NIGERIA NEWS
SERHA Distributes Food Items To Ebonyi Residents
The South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) Ebonyi State Chapter has distributed Christmas food items to residents of Ebonyi State as part of efforts to support vulnerable households and cushion the impact of prevailing economic challenges during the festive season.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony, the National Coordinator of SERHA, Belusochukwu Enwere, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of compassion, solidarity and people-centred governance.
He said the gesture was aimed at putting smiles on the faces of Ebonyi residents and reaffirming the commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the welfare of Nigerians at the grassroots.
According to Enwere, Christmas is a season that underscores love, sacrifice and sharing, particularly with the less privileged. He noted that the distribution of food items reflected the true spirit of the season by extending a helping hand to families and individuals in need.
He said: “The Renewed Hope Agenda, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is anchored on inclusiveness and restoring hope to Nigerians.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the President’s commitment to cushioning the effects of economic challenges and ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.”
Enwere described Ebonyi State as a critical part of the South East, commending the resilience, industrious nature and commitment to progress of its people.
The SERHA coordinator said the food distribution was both an appreciation of the people’s support and a reassurance that their welfare remains a priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Enwere expressed appreciation to stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme, including SERHA coordinators, volunteers, community leaders, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, as well as security agencies.
He also commended the Ebonyi State leadership of SERHA for its support for President Tinubu and its efforts to strengthen the Renewed Hope Agenda in the state.
He encouraged beneficiaries to receive the food items in the spirit of goodwill and to continue supporting government policies and programmes targeted at sustainable development, economic empowerment and social stability.
As Nigerians celebrate Christmas and prepare for the new year, Enwere called for renewed unity, peace and collective commitment to progress, stressing that a stronger South East and a more prosperous Nigeria can be achieved through shared effort and cooperation.
He concluded by wishing the people of Ebonyi State a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, praying for good health, peace and renewed hope for all Nigerians.
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Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has said the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has vindicated former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and the G-5 governors who were previously labelled as traitors.
Speaking during an interview on TVC, Fayose said, “Most of the governors that jumped did so in their own interest, what they felt would secure their future and their people. I wouldn’t blame them.”
He disclosed that he had earlier warned PDP leaders about looming challenges within the party.
“When the roof started sinking, I came out and spoke. I told Sẹ́un Okinbaloye that the PDP would face a lot of challenges,” he stated.
Fayose said Wike was open about grievances within the party, particularly regarding agreements reached with the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, which he claimed were not honoured.
“Governor Wike did not hide anything. He openly said that what Atiku agreed with them was not done. He fought that cause and he did not fight alone,” Fayose said.
He added that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other members of the G-5 alliance stood firm, noting that they engaged the president on several occasions.
According to Fayose, although many Nigerians initially branded the G-5 governors as traitors, recent events have changed perceptions.
“Many people saw the G-5 governors as traitors. But if you sit back now, the presidential candidate of the PDP has left, the vice-presidential candidate has left, governors and senators have left,” he said.
Fayose concluded that the mass defections show that Wike had foreseen the crisis earlier than others.
“That means Wike has been vindicated. What they never saw, Wike saw earlier on,” he said.
Sokoto State Government has confirmed that a joint military airstrike involving Nigerian forces and the United States successfully hit terrorist hideouts in the state, with no civilians harmed during the operation.
The strike took place in Tangaza Local Government Area, a border community that has witnessed repeated security threats linked to terrorism and banditry.
The state government said the operation was carefully executed and strictly targeted criminal elements operating in the area.
This confirmation was made public on Friday through an official statement issued by the Director-General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa.
The statement explained that the operation was carried out earlier in the week as part of broader efforts to weaken terrorist networks within Sokoto State and its surrounding border regions.
According to the government, the air operation was a joint security effort aimed at disrupting the movement, coordination, and operational capacity of armed groups terrorising communities in the North-West.
“The impact of the airstrike could not be immediately determined as assessment reports from the Joint Operations are still being awaited,” the statement said.
The government also reacted to concerns raised by residents over the discovery of suspicious objects near Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area.
Authorities clarified that investigations are ongoing and that security experts from both Nigeria and the United States are still analysing the situation.
“The circumstances surrounding the objects found in a location near Jabo town could not be immediately explained, as the outcome of analysis by Nigeria–US military authorities is being awaited,” the statement added.
Despite public anxiety, the Sokoto State Government stressed that there were no reports of civilian casualties in either Tangaza or Jabo communities. It reassured residents that safety measures were in place and that intelligence-led operations were being conducted with caution.
The government also expressed support for international military cooperation, describing the partnership between Nigeria and the United States as vital in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crimes.
“Sokoto State welcomes any collaboration between Nigeria and all relevant global stakeholders aimed at curbing the menace of terrorism and cross-border crimes in the state,” the statement noted.
Officials said the ongoing security actions are focused on protecting lives, restoring peace, and ensuring that communities affected by insecurity can return to normal daily activities without fear.
The state government further disclosed that it has continued to support security agencies operating in Sokoto. Over the past two years, the government said it has provided logistics, equipment, and other forms of operational support to strengthen security presence across the state.
“The Sokoto State Government has consistently supported security agencies in the fight against banditry and terrorism by providing necessary equipment to enhance safety across the state,” the statement said.
Residents of affected areas were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible and timely information that could help ongoing operations.
The government also appealed for continued public support for both federal and state authorities.
In addition, citizens were encouraged to pray for the success of security personnel working to restore peace across the state and the country.
“The government calls on residents to continue to pray to Almighty Allah to assist our security agencies to defeat criminals in the state and the country at large,” the statement concluded.
The joint airstrike comes amid intensified military actions across Nigeria’s North-West, where security forces are increasing pressure on armed groups involved in terrorism, banditry, and cross-border criminal activities.
Three years after the death of former Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his widow, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has offered a deeply personal reflection on love, loss and the ideals that defined his public life.
In an emotional tribute shared on her verified Facebook page on Friday, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu described December 26, 2023, as the day her “world came crashing,” saying the moment her life was irrevocably altered, admitting that the pain of losing her husband remains difficult to comprehend.
Reflecting on their marriage, she spoke of unity beyond ethnicity, noting that while she is Igbo and her late husband Yoruba, their differences strengthened their bond rather than weakened it.
She said Akeredolu understood and embraced her identity, a mutual respect she credited for their enduring partnership.
“I may have been married to a Yoruba man, forever in love with that Owo man, but my Igboness is irrevocable. He knew it. He embraced it. He understood me. And that made us a team,” She wrote.
Beyond personal loss, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu used the tribute to comment on the state of the nation, expressing concern over Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
She warned that the crisis has worsened to the point where foreign intervention is now being openly discussed, a development she described as troubling.
The former Ondo first lady recalled her husband’s prominent role in addressing security challenges in the South-West, describing him as a fearless leader who played a central role in the creation of the regional security network, Amotekun.
According to her, his influence continues to be felt across cities and rural communities alike.
Recalling her husband’s role in regional security, she described him as “the Amotekun Generalissimo who defied all odds to secure his people,” noting that his name still resonates across cities and rural communities.
She added,” He (Akeredolu) called out the Nigerian state to renegotiate, to restructure, to reinvent. But here we are…still waiting,” lamenting that his warnings remain largely unheeded.
She concluded the tribute by affirming that the former governor’s ideals endure, writing, “Rest on, darlin’ mi. Your legacy lives.”
The former First Lady of Ondo State also revisited Akeredolu’s long-standing advocacy for restructuring and reform of Nigeria’s governance system, lamenting that many of the issues he raised during his lifetime remain unresolved.
She, however, affirmed that although her husband is gone, his ideals endure, describing his legacy as one that continues to inspire.
Late Akeredolu, SAN, was a respected lawyer and politician who served as Governor of Ondo State from 2017 to 2023. He was widely known for his outspoken leadership, advocacy for true federalism, and his role in spearheading the South-West regional security outfit, Amotekun.
He died on December 27, 2023, at the age of 67, after a prolonged battle with leukaemia and prostate cancer.
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, joined Muslim faithful to observe Juma’at prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, where the Imam reminded him that he cannot satisfy everyone.
Delivering his sermon, the visiting Imam of the mosque, Dr Salahudeen Munirudeen Arriyadhi, lauded President Tinubu for the numerous developmental projects being executed by the administration, urging him to remain steadfast despite the challenges and some criticisms.
“You cannot satisfy everyone at the same time,” he said.
According to a statement by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoting from the Qur’an, Dr Arriyadhi told the President that “Allah is happy with leaders who listened to the cries of his followers but unhappy with leaders who do not attend to the needs of the led.
“We are praying for you, and you will succeed,” he said.
In the sermon titled ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘Remembering the Day of Judgement,’ Dr Arriyadhi said human diversity in colour, tribe, religion, language and nation is not accidental but ordained and desired by Allah.
He added that diversity should not be a threat but a source of harmony and a foundation for unity and learning.
“Diversity is a sign of Allah’s Wisdom. If Allah had wanted everyone of his creations to be one, he would have created them one. Diversity in religion and tribe should not be a source of problems,” the Imam said.
President Tinubu, who was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, among others, was received at the mosque by the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and the mosque’s management team.
The President arrived in Lagos on Saturday, December 20, to spend the end-of-year festive season in the nation’s commercial capital city.
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of two suspected bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across four states.
The suspects were arrested during a covert operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to Hundeyin, the operation was carried out on December 19, 2025, along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
“Those arrested were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi ‘m’, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’, aged 30,” he said.
The police said the suspects were intercepted and arrested in Komen–Masallaci village while allegedly on a criminal mission.
“Items recovered from them included a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, ₦500,000 cash suspected to be unspent ransom money, and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition,” Hundeyin said.
He added that investigations revealed the motorcycle was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments collected during kidnapping operations.
“Preliminary findings showed that the suspects belonged to a notorious gang terrorising communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states,” he said.
Hundeyin disclosed that the gang also specialised in supplying arms and ammunition to other criminal elements operating within the region.
He said both suspects are cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other gang members and the recovery of additional weapons.
The police spokesman recalled that Usman was recently identified in a viral social media video where he was seen flaunting firearms and large sums of money.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and curb banditry and kidnapping nationwide.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
The Sokoto State Government on Friday welcomed the Nigeria–US joint airstrike that targeted terrorists in Tangaza Local Government Area of the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity to the Sokoto State Government, Malam Abubakar Bawa, issued to journalists on Friday in Sokoto.
Bawa confirmed that an airstrike had been carried out by the Nigerian Military and the United States Government in Tangaza LGA without any civilian casualties.
According to Bawa, the impact could not be immediately determined as they await the assessment of the joint operations.
Bawa stated that the circumstances of the objects found in a location near Jabo Town, Tambuwal Local Government Area, could not be immediately explained, as the outcome of the analysis by the Nigerian and US military authorities was still awaited. He stressed that no civilian casualties were recorded in Jabo Town.
Bawa said, “Sokoto State Government welcomes any collaboration between Nigeria, and all the relevant global stakeholders aimed at curbing the menace of terrorism and cross-border crimes in the state.
“The ongoing operations are geared towards securing the state and ensuring the protection of lives and property of the citizenry.”
The Director-General stated that over the past two years, Sokoto State Government had consistently supported the security agencies in the fight against banditry and terrorism by providing all the necessary equipment to enhance safety across the state.
“The state government, therefore, calls on the residents of the affected areas to continue to cooperate with both the federal and state governments by providing useful information to the security agencies.
“This will assist them to sustain the ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security, as well as to continue to pray to the Almighty Allah to assist our security agencies to defeat criminals in the state and the country at large,” Bawa added.
The chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has reiterated that the new tax reforms will commence on January 1, 2026.
He stated this while addressing newsmen following the visit of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC), chaired by Joseph Tegbe, to President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos.
He promised that the reforms under the new tax laws are intended to provide relief to Nigerians and stimulate economic growth.
Oyedele stated that the reforms aimed to promote economic growth, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.
According to Oyedele, “The plan to commence the two remaining new laws on the 1st of January 2026 will go ahead as planned on schedule because these reforms are designed to provide relief to the Nigerian people.
“Bottom 98 per cent of workers will see either no PAYE tax or lower taxes to be paid; small businesses, 97 per cent of them, will be exempted from corporate income tax, VAT, withholding tax, and large businesses will see a drop in the taxes that they pay.
“The whole idea is to try and promote economic growth, inclusivity, and shared prosperity for our people. We are actually excited at the progress we are making, and we are looking forward to January 1, 2026.”
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday joined other Muslim faithful to observed jumaat prayers at the Lekki Central Mosque. The president who was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, arrived at the Mosque to offers prayers to Allah and to pray for the security and development of Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque Sheikh Ridwanullah Jamiu who led the prayers also delivered sermon calling for peace and unity among Nigerians. Sheikh Jamiu also admonished the president to continue with renewed hope agenda which has so far laid solid foundation for the development of the country.
He asked the president not be distracted by the political sentiments raised against his administration but to continue to work harder to bring Nigeria out of its difficult state.
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A Nigerian man who recently went viral after crying out that his wife abandoned him with their three-month-old baby has gone to plead with her family, but the outcome was not what he expected.
An update has surfaced online concerning the man, whose story gained attention after he claimed his wife left him following a what he described as a ‘little misunderstanding’, leaving him alone with their infant.
In the viral video shared by @GeneralSnow on X (formerly Twitter), the man visited his wife’s family house days after she left, hoping they would help mediate and encourage her to return home with their baby.
However, the visit allegedly ended on a negative note.
It was reported that his wife and members of her family refused to hear him out and instead asked him to leave the house, warning him not to return.
The incident has sparked fresh conversations online, especially given that the child involved is still very young.
Reactions have been mixed, while some sympathised with the man, others pointed out that the woman’s side of the story has not been heard.
One commenter wrote, “We still haven’t heard the woman’s side,” while another said, “This whole situation is sad, especially for the baby.”
Many believe the situation calls for calm dialogue and proper family mediation rather than actions that could deepen the crisis.
Watch video below…
Nigerian man whom his Wife abandoned him 4 days ago with their 3 months old baby because of a minor misunderstanding, went to her house to beg her to come back home but she and Her Family Drove him away from the house pic.twitter.com/b0PdDyIJUk
— The General Snow 🇨🇮 (@GeneralSnow_) December 26, 2025
President Bola Tinubu on Friday joined Muslim worshippers at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos for Jumat prayers.
The president was accompanied by Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and his chief of staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Tinubu was received at the mosque by Engr. Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos state, alongside members of the mosque management.
The visiting Imam, Dr Salahudeen Arriyadhi, commended the president for what he described as the developmental projects being executed by his administration.
“You cannot satisfy everyone at the same time. Allah was happy with leaders who listened to the cries of his followers but unhappy with leaders who do not attend to the needs of the led. We are praying for you, and you will succeed,” Arriyadhi told Tinubu..
In his sermon titled ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘Remembering the Day of Judgement’, Arriyadhi said human diversity in colour, tribe, religion, language, and nation was deliberately ordained by Allah.
“Diversity is a sign of Allah’s Wisdom. If Allah had wanted every one of his creations to be one, he would have created them one. Diversity in religion and tribe should not be a source of problems,” the cleric stated.
He urged Nigerians to view their differences as a foundation for harmony, learning, and unity.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has officially married Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The union was formally celebrated in Benue State, where Queen Zaynab was welcomed into the Dajoh family home.
Union Confirmed by Family Member
The announcement of the marriage came via a social media post by Abraham Double-d Dajoh, a member of the Dajoh family.
In the celebratory message, he confirmed the union between the high-ranking government official and the former Olori of the Ife Kingdom, describing it as both “beautiful” and “uncommon.”
Warm Welcome into the Dajoh Family
Queen Zaynab was officially ushered into the Dajoh family home in Mbakor, Benue State, amid cultural fanfare.
The family emphasized their joy, signaling a new chapter for Senator Akume’s household.
“We, the entire Dajoh Family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh, in welcoming his new and uncommon wife,” the post read.
Appreciation for Supporters
The family extended gratitude to Akume’s political associates and supporters, encouraging them to remain loyal and continue supporting the SGF as he embarks on this personal journey.
“We appreciate and thank the fans and supporters of Sen. Akume for always standing by him. We enjoin every one of you to continue to support his Excellency even in this beautiful union with Queen Zaynab,” the post added.
Queen Zaynab’s Cultural Reception
Previously known as Olori Wuraola during her 17-month marriage to the Ooni (which ended in 2017), Queen Zaynab was welcomed into her new home with deep cultural reverence.
The family highlighted the importance of ancestral roots in Mbakor and Benue State, celebrating her arrival in the “seat of leadership of the Tiv nation.”
Timing of the Marriage Clarified
Contrary to rumors suggesting the wedding took place on December 24 in Gboko, Akume’s spokesperson, Yomi Odunuga, clarified that the marriage is over a year old.
“I can confirm the marriage. However, contrary to the rumor that the marriage was concretized in Gboko on Christmas Eve when the couple appeared together at an event to celebrate Christmas, it was actually a marriage that is over a year old,” Odunuga said.
Political and Social Buzz
Akume, a former Governor of Benue State and current key figure in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has made headlines with this union.
Queen Zaynab, a prominent humanitarian and former royal, has now entered the political and social limelight alongside the SGF.
The announcement coincided with the festive period, with the Dajoh family extending warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to Nigerians.
Insists tax reform not for quick revenue, targets growth, fairness
The Federal Government has insisted that there will be no delay in the commencement of implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws, despite recent controversy over alleged alterations to the legislations.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, gave the assurance on Friday after presenting an update on the implementation of the tax reform Acts to President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence.
Oyedele was accompanied to the meeting by the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacchaeus Adedeji, and the chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, Joseph Tegbe.
Oyedele said the government remained fully committed to the agreed implementation timeline, noting that two of the four tax reform laws had already taken effect.
“As you are already aware, there are four of those laws, and two of them have already commenced,” he said. According to him, the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Act and the Joint Revenue Service Establishment Act both took effect on June 26, 2025.
He added that the remaining two laws — the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act — were scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, as originally planned.
Oyedele welcomed the intervention of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee, which recently concluded its work on allegations of alterations to the tax reform bills.
“We welcome the statement by the National Assembly, House of Representatives committee today on the findings and the work around the allegations about alteration,” he said.
He stressed that the Federal Government would work with the National Assembly if any further action became necessary but made it clear that the implementation timeline would not be affected.
“The plan to commence the two remaining new laws on the first of January 2026 will go ahead as planned, on schedule,” Oyedele said.
He explained that the reforms were deliberately designed to ease the tax burden on Nigerians rather than to generate immediate revenue for government.
According to him, the bottom 98 per cent of workers will either pay no personal income tax or pay lower taxes under the new regime, while about 97 per cent of small businesses will be exempt from corporate income tax, value added tax and withholding tax.
Oyedele also noted that large businesses would benefit from reduced tax obligations, describing the reforms as pro-growth and inclusive.
“The whole idea is to promote economic growth, inclusivity, as well as shared prosperity for our people,” he said, adding that the government was encouraged by the progress made so far and was looking forward to January 1, 2026.
Responding to questions on government readiness and revenue expectations, Oyedele said preparation for the reforms began from the moment the bills were submitted to the National Assembly in October 2024.
He explained that the bills spent nine months in the legislature before being passed in June 2025, while the period since presidential assent had been used for capacity building, system upgrades and public sensitisation.
“This kind of reform is a work in progress,” he said. “You never get to perfection. You get better as you go along.”
He added that the early commencement of two of the laws was intentional, to allow institutions time to get ready, including the establishment of new structures required for effective implementation.
On revenue projections, Oyedele said the reforms were not targeted at short-term revenue gains.
“The plan, the intention for this tax reform is not immediate revenue generation,” he said, explaining that government expected revenue to grow organically as economic activity expanded and the tax base widened.
He also pointed to the removal of what he described as wasteful and distortionary incentives, as well as improved tax compliance and fairness, as key long-term benefits of the reforms.
The chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has reaffirmed that the implementation of the new tax reforms will commence on January 1, 2026.
Oyedele assured that the reforms under the new tax laws are intended to provide relief to Nigerians and stimulate economic growth.
He disclosed this while addressing journalists following the visit of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, NTPIC, chaired by Joseph Tegbe, to President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos.
According to Oyedele: “The plan to commence the two remaining new laws on the 1st of January 2026 will go ahead as planned on schedule because these reforms are designed to provide relief to the Nigerian people.
“Bottom 98 per cent of workers will see either no PAYE tax or lower taxes to be paid; small businesses, 97 per cent of them, will be exempted from corporate income tax, VAT, withholding tax, and large businesses will see a drop in the taxes that they pay.
“The whole idea is to try and promote economic growth, inclusivity, and shared prosperity for our people. We are actually excited at the progress we are making, and we are looking forward to January 1, 2026.”
A former presidential spokesman, Josef Onoh has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is planning to relocate Nigeria’s capital to Lagos.
Naija News understands that one Mohammed Bello Doka had in an opinion article presented a narrative of regional favoritism and stealth relocation of Nigeria’s capital through administrative and budgetary decisions.
However, speaking via a statement, Onoh said that Doka’s claims are laughable and ludicrous.
He argued that while concerns about equitable development are valid in a federation, the facts were misrepresented.
Onoh said it was more painful that the wrong narrative was reposted and promoted by former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai whom he said he has high respect for despite negative perceptions that surrounds him.
He lamented that the over-packed media handlers of President Tinubu have failed in positively defending and promoting his policies to Nigerians and the world as a whole in a respectful manner expected from the office of a President.
Onoh countered the claim that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has “quietly transferred” key departments to Lagos, shifting real power there, noting that he had in a previous publication responded to same exact false insinuation by Senator Ali Ndume and once again compelled to make clear that In 2024, the CBN relocated specific departments (e.g., Banking Supervision, Financial Policy and Regulation) to its Lagos office as part of a decongestion plan for the overcrowded Abuja headquarters (occupancy exceeded safe capacity by over 50%).
“This involved redistributing 1,533 staff across Abuja, Lagos, and understaffed branches nationwide for safety, efficiency, and better oversight, most commercial banks are headquartered in Lagos. The CBN’s official headquarters remains in Abuja; this is internal restructuring, not a power grab,” he said.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been applauded for his leadership style and achievements in the last six and a half years, which have been described as superlative and proof that the “Otooge” struggle has continued to yield a huge success.
According to a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, who is the Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), “Kwara APC became a formidable and sought-after party to everyone following the Governor’s records of performance”.
He spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at the end-of-the-year meeting/launch with critical stakeholders, including nine National Assembly members (both serving and former), top officials of government, captains of industry, and party leaders.
Governor AbdulRazaq was in attendance. Also present were the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi; Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central); Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi, DG NOA, Alhaji Issa Lanre Onilu, among others.
“This is a gathering of eminent kwarans from all walks of life. At the instance of His Excellency, we are all here gathered at the Kwara State banquet hall to celebrate unity, achievements, the fruits of Otooge struggle, and the success that has come from the collective sons of Kwara, who, in different ways, have contributed to the throne of the new system and modern Kwara, ” he said.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for putting this occasion together. And to every attendee this afternoon, it is our struggle, our contributions, our understanding, and the sacrifices that have given us the Kwara that we are all proud to say is our state, today.
“During that struggle, nobody gave us a chance, nobody believed us. But we thank God for the driver that was divinely given to us from the top through the Almighty Allah.”
The party chieftain said Kwara APC remains a party to beat under the watch of Governor AbdulRazaq, where many people, he noted, prefer to pursue their political aspirations.
He said, while some people doubted the capacity of this administration to perform big and deliver on its campaign promises, Governor AbdulRazaq has proved the doubting Thomas wrong.
While pointing out the strides of the administration in many sectors, such as education, road, agriculture, health, and social investment, Alakawa said all this serves as a major shift from what Kwara used to be.
Hon. Alakawa equally commended the Governor’s approach to addressing the security challenge and promoting religious harmony, saying no amount of blackmail by the opposition party can deny the administration its deserved credit.
“For those who thought that the Otooge struggle in 2019 was a mistake, they have got it wrong. Some said it was a calculated mistake or an accident,” he said.
“Whereas in 2023, under the full leadership of our Governor, Kwarans repeated that (electoral success). This has shown that the Otooge struggle in 2019 was not a mistake.”
Cabinet members took turns to showcase the achievements of the administration in their respective offices.
Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr Segun Ogunsola, spoke on the Urban Renewal project across the state and the Kwara Smart City at Alalubosa, saying about 40km of the land has been cleared to house the state university of education.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imaam, said Governor AbdulRazaq has achieved greatly and changed the narratives in the health sector, citing the increasing number of healthcare facilities and improved access to good medical treatments.
She also mentioned the 83 newly upgraded Primary Health Care Centres across the state, which the government just inaugurated to meet the health needs of citizens.
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