NIGERIA NEWS
Coups in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso worsened Nigeria’s insecurity
Maj-Gen Garba Laka (rtd), coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the office of the National Security Adviser, has revealed that Nigeria’s security situation deteriorated following the military coups in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali.
Laka made the comment on Tuesday while responding to questions from journalists at the end-of-year media parley with defence correspondents.
He said the Sahel region has experienced heightened instability and extremist activity, developments he said have had direct negative consequences for Nigeria’s internal security.
His words: “We have these countries facing these threats and we think we will see peace in Nigeria? No.
“You must have noticed that towards the end of 2023, the security situation was improving, but immediately after the coups in these countries, that was when the situation began to get worse, because these terrorist groups have connections across the Sahel.”
Laka said Nigeria must assume a leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel to effectively confront the shared security threats.
According to him, porous borders and the withdrawal of Sahelian states from the Multinational Joint Task Force have compounded the challenge, but the coups significantly worsened the situation.
“As long as those countries keep on facing this threat, Nigeria will continue facing the brunt. If you look at the whole region, Nigeria is the richest country in West Africa, and Nigeria is the only country that you kidnap somebody and ask that 100 million be paid and it will be paid,” he added.
Laka said criminal groups exploit Nigeria’s economic capacity to fund operations across borders, stressing that security agencies are intensifying efforts despite the complexity of the task.
He said kidnapping has evolved into a complex enterprise involving informants, facilitators and, in some cases, victims who orchestrate their own abductions.
The NCTC coordinator said several kidnappers have been arrested through tracking operations, though details are withheld for security reasons.
He identified ransom payments through point-of-sale operators as a major obstacle to tracking kidnappers, noting that such transactions often obscure the final recipients.
“You may see that a transfer has been made by a victim to a terrorist, but when you trace the account, it belongs to a POS operator.
“Also, the kidnappers give the POS operator’s number, the victim transfers the money, and then the kidnappers collect it, but we are working on this and we will not relent,” he added.
Laka said Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list was achieved through coordinated tracking of ransom payments and recovery of terrorist funds.
“The NCTC set up a joint investigation committee comprising all security agencies involved in financial oversight — EFCC, NFIU and ICPC,” he said.
“This is how we were able to track and recover the funds, and arrests were also made, though some details are not disclosed because they are sensitive,” he added.
He also disclosed that the federal government, working with social media companies, has shut down numerous accounts linked to terrorists and violent extremists.
“We engaged TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X, and explained the impact of certain posts on national security, and they took them down,” Laka said.
“Even those videos showing bandits displaying their loot on TikTok have been removed and you won’t see that again,” he added.
Laka said security agencies are adapting to evolving terrorist tactics and vowed that counterterrorism efforts would be intensified in 2026 following the president’s directive.
The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Temitope Fashedemi, has cautioned staff of the State House against unnecessary bickering and acrimony, warning that such conduct diminishes productivity, professionalism and institutional efficiency.
Fashedemi gave the admonition on Tuesday at the State House during a ceremony marking the retirement of two senior management staff, Sule Yusuf Tegina, Director of Finance and Accounts, and Ali Abu Sufiyan, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, who bowed out of service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years in line with Public Service rules.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Fashedemi stressed that adherence to ethical conduct, hard work and professionalism invariably yields rewards, noting that workplace harmony is critical to sustained output and excellence in public service delivery.
Commending the retiring directors for their years of service, Fashedemi described them as seasoned administrators whose dedication, competence and integrity significantly strengthened institutional operations at the State House. He urged them to remain useful to society and the service, even in retirement.
“I enjoyed working with you. Keep your brain active; do not retire to the village—stay around. You have added value to the State House workforce. I wish you well and I encourage staff to reach out to you for advice where necessary,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated his commitment to prioritising staff welfare, noting that rewards sometimes come unannounced. He added, however, that privilege carries responsibility.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.
In his response, Tegina expressed appreciation to the State House management and colleagues for the opportunity to serve, describing his career as fulfilling.
“I have worked in different places before I was posted here. I enjoyed working with you, Permanent Secretary, and all the staff of the State House. In fact, I have been lucky not to work in a toxic environment throughout my career,” he said.
Sufiyan, in his remarks, thanked the Permanent Secretary and members of his department for their support throughout his tenure.
The event featured the presentation of gifts as colleagues, family members and well-wishers gathered to honour the retirees for their meritorious service to the nation, offering prayers for good health, divine guidance and a fulfilling retirement life.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was Arsenal’s League Cup quarter-final hero with the decisive penalty shoot-out save that completed a miserable evening for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix on Tuesday.
Lacroix’s own goal put Arsenal ahead with 10 minutes left at the Emirates Stadium before Marc Guehi snatched Palace’s stoppage-time equaliser in the 1-1 draw.
That set the stage for a shoot-out in which both teams scored their first seven penalties.
William Saliba converted Arsenal’s eighth kick and Kepa dived to his right to save Lacroix’s effort and secure an 8-7 victory.
It was a cathartic moment for the Spanish goalkeeper, who infamously refused to be substituted before Chelsea’s League Cup final penalty shoot-out defeat against Manchester City in 2019.
Kepa also missed a spot-kick in the 2022 League Cup final shoot-out loss to Liverpool.
The Gunners will play London rivals Chelsea in the semi-finals over two legs in January and February, with Manchester City facing holders Newcastle in the other last four clash.
Arsenal are into the League Cup semi-finals for a second successive year as they chase their first trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020.
The north Londoners have only won the League Cup twice, with their last triumph coming in 1992-93, before any of their current squad were born.
After celebrating Christmas on Thursday, Mikel Arteta’s men will turn their attention back to the title race with home games against Brighton and third-placed Aston Villa to close out 2025.
Winning their first English title since 2004 is clearly Arsenal’s main aim this season, but lifting the League Cup in March would be a significant boost to a club starved of silverware in recent years.
Thrashed at Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday, Palace were playing their third game in six days after a fixture pile-up caused by their involvement in the UEFA Conference League.
Arteta made eight changes to the side that won at Everton on Saturday, but still fielded a strong line-up featuring William Saliba, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
Jesus, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January, started for the first time in 345 days after returning to action as a substitute against Club Brugge earlier this month.
– Kepa redemption –
Noni Madueke, another of Arteta’s changes, should have put Arsenal ahead after just three minutes, but the England winger shot straight at Walter Benitez after racing onto Martinelli’s pass.
Madueke was denied by Benitez again when Martinelli’s delicate chip picked him out in the six-yard box.
Benitez plunged to his left to keep out Jesus’s close-range header with another fine save.
Riccardo Calafiori squandered a good opportunity, poking over from 10 yards, before Benitez saved Madueke’s blast from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s cross.
By the time Jurrien Timber headed wastefully over from 10 yards, Arteta must have been wondering if Arsenal would ever make the breakthrough.
Arteta sent on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard in the second half, the latter making an immediate impact with a cross that Jesus nodded narrowly wide.
Arsenal finally broke the stalemate in the 80th minute.
Not for the first time this season, it was a Gunners set-piece that did the damage as Saka’s corner caused chaos and Lacroix, under pressure from Saliba, poked past Benitez as he tried to clear.
But Palace gave Arsenal a taste of their own set-piece medicine, equalising with their first shot on target in the 95th minute.
Adam Wharton’s free-kick was headed down by Jefferson Lerma and Guehi slotted home from close range.
After a host of nerveless penalties in the shoot-out, Kepa ended as Arsenal’s saviour.
The post Arsenal reach League Cup semis with shoot-out win over Palace appeared first on Vanguard News.
Most federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) failed key ethics and compliance standards in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) 2025 assessment, with several agencies, including the Supreme Court, scoring zero.
The findings were revealed on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja by ICPC chairperson, Musa Aliyu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The results were drawn from the commission’s 2025 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) and the ACTU Effectiveness Index (AEI), which assess adherence to ethical standards and the effectiveness of internal control mechanisms across federal MDAs.
Key findings
No MDA achieved full compliance in the 2025 assessment. Out of 344 MDAs evaluated, 48 demonstrated substantial compliance, 132 recorded partial compliance, 141 showed poor compliance, 23 were outright non-compliant, and 13 failed to respond, earning a high-risk classification.
The assessment also exposed significant governance and administrative gaps across the public sector. A total of 169 MDAs lacked clearly defined core values, mission, and vision to guide their staff, while 191 had no policies regulating the acceptance of gifts, donations, or hospitality.
One hundred and two MDAs operated without strategic plans, and 154 did not monitor or evaluate their activities.
Furthermore, 289 MDAs failed to address corruption risk assessments, and 315 did not incorporate these assessments into their decision-making processes.
The report stated that financial accountability also suffered, as 114 MDAs did not submit financial reports and 96 failed to provide timely audited accounts. Whistleblowing frameworks remained weak, with 241 MDAs lacking functional policies and 269 maintaining inaccessible policies.
The ACTU Effectiveness Index, which measures the performance of internal control units, revealed that only 33 ACTUs were very effective, 83 were effective, 142 were ineffective, and 10 remained dormant. Alarmingly, 89 MDAs had no ACTU at all, constituting a direct breach of national anti-corruption standards.
Implications
Mr Aliyu warned that weak administrative systems, ineffective internal control units, and poor whistleblowing frameworks undermine transparency and expose MDAs to financial mismanagement, procurement distortions, and project failures.
“The widespread weaknesses in administrative and ethical systems highlight the urgent need for stronger leadership and more effective internal controls. Such outcomes fall below acceptable public service standards and are entirely unacceptable,” he said.
Background
The Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, launched in 2015 and fully institutionalised in 2019, monitors ethics, compliance, and integrity across Nigeria’s public sector. The ACTU Effectiveness Index complements the EICS by evaluating internal control units.
Last year, Nigeria’s Supreme Court and 14 other agencies failed the 2024 assessment, reflecting ongoing concerns about corruption and operational irregularities.
Retiring Supreme Court Justice Dattijo Muhammad criticised the judiciary’s handling of funds in his October 2024 valedictory remarks, while Justice Ejembi Eko urged anti-graft agencies to scrutinize financial records.
The 15 agencies that scored zero per cent in the 2024 assessment included the Supreme Court, Nigeria Press Council (NPC), Legal Aid Council (LAC), National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), and Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON).
READ ALSO: Court issues ICPC orders for final forfeiture of Goodluck Jonathan Estate land in Abuja
The rest are Federal Teaching Hospital (Gombe), National Obstetrics Fistula Centre (Ningi, Bauchi State), Institute of Archaeology and Museum Studies (Jos), Federal University of Agriculture (Umudike, Abia State), Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation (Mando, Kaduna State), Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife, Osun State), Federal Polytechnic (Ede, Osun State), and University of Ibadan (Oyo State).
High-performing agencies
Top-performing agencies included the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB, 89.75 per cent), Nigerian Railway Corporation with 88.73 per cent, and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc with 88.73 per cent.
The then ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare said while the commission enforces penalties for non-compliance, its primary aim is to help agencies improve internal systems.
“Our approach is to support MDAs in aligning with ethical standards. But if they fail after due process, we will pursue legal action,” he said. “The Supreme Court, flagged for non-responsiveness, will be closely monitored.”
The ICPC also plans to launch sectoral rankings of government agencies, including corruption risk assessments, to identify high-risk institutions and guide them toward better compliance.
“We are taking a proactive approach by assessing corruption risks and enforcing accountability. These rankings will help prioritise reforms across the public sector,” Mr Bakare added.
NIGERIA NEWS
Man Speaks As Davido Wins Big Money After Super Eagles Beat Tanzania 2–1, Amount Trends
- A young man spoke his mind after a popular singer won a huge amount following the Super Eagles’ victory over Tanzania
- The young man took to the comment section of Davido’s post to share his observation about the singer and the money he won
- He explained several points in his post, and many others who saw Davido’s post also shared their thoughts
A Nigerian man has reacted after Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, won the sum of N141 million following the Nigerian Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the African Cup of Nations.
The young man took to the comment section of Davido’s post to share his thoughts after the singer updated his page to show he had won.
Nigerian man comments on Davido’s win following Super Eagles’ 2–1 victory. Middle photo for illustration purpose only. Photo Source: Business Post Nigeria, Twitter/@TheManAfricano/davido
Source: Twitter
Young man reacts after Davido wins
On 21st December 2025, Davido had placed a sum of $25,000, equivalent to N36.5 million, on the Nigerian Super Eagles to defeat Tanzania in the group stage AFCON match.
Read also
“My second home”: Davido meets Sierra Leone President in Freetown ahead of AFCON Concert
Days later, the Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 2-1 in a game played on 23rd December 2025.
Shortly after the match, Davido updated his followers on the outcome.
Seeing this, a man, @TheManAfrican, reacted to the post and commented on the risk Davido took.
Young man speaks on Davido’s huge win after Super Eagles defeat Tanzania. Photo Source: Twitter/@TheManAfricano/davido
Source: Twitter
In his statement, he shared that Davido took a very big risk because he is wealthy and in a position to do so, and it yielded results.
His statement read:
“This is why the wealthy will always continue to accumulate wealth. They possess sufficient resources to take risks, and even if those risks fail to yield returns, they remain financially secure.”
Several individuals also reacted to the viral post of the singer.
Reactions as Davido wins big money
@TheGistGiant shared:
“He staked ₦36 million just to make sure his ‘Detty December’ budget covers the after-party for his AFCON concert. That payout could buy a whole new squad for Tanzania.”
realfas_01 stated:
“Davido won 140 million on Nigeria Vs Tanzania , if you like dey Stan/follow broke mentor. 001 to the world.”
Read also
AFCON 2025: Davido predicts the teams he thinks will clash in the finals, video goes viral
@Richestmarvels stated:
“”Davido really is the only person who can bet $25,000 on ‘both teams to score’ and then watch the Super Eagles win 2-1 in a rainstorm. He’s not just an Afrobeats legend; he’s a professional profit architect!”
@realfas_01 added:
“You dey doubt 001 kee ??”
@scottceox shared;
““Let’s get the W Nigeria” but na both teams to score you carry.”
@Ashiru_AO stressed:
“Don’t pursue this? It’s a trick. Just continue your ad with them. Don’t stake regularly on football matches? Ask Drake.”
@solidStreams noted:
“Na welcome package. Na so e Dey be. First one Dey always come. Body go soon tell you.”
@GabrielLaw40232 said:
“1k dolls na him wizkid collect to perform for your boy wedding yesterday. This your post now go send am to depression. You no dey pity your colleague at all?”
Read the post below:
In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a mysterious cat, named Nimbus Pronos, predicted a draw between Nigeria and Tanzania in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on December 23.
Read also
AFCON 2025: “High risk, high reward” Davido stakes big on Super Eagles’ opener against Tanzania
Nigeria beats Tanzania 2-1 in AFCON match
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday, December 23.
Goals from Hull City defender Semi Ajayi and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman helped the Super Eagles overturn Charles Mombwa’s strike, putting Nigeria at the top of Group C.
Source: Legit.ng
A lady has shared a heartbreaking account of her parents’ absence at her wedding.
The lady, identified by the TikTok handle @itsreallyorga, shared that her parents were absent from her wedding due to bride price.
Details Of The incident
According to @itsreallyorga, she wished her parents were in attendance at her wedding.
She further disclosed that out of her 8 siblings, only 3 showed up to her wedding, leaving her emotionally hurt.
Her lengthy caption reads,
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.
Reacting to this, a TikTok user, @Fae remarked, “You decided not to let him pay your bride price to your parents. They also decided not to show up. Action,consequence what’s the issue?”.
Another user, @MamaBanke stated, “As much as you would require him to buy you an engagement ring your parents have the right to demand the bride price. Stop deminishing our culture”.
@jojopheeny, “I also didn’t want my bridal price however when a man sees how you disrespect your family, he will eventually do the same” .
While, @GraykellssOfficial inquired, “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?”.
Watch video below……
@itsreallyorga
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. #brideprice #africanparents #traditionalwedding #foryoupage
♬ original sound – ✨Olga M🫧
A public affairs analyst and activist, Adekunle Adebayo, has raised the alarm over what he described as a plot to arrest and intimidate key opposition figures in Nigeria, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Adebayo disclosed this in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday, warning that the alleged move forms part of a wider strategy to weaken opposition politics and entrench a de facto one-party system in the country.
He alleged that Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State G overnor Nasir el-Rufai have been marked for arrest.
According to him, other prominent political figures, including Isa Ali Pantami, Rauf Aregbesola, Kashim Ibrahim Imam, and others, are also being targeted.
Adebayo further claimed that the alleged plan follows earlier arrests and detentions of former governors of Sokoto and Anambra states, Aminu Tambuwal and Chris Ngige, as well as former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
He warned that if the reported arrests are carried out, they would amount to serious violations of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), citing threats to personal liberty, freedom of association and expression, equality before the law, and the independence of the judiciary.
“Selective application of law enforcement based on political affiliation is incompatible with constitutional democracy,” Adebayo stated.
He urged Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the international community to closely monitor unfolding events, cautioning that the country risks sliding into a system where democratic institutions exist only in form, while political power is consolidated through coercion and selective justice.
…says Speaker Abbas right man to deliver on lasting peace pact
The Middle Belt Democratic Agenda has enthusiastically commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive and visionary leadership in addressing the lingering crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State.
The group described the President’s constitution of a high-powered reconciliation committee as a clear demonstration of his commitment to party unity, internal democracy, and the overall stability of Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a statement released today and signed by Comrade Samuel Bako, the Middle Belt Democratic Agenda hailed President Tinubu’s choice of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, as chairman of the Benue APC reconciliation committee.
The Benue APC has been embroiled in factional disputes, primarily between supporters of Governor Hyacinth Alia and those aligned with Senator George Akume, leading to parallel structures, legal tussles, and public disruptions that have weakened the party’s cohesion and grassroots mobilization.
Comrade Samuel Bako, in a series of pointed remarks, praised President Tinubu as a “strategic statesman” who consistently prioritises reconciliation over division.
“President Tinubu’s intervention in Benue is yet another proof of his deep love for the APC and his determination to ensure that no state is left behind in the journey toward national progress,” he said.
“His proactive approach to resolving intra-party conflicts shows rare political maturity and foresight.”
He further described the President as “a unifier par excellence,” adding: “By appointing credible and respected figures to lead this committee, President Tinubu has once again shown that he values competence, integrity, and inclusivity.
“This move will not only heal wounds in Benue APC but will also strengthen the party nationally as we approach future elections.”
Turning to Speaker Abbas, Comrade Bako called him “the perfect bridge-builder for such a delicate assignment.”
“Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has proven time and again that he is a man of fairness, wisdom, and impartiality. His track record in Bauchi, where he successfully brought warring factions together, speaks volumes,” he stated.
“We have absolute confidence that under his leadership, Benue APC will emerge stronger and more united than ever.
Bako emphasized the Speaker’s unique qualities: “Speaker Abbas is a leader who listens to all sides. His appointment is a masterstroke by Mr. President, and we are convinced that he will deliver a lasting peace pact that will serve as a model for other states.”
The group also commended the composition of the committee, which includes Governor Mai Mala Buni, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, former Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and other high-caliber members, describing it as “a dream team of reconciliators.”
Bako urged all APC stakeholders in Benue to extend full cooperation to the committee, stressing that “unity is our greatest strength.”
“President Tinubu and Speaker Abbas have given Benue APC a golden opportunity for renewal. We pray for the success of this noble effort and reaffirm our support for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Bako concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has constituted a reconciliation committee to address the internal crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue state.
The president appointed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as chairman of the committee.
Other members of the committee are Hon. Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe state; Senator Abdulaziz Yari, former governor of Zamfara; Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former speaker of the House of Representatives; and Ibrahim Masari, senior special assistant to the president on political matters.
Jake Dan-Azumi, Chief of Staff to the Speaker, will serve as secretary of the committee, while Abdullahi Gashua, Chief of Staff to the Yobe state governor, will be part of the secretariat.
The committee is mandated to resolve the factional crisis within the APC in Benue by identifying the root causes of disunity and engaging critical stakeholders and party organs to foster reconciliation.
It is also expected to propose structural, procedural and strategic reforms aimed at achieving lasting peace and political cohesion within the party.
The committee will submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the president after concluding its assignment.
It is expected to commence work immediately by consulting widely with relevant stakeholders in the state.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.