NIGERIA NEWS
Peter Obi Dumps LP, Declares ‘Full Membership’ of ADC – THISDAYLIVE
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, Wednesday declared his “full membership” of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), thereby ending all speculations about his political direction for 2027.
He announced his choice of a new party at Enugu during a “special event” organised by South-east stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Obi said that his declaration for ADC is not defection because from the very beginning, he had been part of every meetings and discussions for the formation of the coalition that coalesced into ADC.
He promised to use the platform to retrieve Nigeria from bad leadership that has been holding the country down.
The former Anambra State Governor reiterated his belief that “a new Nigeria is possible”, adding that he would see to it that the nation is changed for better because “our commitment is Nigeria”.
The event, which attracted the National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark and Aminu Tambuwal, saw some National Assembly members from South-east joining Obi to announce their membership of ADC.
Details later….
By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, who was arrested by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with local hunters in Yobe State, has disclosed details of how he was allegedly recruited, paid, and deployed to carry out attacks on worshippers in Maiduguri.
During interrogation, Ibrahim reportedly confessed to his involvement in the December 24 suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, which left five people dead and 32 others injured.
The attack occurred during the festive period, throwing the city into confusion.
According to security sources quoted by Zagazola, the suspect said the operation was coordinated by Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains.
“My name is Ibrahim. I am from Michika in Adamawa State,”he was quoted as saying.
“We were sent to Maiduguri by our leaders, Adamu and Abubakar, to plant bombs in an Izala mosque. They gave us two improvised explosive devices (IEDs).”
Ibrahim claimed that suicide bombing had become a paid assignment within the insurgent group, adding that he received between ₦70,000 and ₦100,000 for each mission.
“I was paid money for every operation I carried out,”he said.
He further explained how the attackers allegedly took advantage of periods when mosques were less crowded to plant the explosives.
“We went after Zuhur and Asr prayers when the mosque was empty. We entered pretending to pray,”he said.
“My colleague dug a hole in the middle of the mosque to plant the IED, while I dug by the side.”
According to the suspect, the explosive devices were connected and timed ahead of the Maghrib prayer.
“As worshippers gathered for Maghrib prayer, after the first raka’at, the bomb detonated. The timer was set for five minutes,”he said, adding that he fled toward the market area shortly afterward.
Security authorities have not yet issued an official statement confirming the full details of the suspect’s confession. Investigations are ongoing.
- A young man grabbed attention on social media ahead of the implementation of the 2026 tax law
- He shared a mail he got from his company after the new tax law was revised, showing how much he would pay in taxes
- The man celebrated online as he showed the mail to confirm the adjustment made by his company
A Nigerian man celebrated online as he shared the good news he received from his company about the new tax law, which is set to take effect on Thursday January 1, 2026.
The news, which the man received from his company, was posted online by his friend, who also included screenshots of the mail and the mentioned rate.
Nigerian man shares good news after his company reduces his tax law payment. Photo for illustration purposes only Photo Credit: Getty Images/Joseph Egabor/Anna Frank, Voice of the people
Source: Getty Images
Man celebrates tax reduction under 2026 law
According to the man, his company revised the new tax law and reduced the amount he will pay the Nigerian government ahead of the new system.
Read also
2026 tax law: Nigerian man speaks out as barber announces VAT on haircuts
@HeIsJayjam posted the story online and quoted the words of his friend who received the good news.
He said:
“My company sent me a mail that my tax has been reduced starting from tomorrow. I will now pay less.”This is the message I got from my friend this morning.”
The mail, which the man received from his company ahead of the commencement date, read:
“Implications of New Tax Law Effective January 2026 on Employee.”Further to our earlier communication, please be informed that your tax rate has been revised in line with the new tax reform introduced by the Federal Government, effective 1 January 2026.”Kindly note that this revised effective tax rate will impact all allowances due to you. For clarity and transparency, we have outlined both the current and revised tax rates below:”
Man celebrates as company revises his tax law rate ahead of January 2026. Photo Source: Twitter/HeIsJayjam
Source: Twitter
The company mentioned the amount the individual was paying in tax before the revision and how much he is expected to pay moving forward:
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“Old Tax Rate: 16.68%”New Tax Rate: 16.38%”
Reactions as man shares mail on tax
Legit.ng compiled some reactions below:
@OrangeMan903 wrote:
“The people will not make this go viral. It’s always the negative news “
@btunddej stressed:
“Nigerians and our love for big English. I honestly can’t remember the last time I used ”intendment” in a sentence. We the less educated would simply say intention, purpose, or even meaning and move on. Not my Naija my people.”
@shadycreed wrote:
“Make him go HR his rent receipt and claim relief asap!.”
@DavidOjukwu6 shared:
“Noise makers will not see and like this.”
@Lyon1241 noted:
“This is the reduction? Abeg allow me sniff in peace.”
@walexd21980 said:
“So we have nothing to fear about the tax.”
Read the post below:
In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams, popularly known as Blord, was mocked online after promoting an app designed to help Nigerians evade upcoming government taxes starting in 2026.
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Barber warns clients about new tax
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian man spoke out after seeing a notice at his barber’s shop. The notice said that starting January 1, 2026, a new tax would be added to customers’ bills. This made many people talk about it online.
The man shared a photo of the notice, which showed his barber would add a 7.5% VAT to haircuts because of the new tax law.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the official declaration of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the development as a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in Nigeria.
Atiku made the remarks on Wednesday in a statement shared on his verified Facebook handle, where he expressed optimism that Obi’s entry into the ADC would strengthen opposition politics and lay the groundwork for a government capable of delivering prosperity and peace to Nigerians.
“Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, Peter Obi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Atiku said.
The former PDP presidential candidate said he was pleased to officially welcome the former LP presidential candidate Obi into the party, stressing that their collaboration would help foster a “virile opposition” that can effectively challenge the ruling party and offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people,” he added.
Atiku also referenced the symbolic take-off of what he described as the “ADC Coalition train” from Enugu, the capital of the South-East zone, noting that the choice of location underscored the coalition’s national outlook and inclusive agenda.
“And as the ADC Coalition train leaves Enugu, the capital of the Southeast region, I hope this inspires other patriots to join the cause with the train headed in their direction,” he said.
LEADERSHIP reports that Peter Obi has formally defected to the ADC, alongside several prominent political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone.
Obi said the move to the ADC was part of a broader effort to forge a united opposition platform capable of working with like-minded leaders across the country to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Dignitaries at the event included former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Senator Sam Egwu, as well as several serving and former members of the National Assembly.
Also in attendance were leaders from other parts of the country, including former Senate President and national chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark; former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East, and other political heavyweights.
Co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls Movement, Aisha Yesufu, has declared that she will become a card-carrying member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing her support for Peter Obi.
Yesufu made the declaration on Wednesday in Enugu, in solidarity with Obi following his defection from the Labour Party to the ADC.
She urged well-meaning Nigerians to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for collective action to rescue the country.
“I have never been a card-carrying member of any political party, but I will be a card-carrying member of the ADC,” she said.
“Enough is enough. There is no more time for tears. We have cried too much.
“From this moment onward, we will fight for Nigeria. We will build a great nation.
“ADC will take Nigeria to a point where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” Yesufu added.
Bandits have attacked a traditional wedding ceremony in Akunza, a Migili-speaking residential area of Ashige in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa state.
A youth leader in the community, who confirmed the incident, said at least three persons were killed in the attack.
He said several others sustained injuries of varying degrees, adding that women and children were among those injured.
According to him, the injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment at a health facility.
He said the attack occurred while wedding festivities were ongoing, throwing the community into panic, adding that residents fled the area for safety as the gunmen opened fire.
“The attack happened during the wedding ceremony and people started running in different directions,” the youth leader said.
The motive for the attack was not immediately clear as of the time of filing this report.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has confirmed that six passengers died when a boat travelling from Ilashe Beach capsized near the Igbologun axis in Lagos on Tuesday night.
Four other passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by LASWA’s Head of Public Affairs, Wuraola Alake.
What LASWA is saying
According to the statement, a Savvy Marine passenger boat travelling from Ilashe Beach House reportedly collided with a submerged object along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channel on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at around 8:35 p.m.
Four passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while six others were recovered dead at the scene. The statement added that search and rescue operations were ongoing as authorities worked to account for all persons involved, in coordination with the Marine Police and other first responders.
“The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have confirmed a boat mishap involving a Savvy Marine passenger boat on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at approximately 8:35 p.m., along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channel. According to the Waterways Authorities, the boat was en route from Ilashe Beach House at the time of the incident,” the statement read in part.
It added, “As of the time of this report, four (4) passengers have been successfully rescued and transported to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention. Sadly, six (6) other passengers were recovered dead at the scene.”
LASWA emphasized that preliminary investigations suggest a collision with a submerged object may have caused the mishap, though a full inquiry is ongoing to determine the exact cause.
The agency extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and reassured the public of its continued commitment to safety on Lagos inland waterways.
The statement also reiterated the importance of adherence to all safety regulations, including proper navigation practices and the enforcement of the “no night travel” rule.
What you should know
The latest boat mishap, which preliminary investigations have linked to a collision with a submerged object, is not an isolated case along Lagos inland waterways. For example, in March 2025, ferry operations near Ikorodu were disrupted by dredging pipes left abandoned by contractors, forcing some vessels to navigate carefully to avoid damage.
The Lagos State Government subsequently cleared the pipes, with LASWA urging dredging companies, boat operators, and other stakeholders to comply with safety regulations to prevent similar incidents.
- Water hyacinth remains another persistent challenge for boat operators and commuters, particularly from September to the end of the first quarter each year. Dense mats of the invasive plant can entangle propellers, slow down vessels, and make navigation strenuous. Smaller vessels, like banana boats carrying up to 17 passengers, are particularly affected, sometimes requiring stops to clear propellers of entangled vegetation.
- Pushing boats through thick water hyacinth can also cause serious engine damage, including piston failure, which costs approximately N150,000 to replace. Operators note that piston failure often leads to additional mechanical issues, significantly increasing repair costs.
These challenges highlight the risks associated with navigating Lagos’s inland waterways, especially during night travel or when safety regulations are not fully adhered to.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has warned the Federal Government against what he described as attempts to intimidate opposition politicians into joining the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Speaking shortly after signing the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday, the governor urged the APC-led Federal Government to focus on addressing poverty and the rising cost of living confronting Nigerians rather than using state power to weaken opposition parties.
Governor Mohammed accused the Federal Government of deploying anti-corruption agencies to harass and threaten members of opposition parties in a bid to coerce them into defecting to the ruling party.
He said the pressure had not spared him, his family, and officials of his administration, describing the situation as a deliberate attempt to silence dissenting voices in the country.
The governor also raised concerns over the conduct of the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alleging that the Commission was being positioned to serve the interests of the APC rather than operate as an impartial umpire as provided by the Constitution.
Mohammed stressed that no amount of intimidation, rumours or propaganda would force him to abandon his political beliefs or defect to the APC.
“I will continue to stand for justice, fairness and the welfare of Nigerians, and remain committed to the development and progress of Bauchi State,” the governor said.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has shared the emotional struggle he has faced after losing both of his parents within a short span.
Speaking in an interview with ACL Sports while in camp with the Super Eagles in Morocco, as the team prepares for their Round of 16 tie after qualifying top of Group C with an untainted nine points from three matches, Nwabali reflected on his journey through grief.
He revealed that the loss of his parents last year was particularly painful and at one point made him consider quitting football.
With the support of his teammates, he found the strength to continue playing despite the immense grief.
“My mom passed away on this day last year around 12 pm. I try to move on and be strong, but sometimes I feel like quitting. At one point, I even told my captain that I wanted to quit football. But with the support of some of my teammates, I was able to carry on. My mom and dad were so dear to me. Losing them has been incredibly painful. It’s not something any footballer—or any human—should have to experience: losing both parents.”
Nwabali’s father passed away in November 2025, only hours after he played in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in the 2025 Nations Cup qualifiers.
On January 1, Nwabali took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the passing of his mother, describing 2025 as “the worst year of my life.” He wrote: “RIP mom, worst year of my life already,” alongside heartbreak and tear emojis. Before the announcement, he had posted: “A very very crazy world indeed.”
Vanguard News
The post I almost quit football when my parents died – Nwabali appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, arraigned Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
They were arraigned on a ten-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds and alleged terrorism financing contrary to Section 2(1) and Section 19(1) (d) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Prosecution Counsel, Samuel Chime, informed the court that the matter was for arraignment, praying that the charge be read to the defendants.
“We have a ten-count charge dated 30 December, 2025 and filed on the same day,” he told the court.
One of the counts read; “That you Yakubu Adamu (being Commissioner for Finance, Bauchi state Government), sometimes in the year 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did receive cash payments in the sum of Six Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars( USD 6,950,000) otherwise than through a financial institution, and you and offence contrary to Section 2(1) and Section 19(1) (d) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read; “That you Yakubu Adamu(being Commissioner for Finance, Bauchi State Government) Sirajo Jaja (being Accountant-General of Bauchi state now at large), Samaila Irmiya Liman(now at large), Balarabe Abdullahi Illelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed (all being civil servants and signatories to Bauchi State Government Accounts and/or payment instruments), sometimes between January 2024 and May 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire to provide funds in the aggregate sum of about Two Million, Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (USD 2,300,000) in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him, pursuant to approvals granted by the executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, having reasonable grounds to believe, that the said funds would be used, in whole or in part to finance a terrorist or terrorist group, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1) and punishable under Section 21(2)(a) of the terrorism(Prevention and Prohibition)Act, 2022.”
However, the accused persons pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, Samuel Chime, to ask the court for a trial date. “We will be asking for a date to enable us to open our case,” Chime said.
Responding, the counsel to the defendants told the court that the defence has filed separate motions for bail on behalf of the defendants. “We filed separate motions for bail in respect of the first, second, third and fourth defendants and all the motions were filed on the 30th day of December 2025,” he said.
In his response, Chime stated that the prosecution has been served and has already filed a joint counter-affidavit.
“We have been served, we filed a joint counter affidavit yesterday, my lord, 30 December 2025,” the Prosecution counsel stated.
The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, thereafter, adjourned the matter for ruling on the bail applications to January 5, 2026, while remanding the defendants at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The collapsed rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
At least two persons have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a section of machinery at a private rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, with several others injured or still trapped as rescue efforts continue.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Bashir Usman.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police in the state led a visit to the Niagri Rice Production Facility located in the Bulasa area of Birnin Kebbi to assess ongoing rescue and security operations after the early-morning partial collapse of the rice parboiling section of the mill.
He said the Police Commissioner was briefed by officers and emergency responders at the scene and commended the joint efforts of the Police, the State and Federal Fire Services, as well as other relevant agencies that have remained on ground to secure the area and support rescue operations.
“As at the time of the visit, two persons who were earlier evacuated were confirmed dead by medical doctors. One injured victim has been treated and discharged, while four others are still trapped, with rescue efforts ongoing,” the statement said.
The Commissioner assured residents that adequate security had been deployed around the facility and disclosed that a comprehensive investigation would commence immediately after the conclusion of rescue operations.
He also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged the public to remain calm as further updates are provided.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Government, through the Deputy Governor, Umar Tafida, confirmed the incident during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the facility on Tuesday evening.
Tafida said the state government expressed deep sympathy to the management and staff of NIA-AGRI Rice Company, noting that the visit was aimed at ascertaining the extent of damage and overseeing the emergency response.
He added that a full investigation would be launched once the rescue phase is concluded and pledged the government’s continued support for the ongoing operation until all affected persons are accounted for.
As of the time of filing this report, a combined team of the State Fire Service and government emergency response workers remained engaged in intensive efforts to locate and rescue workers still trapped under the collapsed structure.
Officers of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, have sealed up a property located at Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos, following an exparte order.
The exparte order was granted by Justice Othman Musa of the FCT High Court.
The sealed up property houses various business entities which have been operating in the premises for several years.
The exparte order was granted in a case for enforcement of fundamental rights in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/4636/2025, instituted by Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi Vs Nigeria Police Force and Others.
The plaintiff had alleged that his fundamental rights as guaranteed under sections 34, 35, 36, 37, 41, and 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Articles 9 and 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, have been breached.
He claimed that he purchased 3,000 square meters of reclaimed land situated at the back of Plot No A Block 12, Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos State, from the landlord, Mr. Emecheta Elvis Eze, which has nothing to do with the premises where the business entities are located.
The plaintiff filed the suit to shield him from honouring invitation of the Nigeria Police Force, following a petition against him by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, (lawyer to Emecheta) over alleged conduct that amounts to criminal trespass, damage to property and threat to life.
In the suit filed by the law office of Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, on behalf of the plaintiff, it was argued that the police invitation infringed on his fundamental rights and is aimed at compelling him into relinquishing his lawful property and contractual rights over the 3,000 square meters of reclaimed land behind the sealed up property.
In his exparte application, Ojukwu urged the court to grant an exparte order to seal up the Lagos property.
The court presided over by Justice Musa granted the order on on November 24, 2025 to seal and secure the entire property, including the reclaimed land at the back of the property measuring 3,000 square meters
He also ordered the immediate stoppage of all construction works, activities, actions, or steps on the said property while ensuring that no person, authority, or entity howsoever described is permitted access to or entry upon the property pending Ithe hearing and determination of the substantive suit pending before the court.
Following the order of the court which was supposed to have been vacated, having elapsed, on December 30, 2025, all the occupants of the property and their workers were forcefully chased out of their business premises and the property was sealed up by people who introduced themselves as officers of the FCT High Court, from Abuja.
It was gathered that efforts by the various business owners to explain to the FCT court officials that the business premises is different from the 3,000 square meters of the reclaimed land upon which the plaintiff claim is predicated yielded no results.
The Ondo State government has approved the appointment of Owei Kekemeke as the pioneer Amananawei of Agadagda-Obon in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, who disclosed this on Wednesday, stated that the government is prepared to fill all vacant stools once communities are ready to initiate the selection process.
Speaking after the State Executive Council meeting, Takuro also confirmed that warrant chiefs had been approved for the appointment of a new Alade-Okun of Alade in Idanre local government, enabling the community to install a new king without delay
Also, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, disclosed that the state government has approved a new Tax Bill for submission to the State House of Assembly for passage.
He said the new bill aligns with the state’s commitment to harmonise its fiscal policies with the upcoming Federation tax law, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Ajulo disclosed that the new bill is designed to ensure that Ondo State’s tax framework operates in tandem with national standards under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and related reforms, promoting efficiency, transparency, and sustainable revenue generation for the benefit of all residents.
According to him, by adopting these measures, the state aims to foster economic growth, improve public services, and create a more equitable tax environment that supports businesses and individuals alike, including relief for low-income earners and small businesses.
His words: “This approval marks a proactive step towards integrating Ondo State into the evolving national tax landscape. It will enable us to better serve our people while contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic objectives.
“The bill will now proceed to the Ondo State House of Assembly, where it will undergo legislative review and debate. The Ondo State Government encourages public participation in the process and remains open to constructive feedback from stakeholders.”
Besides, the government declared a work-free day on Friday, January 2, designed to give workers adequate time to return from the New Year holiday. The federal government had earlier declared January 1 as a public holiday.
The Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, described the decision as a relief for workers and urged public servants and members of the public to take note of the revised resumption date.
Philip further stated that the day (Monday, January 5) would feature the state’s customary first workday prayer meeting at the Governor’s Office complex.
On infrastructure developments, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to the state’s progress through various projects.
He disclosed that projects such as the 24km Aboto/Atijere road and a 1km Sabomi road in Ese Odo had already been approved by the cabinet.
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Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has cautioned against what he described as the increasing tendency to weaponise state institutions in the heat of political competition, warning that such practices could weaken democracy and threaten national cohesion.
The governor, who spoke when he received a delegation from the Safety Institute of Nigeria led by its member, Mr Marqui, at Exco Chamber, Government House, on Wednesday, said Nigeria’s democratic journey risks derailment if political disagreements are pursued through intimidation, arrests and public smear campaigns rather than constructive debate and issue-based politics.
He noted that intense inter-party rivalry has created an atmosphere where political actors and their associates are frequently targeted, even when no clear legal justification exists, a development he said raises concerns about respect for constitutional safeguards and the rule of law.
According to Governor Mohammed, allegations of terrorism and financial misconduct levelled against him and members of his administration were part of broader political manoeuvres aimed at discrediting opposition figures and weakening alternative voices in governance.
Despite these pressures, he said his administration has remained focused on service delivery, arguing that governance should not be sacrificed on the altar of political contestation.
The governor also pointed to persistent disputes over federal allocations and infrastructure funding, noting that limited releases from the centre have continued to constrain state-level development efforts, even as public expectations remain high.
He warned that growing intolerance within the political space, particularly in the northern region, could inflame tensions and undermine collective efforts to address insecurity and economic hardship.
While calling for restraint among political actors, the governor stressed that his administration would continue to engage with the Presidency and relevant federal institutions, insisting that cooperation across party lines remains critical to national development and poverty alleviation.
He further disclosed that the state has attracted international development support, which he said is being applied transparently to social and economic programmes aimed at easing the burden on citizens.
The governor concluded by urging political leaders to prioritise dialogue, tolerance and democratic norms, noting that sustainable governance can only thrive in an environment where opposition voices are not treated as enemies of the state.
Our correspondent reports that the Governor was honoured with an award of Ambassador of Safety by the Institution.
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A man identified as Ilabeshi Okhale has been reportedly killed while his twin kids were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Edo State.
DAILY POST gathered that the incident happened at Kalabar Quarters, Afokpella, in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the gunmen forcibly broke into the deceased’s residence and inflicted machete cuts on him.
He added that the gunmen after gaining access to the premises, switched off his generator and attacked him when he came out to see why the generator went off, leaving him with injuries.
The source added that the gunmen thereafter abducted the victim’s twin children – namely Emmanuel and Emmanuella.
According to the source, the twins, who are both aged 16, were taken into the bush by the gunmen.
It was gathered that the kidnappers later demanded N100 million ransom to release the twins.
However, when contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, Eno Ikoedem, said that the abducted twins have been rescued unhurt.
Ikoedem said the police stormed the scene on receipt of the information and rushed the deceased to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.
She added that the deceased has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy,
“A combined team of police, Army, ESSC, hunters, and vigilante carried out extensive bush combing and rescued the two children unhurt and reunited them with their family.
“Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators,” the police spokesperson said.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has officially defected from the LP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Mr Obi announced the decision on Tuesday during a political rally at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel in Enugu.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said.
“We will resist rigging of elections by every lawful means in 2027.”
READ ALSO: No going back on new tax laws implementation from January 1 – Tinubu
The former governor joined the ADC alongside his former supporters from the LP.
Details shortly…