in the comments.
Deus said:
”Arrest her because he didn’t sleep with her or what? My own is, when did fornicationn become legal that even people in the pulpit can’t practice what they preach. That’s if she’s right o.”
Read also
Pastor Chris Okafor’s marital status trends amid Doris Ogala’s out cry: “My gender no dey select”
Ukemy said:
“That’s how a Married female friend of mine that is having any issues best known to her, said that she wanna pass the night at my house, Omo I said NO. I no dey assist women except na my mum or sister.”
Ali Sunday said:
“Social media is a disaster and set back to nigerian youths only. No wonder Bishop David Oyedepo would always advice youths to dedicate their time into studying books that would improve them.”
Recreate said:
“You singled out the de3th part as if that’s the only thing on her rant but ignore the sexuall escapade a supposed holy man of god is involved. I don’t pity you guys tho, if I had warned this lady when she was enjoying it, she would be sounding like u.”
See the post below:
Man supports Pastor Chris Okafor
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian man spoke out in support of a popular pastor after watching a video that recently surfaced online.
Read also
“Red flag”: Man openly supports Pastor Chris Okafor amid Doris Ogala controversy, explains why
In the video, the pastor spoke about women and explained why some men might not choose certain women as their wives.
Source: Legit.ng
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State has stated that it was not notified of any governorship primary conducted by a faction of the Accord Party, following reports of a parallel exercise held on Sunday.
The disputed primary reportedly took place in Osogbo, the state capital, where a faction announced Bamigbola Clement as its candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election. Bamigbola, presented as the sole aspirant, confirmed his emergence, saying he was selected through a consensus process.
However, INEC’s Public Relations Officer in the state, Musa Olurode, said the commission was unaware of such an exercise. He explained that INEC only monitored the officially recognised Accord Party primary conducted earlier and has since submitted its report.
“We monitored the Accord Party primary held a few days ago, and our report has already been filed. INEC has no knowledge of any other primary by the party,” Olurode said.
The officially recognised Accord Party governorship primary was held last Wednesday in Osogbo and produced Governor Ademola Adeleke as the party’s candidate. According to Abdulazeez Salaudeen, Secretary of the party’s electoral committee, Adeleke secured 145 votes from the 150 accredited delegates, while five votes were voided.
Reacting to the development, the caretaker chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Babalola Akande, dismissed the factional exercise, insisting that its organisers lacked the authority to conduct a primary on behalf of the party. Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Akande maintained that Adeleke remains the party’s legitimate governorship candidate.
“This position is final, lawful, and beyond dispute. No parallel arrangement, impersonation, or stage-managed event can overturn this reality,” he said.
Akande also warned that the party would pursue legal action against individuals or groups attempting to legitimise or support the factional candidates, describing the move as an attempt by “politically displaced elements seeking a return to relevance through illegitimate means.”
A former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, alongside Professor Siji Olamiju and former Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Abdullah Binuyo, have called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united following the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election.
Oyintiloye, in a statement on Sunday, said some critics had predicted an implosion within the party due to the large number of aspirants who initially sought the APC ticket.
He, however, noted that Oyebamiji’s emergence underscored the growth, maturity and excellence of character for which the APC is known.
Also speaking, Professor Siji Olamiju, a former cabinet member under the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, said the APC had once again proven itself as a political party worthy of emulation through the successful conduct of its primary election in Osun State.
He described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the true father of the party and the nation, adding that the President’s timely intervention helped to quickly douse tensions that might have arisen after the primary election.
Similarly, Dr. Abdullah Binuyo described Oyebamiji’s emergence as a reflection of the collective will of the party and a clear demonstration of the unity and maturity within the Osun APC.
He also commended the conduct of the primary election, praising the leadership of the Edo State Governor, who chaired the Primary Election Committee, as well as the Imo State Governor for providing effective oversight that ensured a transparent, peaceful and credible process.
Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu has distributed approximately $20.7 million in cash rewards to long-serving employees of BUA Group, marking one of the largest employee reward programmes announced by a private Nigerian company in recent years.
The gesture highlights a growing focus on staff retention and welfare at a time when businesses are grappling with rising costs and economic uncertainty.
The payouts were announced on December 13, 2025, at the BUA Night of Excellence Long Service Awards held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos. The event recognised employees across the group for years of service, loyalty, and sustained contributions to the company’s operations. BUA Group is one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates, with interests spanning cement, sugar, flour, and other manufacturing and infrastructure-related sectors.
Breakdown of the cash reward
- According to details shared at the event, the cash rewards were structured across multiple levels of service.
- Five employees received N1 billion each, equivalent to about $691,000, while another five employees were awarded N500 million, or roughly $345,000 each.
- Several others received N100 million, while dozens of employees earned sums ranging from N5 million to N20 million, depending on their years of service and role within the organisation.
The broad spread of beneficiaries suggests an effort to extend rewards beyond top management to include long-serving staff across different cadres.
BUA’s businesses operate in sectors that are central to Nigeria’s economy but have also been affected by inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility, and higher operating costs. In this context, the size of the payout has drawn attention as an example of how some large firms are responding to employee welfare concerns amid broader economic challenges.
What you should know
The latest awards build on a series of previous staff-focused initiatives approved by Rabiu. In February 2024, BUA Group implemented a 50% salary increase across its operations, citing the need to support employees during a period of elevated inflation and rising living expenses. Earlier, in 2021, the company announced a N2 billion share bonus for BUA Cement employees, following the company’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the operational disruptions experienced at the time.
Reports note that such incentives can play a role in strengthening employee loyalty and reducing turnover, particularly in industries that rely heavily on skilled and experienced labour. For large manufacturing groups like BUA, workforce stability is often linked to operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
While employee reward programmes of this scale remain uncommon in Nigeria’s private sector, Rabiu’s approach positions BUA as an outlier in its emphasis on direct financial recognition for long service. The move also adds to the broader conversation around corporate responsibility, wage growth, and how large employers can balance profitability with staff welfare in a challenging economic environment.
As Nigeria’s business landscape continues to adjust to macroeconomic reforms and cost pressures, the BUA initiative provides a data point on how some companies are choosing to deploy capital not only toward expansion and investment but also toward retaining human capital.
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
The Presidency on Sunday night refuted the claims that the All Progressives Congress, APC, arm-twisted and pressurised members of the opposition political parties to defect to the ruling party, saying the decanpees were motivated by the alleged noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.
The Presidency also denied the allegation that the ruling APC is using the anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to harass and intimidate the opposition.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency said President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.
The presidency, in the statement titled: “A failed opposition engaging in subterfuge and the empty search for scapegoats,” said the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and should not be trivialised by baseless allegations, jaundiced or politicised narratives.
The statement read: “Nigeria’s so-called opposition politicians, comprising some of those left in a dying political party and a sprinkling of some failed political office aspirants regrouping in a platform struggling to find its bearings, are amusing lots.
“They blow hot air, seek scapegoats for their failure and move to confuse the polity in a desperate search for cheap political gains.
“On Sunday, a group of opposition figures gathered to sing their familiar tune, hoping their cheerleaders would see their action as a blistering attack from a seemingly virile opposition group.
“They alleged a threat to multi-party democracy because many top politicians are joining the governing All Progressives Congress of their own free will. Our constitution guarantees freedom of association and affords our people the right to change their political leanings at any time of their choosing.
“None of the people who joined the governing APC was pressured to do so. They all did so of their own free will. They are being motivated by the noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.
“We may ask: when politicians were moving in droves to the now-dying Peoples Democratic Party between 2000 and 2015, was Nigeria’s democracy imperilled?
“Also, investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have begun exposing those with some explanation to give regarding their stewardship in office and management of public funds entrusted to them. These politicians now accuse President Tinubu of weaponising the EFCC for political purposes.
“While the Presidency does not speak for the EFCC and believes the agency can speak for itself, we must reiterate that the EFCC is an independent institution established by law and empowered to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference or favour.”
Continuing, it said: “The agency’s mandate is to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, irrespective of the personalities involved, their political affiliations, or their positions in society. We find it curious that the same people who claimed they want to rescue Nigeria are now the ones waging a war of attrition against accountability and probity. Those who have cases to answer before EFCC should be bold and brave enough to defend themselves if they are clean.
“President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.
“President Tinubu has significant state issues to address rather than engage in political targeting.
“The prosecution is conducted by the court, not by any sleight of hand, and those found not guilty will receive a clean bill of health.
“Allegations of “weaponisation” are distractions from these politicians, who are running short of campaign issues to challenge President Tinubu and the APC’s success in less than three years in office.
“No one is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, both in and out of the office. Political affiliation should not be a shield against EFCC statutory work, which recently led to Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list.
“We have taken cognizance of the signatories to the statement. It is instructive that some of them were previously investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC even before President Tinubu took office in 2023.
“Some of these politicians have also been indicted in international financial probes for money laundering, with some of their accomplices jailed in foreign lands.
“Are they now signing statements because their chickens are coming home to roost?
“We advise those politicians not to undermine the integrity of our nation’s institutions and the collective resolve to fight corruption by weaponising politics to escape accountability and encourage impunity.
“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and should not be trivialised by baseless allegations, jaundiced or politicised narratives.”
Vanguard News
The post APC doesn’t pressurize any opposition member to decamp – Presidency appeared first on Vanguard News.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the theme of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Christmas Carol “Prince of Peace” as a reminder that the true strength of any political party lies in its people.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, spoke on Sunday at the third edition of the annual All Progressives Congress (APC) Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons, themed “Prince of Peace,” held at the party’s secretariat in Lagos.
According to the governor, peace has remained the cornerstone of the APC administration in Lagos State.
“It is a thing of joy to gather here for this Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons. The theme, Prince of Peace, serves as a powerful reminder that the true strength of any party comes from the people,” he said.
“For us in the APC, peace has always been our cornerstone peace in our state and in our party. Peace has kept Lagos State thriving, and for this, we give glory to Almighty God. Our party is a shining example of loyalty.”
Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, praying for continued strength and wisdom for the President.
He urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season to forgive one another and share love, stressing that the essence of Christmas is love.
“Here in Lagos, our administration remains committed to advancing security, infrastructure development, and the welfare of Lagosians, irrespective of where they come from. As we celebrate Christmas, may the Prince of Peace be with us, and as we step into the new year, may God bless our leaders and make us more prosperous,” he added.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, called on Lagosians and Nigerians to embrace renewed hope and eschew bitterness and hatred toward one another.
Ojelabi also urged party members to uphold the spirit of unity that binds the APC together, stressing that sustained unity is essential for the party to continue delivering prosperity to Lagos State and the nation.
He further appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
Speaking on the theme of the event, Prince of Peace, Ojelabi said it was chosen in recognition of the special place of Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace.
“The theme of this Christmas Carol is in recognition of the special place of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace. In the true spirit of devotion that Christmas represents, we have gathered to celebrate His birth. All those entrusted with leadership must act with wisdom and justice. Let us embrace renewed hope for all Nigerians, love one another, and eschew bitterness and hatred so that we can be more prosperous. It is only a united APC that can continue to bring prosperity to Lagos State.”
He commended President Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and economic revitalisation, urging Nigerians to join hands with the government to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his goodwill message, the Senate Majority Leader and Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, charged participants to be Christ-like in their attitudes to life.
“In every situation, we must ask ourselves, ‘What would Jesus do?’ before taking any decision,” he said.
Bamidele described Christmas as a season with a purpose, reminding Christians that Jesus Christ remains the reason for the season.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the power of the resurrection that lives in Jesus Christ. If we constantly ask ourselves what Jesus would do, our attitude to life will be different. Let us remove every stone in our lives, the stones that represent stumbling blocks to our prayers and progress,” he added.
The event brought together party leaders, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, members of the State Executive Council, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, members of the National and Lagos State Assemblies, traditional rulers, chiefs, and party faithful from across the state.
The programme also featured prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a peaceful nation, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and members of the executive, legislative, and judiciary arms of government, as well as the APC in Lagos State.
The prayers were led by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State chapter, Stephen Adegbite.
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The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has officially launched FutureMakers, a national innovation program aimed at discovering, nurturing, and empowering Nigerian children between the ages of 5 and 16 to create solutions for real-world challenges.
The launch event, held at the NASENI Innovation Hub in Idu Industrial Area, Abuja, brought together government officials, education stakeholders, innovation leaders, partners, and media representatives. The initiative underscores Nigeria’s long-term commitment to building a generation of creators, inventors, and problem-solvers.
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, emphasized the importance of cultivating innovation early.
“If we want a future of world-class innovators, we must start shaping them young. Nations that lead in innovation began by investing in young people, and today NASENI is taking that bold step through FutureMakers. Early exposure creates lifelong innovators. This is how nations rise,” he said.
Halilu explained that FutureMakers is part of a long-term national strategy to build a steady pipeline of young creators who will shape Nigeria’s innovation trajectory over the next 30 to 50 years.
Oluwabusola (Beckley) Perez-Folayan, Head of the NASENI Innovation Hub and Program Manager, described the program as a transformative platform that will redefine how Nigerian children engage with creativity and innovation.
“FutureMakers is designed to identify, nurture, and empower young innovators from ages 5 to 16, helping them transform their ideas into prototypes built for the future. Our mission is to groom the next generation of innovative leaders who will develop groundbreaking, commercially viable solutions and strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. This program is more than a competition; it is a national movement to cultivate young problem-solvers who will shape the country’s technological future,” she said.
The program will be implemented nationwide through NASENI Institutes across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to ensure inclusivity and equal participation.
Awards and Benefits: Winners and outstanding participants will receive up to ₦5 million in scholarships, Access to mentorship, innovation coaching, and NASENI Innovation Clubs, Opportunities to participate in incubation and acceleration programs, Top finalists will enjoy an international study tour, giving exposure to global innovation ecosystems.
Perez-Folayan highlighted that these pathways are designed to ensure ideas generated during the program can progress into viable prototypes, solutions, and early-stage ventures, positioning young Nigerians at the forefront of technological innovation.
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Defence Minister Musa Receives Togolese President Ahead of ECOWAS Meeting in Abuja — Akelicious
The Minister of Defence (HMOD), General Christopher Musa (Rtd), today, 14 December 2025, received the President of the Republic of Togo, His Excellency Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, ahead of the ECOWAS meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja.
The engagement focused on addressing prevailing regional security challenges and reinforcing multilateral security cooperation among ECOWAS member states within the subregion.
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The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 58-year-old man, Vitalis Nwoko, a native of Umuagba, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, following an alleged incident of domestic violence that resulted in the death of his wife, Uloma.
The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed in a press statement that the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Ahiazu Mbaise Divisional Headquarters, following a report lodged at the Division by the deceased’s sister, who alleged that Nwoko violently assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute.
Okoye stated that during a preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed that a misunderstanding with his wife on 11 December escalated into a physical altercation, during which the victim collapsed and was taken to hospital, where she was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
According to the press statement, the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Owerri, for thorough investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, urges residents to promptly report cases of domestic violence, assuring the public of the Command’s resolve to deal decisively with perpetrators,” he stated.