NIGERIA NEWS
As Fubara Becomes Rivers’ APC Leader – THISDAYLIVE
The political crisis rocking Rivers State may have taken a new twist despite the defections of the State Governor, SiminalayiFubara and 17 Peoples Democratic Party members of the State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress. Recent utterances and body language of the lawmakers led by the Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, depicted unsettled dispute between the executive and legislative arms of government. Blessing Ibunge writes.
Rivers State for some time has been engulfed in political crisis following misunderstanding between the 27 lawmakers of the State House of Assembly and the Governor, SiminalayiFubara.
Despite the dramatic defection of the Speaker of the State Assembly, Martins Amaewhule and 16 other members to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the subsequent defection of the governor to APC, the war drum seems to have continued to beat, this time, the governor fights boldly believing his alleged new found godfather is capable of defending him should there be any untoward move by the lawmakers, who are still strong supporters of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, NyesomWike.
In a dramatic move, 17 lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule publicly announced their exit from the PDP that gave them platform to their present positions to APC. Their demonstration during the process of the defection, held at the temporary sitting venue in Port Harcourt, made the public believe that their battle with the Governor has not ended. Though the Governor had remained mum since the defection of the lawmakers, but later joined APC maybe to sustain his position, like his other colleagues in Bayelsa, Enugu, others have done. Governor Fubara may be the quiet one, but he is strategic enough to finish his tenure, and would not allow another form of suspension even if it will take him the strong decision to dance to the rhythm of music. He has always expressed that he will fulfill the mandate reposed in him by Rivers people, and would do such only as the sitting governor.
Genesis of Rift BetweenFubara, Wike, Lawmakers
There is no denying the fact that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, NyesomWike, played a vital role in the emergence of Fubara as governor of Rivers State, but few months after his inauguration, what was supposed to be a father and son relationship became almost like sworn enemy battle, dragging the legislative body into the political war that lasted for over two years. Though some persons were of the opinion that they have settled their differences, while many, especially those within the state believe that there is still strong secret battles between the lawmakers and the state governor.
Recall that the political battle deepened in October, 2023 after the State Assembly complex was rocked by an explosion.
The attack averted a planned impeachment plot against Governor Fubara. The political war faced a series of legal battles from the State High Court to Appeal Court then the Supreme Court, with four lawmakers of the Assembly supporting the governor while 27 who were loyal to former governor Wike fought tooth and nail to remove Governor Fubara from office.
President Bola Tinubu and political giants in the country, including Rivers statesmen tried to wade into the crisis to no avail, until the President declared emergency rule on March 18, 2025.
President Tinubu who stated that the reason for the State of Emergency in Rivers State was instability in the functioning of the State government, further announced suspension of Governor Fubara, the state deputy governor, Prof NgoziOdu and the Assembly members led by the Speaker, Hon Amaewhule. Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIbas (rtd) was appointed immediately as Sole Administrator of the State, though the appointment was not pleasing to Rivers people, during the six months of the emergency rule, there was peace in the political space in the State.
During the period of the battle and suspension of democratic government, the State suffered a serious economic setback, infrastructure development was halted. Practically, the state was in a sleeping mood, until recently when power was restored and Governor Fubara returned to office.
Upon the governor’s re-emergence, conditions were made including dropping State Executive Council member appointed during the crisis, though it was not a simple decision, but for peace the governor obeyed the last order. This situation affected his supporters, many had to lie low since after the changes.
With this development, it was expected that the needed peace between the executive and legislative arms have been restored, but recent silent happenings have proven that the war may still be on. Minister of FCT on his part is also facing serious war at the national level of the PDP. Recently, Wike was expelled from the party. The national leadership of the party believe that the only way to recover PDP that has almost gone under is by ousting some members who are perceived to be troublemakers. For fear of being expelled also and possibly risk being politically homeless in 2027, the lawmakers quickly defected to APC. It was expected that the 27 lawmakers would have automatically moved to APC, but only 17 of them publicly announced their defection while 10 still remain members of PDP as at the time of filing this report. The four other lawmakers who are committed supporters of Governor Fubara, continued to follow the governor as he moved.
The members that defected to APC include: Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor 1), Deputy Speaker, DumleMaol (Gokana), Majority Leader, Major Jack (Akuku-Toru I), Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari-Stewart (Okrika), Chief Whip, FranklineNwabuchi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni I ) and Deputy Whip, OfiksKabangs (Andoni).
Others are Peter Abbey (Degema), TonyeAdoki (Port Harcourt II) Gerald Oforji (Oyigbo) Arnold Davids (Ogun/Bolo), Enemi George (Asari-Toru II), Tekenari Granville (Asari-Toru I), Christian Nwankwo (Etvhe II), AzeruOpara (Port Harcourt II), Lolo Opuende (Akuku-Toru II), Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt I) and Igwe Obey Aforji (Eleme).
The 10 other members also loyal to Wike who decided to remain in the PDP include Sylvanus Nwankwo (Minority Leader), Barile Nwakoh (Deputy Minority Leader), John Iderima, (Minority Whip) and Justina Emeji (Deputy Minority Whip).
At the last plenary, Speaker Amaewhule explained that all 16 legislative members including him decided to defect to APC because of the crisis rocking the PDP at the national.
His words: “Let me say the reason for me leaving PDP is because of the clear division in the party today. The whole world is aware that as of today, even the national headquarters of PDP is not functioning as a result of this division.
“There are two factions in PDP and the constitution is clear that when there is division in any political party, when the party’s divided, members including Assembly members who no longer have hope can leave the party without dire consequences. The foundation of this defection lies in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria that allows members to leave the party that elected them becomes clear that there is a division in PDP, and that is the reason for our joining the APC.”
Affirming the Speaker’s position for the defection, Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Somiari-Stewart, member representing Okrika Constituency, said “I affirm what you have said Mr Speaker, that division in the PDP informed our defection to APC. I have informed my Ward chairman, and I leave here. I will effect my membership at the ward level.”
It would be recalled also that the lawmakers during their legal battle with Governor Fubara denied defecting to APC despite their earlier public acclaimed membership on live television, but on the current development, the State chairman of the party, Chief Tony Okocha witnessed their defection announcement at the floor of the House, held at the temporary sitting venue at the Assembly quarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt. The lawmakers after their defection and other deliberations adjourned sitting till January 2026, not minding the earlier information by the governor that he would be presenting the 2026 appropriation bill to the House. The adjournment, received criticism from citizens of the State, that members’ actions allegedly prove that genuine reconciliation has not taken place yet.
Fubara Finally Dumps PDP for APC
In a move to avert further impeachment move against the governor for refusing to present list of commissioner-nominees for screening, Governor Fubara after a close-door meeting with President Tinubu in Abuja last week quickly defected to the APC at a stakeholders meeting in PortHarcourt.
With his movement to the new party, Fubara becomes the leader of APC in Rivers State.
Fubara had on December 9, 2025, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, officially announced his defection from PDP to APC. The governor told Rivers people that he wouldn’t want to make any mistake in his decision, confirming a meeting with the President in Abuja to inform him of the decision to move to APC.
During the announcement, Fubara who was sighted boldly singing the political song of President Tinubu “On your mandate we stand”, said the president ensured his government returned to office after six months suspension over the political crisis that rocked the State for about two years. Wondering why he never mentioned the Minister of FCT in his line of achievements, Fubara in his speech boldly stated that his appreciation goes only to Tinubu, Rivers people and no other individual. He expressed “I know you have been expecting to hear from me and more especially this meeting that I had to arrange so urgently. But the meeting is going to end in very sweet information.
“You are aware that I went to see Mr. President yesterday (December 8), and the reason why I went for that visit is not just a personal visit but a state interest consultation. I don’t want to make any mistakes this time around. I also wish not to step on any landmine that anyone is laying for us. So, I was with Mr. President to brief him on the situation of things in our state, which I believe he has taken note of and is going to act swiftly on it.”
Unlike when he was fragile, tensed, Fubara continued that with the present development, he can now work with his supporters without interference from external bodies, noting that the President is in full support of his decisions.
“We have the full support, we have a positive reason to leave where we are because we didn’t get any protection. To go to where the reason why we are still standing is because of that place, and the truth is without Mr. President, there won’t be any of his Excellency, SiminalayiFubara. It would have been a former governor.
“So, we have every reason, because the truth, let nobody be fooled in this state. We have the people, we have the supporters, and we have the number. Our only thank you to Mr. The President is to support him. And we cannot support Mr. President in isolation, and we can’t support Mr. President if we don’t fully identify with him, not backyard support. We have taken that decision today since we have gotten the pass. Everyone here who has followed me, who has suffered with me, our decision today this evening we are moving to APC.”
He however, thanked all his supporters, saying “I’ve not let you down before. I’m not going to let you down now. The message is very simple. We are the ones that will give that support, and we will give that support with a loud ovation because we know that the people of Rivers State are with us. Thank you.”
Fubara was formally registered as a member of the Rivers APC in DappayeAmakiri 1, Ward 5, Unit 8, in Opobo/Nkoro local government area of Rivers State by the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Okocha in the presence of the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Governor was also presented with an APC crest by the Chairman of Rivers APC.
In his remarks while congratulating Fubara, Okocha, informed the Governor that he was acting on the directive of the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. NentaweYilwatda to present the party’s membership card to the governor. “Your excellency, I was called up by the Chairman of our great party and given the mandate to visit you, and to formally present our membership card to you as a prelude to your official reception. Let me take this time out to congratulate you on your decision to join the All Progressive Congress”.
Responding, Governor Fubara said: “It is a spiritual assignment because if you had listened to me when I took this decision, it was for the safety, protection, progress, and development of our dear State. We can’t be doing our own thing here, and we will be going on a different course with the federal government, the ruling party. There is every reason to support Mr President. If not for any other thing, as a person, I know the sacrifice he has made to ensure that we still stand as a government. So, I took this decision as my own return favour, my own clearing the bush to ensure that his re-election come 2027 will be easy, and smooth in this State”.
Surprisingly, recent comments credited to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Amaewhule was to the effect that Fubara has consistently refused to cooperate with the Assembly and that the governor filed court cases aimed at preventing lawmakers from defecting to the APC.
The question begging for answer is: what will be the fate of the governor’s detractors, the 17 state lawmakers who rushed to defect to APC on December 5, claiming that their decision was based on crisis rocking the national leadership of their party, the PDP. Will they proceed with their purported impeachment move against the governor now that he is their political leader, or will they humble themselves, remain loyal and work with him?
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouk Aliyu, has said the ruling party would have liked to win the recently conducted gubernatorial election in Anambra State.
Aliyu made the remarks on Monday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show, amid claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state.
According to him, there was no agreement between the Federal Government and any state to force political alignment, stressing that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu was made independently.
He said the APC contested in Anambra and lost, adding that the outcome should be accepted as part of the democratic process.
Aliyu also dismissed allegations that anti-corruption agencies were being weaponised against opposition figures, insisting that prosecutions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) were based on allegations and evidence, not party affiliation.
He said: “Well, about a one-party state, you know, it’s really very subjective because there is no coercion, absolutely no coercion. Your colleague who left here before I came mentioned what happened in Anambra State. I mean, there is no deal between our government and any of these states.
“So, in his wisdom, Governor Soludo decided to say he was going to support Mr. President. And we would have loved to take Anambra State, which means APC, our people, should win that contest. We lost, and that’s it.
“So, any of these governors that, you know, come to us, do we tell them, ‘No, don’t come?’ There is no coercion.
“And if anybody talks about being victimized by the anti-corruption agencies, the question you should put to them is: Are there grounds? Is it true? Are there allegations? These are allegations.
“As of today, there are senior members of our party, the APC, who have been prosecuted by EFCC or ICPC. But you know, it’s part of the opposition. I mean, I don’t blame them, they can say whatever they want to say, but there is no evidence whatsoever to show that we are weaponising the EFCC against anyone in this country, for that matter.”
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly denied claims linking him to comments on which region should produce Nigeria’s president in 2027.
He described the reports as false and misleading, saying they did not reflect his views in any form.
The claims, which circulated widely on social media, alleged that El-Rufai stated that the presidency should shift to the South in 2027.
Some reports also suggested that he was quietly supporting Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Reacting to the reports, El-Rufai dismissed them outright. He said the information being circulated was completely fabricated and did not originate from him.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Monday, the former governor described the report as “untrue” despite how widely it had spread.
He said he never made such comments in any speech, interview, or post on his verified platforms.
“My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027.
“This claim is untrue, despite its virality. I did not make such a statement in any of my speeches, interviews or social media posts. I maintain verifiable social media platforms where I speak my mind and express my personal views directly.
“It is also wrong and improper to attribute to me opinion articles written by other authors, even when I share such articles on my platforms as contributions to the national conversation.
“These clarifications are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for the spread of fake news.
“The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by fake news platforms is no justification for treating such platforms with any seriousness.”
El-Rufai warned that the spread of false information was becoming dangerous, especially as political activities ahead of 2027 begin to gather momentum.
He stressed that media professionals and influential voices must take responsibility for verifying claims before publishing or sharing them.
He noted that the failure of some editors and commentators to verify information only fuels misinformation and public confusion.
“In this age of turmoil and falsehood, the obligation to verify information before posting or publishing has become more important than ever. In this instance, it appears that some senior editors ignored this duty.
“Society stands to lose when media leaders align with the most irresponsible actors on social media in what can only be described as the unedifying Olympics of fiction and fakery. Everyone must live up to their responsibility.
“I wish to reiterate that no views should be attributed to me unless I have explicitly expressed them on my official social media platforms or during interviews with reputable media organisations,” the statement added.
The former governor also called on political actors and the general public to act responsibly, urging Nigerians to resist the temptation of spreading unverified political narratives.
Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has said that former President Muhammadu Buhari achieved a lot during his eight years in office and left behind a lasting legacy.
Mohammed stated that Buhari’s record in office should not be judged based on the actions or trials of a few former ministers.
He insisted that the former president’s contributions to Nigeria remain significant and enduring.
“I don’t think the legacy of Buhari is on trial. He did so much within his eight years,” Mohammed said.
He made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday. The former minister was responding to questions about some former ministers of the Buhari administration who are currently facing investigations and trials.
According to Mohammed, it would be unfair to link the personal issues of a few officials to the overall performance of the former president.
He argued that Buhari’s administration should be assessed based on its policies, reforms, and long-term impact on the country.
“The legacy of Buhari is so huge, and it’s so enduring that it will be unfair to take the issue of a few ministers who have been alledged, as if the entire legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari is on trial….”
Mohammed explained that Buhari’s government recorded achievements in key areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, social investment programmes, and the fight against corruption.
The Ex-Minister noted that no administration is without challenges, but Buhari’s efforts should be acknowledged within the broader context of governance.
He also stressed that accountability processes involving former officials should be allowed to run their course without dragging the image of the former president into controversy.
According to him, individual responsibility must be separated from collective judgment of an administration.
Mohammed maintained that history would be kinder to Buhari and that many of his policies would be better appreciated with time. He added that legacy should be measured by impact, not by ongoing legal cases involving former aides.
Recall, POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that some former ministers and top appointees who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari have recently been mentioned in ongoing corruption investigations.
Among those linked to various allegations are former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
- Hutu Exclusive by Mshel Homes is Abuja’s first eco-friendly golf resort estate spanning 118.21 hectares along Airport Road and offering a lifestyle that combines nature recreation and convenience
- The estate features a championship-level golf ecosystem, artificial lakes, green spaces and essential amenities, including a shopping mall, school clinic and resort facilities for a refined living experience
- Prospective homeowners can choose from various land sizes and modern apartments, with a price review set for January 2026, making early investment a strategic opportunity in Abuja’s fast-growing corridor
Globally, golf resort estates are known for attracting a rare class of homeowners and Investors; people who appreciate privacy, serenity and a lifestyle that feels refined at every level.
Abuja is steadily entering this league, and leading that shift is Hutu Exclusive by Mshel Homes, the first eco-friendly golf resort estate in the federal capital.
It introduces a lifestyle that fuses nature, recreation, and long-term value in a way the city has not experienced before.
Hutu Exclusive spans 118.21 hectares along Airport Road, just before Centenary City, a location already attracting interest from high-value developments. Its proximity to key areas such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Idu Train Station, Central Area, and Arab Quarry strengthens its position.
The estate follows a clear philosophy: Live. Play. Relax.
This is reflected in its carefully planned environment and its standout feature: a full championship golf ecosystem designed for both casual and professional play. Residents will have access to a three-hectare mini golf course for relaxed rounds and a twenty-hectare flagship-level golf course designed for a complete golfing experience.
Construction is in progress on the golf course, the landscaping and the clubhouse, with golf carts planned to move residents effortlessly across the estate’s grounds.
What sets Hutu Exclusive apart is its integration of leisure and everyday convenience. Features such as artificial lakes and green spaces shape the estate’s calm atmosphere, supporting a lifestyle that feels both refreshing and intentional.
At the same time, the presence of a shopping mall, school, science museum, and worship centres makes daily life more convenient for individuals and families. Essential services are built into the masterplan, including a clinic, fire station, police station, gas station, car wash, and workshop, ensuring residents live comfortably and with the assurance of a higher standard of living.
Leisure seekers are also included in the plan, as the Amusement Park, Five-star Restaurant, Resort Hotel, Beauty Parlours, Artificial Lakes, and Golf Courses are all within easy reach.
Prospective homeowners can choose between estate land and modern apartments. Estate lands range from 150sqm, 250sqm, 350sqm, 450sqm,500sqm, 750sqm and 100sqm, suitable for different property options such as terraces, semi-detached and fully detached duplexes, while 1, 2 and 3 modern apartments offer a streamlined living experience. Both options grant access to the estate’s resort-style lifestyle and the long-term growth expected in this rapidly expanding corridor.
Living at Hutu Exclusive centres on quiet mornings, open views of the greens, and evenings in a private, well-planned community. The concept of this estate reflects an understanding of what wealthy homeowners value: space, privacy, beauty and an environment that supports personal well-being. As development progresses and each phase introduces new facilities and landscaping details, the estate remains one of Abuja’s most desirable residential destinations.
For investors who understand market timing, this is a defining moment. A new price review takes effect on 1st January 2026, signalling the estate’s transition into a higher value class. As construction on the golf ecosystem, community infrastructure, and landscaping progresses, demand continues to intensify, making today’s pricing a strategic entry point.
Hutu Exclusive is moving forward, and so should you. Opportunities like this don’t wait. With its unique golf-resort lifestyle, unmatched scale, and fast-rising location, securing a position now puts you ahead of the value curve before the next phase reshapes the market.
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Petrol price cut plans are set to take effect as MRS and other Dangote Refinery partners prepare to sell fuel at N739 per litre nationwide.
The petrol price cut follows a reduction in Dangote Refinery’s gantry price from N828 to N699 per litre, announced at the Lekki facility.
Dangote vows to enforce petrol price cut
Speaking on Sunday, Dangote Group President Alhaji Aliko Dangote said some marketers frustrate the petrol price cut by keeping pump prices high.
He said MRS stations would begin implementing the petrol price cut from Tuesday, while other partners would follow gradually.
Dangote alleged that some officials met with marketers and urged them to keep prices high to block the petrol price cut.
According to him, such actions would not stop his resolve to enforce lower prices nationwide.
“I was told that the marketers have met with (some officials) and were told to make sure that the price is maintained high. But this price we are going to introduce, we are going to start with MRS stations most likely on Tuesday in Lagos; that N970 per litre, you won’t see it again.
“We have also asked members of IPMAN to come now. We have asked anybody who can buy 10 trucks to come and buy 10 trucks at N699.
“We are going to use whatever resources that we have to make sure that we crash the price down. We will get these sales; maybe it will take us a week to 10 days. But first of all, within a week to 10 days, we will be able to deliver.
“For this December and January, we don’t want people to sell petrol for more than N740 nationwide. Those who want to keep the price to sabotage the government, we will fight as much as we can to make sure that these prices are down. That’s not the price. If you have money to come and buy, you can pick up petrol at N699,” he said.
Dangote said transporting petrol costs no more than N15 per litre, questioning pump prices nearing N900 despite the petrol price cut.
He accused the NMDPRA of issuing 47 import licences for over seven billion litres in early 2026, harming local refineries.
“Freight within Lagos is N10 or N15, maximum. So if it’s N10 to N15, everything is going to cost you N715. Why do you want to sell at N900? People should get the real price.
“I cannot come now and take the hit. Did we make money? No, we didn’t make money. But as we speak now, even our tanks are full because the NMDPRA has issued reckless licences. And we have to now go and complain to the government.
“They normally issue licences in the middle of the month. So, they are now ready to issue licences for about 7.5 billion litres for the first quarter of 2026, despite the fact that we have guaranteed to supply enough quantity.
“If you are talking about monopoly, did we stop anybody? They issued 47 licences. Let those people come and put up a refinery here, or let them go and buy even NNPC’s and operate them. If it’s profitable, they should go and do that now. NNPC was the only business that was bringing in fuel before.
“Now, we are the only one and one of the few modular refineries that are producing. Those modular refineries, I can tell you for nothing that they are almost on the verge of collapse. None of them is making a dime,” he added.
Dangote assured Nigerians that the petrol price cut would be enforced, starting with MRS stations on Tuesday.
“Starting from Tuesday, MRS will start selling petrol at N739/litre. Definitely, we will enforce that low price. We will make sure that it’s implemented.
“If you have your truck, you can come here and buy it. We are selling at N699. The N699 includes the percentage of NMDPRA. So what actually comes out to us is about N389 or so,” he stated.
When contacted, NMDPRA spokesman George Ene-Ita declined comment, saying, “For now, no comment.”
NIGERIA NEWS
LASEPA to Hold Noise Control Workshop for Hospitality, Entertainment Operators – THISDAYLIVE
Funmi Ogundare
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) will on December 19, 2025, hold a one-day workshop for operators in the hospitality and entertainment sectors to curb excessive noise and promote environmental protection during the yuletide season in Lagos.
The workshop, titled ‘Harmonising the Hospitality Industry with the Environment’, and themed ‘Effective Noise Control and Compliance,’ is aimed at ensuring compliance with Lagos State environmental laws and reducing the health and environmental impacts of noise pollution, particularly during the festive period when social activities peak.
Briefing journalists on Monday, LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, explained that the engagement is designed for owners and operators of nightlife venues, event centres, hotels, bars, restaurants, lounges, disc jockeys (DJs) and other businesses within the hospitality and entertainment industry.
According to him, “The event will take place at the State Treasury Office Resource Centre, Assbifi Road, Alausa, Ikeja, and will commence at 8 a.m.”
He explained that the workshop would equip participants with practical knowledge on responsible operations, effective noise management and adherence to environmental standards, enabling them to avoid sanctions and operate sustainably before, during and after the yuletide.
Ajayi added that the workshop is expected to attract top government officials, including the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi; and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji, alongside heads of ministries, departments and agencies.
He noted that the initiative underscores the agency’s commitment to fostering compliance, sustainability and harmonious coexistence between business operations and residential communities across the state.
Urging stakeholders in the hospitality and entertainment sectors to participate fully, Ajayi said the workshop is part of LASEPA’s broader efforts to support the continued growth of the industry while safeguarding public health and environmental quality.
He assured residents that the agency is working round the clock to ensure a peaceful, quiet and enjoyable yuletide season, while calling on Lagosians to support the state government’s drive for a cleaner, safer and pollution-free environment.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has rejected as false a viral report alleging that he expressed an opinion on which region should produce Nigeria’s president in 2027.
The claim, widely circulated on social media, suggested that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said it was the South’s turn to produce the next president.
Reacting on Monday via X, El-Rufai dismissed the report as “untrue,” stressing that he never made such comments in any public forum.
“My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027.
“This claim is untrue, despite its virality. I did not make such a statement in any of my speeches, interviews or social media posts. I maintain verifiable social media platforms where I speak my mind and express my personal views directly.
“It is also wrong and improper to attribute to me opinion articles written by other authors, even when I share such articles on my platforms as contributions to the national conversation.
“These clarifications are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for the spread of fake news.
“The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by fake news platforms is no justification for treating such platforms with any seriousness.”
He urged journalists and members of the public to exercise caution and verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that misinformation undermines public trust.
“In this age of turmoil and falsehood, the obligation to verify information before posting or publishing has become more important than ever. In this instance, it appears that some senior editors ignored this duty.
“Society stands to lose when media leaders align with the most irresponsible actors on social media in what can only be described as the unedifying Olympics of fiction and fakery. Everyone must live up to their responsibility.
“I wish to reiterate that no views should be attributed to me unless I have explicitly expressed them on my official social media platforms or during interviews with reputable media organisations,” the statement added.
The post El-Rufai distances self from comments on 2027 presidency appeared first on Vanguard News.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Niger State Police Command have arraigned eight suspected members of a child-trafficking syndicate before Minna Chief Magistrate Court I for allegedly trafficking and trading in children.
The suspects were arrested by the squad led by its head, DSP Ahmed Sa’idu, and subsequently charged before the court.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended in Nasarawa State while in possession of children allegedly stolen from various parts of Niger State.
Those arraigned are Leo Ugochukwu, Ngozi Ugochukwu, Henrietta Obiako, Rosemary Ogbulogo, Chiroma Onyaja, Vincent Emmanuel, Joy Ndife, and Olusegun Isaiah, all residents of Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Nasarawa State.
They were charged on eight counts, including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, concealing or keeping kidnapped persons, dealing in the sale of human beings, child stealing, trafficking in persons, indecent treatment of children, wrongful confinement, and wrongful confinement in secret.
The charges, according to the Police First Information Report (FIR) marked MMC/CMC/74/25 and made available to the court, are punishable under Sections 60(2)(a)(1), 211, 238, and 239 of the Niger State Penal Code Law.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Aliyu Yakub Kuta, told the court that on November 5, 2025, at about 3:00 pm, one Victoria Ebunoha of Loko, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was arrested at Dikko Junction while in possession of three male children suspected to have been stolen.
“During police interrogation, she confessed to stealing the children from Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State and was heading to Nyanya in the FCT to sell them,” the prosecutor said.
He added that further interrogation revealed that she had stolen seven other children from their parents, including Mohammed Bala, Danlami Zhami, and Bello Usman, among others, in the Lambata and Sabon Wuse areas.
According to the prosecutor, the stolen children were sold to Leo Ugochukwu of Loko at the rate of ₦1.1 million per child.
“Further investigation revealed that all the accused persons confessed to intentionally purchasing the children from Victoria Ebunoha, knowing that the children were stolen,” he added.
When the charges were read to the defendants by the presiding Chief Magistrate, Murtala Bala Ibrahim, they all pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor thereafter applied for an adjournment and requested that the suspects be remanded in the Minna Old Correctional Custody pending further proceedings.
Granting the application, the magistrate ordered their remand and adjourned the case to January 5, 2026, for further mention.
NIGERIA NEWS
ISPON reiterates commitment to improve safety culture across workplaces – Tribune Online
The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has reiterated its commitment to improving safety culture across workplaces in the country.
This was stated by ISPON’s Ogun State chapter branch chairman, Temitope Amoo, during the institute’s recent visit to key industrial organisations in the state.
The team, which was led by the state chairman, Amoo, was accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Awanu Abidemi, and the State General Secretary, Emiloju Samson Damilare.
According to the Ogun branch chairman of ISPON, the visit is aimed at deepening collaboration, enhancing workplace safety standards, and strengthening institutional presence.
He further noted that the institute is committed to supporting industries through professional guidance, capacity building, and advocacy for safer work environments, stressing that effective safety management is crucial to productivity and sustainable development.
Amoo, however, reiterated the institute’s resolve to remain a dependable partner in the promotion of safety, accident prevention, and professional excellence across all sectors.
“In accordance with the mandate of the national body of ISPON, headed by Chief Dr. Udezi Stephen L.A (FISPN), the leadership of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Ogun State Branch, we embarked on a series of strategic visits to major industrial organisations within the state as part of ISPON’s efforts to deepen collaboration, enhance workplace safety standards, and strengthen institutional presence,” he said.
During the visits, management teams of the organisations visited expressed appreciation to the institute for the courtesy calls while affirming their readiness to collaborate with ISPON in strengthening safety compliance and awareness.
The delegation visited organisations including Alucan Packaging Limited, Agbara; Betaglass Plc, Agbara; IDL Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Ota; and the Office of the Director of NEPZA, Flour Mills Free Zone, Agbara, where meaningful engagements were held with management teams on the improvement of safety culture across workplaces.
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A young woman allegedly gave birth to a baby boy and k!lled the newborn shortly after delivery in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
The disturbing incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 14, 2025 behind Government Secondary School, Gboko, throwing the community into pandemonium and mourning.
Residents are calling for immediate police intervention to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure justice is served.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement as of the time of this report.
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