NIGERIA NEWS
NNPC completed main line of AKK pipeline
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Sunday said it has completed the main line to the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, on Sunday, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.
Mr Ojulari said the purpose of his visit to Mr Tinubu was to update him on the 2025 performance of NNPC and to discuss the strategic priorities for 2026.
“We have been able to successfully complete the welding of the main line of the AKK gas pipeline. You remember sometime in summer, we were able to cross the River Niger which has been a struggle for many years.
“By completing this main line, what that means is that we can begin to make all the connections to the main line, which we will do in the earlier parts of next year,” Mr Ojulari said.
“And why that is very important is that it brings gas in its full form into the northern part of Nigeria. We’re looking at Kaduna, Kano, and also of course, Ajaokuta, and Abuja, where we begin to see industrialisation, industrial parks taking gas for gas-based industry, fertiliser plants, as well as generating power.”
The AKK pipeline can transport two billion standard cubic feet of natural gas per day to three proposed independent power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano, as well as other gas-based industries, and to other identified and proposed commercial off-takers along the entire pipeline route.
READ ALSO:NNPC commits to peace, responsible energy development in Ogoniland
Since the flag-off of the project by former President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2020, NNPC Ltd. has recorded significant achievements, and the project is well on course to deliver on schedule.
Speaking further, Mr Ojulari said in 2026, NNPC will focus on increasing production.
“When we say increasing production, it sounds simple, but there’s a lot that goes into it. It means attracting the right investment to increase production, whether it’s oil or gas. And next year, we’re hoping to achieve at least 1.8 million barrels per day again, stepping up from where we are this year in terms of oil production, as well as a further increase in terms of gas production.
“We’re expecting more investment decisions to come through next year. Next year also, we’re looking at our portfolio as well, to rationalise our portfolio. This is to ensure that we can do that in a way that we attract more investment for incremental production as well as more investment to develop all the fields that have been fallow for a very long time,” he added.
W. Y. MAMMAN argues the need to balance fiscal oversight with well-considered incentives for industrial growth
There is no doubt that the recently enacted Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 comes with a lot of benefits, chief among being the simplification and merging of many burdensome regulations, which were quite befuddling to many tax payers. As with all good initiatives, there are unintended consequences, which policymakers must address in order not cause more harm than the intended good.
Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs) have served as an important instrument for industrialisation, investments promotion and export-oriented economic growth. These objectives were enshrined under the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act, Cap. N107 LFN 2004, particularly sections 1,2,3,8 and section 18 and expanded under the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority Act, Cap. O5 LFN 2004. These statutes historically granted broad incentives, including full tax exemptions, duty-free importation under NEPZ Act Cap. N107 LFN 2004 sections 23-24 and unrestricted repatriation of capital under section 18(1)(d). The FTZ framework historically provided broad tax exemptions, duty-free importation of machinery and raw materials, and the ability to repatriate profits without restriction from the Nigerian government.
With the enactment of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (section 60 and the Second Schedule), these incentives have been recalibrated.
For the avoidance of doubt, we invite you to the provision of section 60 of the NTA 2025, which states thus: “where a trade or business is carried on by an export processing or export free zone entity, the provisions of the second schedule to this act shall apply.”
For us to understand of the statute, recourse shall be made to the second schedule of the act, which borders mainly on export processing and free trade zone entities. The schedule has new provisions, which if not reviewed, has the potential to erode investors’ confidence and jeorpardise future investments in these zones. The most troubling amongst these is the imposition of taxes on profits from 2028, completely negating the spirit and vision behind the establishment of FTZs.
Before the advent of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, the Nigerian Free Trade Zones benefited from the following incentives:
Exemption from federal, state, and local taxes.
Duty-free importation of capital equipment, raw materials, and intermediate goods.
Freedom to repatriate profits and dividends.
This framework allowed FTZ operators to plan long-term investments based on a predictable fiscal environment. Historically, these provisions under the 2004 Act were considered automatic and unconditional for qualified enterprises. These are not the same in the 2025 Act.
The Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (Section 60 and the second schedule) amends the FTZ legal regime under the NEPZ Act Cap. N107 LFN 2004 and OGEFZA Act, Cap. O5 LFN 2004 by introducing conditional exemptions and specific compliance requirements:
Conditional Tax Exemption: Tax exemption applies only to profits derived from exports of goods or services. Domestic sales are partially exempted.
Sunset Clause: From 1 January 2028, profits from domestic sales will be fully taxable, regardless of the 25% threshold.
Filing Obligations: FTZ operators must file returns with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), even if no tax is due.
These provisions reflect a deliberate transition from a blanket exemption model to a conditional, export-focused tax regime, in an attempt to align incentives with the intended purpose of FTZs.
The NTA 2025 amendments as enacted by the National Assembly represent the primary legal authority governing FTZ taxation. Previous debates regarding FIRS’s power to reinterpret or limit exemptions have been resolved; section 60 (supra) of the NTS 2025 now defines the conditions for exemption in FTZs.
The law maintains exemptions for enterprises that comply with export-oriented criteria. Therefore, companies that derive the majority of revenue from exports, limit domestic sales within the prescribed 25% threshold, and file returns as required retain full legal entitlement to tax benefits.
The filing obligation and monitoring of domestic sales introduced formal compliance mechanisms. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in revocation of tax-exempt status and exposure to regular corporate taxation. Legal clarity on record-keeping and reporting standards is, therefore, critical for operators.
The 1st January 2028 sunset clause mandates taxation of domestic sales profits regardless of threshold compliance. Operators must incorporate this deadline into strategic and financial planning, particularly when projecting future domestic market engagement. This, no doubt, is a burdensome requirement that makes Nigeria’s FTZs uncompetitive when compared to other jurisdictions. With many countries, some in West Africa, seeing FTZs as vehicles to attract investments and industrialise their economies, Nigeria cannot afford to place additional burden on its FTZs.
The revised FTZ framework seeks to correct historical misuse of exemptions while maintaining the zones’ role in promoting export-led growth. The changes are legally sound but carry economic consequences.
There is certainly an air of uncertainty surrounding FTZs, as firms may need to adjust operational strategies to comply with domestic sales limits and source new markets for exports within a six-month window. Secondly, there is administrative complexity imposed by monitoring domestic revenue percentages and filing returns, which increases operational burden. Thirdly, is a focus on competitive positioning, which cannot be achieved when rules are not clear when compared with other countries with stable FTZ regimes, such as China, India, and Costa Rica, among others.
To ensure legal compliance and maintain investor confidence, the following measures are hereby recommended:
Issuance of Detailed Guidelines: The government should provide explicit instructions on the tax act to ensure fairness , filing procedures, and record-keeping.
Transitional Relief: Existing operators should receive temporary relief with a grandfather approach of at least 10-15 years to adjust operations and compliance systems.
Targeted Enforcement: Monitoring should focus on genuine abuse, avoiding penalisation of compliant operators.
Clear Communication: The government must clearly articulate conditions for exemption and consequences of exceeding domestic sales limits.
Stakeholder Engagement: Continuous consultation with industry associations, investors, and regulatory agencies of government will support informed implementation.
In conclusion, the success of the revised framework depends on transparent, consistent, and predictable enforcement.
FTZs remain a central tool for Nigeria’s industrial strategy, facilitating manufacturing, exports, and economic diversification. Though the 2025 reforms provide a legally robust and economically rational framework, there is a need to balance fiscal oversight with well-considered incentives for industrial growth, in view of the fact that there are very attractive, and highly competitive FTZs in other jurisdictions, some close to our doorsteps.
Mamman, Esq. is with Mamman, Maiyaki & Co. Munatare Chambers based in Abuja
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 43-year-old man, Amadin Williams, over the alleged murder of his childhood friend, Eghosa Osas, during a housewarming party in Oben Community in the State.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Eno Ikoedem, said the incident occurred when the deceased, who had recently returned from abroad with his family to celebrate Christmas, stepped out to relieve himself. She explained that the suspect allegedly cornered Osas and inflicted a machete cut on his neck, which claimed his life.
Confirming the incident, Ikoedem said, “The report of the murder of Eghosa is true, and the suspect, Amadin Williams, believed to be his childhood friend, is in custody. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
She added that the case was reported to the police by the victim’s older brother, while the motive for the attack remained unclear.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Edo State Police Command disclosed that it arrested no fewer than 821 suspects for various offences across the state in 2025.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, said the arrests cut across major crime categories, including 39 armed robbery suspects, 171 kidnapping suspects, 117 murder suspects, 62 suspects linked to rape and sexual offences, 239 cultism suspects, 36 arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, and 157 others for various offences.
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safety, tourism promotion, and global cultural exchange as he flagged off the 2025 Bikers Carnival in Calabar, one of the signature events of the Carnival Calabar festival.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who declared the carnival open amid cheers from bikers, residents, and visitors from within and outside the state, the governor assured participants and the international community that Cross River State remains safe and well-prepared to host large-scale events. He disclosed that he personally inspected the carnival routes to ensure they were motorable and free of hazards.
“Let us tell the world that Cross River State is safe. I have gone round the routes myself; there are no potholes and the roads are smooth,” he said.
Governor Otu emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, urging all bikers to wear helmets, reflective vests, and maintain proper riding discipline to avoid accidents. He added that ambulances, medical personnel, and insurance coverage had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free event.
“With doctors on ground, ambulances stationed, and insurance fully covered, we want this carnival to be remembered only for positive reasons,” he stated, before officially declaring the 2025 Bikers Carnival open.
Earlier, Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, described the Bikers Carnival as part of a broader effort to preserve cultural heritage and reconnect younger generations with the values and creativity embedded in Carnival Calabar.
He also highlighted the presence of the ECOWAS Commission, with representatives from 12 member nations, noting that their participation underscored the growing business, talent, and creative-sector opportunities associated with Carnival Calabar on the regional stage.
The event attracted strong international attention. Paulo Santos, Ambassador of Portugal to Nigeria, praised the organisation, professionalism, and enduring legacy of the carnival, describing his presence in Calabar as both a cultural and historical “homecoming.”
“Calabar means ‘the quiet harbour’ in my language,” the ambassador said, recounting the historic ties between Portugal and the ancient city. He lauded the enthusiasm and scale of participation, noting that the carnival looked as though it had been organised for “200 or even 2,000 years,” rather than just two decades.
Ambassador Santos pledged to encourage other diplomats in Abuja to experience Carnival Calabar, urging them to forgo their usual end-of-year holidays to witness one of Nigeria’s finest cultural showcases.
One of the emotional highlights came from 86-year-old UK-based diasporan, Mr. Richard Nzerem, originally from Imo State, who expressed deep gratitude for witnessing what he called a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Having lived in the United Kingdom for over 60 years, Nzerem said the Bikers Carnival exceeded his expectations and left him fulfilled.
He thanked the state government for granting him the opportunity to be part of the historic moment.
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A video making the rounds on social media has captured the moment a Nigerian lady visited her late husband’s grave to see and talk to him. Netizens reacted.
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Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage comes alive through its festivals, each showcasing the history, traditions, and identity of its people. From yam harvest celebrations in the southeast to grand horse parades in the north, these events attract both locals and tourists.
With 36 states and over 370 ethnic groups, including major ones like the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, the country’s diversity is reflected in a vibrant calendar of cultural festivals. Rooted in tradition, beliefs, and communal values passed down through generations, these celebrations highlight Nigeria’s cultural wealth, strengthen unity, and preserve national identity.
Here’s a look at some of Nigeria’s iconic cultural festivals, grouped by state:
1. Abia State – New Yam Festival
In Abia, the New Yam Festival, known as Iri ji ohu, marks the end of the yam harvest season. The festival is a time for thanksgiving to the gods for a bountiful yield. Traditional leaders conduct rituals, families offer prayers and food, while cultural dances, music, and masquerades enliven the celebrations.
2. Anambra State – Afiaolu Festival
Celebrated mainly in Nnewi, the Afiaolu festival begins with rituals such as IWAJI (yam tasting) and Ikpa Nku (wood gathering). The Igwe (king) performs thanksgiving rites, while masquerade dances, women’s cultural performances, and communal feasting foster unity and joy.
3. Bauchi State – Durbar Festival
During Eid, Bauchi hosts a grand Durbar, where colourfully adorned horsemen parade before emirs and community leaders. The festival showcases horsemanship, music, and martial displays, reflecting the Islamic heritage and warrior traditions of northern Nigeria.
4. Borno State – Global Kanuri Cultural Festival
Held in Maiduguri, this festival brings together Kanuri people from across West Africa. Celebrations include traditional attire, language, culinary arts, and performances, preserving a shared heritage that spans multiple countries.
5. Cross River State – Calabar Carnival
Tagged “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” the Calabar Carnival is a month-long December event. Parades, vibrant costumes, band competitions, and international participants combine modern carnival flair with local tradition in an electrifying atmosphere.
6. Enugu State – Mmanwu & Iriji-Mmanwu Festivals
The Mmanwu festival celebrates masquerades believed to embody ancestral spirits. The Iriji-Mmanwu, held in August, fuses new yam celebrations with over 2,000 masquerade performances, acrobatics, and dances, highlighting Igbo spirituality and artistry.
7. Imo State – Ikeji Arondizuogu Festival
The Ikeji Festival celebrates Arondizuogu pride, featuring masquerades, music, and poetry. It attracts both tourists and locals, promoting cultural appreciation and unity among Igbo subgroups.
8. Jigawa State – Gani Durbar Festival
Held annually, the Gani Durbar showcases royal regalia, cavalry parades, and music to commemorate historical events and the end of Ramadan. It reinforces traditional authority and cultural pride.
9. Kano State – Durbar Festival
Kano’s Durbar is among Nigeria’s most extravagant. Hundreds of decorated horsemen, drummers, and dancers mark Islamic festivals and royal milestones, drawing visitors from across the globe.
10. Kogi State – Ovie Orese & Ovia-Osese Festivals
The Ovie Orese celebrates male initiation into adulthood, while the Ovia-Osese Festival in Ogori honours virgin girls’ readiness for womanhood with music, dance, and blessings.
11. Kwara State – Ilorin Durbar Festival
This multi-day Islamic festival features royal horse processions, Quranic recitations, and homage to the Emir of Ilorin, blending religion, culture, and regal display.
12. Lagos State – Eyo Festival
A historic Yoruba festival on Lagos Island, Eyo features masqueraders in white carrying staffs through the streets, celebrating Lagos’ ancestors and traditional institutions.
13. Niger State – Nupe Day Festival
Observed on June 26, Nupe Day commemorates the Nupe people’s 1896 victory over the British. Celebrations include cultural exhibitions, horse parades, and prayers, honouring historical identity and pride.
14. Ogun State – Ake & Ojude Oba Festivals
The Ake Festival in Abeokuta celebrates Yoruba literary and artistic excellence, while the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode highlights Islamic fashion, horse riding, and tributes to the Awujale, merging culture and religion spectacularly.
15. Kebbi State – Argungu Fishing Festival
Argungu, a four-day iconic festival, draws thousands for traditional fishing competitions, canoe races, wrestling, and cultural showcases. Celebrated since 1934, it highlights peace, productivity, and community spirit.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is upbeat about the return of democracy to Guinea as 6.7 million voters lined up on Sunday to elect a new President in the West African country following the September 2021 coup that toppled the democratic order in the country.
The optimism was expressed in a statement issued by the ECOWAS Commission when a delegation of ECOWAS observers led by Dr Abdoulie Janneh, head of the organisation’s observation mission, visited several polling stations and offices located in the municipalities of Kaloum, Dixin and Boulbinet, in Conakry, to witness the effective start of election in Guinea on Sunday.
The delegation included the Commissioner for Political Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah; ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea, Louis Blaise Aka Brou; John Akel Ballout Jr, Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS; the representative of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr; the Head of the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division, Mr. Serigne Mamadou KA, as well as other officials.
A second ECOWAS delegation, led by Senator Lawan Gana Guba, Deputy Head of the ECOWAS EOM, accompanied by Mr Abdou Kolley, Director of cabinet of the Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Olawale Emmanuel Awe, Ambassador of Nigeria to ECOWAS, Ms Marie Saine, representative of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, visited several polling stations in the municipalities of Conakry, including Gbéssia and Kaloum, to observe and soak up the atmosphere at the opening of the polling stations.
Speaking to the press after these visits, Dr Janneh emphasised the importance of this crucial step towards a return to constitutional and democratic order in the country, and expressed his hope that the vote would take place in favourable conditions.
Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, leader of the September 2021 coup that deposed the 83-year old civilian President Alpha Condé, is now preparing to convert himself into a democratically elected ruler.
Doumbouya is being challenged by eight others at the ballot box even as he has dominated the campaign, with his image plastered all over the streets of Conakry, Guinea’s capital city, in an election where some opposition parties have called for a boycott.
The most prominent opposition figure of the past 10 years, Cellou Dalein Diallo, with a large following of the electorate, has been excluded from the contest.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the planned Europe trip by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the wake of a terrorist attack on Zamfara State smacks of a lack of care and empathy for the victims.
The National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a tweet on his X handle, expressed concerns that rather than stay in the country to tackle the rising insecurity, the President has chosen a foreign trip and has also not said a word of empathy.
Abdullahi said, “In the wake of yet another deadly bomb blast in Zamfara, to which the President has not said a single word; on the back of an unprecedented foreign military attack on Nigerian soil; right in the middle of all the uncertainty it has provoked; with a confused and scared nation waiting for the President to speak to us and assure us that all is well, the next thing we hear is that the President has gone on holiday.
“What a President!”
Recall that President Tinubu departed Lagos on Sunday, December 28, for Europe.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the trip was in continuation of President Tinubu’s end-of-year break and ahead of his official trip to Abu Dhabi, in the United
The Presidency said, “His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has invited President Tinubu to participate in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) Summit, which will take place in the emirate early in January.
“The weeklong summit is an annual event that mobilises leaders from government, business, and society to chart the next era of sustainable development.
“With the theme ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go’, ADSW will connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and people, showcasing how the world can move forward with confidence.
“The President will return to the country after the summit.”
The Zamfara State Police Command had confirmed an explosion on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau Road in Maru Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
It was reported that many travellers were feared killed by the explosion caused by bandits.
The Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, said security operatives were responding to the situation and gathering information from the scene.
It was said that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by bandits on Saturday afternoon, throwing commuters into panic.
The police spokesman said, “I can confirm that there was a blast in that area, but the incident just happened. I can’t tell you details yet. I will update you later.”
Residents suspected that the bandits may have planted the explosive device, given the area’s history of banditry and violent attacks.
Videos circulating on social media showed travellers fleeing the scene in panic, with vehicles abandoned along the highway.
The incident is the latest in a string of attacks on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau Road, with a similar explosion occurring in December 2024, killing six people and injuring eight others.
Nollywood filmmaker and former Managing Director of Daar Communications, Don Pedro Obaseki, has recounted his traumatic experience following his alleged abduction and assault on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Benin City, Edo State.
DAILY POST reported that youths suspected to be thugs reportedly assaulted Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki.
Explaining the encounter in detail, Obaseki said: “Today at about 11–11:30, while playing football with my football mates at UBA Primary School in Benin, the place was attacked by assailants.
“I was physically abducted, basically kidnapped. Some of them were holding guns and some of them were non-folks. I have their names.
“They hogged me through the streets of Benin under the guise that they had been sent to come and abduct me by the palace of the Oba of Benin.
“I begged them to show me some form of ID. I was dragged, beaten severely, manhandled, and dragged through the streets up to where I was stripped naked and taken into the palace of the Oba of Benin, where I was made to kneel in public.”
He further expressed: “I have never been so humiliated because I am who I am, because of my nativity. I have served my culture. I don’t know what to say. I was later released and taken to the police station, where the Commissioner of Police came within two hours. He came to see me three times before he ordered my release from the police station at Oba Market. From the chiefs I met at the palace, it was clear they did not send these people on this mission.”
Obaseki also indicated a possible reason for the attack, linking it to a cultural misunderstanding, saying: “I am traumatised. And I heard that my sin was that I went to London and made a public statement that ‘May Edo people live long and prosper.’ That I should have said, ‘May the Oba live long and prosper.’ That my saying ‘may Edo people live long and prosper’ is a cardinal sin in Benin, for me who have elevated the culture of the Benin race in my 35 to 40 years as the pioneer of the present.”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned his political adversaries of the imminent danger they will face if they continue to pursue him.
Naija News reports that Wike issued the warning while addressing stakeholders from Ikwerre land on Sunday.
Wike warned that those who have pursued him have all missed the road, adding that some who are currently with him are still pursuing him but will not be named.
He said, “If you are pursuing Wike you will miss road, all those who have been pursuing me have all missed their roads. Unfortunately, some of them are from here but I will not call their names.
“So we must be careful and I also want to let you know that from January we will go into politics. Let nobody intimidate you, we have done it before and we will do it again.
“When you say you insult a politician, we were in PDP and we delivered a President in APC and we won the other seat in PDP.
“If you know you are a stronghold, stay in another party and deliver the President in that party then deliver the other people in your own party, so that we will know that you are very strong.
“Not now that food is ready you are saying ‘on your mandate’, that will not give you any ticket.”
The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to relent in the fight against insecurity, insisting that terrorists and bandits must be decisively crushed without regard for “sacred cows.”
Oke gave the charge on Sunday while speaking with journalists in Ibadan on the state of the nation, warning that insecurity has become Nigeria’s most dangerous threat and must be confronted with firmness, justice and resolve.
According to the PFN President, insecurity has overtaken corruption as Nigeria’s greatest challenge, stressing that failure to decisively address it could threaten the country’s survival.
“Don’t relent until Nigeria is fully secured. Spare no one. Allow no sacred cows. If you don’t bring insecurity down, it will bring this country down,” Oke said.
He dismissed calls for negotiation or rehabilitation of terrorists and bandits, describing such approaches as dangerous to national stability.
“There is nothing like repentant terrorists. Governance is not a church service. They are not repenting; they want to enter the system to weaken it from within. If they claim repentance, that is between them and their God. The duty of government is justice and security,” he declared.
The PFN President commended President Tinubu for what he described as renewed momentum in tackling insecurity, including cooperation with international partners, particularly the United States. He also praised U.S. President Donald Trump for supporting Nigeria’s efforts to root out terrorists and bandits.
“We commend the President for moving fast and for cooperating with the United States to flush out these criminals. This is not a surrender of Nigeria’s sovereignty but cooperation to defeat those who have turned our country into a killing field. You are doing a good job,” Oke said.
He further called for national unity in confronting violence, stressing that no Nigerian should die needlessly.
“We should all join hands to end the killings of innocent Nigerians. Anyone who inflicts pain on any Nigerian should face the full weight of the law. No Nigerian should die anyhow, whether Christian or Muslim,” he said.
While acknowledging government efforts to ease economic hardship through palliatives, the cleric said such measures were insufficient without strong governance.
“We need more than palliatives; we need good governance. Don’t create safe havens for those who have stolen our money. Don’t shield corruption. Anti-corruption efforts must be fair, firm and decisive,” he added.
Despite the country’s challenges, the PFN President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, offering a message of hope to citizens.
“There is hope for Nigeria,” he said, citing Job 14:7. “Even when a tree is cut down, it will sprout again. Nigeria will survive. There is great hope, great blessings and great joy ahead. Nigeria will be better.”
Oke urged Nigerians to remain united, prayerful and determined, expressing confidence that with decisive leadership and collective resolve, insecurity would be defeated and the nation restored.
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The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the attack on Dr Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, popularly known as Don Pedro Obaseki, by suspected thugs over allegations of disrespect to the Oba of Benin.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at Uwa Primary School, Benin City, where Obaseki had gone to play football. He was allegedly accosted by a group of thugs, stripped naked and forcibly taken to the Oba of Benin Palace, where he was compelled to kneel.
In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa-Ogbegie, the PDP described the attack as dehumanising and a grave humiliation of Obaseki’s person.
The statement read in part:
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the daylight attack, stripping and dehumanising humiliation of Dr Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki at Uwa Primary School, Benin City, by a mob now widely identified as overzealous youth members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“What occurred was not a spontaneous outburst. It was a premeditated ambush. Dr Obaseki, who had gone to his regular football spot, was accosted, harassed, threatened with death, stripped naked and forcibly dragged toward the Oba of Benin Palace. Videos in circulation leave no room for doubt. This was barbarism in its rawest form—evil, uncivilised and utterly repugnant.”
The PDP stressed that the actions of the attackers did not represent the values, history or culture of the Benin people.
“Benin civilisation is renowned for dignity, restraint, order and respect for human worth. The hooligans who carried out this atrocity do not speak for Benin nor embody its culture. They are a disgrace to it,” the party said.
The opposition party described Obaseki as an illustrious son of Benin and a respected intellectual and media voice whose scholarship and advocacy have contributed positively to Edo State and Nigeria.
“To brutalise such a citizen in public view is to drag Edo’s name through the mud before the world,” the statement added.
The PDP further situated the incident within what it described as a troubling pattern of rising lawlessness, intimidation and political violence in Edo State over the past year, allegedly driven by politically protected thugs.
“Assaults go unpunished, perpetrators are shielded, and official silence has become policy. The result is a climate of fear in which citizens are uncertain of their safety and sceptical of state protection,” the statement noted.
The party warned against attempts to justify the attack under the guise of traditional grievance, stressing that no cultural institution sanctions human rights abuses.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no palace, including the revered institution of the Oba of Benin authorises torture, stripping or degrading treatment. If any citizen is alleged to have committed an offence, the police station, not the street, is the lawful venue. No individual, mob or political gang is above the law,” the statement concluded.
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NIGERIA NEWS
Kano Governor Abba Yusuf to Defect from NNPP to APC, Deputy Governor Set for Impeachment — Akelicious
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State is reportedly set to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the first week of January, according to Daily Nigerian.
Governor Yusuf currently controls 25 of the 27 NNPP members in the Kano State House of Assembly, following the deaths of two members. The defection is set to take place without the backing of the former Governor of Kano State and NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who has rejected the move.
In a related development, Governor Yusuf is said to have initiated steps to remove his deputy, Aminu Abdulsalam, through impeachment. This is reportedly to clear the way for Murtala Sule-Garo, the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election, to assume the deputy governorship position.
The political maneuver has stirred discussions among Kano State political observers, highlighting ongoing realignments ahead of upcoming elections.
Related
A firefighter of the Kwara State Fire Service sustained serious injuries on Sunday while attempting to contain a fire disaster in Ilorin, the state capital.
The firefighter was reportedly struck by a vehicle that lost control at the Kwara State Polytechnic gate.
The fire, which occurred at about 4:36 pm, involved 15 container shops, with three of them affected, according to the spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, in Ilorin on Sunday.
He said: “Firefighters promptly engaged the blaze and successfully contained it, preventing further spread and extensive losses within the commercial area.
“Preliminary investigation indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge, which ignited combustible materials within the affected containers.
“Regrettably, during the course of the operation, one of the gallant firefighters sustained a serious injury when a vehicle that lost control ran into him at the scene.”
Hassan disclosed that the injured firefighter was immediately attended to and taken for medical care.
“The unfortunate incident underscores the high-risk nature of firefighting duties and the sacrifices made daily by personnel in the line of duty,” he added.
The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, expressed deep concern over the incident and wished the injured firefighter a speedy and full recovery.
He advised motorists to exercise extreme caution and obey traffic controls around emergency scenes, stressing that reckless driving endangers both responders and the public.
The director also urged shop owners and traders to install surge protectors, avoid overloading electrical systems, and ensure proper wiring to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks caused by electrical faults.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has approved Aminu Sa’ad and Nabil Daneji—sons of two deceased Kano legislators—to contest the seats made vacant by the deaths of their fathers in the Kano State House of Assembly.
The vacancies for the Municipal and Ungogo constituencies became vacant following the deaths of their fathers on 24 December.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the two Kano lawmakers died within one hour. The deceased Kano lawmakers were close friends until their deaths.
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 the Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaludden Shawai, Mr Aliyu collapsed after receiving the news of Mr Sa’adu’s passing shortly after arriving at the Assembly complex. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
New development
The NNPP chairperson in Kano, Hashim Dungurawa, told Freedom Radio that the NNPP nominated the sons of the lawmakers after consultations led by the party’s national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other stakeholders.
He said the decision was meant to assist the families of the deceased lawmakers.
Mr Dungurawa said that the consensus was reached after high-level discussions held at Mr Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano.
The meeting included senior party officials and representatives from the bereaved families.
“There was an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect. We deliberated frankly and reached an agreement on the best way forward,” Mr Dungurawa stated.
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Mr Dungurawa said Mr Kwankwaso believes that the move is intended to honour the legacies of the late lawmakers while maintaining the party’s commitment to justice and internal democracy.
However, Mr Dungurawa clarified that this approval does not constitute an automatic appointment.
He said Meers Sa’ad and Daneji must still contest through the party’s established internal democratic processes.
Mr Dungurawa said the young aspirants would uphold the high standards of public service established by their fathers. “We believe they possess the dedication to continue the legacy of service their fathers were known for,” he added.
He urged party members to support the transition, assuring them that the exercise would be conducted smoothly and respectfully.
The NNPP had in 2023 nominated the son of the deceased House of Representatives candidate for the Wudil/Garko federal constituency, Kamilu Isa.
Mr Isa died just four days to the presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives elections.
*Cart away 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes
By Ade Babalola
Marathon runners from Plateau State have clinched the first, second and third positions in the annual Adewole Adebayo 2025 Christmas Marathon held yesterday in Ondo City, Ondo State.
The competition, which combined both male and female runners from African countries like Ghana, Benin Republic and Burundi as stated across Nigeria saw Plateau male runners carting away N2 million, N1 million and N500,000 as prize money for first, second and third positions, respectively.
There was also consolation prizes of N50,000 each for the fourth to 10th positions.
The winners included Giang James Boi, Francis James and Musa Bala Sati, all makes.
The marathon was organised alongside Queen Lilian Adebayo Health Walk, where the top winners 10 winners got N100, 0000 each.
Speaking about the event, the Organizing Chairman of the Marathon, Omoyele Sowore, lamented that the event did not attract the needed international athletes as the organisers envisaged.
He advised that to get the needed international attention, there would be a better publicity for the event next year because the publicity this year started very late. He noted that publicity would have brought more people to the event because the prizes were really good.
“It is a standardized process and our aim is to make it an international marathon. My suggestion is that if you are startng a marathon, you start small before you graduate. We want to do half marathon next and that will cost more.
“This been recognized as a marathon and there was a certificate that was issued to that effect.
“The area where I found some deficiency today is the water points because there was no water when we got there.
“You rarely find a marathon around Nigeria where they pay N2 million for the winner. But I also encourage that it should be higher because anybody who is running for 15 kilometers should not take anything less than N5 million.
“If we invited Kenyans, they won’t collect anything less than $20,000 for the winner. So, to be able to go international, the prize has to be right and that will attract international participation and participants,” he said.
However, the organiser, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said the marathon was designed to empower the youth and enable them to maximize their potential.
He encouraged the participants to always engage in meaningful activities that would better their lives.