Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has cautioned football lovers with heart complications or high blood pressure against watching the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Sani gave the warning ahead of the AFCON opening match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and their Tanzanian counterparts.

Posting on X, the former lawmaker wrote: “My prayers for Super Eagles victory over Tanzania.

“My advice to those of you with Heart complications or High Blood Pressure; avoid watching AFCON.

“Every year we lose people as a result of watching such tough matches.”

SOURCE PAGE

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting and redeployment of dozens of Assistant Commissioners of Police and two Superintendents of Police across the country.

The Nigeria Police Force announced the nationwide postings on Tuesday, with effect from January 1, 2026.

Postings cover commands, tactical and specialised units

A police wireless message issued by the Force Security Department at the Force Secretariat, Abuja, indicated that the redeployment affects officers across states, area commands, divisions and specialised formations.

According to the directive, several ACPs and SUPOLs have been reassigned to new commands and units, including the Mobile Police Force, Interpol, Anti-Human Trafficking, Maritime, Disaster Management, Intelligence, and Finance and Accounts departments.

Other officers were posted to operations, research and development, the X-Squad, Airport and Railway Commands, Education and Training departments, as well as specialised tactical units such as Bomb Disposal, K-9, and Mounted Police.

The wireless message also affected officers serving in Area Commands and other key operational formations nationwide.

The reshuffle places new Commanders (C.O.s) at the helm of several strategic Mobile Police Squadrons.

Some notable postings include: ACP Kabiru Adeshina Akinroye – C.O. MOPOL 17 Akure; ACP Emmanuel Olusola Oyewole – C.O. MOPOL 33 Ado Ekiti; ACP Ogungbe Mi Igbekele -C.O. MOPOL 12 Minna; ACP Stephen Olusola Olatise – C.O. MOPOL 4 Ibadan; ACP Nnaji Agha Chima – C.O. MOPOL 26 Uyo; ACP Atanda Olubunmi Otitoola – C.O. MOPOL 59 Bajoga; ACP Alkali Lamido – C.O. MOPOL 58 Lafia; ACP Awoyale Olufemi Olayinka – C.O. MOPOL 16 Abeokuta and ACP Obideyi Olusoji Abraham – C.O. MOPOL 13 Makurdi.

Specialized Units & Force Headquarters (FHQ)

Several officers were moved into specialized administrative and investigative roles. For instance, ACP Haruna Shehu Shagari – AC Anti-Human Trafficking (FCID Annex Kaduna); ACP Ahahnana Gabriel Onuh – AC Interpol Abuja; ACP Ogaarashi Chima – AC Ops Marine (FHQ Abuja); ACP Ejiofor Grace Obiageli – AC Disaster Management Unit (FHQ Abuja); ACP Umar Bashir Mohammed -AC Research & Development (FHQ Abuja); ACP Obed Masoyi Ali – AC DFA FPM (FHQ Abuja); ACP Salhu Aliyu – AC FedOps (FHQ Abuja); and ACP Henry Yanet Kaboshio – Camp Commandant (FHQ Abuja)

Key Area Command Postings

The directive also fills several critical Area Commander (A/CDR) vacancies across the federation, namely ACP Ishaku Kwambla Hamman – A/CDR Dikwa (Borno); ACP Ibrahim Usman Abdulkarim – A/CDR Uromi (Edo); ACP Ajileye Ismail Bello – A/CDR Metro (Kwara); ACP Tope Olaleye – A/CDR Moniya (Oyo); ACP Tope Adewumi Oparinde – A/CDR Osogbo (Osun); ACP Shehu Mohammed Aliyu – A/CDR Askira Uba (Borno); ACP Chuks Hyginus Nwoke – A/CDR Akwete (Abia); ACP Kememalafakumo Osuluku – A/CDR Area ‘C’ Airport (South-South PH); ACP Sunday Oluwadare – A/CDR Ogbere (Ogun); ACP Godwin Onyebuchi Mba – A/CDR Ikere-Ekiti (Ekiti); ACP Ibrahim Tasiu – A/CDR Tinnapa (Cross River); ACP Isiyaku Adamu – A/CDR Ohaukwu (Ebonyi); ACP Mohammed Babamaudo Usman -A/CDR Kaltungo (Gombe); ACP Tanko Yakubu Mahmud – A/CDR Dala (Kano); ACP Sunday Ayoola Ikuelogbon – A/CDR Iwaro Oka (Ondo); ACP Haliru Ibrahim – A/CDR Dusima (Katsina); ACP Musa Akawu – A/CDR Rano (Kano); ACP Mohammed T. Ogunrin – A/CDR Agodi (Oyo); ACP Rasaq Omotayo Adegbite – A/CDR Area ‘L’ Ilashe and ACP Komolafe Omoniyi – A/CDR Akure (Ondo).

Others include ACP Yusuf Ahmed Ubale – A/CDR Bajoga (Gombe); ACP Tukur Bawa Mohammed -A/CDR Koton-Karfe (Kogi); ACP Okezie Obediah: A/CDR Onueke (Ebonyi); and ACP Usman Ibrahim – A/CDR Mungonu (Borno).

State Commands & Zonal Postings (AC Ops/CID/DFA)

ACP Rakiya Gimba: AC X-Squad (FCT); ACP Shinkafi Shuaibu Abubakar: AC ZCID Zone 14 (Katsina); ACP Leticia Onyechere Onwuchekwa: AC DFA (Enugu); ACP Douye Kpokpo: AC SID (Ebonyi); ACP Bello Alhaji Oro: AC X-Squad (Bauchi); ACP Abdulaziz Isa Umar: AC DOPS Zone 14 (Katsina); ACP Wada Abdulkadir: AC SID (Kebbi); ACP James Mahaman Paul: AC Finance and Accounts (PAB FHQ); ACP Mohammed Aminu: AC Courses (POLAC); ACP Uba Shehu: AC ‘A’ (Taraba); ACP Daiyyabu Mohammed Ahmed: AC Ops (Gombe); ACP Emilia Mammi: AC SCID (Bayelsa); ACP Mansur A. Idris: AC Ops (Plateau); ACP Aminu Suleiman: AC DFA Zone 1 (Kano); ACP Davidson Okechukwu Ndubueze: AC DFA (Niger); ACP Emmanuel O. Agbo: AC DFA Zone 9 (Umuahia); ACP Hamisu Nasiru Isa: AC DFA (Sokoto); ACP Joy I. Akpan: Asst. Dir Professional Studies (PSC Jos); ACP Bukar Saleh Mohammed: Asst. Dir Field Training (PSC Jos); ACP Silas Egbeh Onele: AC X-Squad (FCID Annex Enugu); ACP Yusuf Umar: AC DPK (FHQ Abuja); ACP Ilyas Ibrahim: AC ATW (PCM); ACP Adejokun Ademola: AC ‘A’ (DTD FHQ Abuja); ACP Matthew Sunday: AC Printing Press (Lagos); ACP Danjuma Alex Ocheje: AC X-Squad Zone 13 (Ukpo); ACP Emmanuel C. Udekwe: AC DFA Railway (Lagos); ACP Hajara Yusuf Ahmed: AC SID (FCT Abuja); ACP Alhassan Abdulazeez: Deputy Commandant (Ende Hills); ACP Abdulahi Usman: AC DFA (Kwara); ACP Hamza Nadada: AC ‘A’ (FCT Abuja); ACP Michael Segun Adejumo: AC Railway (Ibadan Western District) and ACP Yahaya Maru Mainasara: AC X-Squad (Taraba).

Others are ACP Solomon Olukayode Ayeni: Deputy Commandant (PTS Ikeja); ACP Victor Bwede Bala: AC DFA (PSC); ACP Mohammed Gulma Abdulrazak: AC X-Squad Zone 14 (Katsina); ACP Sani Gyadi-Gyadi Mohammed: AC DFA (PCI); ACP Ahmed Abdullahi: AC X-Squad (Zamfara); ACP Abdullahi Baba: AC X-Squad Zone 12 (Bauchi); ACP Bishop Chawar: AC BTW (PCM); SUPOL Victor Emeka Chiekwu: AC DFA (PCI); SUPOL Mohammed Nguru Hadi: AC DFA (Kogi).

SOURCE PAGE

The 2026 proposed budget has passed second reading at the Senate.

The senators voted to pass the budget after debating its general principles during plenary on Tuesday.

The appropriation bill seeks to authorise the issuance of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation of N58.4 trillion (₦58,472,628,944,759) for the 2026 fiscal year.

President Bola Tinubu presented the N58.4 trillion budget to a joint session of the National Assembly last Friday.

The budget is christened ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’. It was read for the first time on the same day.

Based on the parameters and fiscal assumptions, total revenue is projected at ₦34.33 trillion, while total expenditure stands at ₦58.18 trillion, including ₦15.52 trillion for debt servicing.

Recurrent (non-debt) expenditure is estimated at ₦15.25 trillion, with capital expenditure at ₦26.08 trillion. The budget deficit is pegged at ₦23.85 trillion, representing 4.28 per cent of GDP.

In the proposal, defence and security are projected to have ₦5.41 trillion, Infrastructure was pegged at ₦3.56 trillion, education has ₦3.52 trillion and health got ₦2.48 trillion.

The debate

Leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), said the proposal reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to restoring economic stability, correcting distortions, and strengthening public finance.

Mr Bamidele explained that the budget is anchored on four pillars which are; consolidating macroeconomic stability; improving the business and investment environment; promoting job-rich growth and poverty reduction; and strengthening human capital while protecting vulnerable citizens.

He said the budget proposal emphasises purposeful spending, disciplined debt management, and pursue growth that is broad-based and sustainable.

Sectoral priorities

Mr Bamidele said the sectoral composition of the budget addresses Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, particularly insecurity.

“The sectoral priorities of this budget speak directly to Nigeria’s pressing needs. Security receives primacy, rightly so, because without peace and safety, no economy can thrive. The President’s articulation of a restructured national security architecture and a firm stance against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent criminality underscores the seriousness of this commitment,” he said.

The senate leader also highlighted proposed investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and productivity.

“Equally important are the substantial investments in education and healthcare, recognising that no nation can rise above the quality of its people. Support for student financing, healthcare expansion, and partnerships with international donors reinforces the human-capital focus of this budget. Investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and productivity further demonstrate an understanding that growth must be anchored on jobs, food security, and private-sector participation,” he added.

He urged senators to support the bill’s passage for second reading, noting that the proposals are realistic.

Lawmakers’ contributions

Former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, called on the federal government to ensure full implementation of the budget once approved, to avoid the practice of operating multiple budgets within a single fiscal year.

Diket Plang (Plateau Central) said the budget prioritises macroeconomic stability and infrastructure development, adding that effective implementation would boost productivity.

Aminu Abbas (Adamawa Central) described the proposal as the best budget presented so far in Nigeria’s democratic history, urging lawmakers to ensure it delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) commended the administration for the substantial allocation to security and infrastructure and stressed the need for full implementation.

READ ALSO: Reps approve Tinubu’s request to extend 2025 capital budget to March 2026

Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) said the proposal signals an end to the operation of multiple budgets within a fiscal year.

Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) noted that effective implementation would deliver dividends of democracy across the country.

The Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), said that if properly implemented, the budget would place Nigeria on a positive economic trajectory.

Source link

• A Nigerian man has shared a video on social media after visiting the house of popular internet personality GehGeh
• In the video, he debunked the content creator’s earlier claim that his newly built mansion had been burnt down
• The young man captured an early-morning scene showing the house, which was still in standard condition

A Nigerian man has released a video showing the residence of popular internet personality GehGeh.

This debunked an earlier claim by GehGeh on his Instagram page that the property had been destroyed by fire.

Man visits GehGeh’s residence, debunks claims about his house getting burnt.
Photo credit: @Stanley Aaron/Instagram.
Source: Instagram

Man says GehGeh’s house wasn’t burnt

The clip, which circulated on social media, showed the exterior of the building appearing intact and exquisite, contradicting reports that had gained attention earlier.

In a new video reposted on Instagram by a user @Stanley Aaron, an eyewitness captured himself standing outside the compound in the early hours of the day.

Read also

“It was spiritual arrow ”: Femi Adebayo’s brother breaks silence on tragic loss of his son

He filmed the structure from different angles, emphasising that the mansion was still in good condition.

His intention was to counter the viral narrative that the house had been burnt down, a claim that many social media users had accepted without verification.

According to the man, the visit took place in the morning, allowing him perform a clear tour of the building’s state.

Man debunks viral reports about GehGeh’s house getting burnt.
Photo credit: @Stanley Aaron/Instagram.
Source: Instagram

He focused on the walls, roof and surrounding environment, all of which showed no visible signs of fire damage.

The video hinted that the house was still in good condition, with no evidence of smoke stains, structural collapse or other indicators typically associated with a recent fire incident.

He captioned the post:

“Don’t believe everything you see on social media. See house wey them say e burn. See am. Na the house be this. See am. Gehgeh house burn. For the whole of social media, e don burn. But for real life, see the house here. See the house nothing do am. Nothing do the house. Make I zoom am. Na early morning view be this.”

Read also

Lady who went to Chris Okafor’s church amid Doris Ogala’s saga posts rare moment of pastor

The controversy began from an earlier post by GehGeh, who had shared a photo of a burnt building while lamenting the cruelty of people.

That post led to massive sympathy and reactions online, with many assuming the photo was real.

However, the subsequent video of an eyewitness raised doubts about the authenticity of the earlier photo shared by GehGeh.

Reactions as Nigerians speak about GehGeh’s house

Nigerians reacted massively in the comments section.

@I’ll be back said:

“Oga you dey lie I see geh geh house just now no dey lie you dey fine like.”

@Ariduñu01 said:

“Not only poor people dey vex, sometime u reach people dey envy una self trying to bring who is coming up to ur standard down.”

@MOJERE_AANU said:

“Na lie joor. I am just coming from some page now I saw it clearly nothing do hin house ooo. Na AI abeg.”

@World Aje money said:

“Even me self were i never do my own finish self this matter dey do me like my head dey hot.”

Read also

Ned Nwoko Throws Jab Amid Fallout with Regina Daniels, Elicit Reactions: “This Thing Really Pain You”

@kellyfundzlivinglarge said:

“Oga he no burn ooooo, see the front yard is cleared and the burnt picture front yard are still full of stuff and dirt at the front. OMO AI too good ooo.”

@D_STARBOY_01 added:

“2025 no be good luck for some ppl grhh geh house burn down his account was banned cartefe was banned temporarily on twitch peller been won kill in self toklex account was banned may nothing like dis happen to ppl next year in Jesus name.”

See the post below:

Nigerian man rejects GehGeh’s classes

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a young Nigerian man turned down the viral online classes of influencers GehGeh and SaidaBoj.

He jokingly pledged his commitment to Kanayo O. Kanayo if the actor ever starts his own academy.

Source: Legit.ng

SOURCE PAGE

A Nigerian lady, Tracy Mcwary, has shared her unusual journey of marrying a man despite discovering he was having an affair with her best friend, only to divorce him two months later.

Her story, which she posted on Facebook, has sparked heated reactions online.

Marriage Despite Betrayal

Tracy revealed that she found out about her husband’s infidelity with her best friend before the wedding.

Despite knowing this, she went ahead with the marriage. She said her decision was strategic and part of a bigger plan.

Divorce Two Months Later

After only two months of marriage, Tracy divorced her husband.

In her post, she emphasized that she had intentionally stayed in the marriage for a short period to make a point.

Lessons Learned

Sharing her experience on Facebook, Tracy highlighted the lessons she gained from the ordeal.

She advised women to apply emotional intelligence and not let emotions cloud their judgment.

According to her, infidelity does not equate to love, and staying calm and strategic can yield personal victories.

A Point Proved

Tracy explained that her actions were aimed at proving her worth.

She wrote: “”Before I married my Ex-Husband, I found out he was sleeping with my best friend. I still went ahead and married him and dumped him two months later. Women are too emotional and they must apply emotional intelligence. That a man slept with a woman doesn’t mean he loves her, it’s just for the moment. If he loved her, why did he marry me? It was just to ease pressure and nothing more. I proved a point at the end of the day, I am sweeter, better, and marriageable. So at the end of the day, I WON.”

See below;

SOURCE PAGE

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that  it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

SOURCE PAGE

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the alleged changes to Nigeria’s new tax laws as an act of treason, drawing attention to the discrepancies between the bills passed by the National Assembly and the version officially gazetted by the government.

In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku said the illegal and unauthorised changes represent a “brazen act of treason against the Nigerian people,” stressing that it is a direct assault on the nation’s constitutional democracy.

According to him, the alleged “draconian overreach by the executive branch undermines the foundational principle of legislative supremacy in the making of laws.”

He added that the Presidency’s decision reveals “a government more interested in extracting wealth from struggling citizens than empowering them to prosper.”

In the statement, Atiku outlined details that were illegally inserted into the tax bills by the Presidency after it was passed by the lawmakers.

Atiku’s statement read: “The following substantive changes were allegedly illegally inserted into the tax bills after parliamentary approval, in clear violation of Sections 4 and 58 of the 1999 Constitution:

“New Coercive Powers Without Legislative Consent

“Arrest powers granted to tax authorities

Property seizure and garnishment without court orders

“Enforcement sales conducted without judicial oversight

“These provisions transform tax collectors into quasi-law enforcement agencies, stripping Nigerians of due process protections that the National Assembly deliberately included.

“Increased Financial Burdens on Citizens

“Mandatory 20% security deposit before appealing tax assessments

Compound interest on tax debts

“Quarterly reporting requirements with lowered thresholds

“Forced USD computation for petroleum operations

“These changes erect financial barriers that prevent ordinary Nigerians from challenging unjust assessments while increasing compliance costs for businesses already struggling in a difficult economy.

“Removal of Accountability Mechanisms

“Deletion of quarterly and annual reporting obligations to the National Assembly

“Elimination of strategic planning submission requirements

“Removal of ministerial supervisory provisions

“By stripping away oversight mechanisms, the government has insulated itself from accountability while expanding its powers, a hallmark of authoritarian governance.

“A Government Against Its People. This constitutional violation exposes a troubling reality: a government obsessed with imposing ever-increasing tax burdens on impoverished Nigerians rather than creating conditions for prosperity.

“Instead of investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment that would expand the tax base organically, this administration chooses the path of aggressive extraction from an already struggling populace.

“Nigeria’s poverty rate remains alarmingly high, unemployment continues to devastate families, and inflation erodes purchasing power daily.

“Yet rather than supporting citizens to become more productive, thereby generating sustainable tax revenues, the government employs draconian measures to squeeze resources from people who have little left to survive.

“True economic growth comes from empowering citizens, not impoverishing them further through punitive taxation and erosion of legal protections.

“A thriving economy with prosperous citizens naturally generates robust tax revenues. But this requires vision, investment, and patience, qualities evidently lacking in an administration that resorts to constitutional manipulation to achieve short-term fiscal goals.

“I hereby call upon: The Executive to immediately suspend the implementation of the tax law effective January 1, 2026 to give room for a proper investigation.

“The National Assembly to immediately rectify these illegal alterations through proper legislative processes and hold accountable those responsible for this constitutional breach.

“The Judiciary to strike down these unconstitutional provisions and reaffirm the sanctity of the legislative process.

“Civil Society and all Nigerians to reject this assault on democratic principles and demand governance that serves the people rather than exploiting them.

“The Government abandoned this path of extraction and oppression, and instead focused on policies that enable Nigerian citizens and businesses to thrive.

“The EFCC to immediately investigate and prosecute those found culpable in the illegal alteration of our laws to extort and defraud the Nigerian people.

“What the National Assembly did not pass cannot become law. This fundamental principle must be defended, or we risk descending into arbitrary rules where constitutional safeguards mean nothing.”

Politics Nigeria earlier reported that there has been outrage over alleged discrepancies between tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the version gazetted by the Presidency.

SOURCE PAGE

• Tribitat Real Estate won the Emerging Real Estate Brand of the Year award at the Africa Housing Awards 2025, presented by the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in recognition of its innovation and impact in the sector.
• The award reflects Tribitat’s growth trajectory, having delivered over 100 premium housing units across nine landmark projects, including Ambiance Residences and Micasa Lagos, while maintaining transparency and excellence in real estate development.
• Tribitat plans to leverage this recognition to accelerate investment in technology-driven construction, expand its portfolio of luxury projects, and pursue strategic partnerships to position itself as a pan-African leader in sustainable real estate.

Tribitat Real Estate was presented with the prestigious Emerging Real Estate Brand of the Year award at the Africa Housing Awards 2025.

The ceremony, held on December 12th in Abuja, recognises the most innovative and impactful contributors to the continent’s real estate sector.

The award was formally presented by the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, to Hon. Gbenga Adeleke, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tribitat Real Estate.

The moment was witnessed by an assembly of industry leaders, including the company’s Board Chairman, Barrister Festus Adebayo, Ambassador Elijah Eyeagba, Dr. Tony Kolawole of Vista Holdings, and Dr. Emmanuel Abikoye of the Billionaires Realtors Group.

A Recognition Built on Tangible Achievement 

This accolade follows a period of significant and verifiable growth for Tribitat. Over eight years, the company has delivered over 100 premium housing units across nine landmark projects.

This commitment to excellence and structured transparency is embodied in its developments, from the sophisticated Ambiance Residences to its latest venture, Micasa Lagos—an estate designed not just as land, but as a foundational legacy of luxury.

A Visionary Path Forward, Fueled by Gratitude 

Accepting the award, Hon. Gbenga Adeleke connected the honour to the company’s core mission and future.

“We receive this recognition with profound gratitude for the trust of our clients and the dedication of our team,” he stated. “It validates our journey of making premium real estate accessible and transparent. This award is a catalyst that strengthens our resolve to extend our model of integrity and lasting value, building sustainable communities across Africa.” 

Leveraging Success for Future Growth 

Securing this title marks a strategic new chapter for Tribitat Real Estate. The company plans to leverage this industry endorsement to accelerate investment in innovative construction and client service technologies, expand its portfolio of legacy-defining projects, and explore new partnerships to bring its trusted development model to a wider audience, solidifying its transition from an award-winning Nigerian brand to a pan-African leader.

About the Africa Housing Awards 

The Africa Housing Awards is the continent’s premier platform honouring excellence, pioneering leadership, and transformative innovation within the housing and real estate sector.

Connect with Tribitat Real Estate 

For more information on our award-winning projects and services:

Official Website: https://tribitatrealestate.com/

Instagram: @tribitatrealestate

LinkedIn: Tribitat Real Estate

We’re Here To Serve You

Office Address: 10, Basorun Okunsanya, Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos.

Hotline: +2348109935483, +2347057790331

Follow us for Breaking News and Market Intelligence.




SOURCE PAGE

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Bola Tinubu administration of committing what he described as an act of treason against Nigerians through alleged illegal alterations to the recently passed tax reform laws.

In a strongly worded statement, Atiku said changes were made to the tax legislation after it was passed by the National Assembly, calling the action unconstitutional and a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.

Allegation of Constitutional Breach

Atiku said the alleged alterations violated Sections 4 and 58 of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly define the law-making powers of the legislature.

He described the action as a “brazen assault on legislative supremacy” and warned that it undermines the foundation of constitutional democracy.

According to him, the changes show a government more focused on extracting revenue from struggling citizens than empowering them to prosper.

New Enforcement Powers Raised Concern

The former vice president alleged that new coercive powers were inserted into the tax laws without legislative approval.

These include arrest powers for tax authorities, seizure of property and garnishment without court orders, and enforcement sales carried out without judicial oversight.

He said the provisions effectively turn tax officials into quasi-law enforcement agents and strip Nigerians of due process protections deliberately included by lawmakers.

Increased Burden on Citizens and Businesses

Atiku further alleged that the alterations imposed heavier financial obligations on citizens and businesses.

He listed a mandatory 20 per cent security deposit before appealing tax assessments, compound interest on tax debts, and stricter quarterly reporting requirements with lowered thresholds.

Other changes, he said, include forced United States dollar computation for petroleum operations, which he warned would increase compliance costs in an already difficult economy.

Oversight Mechanisms Allegedly Removed

The statement also accused the government of removing accountability safeguards from the law.

Atiku said provisions requiring quarterly and annual reports to the National Assembly were deleted.

He added that strategic planning submission requirements and ministerial supervisory roles were also removed.

According to him, stripping away oversight while expanding executive powers is a hallmark of authoritarian governance.

“Government Against Its People” — Atiku

Atiku argued that the alleged constitutional violation reflects a government hostile to the welfare of its citizens.

He said Nigeria continues to battle high poverty levels, unemployment, and inflation, yet the administration has chosen aggressive taxation over policies that promote productivity.

Rather than investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, he said the government opted for what he called “draconian extraction” from an impoverished population.

Call for Immediate Action

The former vice president called on the executive arm to immediately suspend implementation of the tax law scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

He urged the National Assembly to correct the alleged illegal alterations through proper legislative processes and hold those responsible accountable.

Atiku also asked the judiciary to strike down the unconstitutional provisions and reaffirm the sanctity of the legislative process.

Appeal to Nigerians and Anti-Graft Agency

He called on civil society groups and Nigerians to reject what he described as an assault on democratic principles.

Atiku also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the alleged illegal alteration of the law.

He warned that allowing laws not passed by the National Assembly to stand would open the door to arbitrary rule.

“The Nigerian people deserve better than a government that circumvents democracy to impose hardship,” Atiku said, while demanding accountability, constitutional compliance, and policies that promote prosperity rather than deepen poverty.

SOURCE PAGE

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on vandalism of electricity infrastructure following the successful prosecution and sentencing of multiple individuals involved in the destruction and theft of critical power assets in Ikoyi, Lagos.

A statement by the General Manager, Corporate Communication, Mr. Babatunde Lasaki, said that the sustained prosecution of vandals forms a critical part of its broader strategy to protect assets, and deliver more reliable power supply to customers.

In one of the cases, one Mr. Osakwa Omoreige was arrested on September 24, 2025 at No. 51 Bourdillon Street, Ikoyi, while vandalising a 200KVA pole-mounted transformer belonging to Eko DisCo.

After investigations, he was arraigned on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, before Justice Allegoa. Omoreige was charged on a one-count charge of unlawful tampering with and damage to a transformer. Upon the charge being read, he pleaded guilty and was immediately sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

In a separate case, Lawrence Simon was arrested on September 22, 2025 at Glover Road, Ikoyi, while vandalising electricity cables belonging to Eko DisCo. He was subsequently arraigned on September 26, 2025 at the Lagos State Magistrate Court, Igbosere, sitting at Court 4, Ebute Meta, before Magistrate F.O. Hughes.

Following his plea of guilt, the court, on November 13, 2025, sentenced Simon to one year imprisonment.

Similarly, Prince Okorie (33 years) and Daniel Kalu (29 years) were arrested on September 5, 2025 while vandalizing an Eko DisCo transformer on Gerald Road, near the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

They were arraigned on September 10, 2025 at the Igbosere Magistrate Court, sitting at Court 2, Tinubu, Lagos, before Magistrate Amos.

The defendants were charged on three counts of stealing, conspiracy and malicious damage. They pleaded guilty to all counts, and on October 8, 2025, the court sentenced each defendant to one year imprisonment on each count, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.

Lasaki reiterated that acts of vandalism not only disrupt electricity supply but also endanger lives, damage public assets, put other electricity users at risk and undermine ongoing efforts to improve power reliability across its franchise area.

The company remains resolute in working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that offenders are prosecuted to the full extent of the law, Lasaki added.

Lasaki appeals to members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around electricity installations, using the company’s whistle blower platform, as the company will continue to enforce its zero-tolerance policy against vandalism.

SOURCE PAGE

Abuja — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have raised serious concerns over alleged unconstitutional alterations to Nigeria’s recently enacted Tax Reform Acts, describing the developments as a brazen assault on the country’s democratic and legislative processes.

In a press statement, Atiku called the illegal modifications “an act of treason against the Nigerian people,” accusing the executive branch of undermining legislative supremacy and stripping citizens of fundamental due process protections.

He highlighted provisions granting tax authorities coercive powers, including arrest powers, property seizure without court orders, and enforcement sales conducted without judicial oversight.

“These provisions transform tax collectors into quasi-law enforcement agencies, stripping Nigerians of due process protections that the National Assembly deliberately included,” Atiku said. He also criticized the introduction of mandatory 20% security deposits for tax appeals, compound interest on tax debts, forced USD computation for petroleum operations, and other measures that he said increase financial burdens on citizens while removing key accountability mechanisms.

Atiku urged the Federal Government to immediately suspend the implementation of the tax law effective January 1, 2026, pending a thorough investigation. He also called on the National Assembly to rectify the illegal alterations, the judiciary to strike down unconstitutional provisions, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate those responsible.

The NBA, led by its President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, echoed Atiku’s concerns, stressing that the controversies surrounding the Tax Reform Acts undermine public confidence in the legislative process and create legal and policy uncertainty that threatens economic stability. The NBA described the situation as a “grave concern” for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and demanded an open, transparent investigation to restore credibility to the lawmaking process.

“The integrity, transparency, and credibility of Nigeria’s legislative process are at stake,” Osigwe said. “Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be suspended. Anything short of transparent legislative action undermines public trust and weakens lawful governance.”

Both Atiku and the NBA warned that failure to act decisively risks entrenching arbitrary rule, weakening democratic safeguards, and imposing undue hardship on Nigerians. They called on all stakeholders to prioritize constitutional compliance, accountability, and policies that enable citizens and businesses to thrive.

The post Atiku, NBA sound alarm over alleged ‘treason’ in tax reform law, call for immediate suspension appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N939 billion, passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, into law.

Assenting to the bill tagged ‘Budget of Hope and Growth’ at the Government House, Benin City, Governor Okphebholo assured that the budget will propel the State to greater heights.

He thanked the Speaker and members of the Edo State House of Assembly for their proactive approach to the budget.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who led other members of the House to the budget signing, appreciated the governor for his development strides, which he said had positively transformed the State and the people benefiting from his practical governance style.

He noted that the Okpebholo-led administration has made history for judiciously utilising Edo State resources in developing and transforming the State.

“The important sectors of the economy benefited from this budget. For example, the agriculture and work sectors of the Edo economy. These sectors are the two areas where Edo people will greatly benefit. Food and infrastructure are critical for the well-being of the people,” the Speaker noted.

He emphasised that, “The governor is hungry to develop Edo State to enable Edo people to live a comfortable and better life. This budget will perform 100 per cent, and Edo people will see what you do with the funds we appropriate for you,” the speaker stressed.

SOURCE PAGE

The kidnappers who abducted 28 travellers, including men, women and children, in Zak community, Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, are demanding a ransom of ₦1.5 million from each victim.

The victims were taken on Sunday night while travelling to attend a Maulud event in Sabon Layi community in the same Bashar district when gunmen ambushed their vehicle, abducting them and abandoning the vehicle.

Ibrahim Musa, a relative of one of the victims, told newsmen on Tuesday that the abductors called the family for ransom, saying their relatives arrived at their den in good condition but must pay ₦1.5 million per person for their release.

“The kidnappers called me last night, saying we must pay ₦1.5 million for each person, regardless of age or gender. But they assured us they are in good hands and nothing will happen to them,” Ibrahim said.

The relative explained that he told the kidnappers that they are poor and can’t afford it, pleading for mercy. “I told them we are villagers and don’t have that amount. Things are not easy for us in the village. Many of the victims are teenagers and their parents can’t afford it. So I pleaded with them.”

The Plateau State Police Command said on Monday that it was investigating the incident.
Residents of the community are calling for increased security measures to address the growing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling in the Wase area due to the incessant criminal activities experienced in their communities.

In other news, worried by the continued criminal incursions in the country, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has challenged President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to neutralise terrorist activities in the nation.

Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence, urged the Federal Government to forcibly dislodge the criminals occupying ungoverned space if negotiations with bandits failed.

The Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) during the 2023 general election issued the advice on Tuesday at the unveiling of the pioneer batch of Kano State Neighborhood Watch.

Kwankwaso believed the Nigerian military has the professional dexterity to end criminal tendencies in the country; however, he was worried that Tinubu’s administration lacked the political will to fight insecurity.

He insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government must apologise to Nigerians for failing to end insecurity and protect lives and property, which is the primary responsibility of government.

Kwankwaso declared that “President Tinubu should rise up to the occasion and answer the name of Commander In Chief” to tackle the problems of insecurity ravaging the nation.

SOURCE PAGE

SIFAX Group and the Port Authority Police (Western Command) have resolved to collaborate more closely to enhance security at the nation’s ports.

In a statement issued by the Group Head of Corporate Communications, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group Chairman Dr. Taiwo Afolabi emphasized the need for all stakeholders in the country’s port ecosystem to support the operations of the command.

This collaboration, he said, is vital to safeguarding lives and property, protecting port infrastructure, and ensuring a conducive environment for legitimate commercial activities.

Dr. Afolabi made the remarks while receiving the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, who paid the company a courtesy visit.

He lauded her performance in previous postings across Nigeria’s maritime sector and pledged SIFAX Group’s full support for the command’s initiatives.

“SIFAX Group has built a strong working relationship with CP Toyin Agbaminoja over the years. We celebrate her recent promotion, which reflects the Nigeria Police hierarchy’s trust in her ability to deliver value at the Lagos ports and beyond. Our company has a longstanding reputation for partnering with security agencies nationwide because effective security requires collaboration. We will continue to support the Port Authority Police Command,” he said.

CP Agbaminoja, in turn, commended SIFAX Group for its impact on the maritime industry. She described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the company and the command, citing their shared commitment to port security.

Members of SIFAX Group’s team who received the CP included Coordinating Director Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, Managing Director of Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited John Jenkins, Deputy Director of Strategy and Operations Oliver Omajuwa, and Head of Corporate Communications Olumuyiwa Akande.

The commissioner was accompanied by senior officers of the command, including Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations Inusa Karyah; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Administration Olufikayo Fawole; Area Commander Western Ports Sunday Adeyeri; and Command Public Relations Officer ASP Isaac Hundeyin.

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana has insisted that President Bola Tinubu does not need an executive order to implement the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, emphasizing that compliance is the responsibility of state governments.

Falana made this statement during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese, Ijebu, on Tuesday.

The remarks came in response to President Tinubu’s warning at the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress, where he urged governors to comply with the apex court ruling or face a possible executive order mandating direct disbursement of funds to local councils.

“The Supreme Court already gave a judgment. What is required is compliance, not another executive action,” Falana said, describing any suggestion of an executive order as unnecessary and potentially counterproductive.

He noted that the Supreme Court had directed the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation to remit statutory allocations directly to the accounts of the 774 local governments. According to Falana, these accounts were opened last year in compliance with the ruling.

Falana stressed that the real issue is non-compliance by the federal government in remitting the allocations, not defiance by state governments. He cited Section 287 of the Constitution, which mandates all authorities and individuals to obey Supreme Court judgments, warning that continued non-compliance sets “a dangerous precedent in a democracy.”

The legal luminary also called for a transparency framework that allows Nigerians to track public funds at all levels of government. “Statutory allocations to federal, state, and local governments must be published monthly. That way, the public can monitor the movement of funds and hold local governments accountable,” he said.

Recalling history, Falana referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Executive Order 10 of 2020, which was challenged and struck down by the Supreme Court. “This is not about executive orders. What matters now is obeying the Supreme Court judgment and ensuring funds are paid directly to local governments,” he stated.

He dismissed claims that legislative bottlenecks were responsible for delays, reiterating, “In a democracy, once the Supreme Court has spoken, compliance is not optional. Our duty now is to enforce the law, not to threaten, delay, or politicize it.”

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE