Bandits have attacked two Catholic priests at the parish house of St. Rita Catholic Church in Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The attack occurred around 2:30 am when armed assailants invaded the parish residence, stabbed the priests and left them in pools of blood, while the parish priest narrowly escaped unhurt.

The victims were identified as Rev Fr Comas Baye, the priest-in-residence, and Rev Fr Chris Pever, a visiting priest and former assistant priest of the parish.

Baye, who is a cadet of the Knights of St. John International, was said to be battling a partial stroke following the attack.

Both priests were rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Jikwoyi, Abuja, where they received emergency medical care.

Pever sustained severe injuries, including a fracture to his left arm, and successfully underwent a surgical implant procedure.

As of the time of reporting, both priests were said to be in stable condition and responding to treatment.

Reacting to the incident, the Abuja Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International condemned the attack, describing it as a vicious assault on innocent clergy.

In a statement signed by Francis Ulonna Njoku, grand president, and Etta Peters, grand secretary, the order said the incident reflected the worsening insecurity around Abuja and neighbouring states.

“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible attack on Catholic priests at the parish house of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State,” the statement said.

The knights warned that the attack was part of a disturbing pattern of violence against places of worship and ministers of faith within the FCT and adjoining states.

“This vicious assault is not only a direct attack on innocent clergy but also a grave affront to the sanctity of human life, religious institutions, and the moral fabric of our society,” the statement said.

The group called on relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the incident and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.

“We therefore call on the relevant security agencies to urgently and thoroughly investigate this incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that they are brought to justice without delay,” it added.

The order also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around religious institutions and communities.

The Abuja Grand Commandery expressed solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy and the faithful of St. Rita Catholic Church, while offering prayers for healing and lasting peace.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of placing revenue generation above the welfare and well-being of Nigerians, following the Federal Government’s insistence on proceeding with the commencement of the new Tax Act on January 1, 2026, despite alleged discrepancies in its gazetted provisions.

The opposition party renewed its call for the suspension of the Act’s commencement date, citing widespread public outrage over what it described as the “illegal insertion” of provisions earlier removed by the National Assembly.

The position was contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

What the PDP is saying  

According to the PDP, Nigerians from different sectors have expressed strong displeasure over discrepancies between the harmonised version of the Tax Act passed by lawmakers and the version subsequently gazetted.

“Nigerians across all walks of life have loudly voiced their displeasure over the smuggling in of very dangerous provisions which were expunged earlier by the Parliament,” the party said.

The PDP noted that citizens have demanded a thorough investigation to determine who carried out the alleged insertions and how they were introduced into the final document.

“Nigerians have demanded a thorough investigation of this anomaly and sought to know who carried out the illegal insertion and how it was done,” the statement added.

Finance over welfare 

The PDP argued that the controversy surrounding the Tax Act is consistent with what it described as a pattern of governance since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

“This Tinubu Presidency has always prioritised finance over the welfare and well-being of Nigerians from its inception in 2023,” the party said.

It cited the removal of fuel subsidy as an example, describing the policy’s announcement and implementation as reckless.

“The reckless way it announced and implemented the removal of subsidy immediately impacted the economy of the country and caused ordinary Nigerians to suffer irreparable economic damage,” the PDP added.

‘President is an employee of the people’ 

The opposition party reminded President Tinubu of his responsibility to the electorate, urging him to listen to public concerns rather than what it described as the narrow interests of those around him.

“In this instance, the President should remember that he is an employee of the people and, therefore, should listen to his employers,” the statement said.

The PDP also referenced the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, noting that Tinubu won with less than 40 per cent of the total votes cast.

Call for suspension of Tax Act commencement 

The PDP concluded by reiterating its demand for the suspension of the Tax Act’s commencement date until a full investigation is conducted.

“Consequently, we reiterate our earlier call for the suspension of the commencement date of the Tax Act, pending the conclusion of a thorough investigation,” the party said.

It warned that public trust in the law-making process would be eroded if doubts over the legitimacy of the law persisted.

“Obedience to laws in a democracy is directly linked to the belief that elected legislators have deliberated upon and approved them,” the statement noted.

“A mere suspicion, let alone a confirmed fact, that unapproved sections have been smuggled into a law with the capacity to affect all Nigerians is sufficient reason to suspend its commencement.” 

The party insisted that failure to act would further confirm its claim that the administration values revenue above citizens.

What you should know  

• In an earlier statement on Tuesday, President Tinubu had reaffirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws will be implemented according to their established timelines, despite concerns raised by lawmakers over alleged discrepancies in some gazetted provisions.
• Tinubu described the reforms as transformative, insisting they are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal architecture rather than impose additional burdens on citizens.

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Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, son of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (SAN), Abubakar Malami, was reportedly rushed to the Kuje Correctional Centre clinic on Tuesday after suddenly falling ill.

His hospitalization comes amid ongoing fraud allegations involving him, his father, and the latter’s fourth wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe.

Sudden Illness in Custody

Sources told SaharaReporters that Abdulaziz Malami was admitted to the prison clinic for observation after he suddenly fell ill.

“Malami’s son suddenly fell sick and was rushed to Kuje clinic to stay there for observation,” a prison source said.

Court Arraignment Over N8.7B Fraud

Earlier on Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the Malami family before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The defendants face a 16-count charge of conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities totaling N8,713,923,759.49, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

At the commencement of proceedings, prosecuting counsel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, told the court that the arraignment was to enable the defendants to take their pleas.

Defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, raised no objection, and all three defendants pleaded not guilty.

Allegations Against Malami and Family

Court filings reveal that the EFCC alleges the former AGF and his family used front companies, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd and Meethaq Hotels Ltd, to launder public funds while in office.

One charge states that Malami and his son procured over N1 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd between July 2022 and June 2025 to conceal the origin of funds in a Sterling Bank account.

Another count accuses Malami of using N600 million as collateral to secure a loan for Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite allegedly knowing the money was suspicious.

Other counts allege the defendants used properties and Bureau De Change operators to disguise payments for high-end properties across Abuja and Kano, including luxury duplexes, hotel properties, and other real estate worth hundreds of millions of naira.

EFCC Witnesses and Evidence

In documents submitted as Proof of Evidence, the EFCC listed witnesses, including its officials, Bureau De Change operators, and bankers.

The anti-graft agency said these witnesses would testify on how petitions and intelligence reports triggered investigations into what it described as “monumental corruption” allegedly linked to the former minister.

A witness, Hassan Aliyu, reportedly said; “My company’s account was used for suspicious multi-million-naira transactions without my full knowledge.”

VIP Prison Accommodation

Abubakar Malami and his co-defendants are repeatedly being held in a VIP cell at Kuje Prison, reportedly refurbished by the late Abba Kyari.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, all three maintain their innocence.

“We are not guilty of the charges,” Abdulaziz Malami’s defence team said in court, forcing the matter to proceed to full trial.

Next Steps in Court

The Federal High Court has scheduled a bail hearing for the Malami family on January 2, 2026.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed concerns that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party system, despite the growing number of defections from opposition parties into the ruling party.

Speaking on Channels Television’s year-end programme, 2025 in Retrospect: Charting a Pathway to 2026, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the party has no intention of weakening or eliminating opposition parties, describing such claims as unfounded.

“There is no such desire, let alone intent, to turn Nigeria into a one-party state,” Morka said on Tuesday, stressing that political plurality remains essential to democratic governance.

He explained that the APC’s current dominance stems from its victory in the last general elections, which placed the party in control of the federal government. According to him, the recent influx of politicians into the ruling party reflects individual choices rather than a coordinated attempt to undermine democracy.

“The APC is the ruling party, which was elected in the last general elections. What we have witnessed is individuals making decisions that are permissible in a democracy to move from their platforms to join our party,” he stated.

In recent months, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties have experienced significant membership losses, with governors, lawmakers and influential political figures defecting to the APC. The trend has fuelled public debate and raised concerns about the possible erosion of political competition in the country.

However, Morka maintained that defections are a normal feature of democratic politics and should not be misconstrued as a threat to Nigeria’s multiparty system.

“That is nothing unusual or untoward,” he said. “People joke around with the spectre of a one-party state; we shouldn’t.”

The APC spokesman further argued that Nigeria’s constitutional and legal framework makes the emergence of a one-party state virtually impossible, regardless of political developments.

“Even if anyone in the APC wished for a one-party state, it is virtually impossible under the prevailing constitutional and legal framework,” he added, noting that democracy often provokes suspicion when political competition intensifies.

Morka concluded by urging Nigerians to view the ongoing political realignments as part of the democratic process rather than a departure from it.

Vanguard News

The post No plan to turn Nigeria into one-party state — APC insists appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The member representing Gboko/Tarka federal constituency of Benue State in the House of Representatives, Mrs Regina Akume, has publicly called on her husband, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to “come back to Christianity,” saying his rise and achievements were rooted in his Christian faith.

Akume’s first wife made the remarks during the wedding reception of the SGF’s son, held on Sunday in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

A video of her comments, later circulated on social media, showed Akume’s wife praying for her husband’s long life and good health, while advising him not to abandon Christianity.

“I pray that the Lord will increase his years, give him good health of mind and body, and grant him clarity in thinking and doing things right,” she said.

“And he should remember that he is a Christian, and it is Christianity that brought him this far. To drop Christianity now and go for anything else, he will not be successful.

“So my advice to him is to come back to Christianity and follow the line of Christ. We came all the way to the office of SGF, not through enemies but through Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ is still alive and continues to work for us. I wish that he would come back to Christianity.”

Her comments came amid widespread discussions following reports that the SGF recently married another wife.

Senator Akume has reportedly married Zaynab Ngohemba-George, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

The marriage became public on December 26, 2025, after a Facebook post by Abraham Double-D Dajoh, a member of the Akume Dajoh family from Mbakor, Benue State, welcoming Zaynab into the family.

“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, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family,” he wrote.

The photographs shared alongside the post quickly went viral, triggering a mix of reactions on social media.

When contacted, Akume’s spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, confirmed the marriage, clarifying that the union was more than a year old and not a recent development, contrary to some reports.

Zaynab was previously married to the Ooni of Ife in a traditional ceremony in March 2016, but the marriage ended in August 2017. She later relocated abroad and was involved in philanthropic activities.

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The Partnership Against Violent Extremism, PAVE Network, Jigawa State chapter, has urged residents to view peace and security as a collective responsibility, warning that violent extremism can only be prevented through unity, vigilance and active community involvement.

PAVE chairman, Musbahu Basirka, made the remarks while speaking at a press conference in Dutse on Tuesday.

He advised Jigawa residents not to take the peace they enjoy for granted, noting that the state has experienced relative calm compared to some neighbouring states in the North-West.

According to him, the region continues to face complex security challenges such as violent extremism, banditry, kidnapping and organised criminal activity, compounded by porous borders and economic hardship.

“Even though Jigawa is stable, we are part of a region where insecurity is evolving. That means everyone—government, communities, families and individuals—must remain alert and committed to peace,” Basirka said.

He explained that studies and field experience have shown that factors such as youth unemployment, rural poverty, weak community early warning systems and the presence of armed groups make young people particularly vulnerable to extremist influence.

Basirka stressed that relying on security forces alone is insufficient to address these problems.

“Peace cannot be achieved by security agencies alone. It must be built from the community level, through inclusion, dialogue and opportunity,” he noted.

The PAVE chairman said the network has been working closely with government institutions, security agencies, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and women and youth groups to strengthen structures for preventing and countering violent extremism in Jigawa State.

He revealed that Technical Working Groups have been trained and activated to develop State and Local Action Plans on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, PCVE, while sensitisation programmes have helped communities better understand the causes of extremism and how to prevent it.

Commending the Jigawa State Government, Basirka said its openness to engagement and gradual integration of PCVE priorities into planning and budgeting processes demonstrates a commitment to long-term peace.

One key achievement, he said, was the implementation of 15-day community resilience campaigns in selected local government areas, where residents were engaged on peace education, tolerance and resisting extremist narratives.

“These interactions showed that communities are willing to take responsibility for their own safety when they are informed and involved,” he said.

Despite the progress, Basirka acknowledged that challenges remain, including youth unemployment, ongoing insecurity in neighbouring states and weak information-sharing at the local government level.

He therefore called on residents to remain vigilant and support community alert systems, urged traditional and religious leaders to continue promoting peaceful coexistence, and encouraged young people and women to take the lead in positive storytelling and resilience-building activities.

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The Edo State Government has paid civil servants in the state their 13th-month salary.

Naija News reports that the development was confirmed on Tuesday, December 30, by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Mr Patrick Ebojele.

Ebojele, who spoke to PUNCH, said the payment was in line with the governor’s workers-friendly policy and was aimed at easing the burden on civil servants, particularly during the festive season.

According to him, Governor Okpebholo introduced the 13th-month salary policy a few weeks after assuming office last year and has sustained it this year to boost workers’ morale and productivity.

He explained that the administration remained committed to prioritising the welfare of workers as a key component of good governance.

Meanwhile, civil servants across ministries and agencies have expressed appreciation to the governor, describing the payment as timely and morale-boosting.

Speaking to journalists, the Director of Orientation at the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs Rose Imonikhe, said she received the alert early in the day and was pleasantly surprised.

She said, “I woke up this morning, it was the alert that woke me up — the 13th-month salary. I’m grateful to the governor for what he has done. You can see me smiling, and that is how other officers in the Edo State civil service are smiling.”

Imonikhe noted that the payment would ease financial pressure on workers, especially after the expenses associated with the Christmas celebrations.

“This Christmas period, most people must have spent their December salaries, so this will help them enter the new year with something in their pockets,” she said.

She added that the additional income would help workers meet pressing obligations such as school fees and rent renewals.

“Those with children’s school fees to pay can do so without stress, and others who are renewing rents will also benefit. This 13th-month salary will go very far,” Imonikhe stated.

Commending the governor further, she urged civil servants to reciprocate the gesture with improved dedication to duty.

“The governor has played his part; it is left for civil servants to do theirs by being more committed. He is in a hurry to deliver the dividends of democracy, and the civil service is the channel through which this can be achieved,” she added.

At the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, the Director of Administration, Egbe Jocy, also praised the initiative, noting that it would strengthen morale and productivity across the civil service.

Many civil servants who spoke with the media agreed that the gesture had brought relief and renewed confidence in the state government’s people-centred approach to governance.

Naija News reports that Governor Okpebholo, shortly after assuming office in November 2024, implemented the payment of 13th-month salaries for civil servants in Edo State, a policy he has continued in his administration.

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The Enugu State Government has taken a major step toward building a technology-driven future with the successful hosting of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Educational Workshop for secondary school students.

The two-day workshop, held on December 28 and 29, 2025, in Enugu, was organised under the state’s education and innovation development framework and brought together students from secondary schools across the state for intensive, hands-on training in artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, and innovative thinking.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to repositioning education as a catalyst for economic growth, technological advancement, and youth empowerment.

The programme was officially flagged off by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Osinachi Nnajieze, who represented Governor Peter Mbah at the event. His participation underscored the administration’s strong support for technology-driven education and its determination to prepare Enugu youths for global competitiveness in the digital age.

Participants were trained by a team of internationally experienced professionals from the United States and Europe, ensuring global best practices in content delivery while promoting local relevance and innovation.

Students’ feedback highlighted the transformative impact of the workshop, with many describing it as their first direct exposure to advanced technologies and practical applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

A key contributor to the success of the workshop was Hon. Chinedu Okoro, popularly known as Larry Popo, whose collaboration with the Enugu State Government continues to strengthen education reform and youth development initiatives. Through his vision and support, global standards in technology education are being introduced into the state’s learning ecosystem.

Education stakeholders have described the workshop as a model initiative that should be expanded across the state, noting that programmes of this nature are essential for building a skilled, disciplined, and future-ready workforce for Enugu State.

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Several persons have reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen along the Omi-Odo Ara Road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to SaharaReporters, sources confirmed that the incident occurred on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, but the exact number of victims and their identities had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Residents said security agencies had been alerted following the incident, while people living in surrounding communities were advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary movement and promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

Naija News reports that the fresh incident came barely a day after tension was reported in the Odo-Ere community in the same local government area following a coordinated attack by terrorists on Sunday night.

During the raid, at least four residents were reportedly abducted by the assailants. Those kidnapped were identified as Engr. Shina Ajere, Mr Kehinde Afolabi, Damilola Ogun, and a woman popularly known in the community as Iya Lara.

According to findings, the attackers, believed to be heavily armed, stormed the community late at night and reportedly moved from house to house, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.

Residents described the attack as chaotic and terrifying, saying the sound of gunfire echoed across the community for several minutes.

A community platform, Egbe Mekun, disclosed that another apartment was also targeted during the attack. The building was said to have visible gunshot marks, with a bullet reportedly penetrating the house.

However, the assailants were unsuccessful in gaining access to the apartment.

Despite the identification of four abducted residents, locals said the total number of victims remained unclear, fuelling fears that more people may have been taken away by the gunmen during the operation.

Following the attacks, residents of Odo-Ere and neighbouring communities called on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to urgently deploy more security personnel to the area.

They also appealed for intensified efforts to secure the release of those abducted and to prevent further attacks in the area.

Odo-Ere and other communities in Yagba West Local Government Area have, in recent times, witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups, raising concerns over worsening insecurity and the vulnerability of rural settlements in Kogi State.

The incidents are coming amid a spate of abductions across parts of Kogi State. On Sunday, SaharaReporters reported that a pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, was kidnapped by armed bandits while heading to his farm in Okoro Gbedde, Ijumu Local Government Area.

The cleric was later released unharmed after spending several days in captivity.

It was reported that he was found in Aiyetoro Gbedde, also in Ijumu Local Government Area, where he was reportedly abandoned by his abductors.

A local community platform, Egbe Mekun, claimed that no ransom was paid for the pastor’s release.

Residents across affected communities have continued to express fear and frustration, urging authorities to take decisive steps to curb the rising wave of abductions in the state.

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A total of 29 people were confirmed dead in Jigawa State following two separate road accidents in the Dutse and Ringim Local Government Areas on Tuesday and last Thursday.

Tuesday’s crash occurred in Dutse and involved two Volkswagen Golf cars and a tipper truck.

The Jigawa Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Umar Matazu, confirmed that 18 passengers lost their lives in the head-on collision along the Dutse–Kwanar Huguma road.

Mr Matazu told reporters that the accident occurred around 1:00 p.m. when one vehicle suffered a tyre burst while travelling at high speed.

He said the driver lost control, crossed into the opposite lane, and collided head-on with an oncoming Golf car. Moments later, a tipper truck travelling in the same lane crashed into their wreckage.

Road accident in Jigawa

One of the Golf cars was reportedly carrying 14 family members travelling to a wedding ceremony. There were no survivors from that vehicle. The victims included men, women, and children.

Mr Matazu said Tuesday’s accident in Dutse followed a similar fatal accident last Thursday along the Ringim–Kano highway near Bagewu village.

That lone accident involved a red Golf 3 saloon, driven by a 45-year-old man from Katsina State, which was severely overloaded with 20 passengers—six men, eight women, and six children.

While in motion, Mr Matazu said the vehicle’s front tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a tree. The accident resulted in 11 deaths and nine injuries.

He said the passengers were travelling from Ningi LGA in Bauchi State to Mani LGA in Katsina State.

The FRSC has repeatedly identified overspeeding and overloading as the leading causes of road fatalities in Jigawa State.

READ ALSO: Jigawa partners NASSI to combat child malnutrition through local empowerment

Mr Matazu lamented that some drivers, especially those using the Volkswagen, abuse the vehicle’s capacity, which often results in deadly crashes.

A vehicle designed to carry five people is frequently used by commercial drivers to carry 15 to 20 passengers. He said this puts immense pressure on the suspension and tyres.

High speed, combined with the excessive weight of an overloaded vehicle, significantly increases the internal temperature of tyres. This leads to the “tyre bursts” that were witnessed in both accidents in Dutse and Ringim.

The FRSC continues to urge commuters to reject boarding overloaded vehicles and has called on transport unions to enforce passenger limits at motor parks strictly.

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December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

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The management of The Authority Newspapers hereby apologizes for the regrettable and phantom report captioned “NGO Slams IPI Nigeria President, Mojeed, Alleges He Lacks Integrity.” that somehow found its way into our website.

Our internal investigations revealed that the login details of our late Executive Director (Publications ) was used to post the story on our website. How these login details were compromised remain a source of regret to us, even as there are strong pointers that this mishap was the handiwork of an ex-employee. We have since blocked any access to the site using the compromised login details.

While we continue with our investigations, we want to assure that the management of The Authority Newspapers holds the IPI in high esteem, and will not be part of any campaign- overt or covert- to undermine or tarnish the reputation of this noble institute.

We are deeply sorry.

Chuks Akunna,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has announced its intention to approach the courts following the exclusion of its governorship candidate, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, from the list of candidates for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.

PDP accused INEC of bias, alleging that the commission deliberately blocked access to the nomination portal codes days before the submission deadline, forcing the party to submit Dr Oluyede’s forms manually, a submission which INEC acknowledged.

PDP emphasised that there is no dispute over the validity of Dr Oluyede’s nomination, citing INEC’s own monitoring report, which confirmed that the primaries were lawful and properly conducted.

The party described INEC’s failure to include its candidate as “dangerously high-pitched” and warned that it undermines public trust in the electoral process.

“Having failed to act appropriately, our party has immediately taken steps to approach the courts to compel INEC to do what it ought to have done in the first place,” the statement read, stressing that the commission must act independently and in defence of democracy.

PDP vowed to pursue all legal avenues to ensure that Dr Oluyede’s name appears on the official list of candidates ahead of the polls.

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• A blogger has expressed sadness about world-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua’s road accident, and attributed it to overspeeding
• The concerned man suggested two moves that Joshua could have made earlier, which would have averted an accident
• Joshua lost two of his team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, in the accident, which occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday, December 29

Fidelis Ozuawala, a Nigerian blogger, has shared his thoughts on the tragic accident that British boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of two of his team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, on Monday, December 29.

According to him, Joshua could have averted the accident by making two moves.

A man blames the accident that Anthony Joshua was involved in on overspeeding.
Photo Credit: Fidelis Ozuawala, Instagram/@anthonyjoshua
Source: Facebook

Anthony Joshua: Man’s suggestion to boxer

Fidelis said Joshua would have made the road trip with a personal professional driver and at least a convoy.

He prayed for the repose of those who lost their lives. His Facebook post read:

Read also

Anthony Joshua: US soldier speaks out, shares bold observation about Lagos-Ibadan expressway

“If Anthony Joshua moved with a personal professional driver and at least a convoy, that would have been averted. The accident had everything to do with overspeeding and less of bad roads or poor emergency response. Rip to the dèâd.”

In the comment section, he maintained his position on the accident. He wrote:

“For those who are yet to see the video of the aftermath and for context:”The trailer was packed away from the road, far from the express, the space between the parking and the road could fit one or two cars.”It was a clear loss of control and overspeeding, instead of apportioning blame’s to the country, we should learn a thing or two from this.”Just find the video and see for yourself.”Last week the CEO who made (I think call of duty) games also kpaid in a crash due to overspeeding like this.”May adrenaline rush not cost us our lives (Amen).”A man says the fatal accident that Anthony Joshua was involved in could have been averted.
Photo Credit: Fidelis Ozuawala
Source: Facebook

See his Facebook post below:

Anthony Joshua: Man’s advice generates buzz

Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the man’s post below:

Oni Niyi Joshua said:

“Bro that road from 7up Lagos till iwo road in Ibadan you won’t find a single porthole, na overspreading or the driver is trying to impress Joshua.

Read also

Anthony Joshua: Woman who was present when boxer’s accident happened describes what she saw

“Where they are going is even few kilometers to the accident site.”

ASA Stitches & Accessories said:

“Lagos/ Ibadan express road is not bad. They should please stop that narrative. Just take a drive on that road and see how our drivers speed as if the devil sent them. We need more road safety presence on that road to curb this madness. We must put an end to all these yeye VVIP driving madness in the country as a whole. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

Ugo Vincent said:

“The wreckage of the car alone revealed alot, the speed at which the car was moving and it was not in the night or could it be that the driver was high.”Sad.”

Ugegbe Oyibo said:

“Exactly not a paramedics issue the guy that acted fast and furious died in saner climes not because there’s no emergency healthcare but he’s over speeding.”

Amange K Taver said:

“I witnessed the incidence, and it is a clear case of over speeding.

Read also

Man posts video of what Anthony Joshua’s car looks like after deadly crash, clip trends online

“The truck was completely parked off the road, the Anthony Joshua’s driver either slept off, or lost control due to overspending and veered off the road running into that stationary truck that had nothing to do with the driving lane. Or if his village People were responsible for this unimaginable incidence, then they really tried but unfortunately his life was spared by God.”

Anthony Joshua’s cryptic take on life, death

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that an old video had captured Anthony Joshua’s cryptic take on life and death.

In the clip, he described material pursuits and the quest for relevance as distractions in the grand scheme of things. The heavyweight boxer explained that nothing people chase or own truly matters because it cannot be taken beyond death.

Joshua used his grandfather’s elderly situation to illustrate how life’s priorities shift dramatically with age. He recalled visiting his grandfather and realising that the elderly man’s former dedication to work had become irrelevant.

Source: Legit.ng

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The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), South South, Hon. Victor Giadom, on Tuesday, advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to go through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to win anything in the state.

Giadom said this during Wike’s ‘thank you’ visit to the people of Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers.

Describing Wike as a “dependable leader” in Rivers politics, Giadom assured the minister that there would be no political force in Gokana other than Wike.

“I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the Gokana people are for Wike and Tinubu, and nobody will challenge Wike’s influence in Gokana.

“Gokana is a ‘no-go area’ for anybody, even the Gov. Fubara. For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike,” he said.

Also, Sen. Magnus Abe, a former Senator who represented Rivers South East at the Senate, said that the people of Gokana have already chosen their friends – Wike and Tinubu.

“Wike is a leader that unites, and that is why we are united. If you follow Wike, you will not go home empty-handed.

“The Ogoni people are with you, and we will not go home empty-handed. Please tell Tinubu not to bother coming to Gokana to campaign. We are for him,” he said.

On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Rivers Assembly, Dumle Maol, assured Wike that the people of Gokana would be with him every step of the way.

“Anywhere you go, we will go,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of Gokana Local Council, Mr Confidence Deko, pledged total support to the minister, saying, “Wherever you go, we will go.”

“This local government is for you because of what you have done for us. Please tell Tinubu that the people of Bokana are appreciative of him.

“The time for payback is near, and we will do the needful,” he said.

Responding, Wike explained that the visit was to say thank you to the Gokana people for their good deeds and support over the years.

He commended the people for the display of unity of purpose for Tinubu, saying, “When you are united, good things will come.”

He asked the people to be patient and listen to their leaders for direction on where to go when the time comes.

The minister promised to continue to work with the people, adding that APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers were working under the umbrella of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Wike said, “That is why you see PDP and APC members here.”

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has renewed its call for the suspension of the commencement date of the Tax Act, citing discrepancies between the harmonised and gazetted versions of the law.

In a statement on Tuesday signed by its spokesman, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said Nigerians across social strata have expressed displeasure over what it described as the smuggling of “very dangerous provisions” that were earlier expunged by the National Assembly.

The PDP said Nigerians have demanded a thorough investigation to determine who carried out the alleged illegal insertions and how they were effected.

The party accused the presidency of minimising the concerns while insisting that the commencement date of the Tax Act must stand despite the discrepancies.

According to the PDP, the posture of the presidency shows where the government’s priority lies “between Nigerians and money”.

The party said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised finance over the welfare of Nigerians since 2023, citing the removal of fuel subsidy and its economic consequences.

The PDP said the president should remember that he is “an employee of the people” and ought to listen to Nigerians.

It said Tinubu won the election with less than 40 percent of the votes and should therefore recognise listening to Nigerians as a primary duty of his administration.

The party recalled that a PDP-led federal government in 2012 listened to Nigerians and civil society organisations during protests against fuel subsidy removal, adding that Tinubu played a prominent role in those protests.

The PDP reiterated its call for the suspension of the Tax Act’s commencement date pending the conclusion of a thorough investigation into the alleged discrepancies.

The party said obedience to laws in a democracy is linked to public confidence that elected legislators deliberated upon and approved them.

“Consequently, we reiterate our earlier call for the suspension of the commencement date of the Tax Act, pending the conclusion of a thorough investigation.

“Obedience to laws in a democracy is directly linked to the belief that elected legislators have deliberated upon and approved them.

“A mere suspicion, let alone a confirmed fact, that unapproved sections have been smuggled into a law with the capacity to affect all Nigerians is sufficient reason to suspend its commencement.

“The President must act in favour of the people of this country; to do otherwise is a clear confirmation that money, not the people, is the priority,” the party stated.

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