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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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally rejected the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), deepening the leadership crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party.

INEC made it clear that it will not recognise the National Working Committee (NWC) being paraded by the Turaki faction, stressing that unresolved court cases and existing judicial decisions make such recognition impossible at this time.

In an official correspondence dated December 22, 2025, and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC stated that it could not honour requests to acknowledge or upload the list of national officers said to have emerged from the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

According to the commission, its decision is firmly rooted in the legal situation surrounding the party. INEC explained that there are subsisting court judgments as well as ongoing litigation linked to the PDP’s leadership dispute, which restrict its ability to act on any factional claims.

The electoral body emphasised that recognising any set of officers while the matter remains before the courts would amount to disregarding the rule of law.

It noted that until the judiciary conclusively resolves the disputes, INEC will maintain its current position.

The development is a major setback for the Turaki-led group, which has been pushing for official recognition following the controversial convention.

The rejection also raises fresh concerns about the PDP’s internal stability ahead of future electoral activities.

INEC’s stance signals that the commission will not be drawn into internal party conflicts, especially where legal processes are still ongoing.

However, party stakeholders are now left to seek clarity and resolution through the courts.

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The Nigerian stock market advanced by 895 points to close at 153,354.1 on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, reclaiming the 153,000 level.

Tracked by the All-Share Index, the gain represents a 0.59% increase from Monday’s close of 152,459.1.

The rally was supported by stronger trading activity, with volume rising to 677 million shares from 451 million shares recorded in the previous session.

Winners, losers and volume 

The All-Share Index saw market capitalisation rise to N97.7 trillion across 27,589 deals, up from N97.1 trillion recorded in the previous session.

On the gainers’ chart, ALEX (Aluminum Extrusion Industries) and AUSTINLAZ led the rally, advancing 9.96% and 9.81% respectively.

On the flip side, ROYALEX and CHAMPION topped the losers’ list, shedding 7.22% and 6.57% respectively.

In terms of trading volume, VFDGROUP and GTCO dominated market activity, recording the highest number of shares exchanged.

Market summary  

• Current ASI: 153,354.1
• Previous ASI: 152,459.1
• Day Change: +0.59%
• Year-to-Date Performance: +48.99%
• Volume Traded: 677 million shares
• Market Cap: N97.7 trillion.

Top 5 gainers   

• ALEX: Up 9.96% to N14.90
• AUSTINLAZ: Up 9.81% to N2.91
• CUSTODIAN: Up 9.69% to N38.50
• FIRSTHOLDCO: Up 9.35% to N50.30
• FTNCOCOA: Up 8.74% to N5.10

Top 5 losers  

• ROYALEX: Down 7.22% to N1.80
• CHAMPION: Down 6.57% to N15.65
• NASCON: Down 5.36% to N105.05
• SOVRENINS: Down 5.28% to N3.77
• JAPAULGOLD: Down 4.51% to N2.33

Trading volume 

VFDGROUP led the activity chart with 191.9 million shares, setting the pace for the session.

GTCO followed with 63.4 million shares, while ACCESSCORP ranked third with 49.7 million shares.

FIRSTHOLDCO and NSLTECH rounded out the top five, trading 45.8 million and 39.3 million shares, respectively.

Trading value 

By transaction value, GTCO dominated the session with trades worth N5.5 billion.

FIRSTHOLDCO followed at N2.2 billion, while VFDGROUP recorded N2.07 billion.

ARADEL posted trades valued at N1.3 billion, with ZENITHBANK completing the top five at N1.2 billion.

SWOOTs and FUGAZ 

Stocks worth over one trillion naira (SWOOTs) reflected a broadly bullish tone during the session.

• International Breweries rose 5.6%, BUA Foods gained 1.88%, Lafarge advanced 1.5%, and Stanbic IBTC added 0.84%.

On the flip side, Nigerian Breweries declined by 1.45%.

Among the FUGAZ names: 

• FirstHoldCo gained 9.35% and UBA rose 1.03%, while AccessCorp closed flat.

Zenith Bank slipped 0.79%, and GTCO edged lower by 0.11%.

Market outlook

The All-Share Index has reclaimed the 153,000 marks as bullish momentum returns to both large- and mid-cap stocks.

If buying interest remains sustained and broad-based, the market could extend its rally, with sights set on levels above 155,000 points.

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, describing his death as a great loss to Delta State, the Anioma nation and Nigeria at large.

Governor Oborevwori in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, said Senator Nwaoboshi was a proud son of Delta State and a courageous defender of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building would remain indelible.

The governor recalled the late senator’s impactful service at the National Assembly, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, noting that his voice and advocacy for the development of the Niger Delta and Delta State stood him out as a committed and passionate leader.

He said Senator Nwaoboshi’s political journey and rise to prominence were anchored on a rich political pedigree, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy, which also saw him serve meritoriously as a two-time Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.

According to the governor, the late lawmaker devoted his life to the service of his people, the party and the nation, leaving behind a legacy of courage, loyalty and dedication to public service.

Governor Oborevwori, said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Anioma nation, members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress and all those whose lives he touched.

“I pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.

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The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) recorded a surge in passenger traffic on Tuesday following the commencement of a federal government approved 50 percent reduction in train fares for the Yuletide season.

Major stations along the Lagos to Ibadan and Abuja to Kaduna standard gauge corridors, as well as key narrow gauge routes, witnessed heavy turnout, with several departures operating beyond capacity as travellers took advantage of the discounted fares to journey for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The festive rail service, implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, is scheduled to run from Tuesday December 23 to Sunday January 4, 2026, offering passengers nationwide a half fare option during the peak travel period.

Officials attributed the strong response to growing public reliance on rail transport and the relief the discount provided to families and group travellers in the face of rising seasonal transport costs.

Passengers, who spoke with The Nation described the initiative as timely and economically relieving, noting that it eased the burden of festive travel and encouraged safer long distance movement.

Speaking on the commencement of the exercise, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of safe, efficient, and customer focused services throughout the festive season.

He said both standard gauge and narrow gauge services were fully operational, supported by enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements at stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger volumes.

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By Juliet Umeh

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to suspend Twitter, now known as X, in Nigeria, insisting the move was necessitated by the platform’s “reckless” conduct and the threat it posed to national security.

Mohammed said the suspension was not intended to silence dissenting voices but to curb the spread of fake news, hate speech and disinformation capable of undermining national unity and stability.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television ahead of the launch of his book, Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, which chronicles major communication decisions taken during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, including the controversial 2021 Twitter ban.

According to him, the government’s engagement with social media platforms over misinformation predated the suspension, noting that concerns about the dangers of an unregulated digital space were raised as far back as 2017.

“I started the campaign against fake news and disinformation in 2017. I knew the dangerous dimension it was taking. An unregulated social media space was becoming a threat to society,” Mohammed said.

He explained that despite repeated warnings, Twitter had become a preferred platform for individuals and groups seeking to inflame tensions and threaten national cohesion.

“When we suspended Twitter, it was because it was becoming reckless. We warned them several times. Social media had reached a stage where it was becoming dangerous to everybody,” he said.

Mohammed dismissed claims that the ban was a reaction to the deletion of a tweet by former President Muhammadu Buhari or an attempt to suppress opposition voices, stressing that the decision followed prolonged engagements with the platform.

“The President asked me only one question: do I think a country should do so? And I said yes, based on our discussions and the risks we were seeing,” he said.

He added that Twitter was not registered to operate in Nigeria at the time of the suspension, noting that the subsequent agreement signed with the Federal Government validated the decision.

“Twitter was not registered in Nigeria to do business. The agreement they later signed with us, which is contained in this book, is evidence that we did the right thing,” Mohammed stated.

The former minister argued that unlike traditional media, which has editorial gatekeepers, social media platforms allow unchecked content capable of inciting violence and deepening divisions.

“You must not push freedom to the extent that you set one part of the country against the other. We saw how social media was used to direct attacks on institutions,” he said, referencing court proceedings during the trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mohammed noted that Twitter’s operations were restored only after it agreed to meet government conditions, including local registration and compliance with Nigerian laws.

According to him, the book offers an insider’s account of how narratives were shaped during the Buhari administration and why certain difficult communication decisions were taken.

“This is about documenting history from an insider’s viewpoint — how decisions were made, how misinformation overshadowed facts, and how media was used to shape national narratives,” he said.

The post Lai Mohammed defends Twitter ban, says platform became ‘reckless’ appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Wike Urged To Intervene As Abuja Estate Alleges Illegal Conversion Of Parks Into Residential Plots

Residents of Blue Fountain Estate, also known as EFAB Metropolis in Karsana district, Abuja, have appealed directly to Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to urgently intervene in a escalating crisis involving alleged illegal land conversions by the estate’s developer.

In a press statement, the Blue Fountain Estate Homeowners and Residents Association (BFEHORA) accused Blue Fountain Properties Ltd (BFPL), an affiliate of EFAB Properties Limited, of distorting the estate’s master plan by converting lands designated for essential public infrastructure into residential plots for private profit.

“We would like to alert the FCT Department of Development Control that BFPL has engaged in the illegal conversion of designated public infrastructure. Areas explicitly marketed and approved for recreational parks, hospitals, fire stations, and schools have been carved up and sold as residential plots. This distortion has left a community of approximately 2,000 housing units without essential and emergency services,” the association stated.

The residents warned that the absence of these facilities exposes the community to significant risks, including inadequate emergency response and limited recreational spaces in an estate spanning over 200 hectares along the Murtala Mohammed Expressway.

BFEHORA further alleged broader violations, including financial mismanagement of facility fees collected since 2016 and sponsorship of an unauthorized group to undermine the legitimate residents’ association. They demanded a forensic audit, restoration of proper governance, and transfer of facility management to homeowners.

The association has also called on the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Nigeria Police, and Department of State Services (DSS) to support the intervention.

Efforts to reach BFPL for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

The plea comes amid Minister Wike’s ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with Abuja’s Master Plan, including actions against unauthorized developments elsewhere in the FCT.

Residents said they hoped his administration will address what they described as a blatant breach threatening community safety and livability in one of Abuja’s emerging residential hubs.

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