The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat the Taifa stars of Tanzania in their first match in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Eagles opened the scoring in the first half with a goal by centre back Semi Ajayi. 

Tanzania equalised in the second half but Nigeria took back the lead with a goal by Former African player of the Year, Ademola Lookman.

Eric Chelle’s boys will look to continue the competition in this fashion when they face Tunisia on Saturday, December 27.

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By Daniel Abia

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for increased support for families of fallen and retired members of the Armed Forces, stressing that such support is necessary in recognition of their sacrifices for national unity and stability.

The governor made the call during the Emblem Appeal Launch to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Governor Fubara described the theme, “Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” as timely and significant.

He noted that retired soldiers devoted the better part of their lives to the defence of the nation and the maintenance of peace and stability across the country.

In demonstration of the state government’s commitment, the governor announced a donation of ₦100 million to launch the 2026 emblem appeal fund.

He noted that the amount represents a 150 per cent increase over the ₦40 million donated by the state during the previous appeal.

Governor Fubara further urged the Nigerian Legion to forward the names of 50 wards for employment, to enable the state government fulfil its outstanding commitment made last year.

He also assured that the ongoing construction of the Legion’s permanent secretariat would be completed next year.

The post Fubara vows jobs for 50 children of fallen soldiers, donates ₦100m to their families appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The United States Supreme Court, on Tuesday, blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard to Chicago to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, marking a significant setback for the White House amid ongoing tensions over federal authority in domestic law enforcement.

In an unsigned order, the Court ruled that the administration had not demonstrated any legal basis to authorise military deployment for law enforcement purposes within Illinois.

“At this preliminary stage, the government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws in Illinois,” the justices wrote.

The decision effectively halted the president’s efforts to send federal troops to cities he has described as “lawless” and “dangerous,” following weeks of political confrontation between the White House and several Democratic-led states.

Conservative Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Neil Gorsuch dissented, arguing that the president retains broad constitutional powers to ensure federal law enforcement officers are protected while carrying out their duties.

The ruling underscored the limits of presidential power in deploying the military domestically, a politically charged issue that has drawn criticism from governors, legal experts, and civil rights advocates who argue such actions risk undermining state sovereignty and civilian control.

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President Bola Tinubu has constituted a reconciliation committee for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, appointing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as chairman.

Other members of the committee are the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari.

The Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, will serve as secretary of the committee, while the Chief of Staff to the Yobe State governor, Abdullahi Gashua, will be part of the secretariat.

The reconciliation committee is tasked with addressing and resolving the internal crisis currently affecting the APC in Benue State.

Its mandate includes identifying the root causes of factionalism and disunity within the party, engaging critical stakeholders and party organs to foster reconciliation, and proposing structural, procedural and strategic reforms aimed at achieving lasting peace and political cohesion. The committee is also expected to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations for consideration by the President.

The committee is expected to commence work immediately by consulting widely with relevant stakeholders.

This marks the second time President Tinubu has entrusted Speaker Abbas with such an assignment. About four months ago, he chaired the APC reconciliation committee for Bauchi State.

In August, President Tinubu appointed Abbas to lead the Bauchi APC reconciliation committee, which has since completed its assignment.

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No fewer than five youths have reportedly lost their lives in a deadly attack attributed to suspected Fulani herdsmen in Ortese, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to local accounts, the assailants barricaded the Ortese–Yogbo road during the attack, ambushing and killing the victims at the scene.
Several other residents were said to have been forcibly taken to undisclosed locations.

The assault has sparked widespread fear in the community, with residents expressing concern over their safety as tensions continue to rise.

Community sources revealed that additional bodies are being found in nearby areas, further worsening the situation.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not released an official statement on the incident, although investigations are ongoing and efforts are underway to restore calm in Ortese and surrounding communities.

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A Police outrider in the convoy of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, identified as Ibrahim Hussaini, has lost his life after a petrol tanker crashed into the convoy in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to Akpabio, who made the disclosure during plenary on Tuesday, the sad incident occurred during a visit to Oyo State for the chieftaincy installation of another Senator.

Narrating the incident, the Senate President said the head of the rider was shattered in the accident, which occurred on Sunday shortly after his convoy picked him up from the airport.

He expressed condolences to the family of the slain officer and promised to work out employment opportunities for two of the senior children left behind by Hussaini.

He said, “We went to Oyo State for the installation of our colleague. Unfortunately, my dispatch rider was run over by a tanker driver, and his head was shattered. We just buried him 15 minutes ago in Kogi State. He left two wives and four children.

“By the grace of God, I’m recommending two of his senior children for employment immediately in any parastatals that may wish to; otherwise, I’ll employ them personally in any of my private concerns.”

Akpabio added that the officer was buried in Kogi State and is survived by two wives and four children, Naija News reports.

Following the announcement, Sunday Karimi, the senator representing Kogi West, raised a motion for personal explanation to formally present the matter to the Senate.

Karimi described Hussaini as a Deputy Superintendent of Police who was expected to retire next year. He added that the officer, who hailed from Kogi State, had been part of Akpabio’s security detail since 2023, when Akpabio assumed office as Senate President.

A minute’s silence was observed by the lawmakers for the dead officer.

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A tragic accident involving a fuel tanker and the convoy of Senate President Godswill Akpabio claimed the life of a police dispatch rider, Ibrahim Hussaini, on Sunday.

Akpabio made the announcement on Tuesday while addressing lawmakers during plenary, expressing his condolences to the family of the fallen officer.

Dispatch riders, who are typically police personnel, escort senior government officials on motorcycles marked for official use.

The Senate President arrived in the chamber shortly after the session began and informed his colleagues that Hussaini had already been laid to rest earlier that morning.

Although he did not give a precise location, Akpabio explained that the crash occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, shortly after his convoy picked him up from the airport.

He said: “We went to Oyo State for the installation of our colleague. Unfortunately, my dispatch rider was run over by a tanker driver, and his head was shattered. We just buried him 15 minutes ago in Kogi State. He left two wives and four children.

“By the grace of God, I’m recommending two of his senior children for employment immediately in any parastatals that may wish to; otherwise, I’ll employ them personally in any of my private concerns.”

He noted that the officer was buried in Kogi State and is survived by two wives and four children.

Following the announcement, Sunday Karimi, the senator representing Kogi West, raised a motion on personal explanation to formally present the matter to the Senate.

Karimi described Hussaini as a Deputy Superintendent of Police who was expected to retire next year. He added that the officer, who hailed from Kogi State, had been part of Akpabio’s security detail since 2023, when Akpabio assumed office as Senate President.

Karimi also informed lawmakers of another loss: the death of Ibrahim Tukur, a long-serving driver attached to Isah Jibrin, the senator representing Kogi East. Tukur reportedly passed away at his home on Saturday after 25 years of service.

Jibrin later addressed the chamber, noting that Tukur had worked with him since his early career as a banker at the now-defunct AfriBank. He offered prayers for his former driver’s soul.

The session concluded with Akpabio asking senators to observe a minute of silence in honour of both deceased staff members.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted a reconciliation committee for the All Progressives Congress in Benue State, appointing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as chairman.

Other members of the committee are the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari.

The Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, will serve as secretary of the committee, while the Chief of Staff to the Yobe State Governor, Abdullahi Gashua, will also be part of the secretariat.

The reconciliation committee is mandated to address and resolve the internal crisis currently rocking the APC in Benue State.

Its responsibilities include identifying the root causes of factionalism and disunity within the party, engaging key stakeholders and party organs to promote reconciliation, and proposing structural, procedural and strategic reforms aimed at achieving lasting peace and political cohesion.

The committee is also expected to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations for the President’s consideration.

The committee is expected to commence work immediately by consulting widely with relevant stakeholders across the state.

This development marks the second time President Tinubu has entrusted Speaker Abbas with such a task. About four months ago, he chaired the APC reconciliation committee for Bauchi State.

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed regret for supporting President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, saying the decision did not yield the results he had anticipated.

Makinde made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the Government House in Ibadan.

The governor was among the G5 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who opposed their party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in 2023, arguing that it was the turn of a southerner to lead the country after President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.

Makinde explained that his support for Tinubu, then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was motivated by the belief that Tinubu would act in the national interest if elected.

“I said it earlier, I’m human. I supported the current president, even though I was in another party at the time, because I thought we’d do what is right for the country,” he said.

The governor added that he had hoped the president would reset the country and bring together competent individuals from across Nigeria to tackle the nation’s challenges. “But unfortunately, that is not what we’re seeing. I regret that action. Yes, I do,” he lamented.

Makinde also revealed the source of his political disagreement with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He said the rift began after Wike told President Tinubu during a meeting that he would “hold PDP for the President” ahead of the 2027 election, a statement Makinde said was made without the consent of other party members.

“I was in a meeting with the President, Wike, and a few others, and Wike said to the President that he would hold PDP for him against 2027. So, we got up, and I asked Wike, did we agree to this?” Makinde recounted.

He noted that while Wike has the right to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, other party members also have the responsibility to protect the PDP and oppose any actions that could undermine democratic pluralism.

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The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has said Nigerians should direct more scrutiny at the federal government over the country’s persistent insecurity, arguing that security agencies and the bulk of public revenue remain under federal control.

Mr Radda made the remarks in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa, a clip of which was obtained by PREMIUM TIMES after it was shared by the platform on Monday.

His comments come amid mounting public frustration over widespread banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks across several states, particularly in northern Nigeria, where residents have increasingly questioned the role of state governments in addressing the crisis. In recent months, PREMIUM TIMES has reported extensively on deadly attacks and mass abductions in states such as Zamfara, Katsina and Niger, including fresh bandit attacks that left dozens dead and displaced communities in north-west Nigeria.

Security control at the centre

Mr Radda argued that while governors are often blamed for insecurity in their states, constitutional responsibility for internal security lies largely with the federal government.

He argued that the constitutional structure places the police and military under the exclusive control of the federal government, leaving governors with limited power.

Under Nigeria’s Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies are centrally controlled, with governors designated as chief security officers of their states but without direct command authority over federal security formations — a structure PREMIUM TIMES has examined in previous reports on why governors lack control over the police.

The governor stated that this arrangement hinders states’ ability to independently address insecurity, contrary to public expectations.

Revenue, responsibility

Mr Radda linked federal control of security to revenue allocation, saying the federal government also receives the largest share of funds from the Federation Account.

According to him, the federal government receives about 52 per cent of monthly federation revenue, while the remaining share is distributed among the 36 states and 774 local government areas.

“When revenue is shared, 52 per cent goes to the Federal Government,” he said. “It is the remaining 48 per cent that is shared among states and local governments.”

Checks by PREMIUM TIMES show that the claim broadly aligns with the current revenue-sharing formula approved by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which allocates 52.68 per cent to the federal government, 26.72 per cent to states and 20.60 per cent to local governments, as outlined in the commission’s official breakdown of the federation revenue allocation formula.

Continuing his criticism of the federal government, the Katsina governor said, “For decades, the federal government has received the larger share of the federation revenue. So the question Nigerians should ask is: where has the bulk of that money gone?”

FG response to insecurity

The federal government has repeatedly stated that it is intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity through expanded military operations, increased troop deployments, and the procurement of new equipment.

President Bola Tinubu and senior security officials have cited rising defence and security budgets as evidence of the administration’s commitment to addressing the crisis. In the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, Nigeria’s defence and security spending increased significantly. The president has also recently approved the mass recruitment of personnel by the police and the army. He has also urged the National Assembly to amend Nigeria’s constitution to allow states operate their own police.

However, rights groups and security analysts argue that despite increased spending, insecurity has continued to worsen in several parts of the country.

READ ALSO: Governor Radda commissions Katsina LG digital learning centre

Governors, corruption claims

Mr Radda also rejected blanket allegations of corruption often directed at governors, warning against what he described as sweeping generalisations.

“Leadership is a matter of individual integrity,” he said, adding that elected officials should be assessed on their conduct rather than collective assumptions.

Capital projects, local economies
The governor also defended his administration’s continued investment in capital projects, saying such spending helps stimulate local economies despite economic hardship.

“When you execute capital projects, you create jobs and bring money down to the people,” he said, adding that labourers, vendors and suppliers benefit directly from such projects.

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December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

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The Zamfara Christian Fellowship Network has commended the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for what it described as his sustained support for Christians in the state, particularly during Christmas.

The group, in a statement on Tuesday by its chairman, Chigozie Emanuel, said Matawalle’s latest intervention underscored his commitment to peace, unity and religious tolerance in Zamfara.

Emanuel said the minister donated nine cows, 200 bags of rice and ₦4m to support Christian celebrations, noting that the gesture reflected a long-standing tradition of inclusiveness.

According to the statement, the support was coordinated by Matawalle’s political aide, Hon. Ibrahim Danmalikin Gidan Goga, alongside Hon. Yusuf Idris Gusau, Hon. Namada Ataka and Hon. Aliyu Sani BK.

The items were received on behalf of the Christian community by Rev. Abdulazeez Olabi, who said the donation enabled members to celebrate Christmas with dignity and a sense of belonging.

The network noted that Matawalle had maintained a record of supporting Christian communities in Zamfara even before becoming governor, providing food items, livestock and financial assistance during festive periods.

It added that his gestures had helped to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among people of different faiths in the state.

The group urged other political leaders to emulate Matawalle’s example, saying inclusive leadership remained vital to strengthening unity and lasting peace in Zamfara.

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• A lady narrated the story of how her parents refused to attend her wedding after her husband failed to pay required bride price
• She said her parents are from Africa where many cultures require the groom to pay a certain amount of money or material things as bride price
• According to the lady, it was her decision that her husband should not pay bride price, a decision which did not sit well with her parents

A lady said her parents refused to attend her wedding and only a few friends, coworkers and two of her siblings were there.

The lady shared a post on TikTok, mentioning why her father and mother chose to stay away from one of the most important days of her life.

The lady who recently got married said her parents did not attend her wedding because her husband did not pay the bride price. TikTok/@itsreallyorga.
Source: TikTok

In her post, the lady known as @itsreallyorga said her husband did not pay bride price as required by tradition.

Read also

Lady marries man despite discovering he slept with her bestie, dumps him after 2 months: “I won”

She noted that the decision not to pay bride price was hers, but this did not sit well with her parents.

Due to her refusal that her husband should not pay the bride price, her parents refused to attend the wedding.

She said:

“I just wish my parents were there for me. Especially having eight siblings and only three of them showing up on the biggest day of my life. I was emotionally hurt, but I tried my best to stay focused on my wedding. I cried a lot. I’ve learned that people only show up if they truly want to. A lot of people will congratulate you online, but won’t show up in person. Still, I genuinely appreciate every congratulations and all the support even from people I don’t know.”The lady held her wedding in the absence of her parents. Photo credit: TikTok/@itsreallyorga.
Source: TikTok

Watch the video below:

Reactions as lady says her parents were absent at their wedding

@torotoro944 said:

“As an African woman, if he didn’t pay for your bride price you’re clearly ain’t married.”

@PugloveUnite said:

“Your husband is your family now. Block whoever didn’t show up.”

Read also

Woman shares painful experience as she gives birth 11 days after husband’s death

@GraykellssOfficial said:

“And why didn’t you let him pay the bride price to your family? You know it’s just symbolic and doesn’t mean u are being sold right?”

@DIZOMID said:

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s (Mark 12:17). If you understand then that’s the Answer.”

@Boma Jane said:

“How much is your bride price sef? Was it too expensive for your husband or what? I need to understand why you would refuse your parents from collecting your bride price from your husband.”

@good girl said:

“I don’t support bride price either…my children don’t get to do it. But I did mine for my kids, parental blessings is a thing.”

Couple hold wedding without reception

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that social media users reacted to the wedding invitation of a Nigerian couple who want to get married on August 17.

The groom released his wedding invitation on Facebook, but a specific clause on it has caught the attention of many.

Some internet users wondered why the couple included such a clause on the wedding invitation and others hailed them.

Source: Legit.ng

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‎An old video has surfaced showing Pastor Chris Okafor rendering an elderly woman blind for 10 minutes during a church service.

‎Notably, Pastor Chris Okafor is in a heated controversy with Doris Ogala, a Nollywood actress, over a breach of promise to marry.

‎ According to Doris Ogala, they’ve been in a relationship since 2017 and has sued him for ₦1 billion in damages.

‎The actress also accused him of financial exploitation, sharing explicit videos without consent, and harassment.

‎Pastor Chris Okafor Renders Elderly Woman Blind For 10 Minutes

‎In the video, Chris Okafor told the elderly woman, “If I be a man of God,” and commanded her to lose her sight for 10 minutes.

As the elderly woman rubbed her eyes, appearing unable to see, the congregation burst into cheers and songs.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with netizens weighing in.

‎Reactions Trailing Below….

‎‎Jeff TV remarked, “Nothing confused Nigeria lady more than handsome broke guy who knows how to nack”.

‎Dorathy Ena noted, “Some of this pastors are making mockery of Christanity in Nigeria , if apostle Paul were to be alive, He could write a letter to Nigeria”.

‎Sunday Opaluwa stated“This people are really destroying Christianity in Nigeria”.

‎ami_buna said, “Imagine the people clapping and shouting de add to my anger”.

Watch video below……

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The Accord Party has said it is focused on winning the Osun State and Ekiti State governorship elections, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Area Council polls, as well as the 2027 general elections.

The party said it remains the most peaceful, stable, united, progressive and fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, without any faction.

According to the party, there are individuals it described as distractors—political jobbers with a singular aim of pursuing stomach infrastructure and cheap publicity.

Accord said it is focused on the forthcoming election in Osun State and would not dissipate energy responding to frivolities from political nomads roaming the democratic space.

The party’s National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, stated this at a world press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, which, according to him, was convened to address crucial party issues and to put the record straight on what he described as misleading propaganda by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, who was long expelled from the party for alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities—an expulsion he did not challenge.

The press briefing followed an interview granted by Imumolen on some national television stations in which he claimed to be the authentic National Chairman of the party.

“Accord is aware of the antics of these political jobbers whose stock-in-trade is to impersonate leaders of political parties, file spurious and frivolous suits in court in what the Supreme Court had long dismissed as forum shopping, in an attempt to cause confusion and disaffection in the party, hoping to be ‘settled’, which are alien to our great party as a credible platform and a key player in the democratic process,” he said.

According to him, “Since His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, joined Accord along with his political associates and supporters, our party has witnessed tremendous national acceptance as thousands of Nigerians join and identify with Accord across the country, a testament to Governor Adeleke’s political influence and national appeal.

“He has attracted numerous Nigerians to Accord, which has placed the party at the forefront of our democratic process. It is this amazing growth and popularity of the party nationwide that our expelled former presidential candidate, Christopher Imumolen, wants to steal a march by arrogating to himself a party position he never had, was never appointed to nor elected into—a mirage that exists only in his fertile imagination.

“It is laughable and a joke taken too far, making a mockery of our nation’s hard-earned democracy. It is a hallucination of the worst order and an insult to the sensibilities of the good people of Osun State, after witnessing the emergence of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as the duly nominated candidate of Accord in the governorship primary monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and extensively covered by the media.

“Going forward, we shall not join issues with any expelled member desperately seeking relevance.

“Imumolen is no longer a member of Accord, effective 20 November 2024. He did not appeal his expulsion to date.

“As a responsible party, Accord will not join issues with expelled members and political jobbers. It is evident that Prof. Imumolen is a busybody.

“We are focused on winning Osun, Ekiti, the FCT Area Council polls, and preparing for the 2027 general election.”

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The Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal crises and what he described as the systematic erosion of democratic values within his former party.

The defection, announced on Tuesday during plenary at the National Assembly, was met with resounding applause from senators across party lines. Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio read Senator Onyesoh’s defection letter to the chamber, marking a significant political realignment in Rivers State.

Senator Onyesoh, who chairs the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs, in a statement signed by his Adviser on Publicity and Communications, Peter Oriri, explained that his decision was driven by a commitment to continue serving his constituents effectively. “We live to make life better for others. Our lives must impact others positively,” he told the Senate. “When such opportunities are obstructed, the only other thing to do is to look for another way to continue to do what you believe is right.”

“All rivers move deliberately to the Atlantic. When they meet obstacles, they go around them and continue their journey. I am deliberate about why I am here to bring the good things of democracy to my people.”

In his address, Senator Onyesoh expressed disappointment with the current state of the PDP, contrasting it sharply with the party’s earlier reputation. “The PDP used to be a wonderful party with vision and strong values, but impunity gradually eroded everything our founding fathers built,” he said.

He accused some party leaders of routinely changing internal rules to suit personal ambitions. “They disobey all internal party rules just to get tickets, and the party has been reduced to a mere vehicle for personal interest,” the senator stated.

He pledged full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing his defection as a strategic move to ensure continued delivery of democratic dividends to his constituents. “I have moved on so that I can continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to my people,” he declared.

The defection was warmly received by the Senate, with lawmakers expressing confidence that Senator Onyesoh’s legislative experience would strengthen the chamber’s work. Several senators described the move as timely and significant for the political landscape in Rivers State.

The senator was formally received into the APC at the National Assembly by a delegation of party leaders, including Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori, National Secretary Surajudeen Ajibila Basiru, National Vice Chairman (South-South) Victor Giadom, and National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, among others.

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