NIGERIA NEWS
PDP may set up caretaker committee
…Two factions consider Saraki’s peace formula
Concerned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders have commenced moves to broker peace between the two factions in accordance with the peace formula suggested by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
According to party sources, party leaders who are interested in averting uncertainties ahead of the 2027 polls have reached out to the factional leaders – Chief Nyesome Wike and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Alhaji Saminu Turaki – to consider the option of withdrawing pending court cases and agree on a new national convention date.
A source, who is a party to the proposed reconciliation deal, said, “PDP has to return to the Saraki suggestion to restore sanity and survive.”
From the beginning of the protracted crisis, Saraki had urged PDP leaders to manage their affairs such that they would not need to resort to litigation.
The former Senate President, who also cautioned against factionalisation, had envisaged that going to court would stall the progress and unity of the party.
Saraki said factions would only play into the hands of foes plotting their future electoral downfall.
He also advised that the leaders should manage the party to get to the National Convention, where they can now fix all the issues, review the constitution, and chart the way forward.
Also, a Lagos party chieftain, who lamented the neglect of Saraki’s advice, said party elders are trying to bring the two camps into amity.
He said, “The party leaders did not listen. They pushed the matter until there were resultant court cases and factions. With the litigations, Saraki advised that the best move is to stop the convention and set up a caretaker committee that will be used to resolve all the issues and reconcile the various factions and groups.
“Still, the feuding parties refused to listen, and they went to hold a convention that has now become an exercise in futility. With the decision of INEC, PDP has now become a flock of sheep without shepherds. A ship without a captain.”
According to the party elder, “the next move is to return to the Saraki formula. As the former governor of Kwara State has counselled, the leaders should not wait for the court to give judgment in any of the cases.”
He added, “The party leaders should move among themselves and start talking about resolving the disagreements. I am happy about the latest peace effort.”
The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has distributed essential food items to widows and vulnerable members of the Christian community in preparation for the Christmas celebrations.
Over 6,000 people will benefit from the gesture, including 1,605 IDPs who have each received a bag of rice, 1 carton of spaghetti, and 1 gallon of cooking oil.
This year’s event, which took place on Monday, marks the continuation of a consistent policy of support since his inauguration in 2019, for the past five years.
Governor Zulum approves the provision of Christmas support packages to the Christian community across the state each year, including free transport for Christian residents who are not indigenes of Borno to travel to their ancestral communities.
The gesture aims to ease the economic burden and ensure that the less privileged can celebrate the Christmas holiday with joy and dignity.
While overseeing the distribution, Governor Babagana Zullum emphasised the importance of peace, unity, and shared prosperity among all citizens of Borno State, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
“It is my sincere hope that the long-standing relationship between the Muslims and Christians in the Borno state will continue to reign. I pray that almighty Allah, in his infinite mercy, bless our communities and ensure that there is peaceful coexistence between the two religions,” Zulum stated.
The Governor said, “Islamic teachings have clearly stated that Muslims require simple co-existence with non-Muslims, that is, the preaching of the Quran, and I believe the same is obtained in the Bible.”
Also, while receiving the Governor, the Borno State CAN Chairman, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, expressed profound gratitude for the governor’s sustained empathy and support.
“Let me convey our deep gratitude to Your Excellency. This means a lot to us, the Christian community in Borno State. You have again demonstrated your values and qualities of inclusion; you have given reason and hope to the Christian community to celebrate Christmas,” the CAN Chairman said.
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Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have detonated an improvised explosive device, IED, at a Juma’at Mosque in Gamboru Ward, around the Customs area in the heart of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The incident occurred on Wednesday while Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.
At The time of filing this report, information on the incident remains sketchy.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Nahum Daso, could not confirm the blast but said he was on his way to the scene to assess the situation.
The suspected blast has already created fear among residents, especially within the Christian community preparing for the 2025 Christmas celebration.
Security operatives have cordoned the area to prevent further casualties and to allow preliminary assessment of the incident.
Several worshippers were killed on Tuesday when an explosive device went off inside a mosque at Gamborun Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The explosion occurred while worshippers were observing prayers, triggering panic and confusion within the densely populated market area.
Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Malala that the blast ripped through part of the mosque, killing some worshippers instantly and leaving others with varying degrees of injuries.
Traders and residents fled the scene as thick smoke billowed from the mosque, while some people attempted to rescue victims before the arrival of emergency responders.
Security operatives swiftly cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties and to enable a preliminary assessment of the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not officially confirmed the number of casualties, while investigations into the cause of the explosion were ongoing.
Several worshippers were killed on Wednesday after an explosive device detonated inside a mosque at Gamborun Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The explosion occurred while worshippers were gathered for prayers, causing panic and chaos within the busy market area.
According to Zagagola Makama, eyewitnesses said the blast ripped through part of the mosque, killing some worshippers instantly and leaving others with varying degrees of injuries.
Traders and residents in the area were seen fleeing the scene as thick smoke billowed from the mosque, while others attempted to assist victims before emergency responders arrived.
Security operatives cordoned off the area shortly after the incident to prevent further casualties and to allow for preliminary assessment of the situation.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed.
Some of the worshippers, who escaped the attack, said the assailants sneaked into the mosque and detonated the bomb during the Maghrib congregational prayer.
“The bomber detonated when the first raka’at of the Maghrib prayer was observed. Many worshippers died, others sustained various injuries,” a worshipper stated.
However, there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but among the suspects will be the Boko Haram armed group, which has launched a large number of suicide attacks in region over the past few months.
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has called on leaders at all levels to embrace selfless service and recommit themselves to the ideals of good governance, accountability, and justice.
In his Christmas message to Christian faithful by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, the former President of the Senate called for vigilance against insecurity and a collective commitment to national unity.
“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the timeless values of love, peace, sacrifice, humility, and service to humanity,” Mark said.
He stated that Nigeria’s diversity is its greatest strength, and urged Nigerians to embrace the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the credible alternative capable of ushering in an era of good and inclusive governance.
“No challenge is insurmountable when we work together with a shared sense of purpose and patriotism,” he added.
The ADC National Chairman encouraged Nigerians to draw strength from the true spirit of Christmas by showing compassion to one another, especially the less privileged.
“As we commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest Christmas greetings to you and your families across the length and breadth of our dear country,” Mark said, and called for tolerance, mutual respect, and national cohesion in the collective pursuit of peace and progress.
“As we celebrate this festive season, may peace reign in our communities, joy fill our homes, and renewed hope inspire us for the year ahead,” he prayed.
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The Kano State House of Assembly was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the sudden death of two of its members within an hour.
The Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaludden Shawai, confirmed the tragic sequence of events to PREMIUM TIMES.
The Assembly first announced the passing of Aminu Sa’adu, the member representing Ungoggo Local Government Area.
Mr Sa’adu reportedly died on Wednesday morning following a brief illness. Shortly after, the Assembly confirmed the death of Sarki Aliyu, the lawmaker representing Kano Municipal LGA.
According to Mr Shawai, Mr Aliyu collapsed after receiving the news of Mr Sa’adu’s passing shortly after arriving at the Assembly complex.
READ ALSO: APC compensates ex-council chair allegedly excluded from Kano govt’s severance benefits
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead.
The deceased lawmakers were close friends until their deaths.
Mr Shawai said the double loss has left the legislative house and the constituents of Ungogo and Kano Municipal in a state of shock.
He said lawmakers have described the event as an unprecedented tragedy for the state’s political leadership.
NIGERIA NEWS
“God Please, I’m Scared”: Lady Laments, Shows What She Found Sister Doing after Losing Her Sight
- A Nigerian lady has turned to social media to come to her aid and help her twin sister, who lost her sight, regain it
- She cried out as she shared a video of her blind twin sister in a sorry state, supposedly due to her sight condition
- The lady admitted that she is scared and prayed that her blind twin doesn’t get depressed, and expressed her worry that social media users might hold her responsible
A chef, Okonkwo Chisom, has appealed to netizens to help her blind sister, Chioma, regain her sight after she unexpectedly lost it.
This was contained in a video Chisom shared on TikTok, which captured her discussing with her blind twin after finding her in a sorry state.
A lady seeks help for her blind sister.
Photo Credit: @chef_sommy
Source: TikTok
Lady seeks solution for her blind twin
Chisom begged God for her sister’s sight, saying Chioma was losing it.
According to Chisom, she finds Chioma in that state every night and fears her sibling might be falling into depression.
Read also
“Best Christmas gift ever”: Lady’s joyful reaction to brother’s present melts hearts online
She worries netizens might hold her responsible if anything happened to her blind sister because of how they care for her.
In the clip, Chioma stood up from where she sat, moved to a room and laid on the bed, while smiling awkwardly.
Words overlaid on her video read:
“God abeg.
“In her quiet and lonely time.”Chioma is loosing it.”Chioma my twin sister every night.”God please am scared already.”Make depression no commit my sis o because I know so many persons will hold me responsible because social media at large want to see her better and healed again.”
A lady is seeking a solution to help her blind twin regain her sight.
Photo Credit: @chef_sommy
Source: TikTok
Watch the touching video below:
People send messages of support to lady
Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the video the lady shared below:
treasure10 said:
“Please if you are not far from imo state come with her to teaching Hospital orlu imo state is doing free surgery in any kind both eyes so you can help your sister.”
queen vianny cake’s &more 🎂🦅 said:
“Whenever u people get her admitted to the hospital plS tag me I want to help.”
Read also
Anita Joseph addresses pool of suitors in her DM amid marriage collapse: “My Phone Will Crash”
Oma fabulous said:
“I guess she is in early stage glaucoma which can be treated ! I understand her very well it not easy to cope!”
Mïçhëàl Jûñiør said:
“From her smile she’s not fine trying to act like everything is fine but deep inside her she’s going through a lot.”
chidinma8911 CHIZZYGOLD said:
“That’s how me crying sometimes when my kids are at sleep thinking how far this life will take me and them.”
Chilove❤️❤️❤️❤️ said:
“This is me every night crying alone inside my room but nobody knows what I’m passing through 😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔 but in the morning i pretend nothing happened just putting fake smile.”
Real Madrid man said:
“Please keep a close eye on her, she is a beautiful soul.. u suppose pin account number.. omo tears just dey flow my eyes.”
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that a blind old woman had received help from Nigerians after Legit.ng’s story.
Read also
Nigerian lady excited as she falls in love with her neighbour, marries him in beautiful ceremony
Woman goes blind, loses her kids
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian woman had gone blind and lost all her children.
Mrs Mulikat, who lives in Ibadan, Oyo state, went blind some three years ago and has been living all alone in a matchbox apartment. Legit.ng saw her story on Twitter after it was shared by Opalere Oluwakayode Paul and contacted Oguntayo J. Akin, a younger brother of the woman.
Oguntayo confirmed that the woman has been suffering for so long. He said the woman lost both her kids to the cold hands of death.
Source: Legit.ng
A woman, currently in an abusive marriage has cried out online, revealing she’s staying in the marriage because of her children.
In a now-viral video, the woman broke down in tears sharing details of her ongoing situation.
Woman In Abusive Marrisge Speaks Out
The woman didn’t reveal her husband’s details, stating she’s smiled and laughed for years in the marriage.
Speaking further, she disclosed her husband locked her in the house, and her situation has hit a breaking point.
Her words below….
I want to leave this abusive marriage once and for all. I don’t want to die because I’m staying back because of my children. He locked me inside the house and say he will come and see the person that will come and save me. I’ve been suffering and smiling. It has gotten to this point.
This has sparked widespread outrage online, with calls for security agencies to step in swiftly.
Notably, this isn’t the first time an abusive marriage has gone viral online.
Recall that a woman identifed as Jumoke, endured over a decade of domestic violence from her husband, Jamiu.
After each incident, he would apologize to her, but the abuse continued. Despite reporting it, she faced police inaction and social stigma.
Watch video below….
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a 19-member State Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs in Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the inauguration followed a fresh twist in the PDP’s ongoing national leadership crisis, after the Wike-backed National Working Committee, NWC, announced the dissolution of some state party executives, including those in Lagos.
The factional NWC is chaired by Alhaji Abdulraman Mohammed, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu serving as National Secretary.
At the ceremony held in Ikeja on Wednesday, the Deputy National Secretary of the factional NWC, Mr Adedeji Doherty, who represented the National Chairman, criticised what he termed blatant disregard for the PDP constitution by some party members.
Doherty, a former Lagos PDP Chairman and governorship candidate, accused certain party leaders among them Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Chief Olabode George of contributing to the protracted internal crisis.
He said the newly constituted caretaker committee had the backing of “recognised PDP leaders” and urged party members to close ranks to revive the party.
“We are issuing red cards to those hell-bent on destroying the PDP. The PDP is very important to us. Today marks a new chapter in the evolution of democracy and the party.
“We have heard a lot about court judgments and conflicting judgments on who the authentic chairman of the PDP is.
“As far as we are concerned, and as far as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is concerned, the Ibadan National Convention that produced the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP National Working Committee should not have taken place,” he said.
Doherty described the November PDP convention as illegitimate, alleging it was conducted in violation of democratic principles.
According to him, Mohammed remains the lawful National Chairman of the party.
He charged members of the Lagos caretaker committee to strictly comply with the PDP constitution and guidelines, adding that the conduct of party congresses would commence in January.
“I want the new caretaker committee to be so guided. We must return this party to the great days. We must not go against the tenets of the party and its constitution.
“PDP in Lagos State is going to witness a serious turnaround. I want to call on all those who left the PDP in Lagos for one reason or another to return and take managerial positions.
“We must join hands to rebuild our party again. Rebuilding the party at this period is more important to us than who becomes president in 2027,” he said.
On the 2027 general elections and the debate over a Southern presidency, Doherty said it would not be out of place for the PDP to support President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to complete a second term.
“It does not mean that we are going to abandon our PDP and declare for the APC. It also does not mean that when you see PDP governors declaring for the APC, they cannot return.
“I believe in Wike’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027. It is his prerogative,” he said.
He added that unseating Tinubu in 2027 would be extremely difficult.
“It is going to be a herculean task,” he said.
Doherty also lamented that the internal crisis had forced many prominent figures out of the party.
NAN reports that Mr Kayode Ogunbiyi was inaugurated as Chairman of the Lagos State Caretaker Committee, while Mr Jamiu Awofala was sworn in as Secretary.
Other members include Mrs Akinro Bolaji, Mr Ege Allen, Mr Audu Salami, Mr Gani Ogungbayi, Mr Ola Odunwa, Mr Samson Hundeyin, Mrs Adebimpe Mariam and Mr Solomon Yusuf.
In his acceptance speech, Ogunbiyi said the committee’s primary assignment was to rebuild the party structure in the state.
“Our mandate is to be accomplished within a short period; therefore, we have to fast-track our schedules and report back to our National Secretariat within the next six weeks from Today.
“We do not have time. We assure you that utmost decorum and discipline will be maintained at all levels of our administration.
“We will not tolerate any form of thuggery or assaults on innocent members.
“We will also not tolerate any form of rascality on social media by persons propagating false information.
“Whatever steps we take will be in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, relevant laws, the constitution of the party and court rulings,” he said.
Ogunbiyi further stated that women and youths across all local government areas would be encouraged to actively participate in the forthcoming congresses.
“We appeal to those who left the party recently because of internal disagreements to return and assist the party at this time.
“We need the cooperation of everyone to restore order, discipline and inclusivity for the benefit of our members and the Lagos electorate at large,” he added.
He disclosed that the caretaker committee would begin congresses at the ward, local government, zonal, state and South-West zonal levels from January 9, 2026, with the process expected to be concluded within 60 days.
Also speaking, the immediate past PDP Vice Chairman for Lagos Central, Mr Hakeem Olalemi, described the development as “a new beginning and a rebirth of the PDP in the state.”
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are considering a return to the reconciliation model earlier proposed by Bukola Saraki to resolve the crisis polarising the party.
Party sources said the renewed interest followed a letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declining to recognise the Tanimu Turaki-led national working committee (NWC).
In a letter dated December 22 and made public on Tuesday, INEC told the party’s lawyers, Akintayo Balogun & Co, that it could not recognise the Turaki-led NWC because the matter remains sub judice.
The commission said it could not take any administrative action that might pre-empt the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Turaki-led NWC is backed by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed of Oyo and Bauchi states respectively.
The November convention that produced a new set of national officers followed conflicting court rulings from federal high courts in Abuja and an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan.
While the Abuja courts restrained the PDP from holding the convention over alleged breaches of its constitution and the Electoral Act, the Ibadan court cleared the party to proceed and directed INEC to monitor the exercise.
A rival faction opposed to the Ibadan convention, led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, later announced a parallel national working committee, board of trustees and national executive committee.
INEC had summoned both factions last week to a roundtable meeting aimed at resolving the division, particularly ahead of preparations for the 2026 FCT area council elections.
Sources said PDP leaders are increasingly wary of allowing the dispute to be resolved solely by the courts, fearing that judicial outcomes could deepen the crisis by producing clear winners and losers.
“The next move is to return to the Saraki formula. As the former governor of Kwara State advised, we should not wait for the courts to deliver judgments in any of the cases, as that will only worsen the situation,” a source said.
“We are engaging among ourselves and discussing ways to resolve the disagreements. That is the direction the leaders are heading, and we have learnt that Saraki and some others are already making efforts to bring the party together,” the source added.
Saraki, who previously chaired the party’s reconciliation committee, had warned against prolonged litigation, saying it could stall the PDP’s progress and weaken its unity.
He also cautioned party leaders against factionalisation, noting that it would only benefit the party’s opponents.
Saraki urged the PDP to work towards an all-inclusive national convention rather than the fractured exercise held in Ibadan.
He said such a convention could resolve outstanding issues, review the party’s constitution and chart a clear path forward.
Ekiti State has become the first subnational entity in Nigeria to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) in a move to align with national fiscal reforms.
According to a statement from the state government, Governor Biodun Oyebanji formalized this transition on Wednesday by signing the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025, into law.
The signing ceremony, held at the Executive Council Chamber in Ado-Ekiti, also saw the Governor assent to the state’s 2026 “Budget of Sustainable Governance,” valued at N415.57 billion.
Key highlights of the new revenue law
The 2025 Revenue Administration Law repeals the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law of 2019. It aims to modernize tax collection and eliminate systemic inefficiencies.
- With its mandatory digital payments, Ekiti has officially transitioned to a strictly electronic payment, billing, and receipting system.
- The law also created as centralized authority allowing the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) to hold the sole authority for revenue collection, effectively curbing the activities of unauthorized third-party collectors.
- The law grants EKIRS prosecutorial powers and the ability to impose administrative penalties on defaulters.
- By adopting the harmonized list of taxes approved by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), the law seeks to provide certainty and fairness for businesses operating within the state.
“From today, Ekiti adopts a strictly electronic payment system. This will eradicate leakages and ensure that your payments go directly into the state’s coffers,” Governor Oyebanji stated.
The Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Segun Adesokan, lauded the state for fulfilling a commitment made during the JRB retreat in Ikogosi last September.
“Ekiti is the first state to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act,” Adesokan noted, expressing optimism that other states would follow suit to ensure a more professional and autonomous subnational revenue landscape across the federation.
The 2026 fiscal outlook
The newly signed N415.57 billion budget reflects a balanced approach between maintaining government operations and investing in growth.
The budget allocates 53 percent to recurrent expenditure and 47 percent to capital expenditure.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the 2026 budget is designed to prioritize the completion of ongoing projects while strengthening the state’s infrastructure and agricultural output.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye and the Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye.
What you should know
The NTAA is a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s 2025 tax reform agenda. It was designed to provide a unified procedural framework for the assessment, collection, and enforcement of taxes across all tiers of government, replacing fragmented legacy laws.
- However, some provisions of the Act, which comes into force from January 2026, has continued to generate concerns among players in affected industries.
- For instance, stakeholders in the crypto industry are worried over plans to tax cryptocurrency transactions under the new law.
- The Act introduces significant compliance demands on Virtual Assets Service Providers (VASPs), including mandatory registration with the tax authority, detailed KYC data retention for seven years, and compulsory reporting of large or suspicious transactions to both the tax authorities and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
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Another serving police inspector has reportedly committed suicide following his arrest over alleged involvement in supplying arms and ammunition to bandits and other criminals in Niger State.
The development comes barely a week after DSP Isah Abdullahi, Officer in Charge of Mopol 12 Armoury at the B Division of the police command on Paikoro Road, Minna, also took his own life while under investigation for similar allegations.
The latest victim, identified as Inspector John Moses, an indigene of Shiroro Local Government Area, was arrested and detained after being implicated in the network of individuals involved in the illicit arms trade.
Reports indicate that Moses allegedly confessed to using his brother as an intermediary in the supply chain.
According to sources, Moses killed himself in the detention cell on Sunday, where he was held alongside other suspects.
He reportedly struck his head against the wall several times before collapsing and dying.
When contacted, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the case is currently being handled by the National Security Adviser (NSA).
By Nwabueze Okonkwo
ONITSHA – Chaos erupted at the Emordi Shoe Dealers Association (ESDA) in Ochanja Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, after Chairman Hon. Okwudili Anigbogu narrowly escaped a violent attack by individuals allegedly opposed to his leadership.
The attack left Anigbogu unconscious, prompting his immediate admission to Menax Hospital, Onitsha, where he is currently recuperating.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Anigbogu accused former association chairman Chief Nwabueze Umeh of orchestrating the assault. According to him, Umeh, in collaboration with the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Markets (SPAD) and the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), previously facilitated the abrupt termination of his tenure and the appointment of a caretaker committee loyal to Umeh.
Anigbogu alleged that the attack occurred as part of efforts to undermine the November 2025 election that brought him and his executive into office, which he described as transparent and credible under Onitsha South Local Government supervision.
He further claimed that while he was being rushed to the hospital, the attackers looted his shops, seizing cash and goods worth millions of naira. He detailed the losses as $85,000 and N10 million from the first shop, N8 million from the second, N6.15 million from the third, and 3,750 pairs of shoes valued between N46,000 and N55,000 each.
Anigbogu and his executive have since filed a N50 million lawsuit (Suit No. 0/390/2025) through their legal counsel, Chief Ugo Ugwunnadi, seeking compensation and a court order to nullify the appointment of the caretaker committee, which they argue was illegally constituted in violation of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).
Reacting, Secretary to Onitsha South Local Government, Hon. Paul Onuachalla, stated that the council supervised Anigbogu’s election, but matters concerning the market now fall under the state government’s authority.
ASMATA President, Chief Humphrey Anuna, confirmed the caretaker committee’s constitution but questioned Anigbogu’s continued demands, noting he had already been replaced.
Chief Nwabueze Umeh, however, denied involvement, claiming that Anigbogu had initiated aggression at his office and that the response was a defensive action by those present. He urged Anigbogu to resolve any disputes directly with the government.
The incident has heightened tension in the market, with traders expressing fear over escalating violence and looting.
The post Tension in Onitsha market as ESDA chairman escapes death, shops looted appeared first on Vanguard News.
Following the sack of his four Senior Special Assistants for assaulting a Councilor, Hon. Abdulrahman Abubakar Sheriff, the Gombe State Citizens Investigative Platform (GOCIP), has commended the state Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
A recent viral video showed an aide to the Governor assaulting the Councillor representing Shamaki Ward, Hon. Sheriff which has drawn wide condemnation.
Governor Inuwa, however, on Tuesday acted swiftly swiftly on the findings of the investigative committee by dismissing four of aids.
Reacting to the development through a statement signed on Wednesday by Comrade Ibrahim G Wala, on behalf of the Gombe State Citizens Investigative Platform (GOCIP), the group said the Governor has demonstrated a rare “listening ear” and a firm resolve to protect the rule of law.
According to the statement, This action does more than just punish misconduct; it saves the image of Gombe State from the stain of impunity and positions the governor as a leader worthy of international recognition.
“However, as we celebrate this victory for justice, we must address the root rather than just the branches. It is a known political reality that the foot soldiers of thuggery often draw their audacity from “political lurkers”—highly placed individuals close to the seat of power who may have lacked a political base in Gombe for decades, only to reappear and attempt to build structures through shortcuts and intimidation.
“We must question the authenticity of certain appointees who seemingly “appointed themselves” and pushed for the empowerment of these dismissed aides to control and intimidate senior colleagues.
“These ‘intellectual architects’ of chaos, who exploit government resources to fuel their personal ambitions, pose a long-term threat to the peace of our state. If these individuals remain quietly embedded in the system, the cycle of thuggery will only evolve into more dangerous forms.”
Comrade Wala said Governor Inuwa Yahaya has shown he has the courage to prune the tree of his administration.
“We urge him now to look deeper into the shadows at those who recruited these elements. By continuing to choose the plight of his subjects over the interests of power-hungry lurkers, the Governor is not just securing Gombe; he is building a national profile.
“History shows that a leader who can successfully sanitize his own house and uphold the dignity of the common man is often the one the nation calls upon for the highest ticket in Nigeria.
“We thank His Excellency for this decisive start and look forward to a system completely purged of those who mistake public service for private tyranny.
Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of deliberating ignoring the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement directing Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to remit allocations direct to the Local Governments for political purpose.
Atiku in a statement issued on his verified X handle on Wednesday, alleged that Tinubu is using it as a bargaining chip to force opposition governors to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC)
“This is not delay. It is defiance. Your refusal to act is a calculated political move—using obedience to the law as a bargaining chip to force opposition governors into the APC and to keep governors within your party firmly under your control,” the former president stated.
He further said that the president has reduced the Constitution to a tool of convenience, and governance to partisan bargaining.
Atiku reminded Tinubu that the Supreme Court judgements are final, and not optional, adding that refusing to enforce any of the judgements is a breach of the Constitution and a violation of the oath he swore to Nigerians.
“Local governments are the closest arm of government to the people.
“By withholding their financial autonomy (which ironically you’ve been trumpeting as a core cardinal policy), you are not weakening governors, you are crippling communities, stalling development, and deepening poverty at the grassroots.
“Roads remain broken, health centres abandoned, salaries unpaid—not by accident, but by choice,” he stated.
Atiku said the situation does not require threats of Executive Orders but for Tinubu to simply instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the judgement immediately.
“Anything short of this is a failure of leadership,” he added.
According to him, the president’s continued inaction shows that political control matters more than constitutional duty, “that party dominance matters more than economic justice, and that regime survival outweighs the daily suffering of Nigerians already battered by harsh economic policies.
“Nigeria deserves leadership that obeys the law it swore to protect, not one that bends it for political gain.
“History will not forget this moment. Nigerians will not either.”
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