The 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government for what he described as a lack of political will in tackling insecurity.

Kwankwaso made the remarks on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling the new 2000 Neighborhood Security Network established by the Kano State Government.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and act as Commander-in-Chief to address the country’s insecurity challenges.”

According to the NNPP national leader, the Nigerian military remains one of the most gallant forces, having served in global conflicts such as Darfur and Liberia.

However, he claimed that the government has failed to provide the support necessary for them to operate effectively.

“Today, many Nigerians are being killed innocently, and their killers go unpunished as if nothing happened.

“The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” Kwankwaso said.

Reflecting on his tenure as Defence Minister, he added, “I know the strength of the Nigerian military. They are courageous. What they need is political will to do what is required.”

He noted that historically, the Nigerian military performed exceptionally well on international missions, often emerging with flying colours.

Kwankwaso stressed that President Tinubu must equip the military adequately to reverse the current security narrative.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Kwankwaso revealed that, if elected president, he would recruit over one million military personnel.

He emphasised that any government that fails to protect lives and property has “woefully failed and has no business being in power.”

He further proposed that the federal government should integrate initiatives like the Kano Neighborhood Security Network into national security structures to boost morale and enhance collaboration in tackling insecurity.

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The Federal Government has intensified efforts to shut down social media accounts being used by terrorists and criminal networks operating in Nigeria.

Security agencies are now working directly with major social media companies to identify, track, and remove accounts linked to terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities that threaten national security.

The Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, made this known on Tuesday during an end-of-year security briefing held in Abuja.

He explained that platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X have increasingly been used by terrorist groups to spread propaganda, showcase stolen items, communicate with supporters, and raise funds.

According to him, the government has engaged repeatedly with these digital platforms to ensure harmful content and accounts linked to terror activities are taken down swiftly.

“The issue of social media platforms used by terrorist groups if you knew how many accounts we took down. We have had several meetings with these social media platforms like: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X.

“They are businesses looking to grow their subscribers, but we engage them, explain the effects of certain posts on national security, and we take them down.

“There was a time when bandits would go on TikTok showing their loot. We took those accounts down you don’t see that again. At some point, they were even doing live streams and holding conversations, but we’ve been able to handle all that,” he said.

Laka noted that terrorist groups continue to adjust their methods by opening accounts under false identities, aliases, and unverified profiles. He said security agencies are constantly reviewing their digital strategies to stay ahead of these evolving tactics.

Beyond online activities, the counter-terrorism chief identified ransom payments as a major funding source for terrorist operations across the country.

He revealed that many kidnappers now rely on point-of-sale (POS) operators to move ransom money, making it harder for authorities to trace the funds.

“You see a transfer made by terrorists, and when you investigate the account, it belongs to a POS operator. The kidnappers give out the POS operator’s number, the money is transferred, and they go to collect it,” he said.

Laka disclosed that security agencies have increased surveillance around ransom payments and financial transactions linked to terrorism. He added that arrests have been made and prosecutions are ongoing, although operational details remain classified for security reasons.

He also said assets connected to terror financing have been recovered and seized, contributing to Nigeria’s recent progress in meeting international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.

According to him, Nigeria’s improved standing with the Financial Action Task Force was achieved through coordinated investigations involving security agencies, financial intelligence units, and the judiciary.

While acknowledging the impact of instability in the Sahel region, Laka said terrorist networks across borders have worsened Nigeria’s security challenges.

He stated that coups and weak governance in some neighboring countries have created safe havens for terrorist groups, forcing Nigeria to take a leadership role in regional security efforts.

“Towards the end of 2023, the security situation in Nigeria was improving. But after the coups in some Sahel countries, the situation worsened because these terrorist groups have connections across the region.

“So Nigeria has to play a leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel to address these threats. As long as those countries continue to face these challenges, Nigeria will also face them. We are doing our best, and we will not relent. In 2026, we are going to up our game.”

He assured Nigerians that both physical security operations and digital counter-terrorism measures will continue to be strengthened nationwide.

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Transport fares across major modes of travel increased in October 2025, according to the Transport Fare Watch released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The data show that commuters paid more for bus, air, motorcycle (Okada), and water transport, reflecting sustained pressure on household transportation costs.

City bus fares rose slightly to N1,058.64 in October 2025, up 0.90% month-on-month and 16.57% year-on-year.

Intercity bus fares also increased to N8,170.21 per trip, reflecting a 1.55% monthly rise and a 13.67% annual increase.

What the data is saying

The NBS data indicate that rising transport costs extend beyond road travel. Air transport fares for specified routes and single journeys averaged N131,557.53 in October 2025, marking a 1.32% increase from the previous month and a 4.17% rise year-on-year.

For motorcycle transport (Okada), commuters paid an average fare of N780.00, up 5.74% month-on-month and a sharp 45.53% increase year-on-year.

Water transport fares also rose, with the average fare reaching N1,851.28, reflecting a 3.11% monthly increase and a 25.25% rise compared to October 2024.

Oyo State recorded the highest intercity bus fare at N10,200.19, while Kwara had the lowest at N6,059.65.

Lagos recorded the highest intra-city bus fare at N1,405.85, while Abia posted the lowest at N548.44.

For air travel, Rivers State topped the chart at N155,750.59, while Ebonyi recorded the lowest fare at N125,990.65.

The South-West recorded the highest fares for intra-city bus travel (N1,152.63), intercity bus travel (N8,770.49), and air transport (N133,561.61).

The South-South led water transport fares at N4,462.32, while the North East recorded the lowest water transport cost at N1,079.15.

What this means

The NBS figures show that transportation costs remain a major contributor to household spending and inflationary pressure in Nigeria.

Persistent increases across multiple transport modes reduce disposable income and raise the cost of doing business, particularly for workers and small enterprises reliant on daily commuting.

With fuel prices and operating costs still volatile, analysts warn that transport fares may remain elevated in the near term.

What you should know 

Nairametrics reported that transport fares from Lagos to the South-Eastern states began rising ahead of the annual Christmas migration.

Nairametrics reported that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) warned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary fare increases during the ongoing yuletide travel period.

The announcement came amid a surge in consumer complaints across several parts of the country.

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The Federal Government has revealed that Nigerian security agencies are intensifying efforts to shut down social media accounts used by terrorists and criminal organisations to coordinate operations and solicit funds.

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, said at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday that platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X had been exploited by criminals to broadcast their activities and showcase stolen goods.

He noted that authorities have repeatedly engaged these platforms to remove content that threatens national security.

“Criminals were even streaming live their operations at one point,” Laka said. “But through collaboration with these platforms, we have been able to stop such broadcasts and take down their accounts.”

Combating ransom-fuelled crimes

The DG disclosed that ransom payments remain a primary source of income for kidnappers, who often use point-of-sale operators to collect money.

According to Laka, tracing these transactions can be complicated as the funds are routed through third parties. Security agencies, he said, are actively monitoring these channels, apprehending those involved, and recovering misappropriated assets.

“This system makes it harder for us to track their operations, but our teams are committed to disrupting these networks,” he added.

Evolving threats and regional implications

Laka highlighted that terrorists continuously adapt, creating fake accounts and aliases online to evade detection.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria is committed to strengthening both physical and digital counter-terrorism measures.

He also stressed the regional context, pointing out that instability in neighbouring Sahel countries affects the domestic security landscape.

“Nigeria must lead in addressing these challenges in West Africa,” he said. “Even as threats evolve, we will continue to bolster our efforts and ensure the safety of our citizens.”

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Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and thought leaders were awestruck on Monday evening as cabinet members took turns to give data, figures and footages of how far Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has gone in delivering his campaign promises across the state.

According to statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Commissioner for Works Abdulquawy Olododo said official records show that the Abdulrazaq administration now has more completed, ongoing, or facilitated (tax credit) road projects than the three previous administrations since 1999 combined.

He said the administration has completed 302.4kms of roads between 2019 and now, has 275.25km ongoing, including the 209.7km under RAAMP, along with the 294km tax credit road — totalling 871.65km of roads.

“Between 1999 and 2019, available records show that a total of 651.2km roads were completed by the three administrations of His Excellencies Mohammed Lawal, Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Abdulfatah Ahmed, including the 120km FG-funded Chickanda Road under Senator Saraki. When you juxtapose these records, it is clear that His Excellency AbdulRazaq has surpassed that record today,” Olododo said, backing his presentation with footage of achievements of the administration.

Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuhu, said the government has also implemented two minimum wages and paid more counterpart funds than any previous administrations, restating the commitment of the governor to the wellbeing of Kwarans, including civil servants.

She said the administration has grown the state’s internal revenue from N30.6 billion in 2019 to N87.1 billion as at December 19, 2025 — more than 100 per cent growth in six years.

She mentioned that the administration has cleared all salary and pension arrears the administration inherited — while 100% CONMESS and CONHESS have also been paid and a new 27.5% Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA) has just been approved.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, who detailed the trajectory of school infrastructure and other efforts of the government, said the AbdulRazaq administration has hired 8,912 teachers, constructed more than 2,000 classrooms, and bridged gaps in staff welfare, including fixing promotion arrears since 2016 to date.

A presentation on the urban renewal initiative and the Kwara Smart City added vistas to the event as Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, explained the vision and the steps so far taken, including the construction work on the Kwara State University of Education.

Dignitaries at the event said the achievements of the governor are unprecedented, phenomenal, visible to all, and laudable within the context of Kwara’s sociopolitical history.

Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) said: “With these achievements that we have seen here today, I think it’s a thing of joy that it is in our lifetime that we have a governor who, in his quiet moment, has been able to achieve this. If anybody has told us that the state has progressed to this level, we will not believe it but we have seen it firsthand.

“From today, I am one of those who will carry the flag out there and say come to Kwara and see what the governor has done. This is a gathering of the APC family and it indicates that we were not wrong in the choice of our leader.

“We have seen human capital development, we have seen infrastructural development, we have seen social welfare, what else do you need in a society again? All we need to do is to continue to pray and beg Allah for a peaceful co-existence.

“For me at the end of this programme, Kwarans should go on a celebration galore because in the last 16 years before His Excellency, I don’t think anybody can boast of infrastructural development like this. I want to thank His Excellency, who has led us this far and also to the committed team God has given him.”

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, said the governor has done very well, calling on critics to be fair in pointing out areas they want improvements on as no system is ever perfect.

“I want to say that the meeting of today is not just to eat. We have been treated to the achievements of the governor. Believe me, if you bring a blind man to Kwara State, he would know and appreciate that developments are taking place,” he said.

“Don’t let us be sentimental. We are all living witnesses to the good performance of this administration. If we allow this chance to slip away, we will all suffer for it. We are bound to disagree but the solution is not in destroying ourselves.

“When the thing is not going in the way you think, or perceive, and the way you would have loved it to be, the solution is not in destroying the programme. We have seen how the governor has managed labour issues. We have also seen his achievements in education and healthcare, and others.”

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, said the lawmakers in the state have always been convinced that the governor is a superlative achiever whose footprints exist everywhere in the state.

His words: “On behalf of my colleagues in the 10th Assembly, I want to state that we have been part and parcel of this government in the last six years. Most of these achievements are what we see in every budget circle, just as we are aware that the governor has just presented the 2026 budget today.

“The Governor of Kwara State has done wonderfully well in the 24 state constituencies. In all 193 wards, there are projects everywhere. Aside from the physical infrastructure, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has done very well in the areas of stomach infrastructure through social investment programmes.”

Director General, Nigeria Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Issa Lanre Onilu, said with the catalogue of sectoral achievements projected at the event, Governor AbdulRazaq has performed beyond his initial estimation.

He enjoined AbdulRazaq to focus more on how to sustain some of his legacy projects, including the iconic Garment Factory, Innovation Hub and the Kwara Smart City.

“I have always thanked our governor and our leader for the wonderful job he is doing. But let me admit that even when I was commending him, I didn’t know this much. So, the commendations I gave to him were based on what I saw. But what I have seen today is far more than what I have ever imagined.

“I want to say clearly that we all have every reason to be proud of what has happened in the last six years. If you are not proud of it, it means you really do not know what is on the ground.

“The people I want to talk to are those in charge of our communication: please do not fall into the trap of exchanging words with the people who set us back for several years. They want you to discuss politics, they want you to discuss the mundane and irrelevant things, but let me tell you clearly that you have a lot to showcase. Focus on what we have done in the last six years, focus on the development in all the local government areas that people can see and feel. As far as governance is concerned, we have done well and Otoge has proven to be a remarkable success for this state.”

Director General, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Abdullateef Shittu, commended the governor’s style of leadership both as NGF Chairman and as governor of the state.

He described AbdulRazaq as a leader who is calm but firm, consultative but decisive and one who is grounded in institutional respect.

“This gathering speaks to a deeper leadership instinct: the understanding that political success is sustained when dialogue remains open, when differences are managed with wisdom, and when collective responsibility is placed above individual ambition. These are values that Kwara State has come to be known for under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” he said.

The state ALGON Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, said no single political ward in the state has not benefitted one form of capital project or the other, adding that the impacts are already being felt.

Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, Dr. Amina Ahmed and Mr. Nurudeen Adeyemi, who spoke for the three senatorial districts, commended the governor’s style of leadership, his political tolerance, and a dedication to rewrite the story of Kwara.

In a short address to party leaders and thought leaders who attended the event, Governor AbdulRazaq said: “I am just interested in building a legacy of leaving this state far more than I met it, a legacy of a state that is viable. I am not interested in building a dynasty, and I urge that we work together for a greater state.”

He also spoke extensively on security matters, giving insights into the successes and the challenges and reassuring the people of the government’s commitment to rid the state of kidnappers and terrorists.

He acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu whose economic policies the governor said has freed up resources with which the government is able to expand infrastructure at various layers.

Governor Abdulrazaq commended everyone for turning up for the event, which he said was a continuation of the parley that was held in Abuja a few weeks ago.

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of two people and 12 injured in an auto crash that occurred at Osara community in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi.

Mr Tenimu Etuku, the FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja.

The sector commander said that four out of the 14 survivours were in very critical condition and have been rushed to a nearby hospital for  medical attention.

Etuku described the accident which involved an 18-Seater Toyota Hiace Bus and an articulated vehicle (Truck) as “fatal”

He said that from the manifest, the ill-fates bus reportedly left Kano on Monday evening, heading to Auchi/Benin before the unfortunate incident that happened between 7 am. and 8 a.m. on Tuesday

According to him, the cause of the head-on collision was speeding and wrongful overtaking.

The sector commander said that the FRSC personnel, who carried out the rescue, have deposited the two corpses in the morgue of the hospital.

Etuku urges motorists to drive with care on the highways and keep to traffic rules and regulations,  most especially during the Yuletide.

“Motorists or road users must be careful and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid such accidents and wastage of precious lives.

“By so doing, they will greatly contribute to reducing the number of accidents and fatalities across the country, ” he stated.

(NAN)

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By Joseph Erunke

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has submitted a petition to the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding issues affecting some reform institutions under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, NANS Public Relations Officer Comrade Samson Adeyemi said the association acted to support the maintenance of public confidence, national stability, and institutional integrity.

Adeyemi explained that the petition requests the DSS to review relevant matters and ensure that civic activities and public discourse remain peaceful and orderly. He emphasised that NANS supports the constitutional right to peaceful protest while advocating for proactive measures to maintain law and order.

The association stated that its actions are guided by a commitment to democracy, peace, and constructive civic engagement. NANS expressed confidence in the professionalism of the DSS and its mandate to safeguard national security and institutional stability.

Adeyemi reiterated that Nigerian students and youths are committed to peace and democratic governance and assured that the association’s intervention is intended to support the overall stability and future of the country.

The post NANS petitions DSS over matters affecting reform institutions appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Laka, has warned against premature or detailed disclosure of security operational information.

Laka said that the untimely leaking of intelligence, however well-intentioned, can compromise operations, endanger lives, and inadvertently aid the nation’s enemies.

General Laka issued the warning on Tuesday during the end-of-year media parley in Abuja.

He said the media, through accurate reporting, responsible commentary, and constructive engagement, have played a vital role in enhancing national awareness, countering extremist propaganda, and promoting unity in the face of adversity.

The NCTC boss emphasised the need for caution in handling and disseminating sensitive security information.

Laka, however, noted that in an era of instant news cycles, digital virality, and intense competition for breaking stories, the line between public interest and national security imperatives can sometimes become blurred.
“Operational details, intelligence-led activities, and ongoing investigations are, by their nature, highly sensitive. Premature or detailed disclosure of such information, however well-intentioned, can compromise operations, endanger lives, undermine ongoing efforts, and inadvertently aid adversaries who actively exploit open-source information,” he warned.

He, however, clarified that the appeal was not intended to silence the media, but rather to hold them responsible. “Not for restraint in holding institutions accountable, but for discernment in separating what should be reported immediately from what should be handled with caution or deferred in the overriding interest of national security.

“We believe strongly that national security and press freedom are not opposing forces. Rather, they are complementary pillars of a stable democracy,” Laka maintained.

He added that a well-informed public was essential, but also the protection of sensitive operational processes that safeguard citizens and those on the security frontlines.

“The National Counter Terrorism Centre remains committed to engaging the media through briefings, background sessions, and structured information sharing to ensure that reporting is accurate, contextual, and does not inadvertently jeopardise national security objectives,” he stressed.

Commenting on the Centre’s projections for 2026, Laka said that terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime continue to evolve in form and tactics; therefore, countering them requires efficient strategic communication, public awareness, and national cohesion.

“In this regard, the media remains a vital ally. Similarly, the evolving tactics of terrorists and bandits demand stronger coordination, deeper intelligence fusion, and strategic communication that denies criminals the publicity they seek while reassuring citizens of the state’s resolve and capacity. Therefore, your continued cooperation and understanding are indispensable,” he added.

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The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike, has commenced the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice to households across the council as part of his administration’s Christmas welfare package and poverty reduction drive.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Anike highlighted the council’s achievements, including the completion of over 10km of asphalted roads, scholarships awarded to more than 10,000 beneficiaries, and youth training in digital skills. He credited Governor Dr. Peter Mbah’s policy of non-interference with local government funds for enabling the successful execution of these projects.

“Our motivation comes from Governor Peter Mbah, who consistently prioritises the welfare of the people. His deliberate efforts to reduce poverty inspire our initiatives at the local level,” Anike said.

The chairman noted that beneficiaries were identified through over 400 women’s cooperative societies in the council, which are undergoing various capacity-building and empowerment trainings.

“This programme is a continuation of our pro-poor policies, building on interventions such as the 5,000 universal health coverage scheme and the distribution of 10,000 wrappers to women,” he added.

Anike further commended Governor Mbah for empowering local governments and ensuring that statutory allocations reach the grassroots, facilitating projects such as Smart Green Schools, Type-2 Primary Health Centres, and rural road constructions.

Dr. Ben Nwoye, Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Enugu State, lauded the council’s efforts, describing them as aligned with the party’s Renewed Hope Agenda to lift people out of poverty. He urged residents to maintain active participation in the electoral process.

Beneficiaries of the rice distribution expressed joy and gratitude. Mrs. Grace Ogbu, a widow, said the gesture would significantly ease household burdens during the festive season.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ngozi Eze, pledged continued support for the council and the APC, hoping such initiatives would continue.

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has felicitated with Christians across the world on the celebration of Christmas 2025.

The goodwill message was contained in a press statement issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, and made available to New Telegraph in Ibadan.

According to the monarch, the Christmas celebration presents an opportunity for gratitude to God for His mercies, particularly for sparing his life and granting him the privilege to ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“I join Christians globally to celebrate this year’s Christmas and to appreciate God for sparing my life to be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, as well as for endowing me with wisdom, sound health and a peaceful reign,” he said.

Oba Ladoja urged Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ, whom he described as the Prince of Peace, and to uphold the values of love, tolerance and unity regardless of differences in tribe, religion, colour or language.

He noted that Nigeria is currently confronted with numerous challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, disunity, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure, stressing the need for citizens to engage in fervent prayers for divine intervention and for the healing of the nation and its leaders.

The monarch also called on security agencies to intensify their efforts in ensuring the safety of lives and property, especially during the Yuletide season.

He further advised Nigerians to celebrate the Christmas season with moderation, urging them to eat and drink responsibly.

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• Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has dismissed claims that bank accounts without a Tax Identification Number (TIN) will be frozen or automatically debited from January 1, 2026.
• He described the reports as misinformation, stressing that no such provisions exist in the new tax laws and urged Nigerians to verify claims rather than panic.

Nigerian social critic and commentator Scott Iguma has called on the government to urgently install CCTV cameras on major roads across Lagos, citing troubling scenes he said he has personally witnessed in recent days.

Iguma revealed that within a short period, he came across at least three bodies lying on major roads, with no immediate information on how the victims died or who was responsible. He described the situation as deeply alarming, particularly in a city as busy and economically important as Lagos.

According to him, some of the cases appeared to be hit-and-run incidents, while one body seemed to have been on the road for an extended period, raising concerns about delayed emergency response and poor investigation.

Iguma argued that the lack of surveillance infrastructure makes it extremely difficult to track accidents, identify perpetrators, or establish the facts surrounding road-related deaths. He stressed that CCTV cameras should no longer be seen as a luxury but as an essential public safety tool.

He urged authorities to take immediate action, warning that continued inaction could further endanger lives on Lagos roads.

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The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that Bayo Adelabu lacks the capacity to serve as Nigerian Minister of Power.

Makinde made the claim on Tuesday during a media chat with selected journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The governor opined that he previously warned the president before selecting Adelabu, but the president ignored his warning.

“If you have selected the Minister of Power because you want him to help you organize the APC in Oyo State, he doesn’t have the capacity, I told the president.

“But he said “no no it is you that will help me organize APC in Oyo State” and I said no Sir, I can’t help you organize APC because I’m in PDP”, he said.

Makinde’s fall out with President Tinubu has been linked to the president’s refusal to accept his ministerial nominee.

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The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has promised that his administration will not introduce new taxes.

Speaking in a media chat with newsmen, Makinde asserted that the state has gone over six years without adding any tax.

He explained that his government is focused on bringing more people into the existing tax net.

He described the approach as a “chicken-and-egg” scenario, questioning whether it is better to impose taxes first or create a conducive environment for economic growth.

“When you create a living environment where people and businesses can expand production, you build a productive economy. Only then are you in a position to raise revenue effectively,” Makinde said.

The governor emphasized that the administration’s priority is fostering economic growth to ensure a sustainable and fair tax system for the state’s residents.

Meanwhile, Makinde has vowed not to support the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde took a swipe at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, stating that others should be allowed to freely choose who they’ll support politically.

He explained that Wike cannot dictate political choices to others.

According to Makinde, he was in a meeting with Wike, President Tinubu and a few others when the former Rivers State Governor declared that he would hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Tinubu in 2027.

The Oyo State Governor said Wike’s statement shocked him, and he (Makinde) won’t be part of such plans.

Makinde added that his resolve not to support Tinubu in 2027 hinges on the need to ensure democracy survives in Nigeria, the PDP remains a viable political party, and the country does not drift into a one-party state.

According to him, President Tinubu didn’t request Wike to hold the PDP for him, it was the FCT Minister who offered to hold the party for the president.

“I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock,” the governor said.

“Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not.”

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed 21 February 2026 for bye-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.

In a statement on Monday, Mohammed Haruna, the chairperson of the Information, Voter Education, and Publicity Committee of INEC, said the date was announced after an extraordinary meeting of the commission, where the timetable and schedule of activities for the polls were approved.

The statement is posted on the commission’s Facebook page.

According to Mr Haruna, the decision was taken pursuant to Section 116 of the Nigeriam Constitution, which empowers INEC to fix dates and conduct bye-elections to fill vacancies in legislative houses.

“By the provisions of Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers the Commission to fix dates for elections and conduct bye-elections for vacancies arising therefrom, it has fixed 21 February 2026, for the conduct of the elections into the two State constituencies,” the commission said.

“The vacancy in the Ahoada East II Constituency arose as a result of the resignation of its member, while that of Khana II resulted from the death of its member. The Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly had since notified the Commission of the existence of the vacancies.”

Timetable and election activities

INEC said the notice of election for both constituencies will be published on 22 January 2026.

Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the process, between 23 and 27 January. Campaign activities will commence on 8 February and end at midnight on 19 February, ahead of the elections on 21 February.

“The elections will hold on Saturday, 21 February 2026,” the commission said.

Background

The vacancy in Ahoada East II followed the resignation of Edison Ehie, a former factional Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly.

Mr Ehie resigned from the assembly after a peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu to end the prolonged political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The crisis had split the assembly into two rival factions, paralysed governance in the oil-rich state and led to impeachment threats, arson attacks on local government secretariats, and a six-month state of emergency declared by Mr Tinubu.

Following Mr Ehie’s resignation, Governor Fubara appointed him as chief of staff.

Significance of the bye-elections

The forthcoming bye-elections will test the shifting political dynamics in Rivers, particularly after Governor Fubara’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has further reshaped the political landscape in the South-south.

READ ALSO: Court issues ICPC orders for final forfeiture of Goodluck Jonathan Estate land in Abuja

The outcome of the polls would have no significant influence on the decision of the assembly, which remains a key arena in the lingering struggle for political control in the state.

The 26 lawmakers, despite splitting themselves into two political parties: 16 in APC and 10 in PDP, are loyalists of the FCT minister.

INEC said it would provide further updates as preparations progress toward the February elections.

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From John Silas

Nigeria’s leading dairy brand, Peak Milk, is once again bringing the warmth of the season closer to families with its 2025 Christmas campaign themed, “Enjoy Christmas at Its Peak.”

Designed to awaken joy, celebrate togetherness and inspire meaningful moments at the start of every morning, the initiative promises an unforgettable December for Nigerians everywhere.

Speaking on the campaign, Brand Manager at Peak Milk, Boluwatife Ayano, said “Christmas is that time of year when Nigerians slow down, reflect and draw closer to what truly matters – family, nourishment and gratitude.

“With this campaign, we want every home to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. A simple Peak breakfast can set the tone for a day filled with joy, energy and unforgettable memories.”

This year’s campaign will feature vibrant, consumer-focused activities across both digital platforms and physical touchpoints. Highlights include the relaunch of the much-loved #Peak12DaysOfChristmas, with daily surprises, uplifting content and exciting giveaways.

Nigerians will also be invited to share their most cherished “Peak Christmas Morning” moments for a chance to be featured nationwide.

Beyond the digital excitement, Peak Milk will bring the celebration directly to consumers through extensive activations across Lagos cities from Oshodi Bus Park to Babatunde Fashola Train Station at Agege, Jibowu Bus Park, Evans Adelaja (off Gbagada Road), Bariga Community and Ikeja City Mall, Alausa.

The “Christmas at Its Peak” campaign will also extend to Waterlines in Port Harcourt, Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Gariki Park in Abuja, Holy Ghost in Enugu and Shoprite Ring Road in Ibadan. These spots will feature engaging experiences from sampling, games, to music and community-centered activities.

Speaking on the campaign, Senior Brand Manager of Peak Milk, Moronke Adisa-Abayomi, added: “For us at Peak, Christmas is not just a holiday, it is a season of unity, generosity and shared nourishment.

“By showing up in parks, train stations, malls and communities, we are meeting Nigerians right where they are, and our message is simple – whatever your journey has been this year, you deserve to enjoy Christmas at its peak.”

The Peak Christmas 2025 campaign offers a four-week festive cheer and meaningful engagement, kicking off on December 1 and running till December 26.

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