Political commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticized the Kebbi State Government’s plan to grant a N10 billion loan to intending Hajj pilgrims, describing it as a misplaced priority in a state grappling with severe poverty and infrastructural decay.

Posting on X on Monday, Shehu criticised the scheme.

“The intending pilgrims will do better to perform one of the Hajj rituals; stoning the devil by stoning the person deceiving them with this Hajj loan, who qualifies as the ‘bigger devil.’”

He added that the government is exploiting religious sentiment to mislead citizens, many of whom cannot afford basic needs. 

“They just deploy religious sentiment to hoodwink senile people, the same people who can’t afford to eat are given loans to go for pilgrimage. This is simply daftly,” he wrote.

“In a state where poverty is at 75 percent, over 2 million children are out of school, hospitals and schools are dilapidated, township and feeder roads are poor, clean drinking water is lacking, gratuities are unpaid, youth unemployment is high, children are learning on the floor, essential drugs are unavailable, and primary health centres have collapsed, this is pure madness and illiteracy,” Shehu wrote.

Shehu’s criticism comes in response to Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris’ approval of a N10 billion intervention to assist intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj, following a shortfall in payments for allocated seats. 

The Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro, disclosed on Saturday that the decision was taken because many prospective pilgrims in the state were unable to meet the payment deadline.

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on December 17 over the escalating insecurity in the country, particularly the recent spike in attacks on schools.

This decision was reached during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Congress held in Lagos, with a communiqué jointly signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah.

The NEC condemned the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of a staff member during the incident, describing the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack as gross negligence.

The statement reads, “The surge in attacks on schools is alarming. The Federal Government must act urgently to secure all educational institutions, especially those in vulnerable and remote areas.”

The NLC said it would mobilise all its affiliates and state councils for the planned protest, which it described as peaceful but resolute.

The Congress is also demanding an immediate investigation into the Kebbi incident and the prosecution of those responsible for the security lapses.

The NEC warned that failure by the Federal Government to address insecurity and other critical issues could trigger widespread industrial actions across key sectors, including health and education.

“Workers’ safety and welfare remain a top priority. Continued neglect could threaten national stability,” the NLC stated.

The meeting also deliberated on other national and industrial concerns, including the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), challenges in the tertiary education sector, and the revival of the Labour–Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).

The NEC further expressed concern about the Labour Party’s current state and called for a realignment with working-class values and integrity.

The NLC urged Nigerians to join hands with organised labour in demanding a safer country, while calling on state governments and security agencies to strengthen protection for schools and other vulnerable communities.

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The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said the constitution of the National Caretaker Committee announced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, purportedly for the PDP, is a contempt of court.

The PDP in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary Ini Emembong, disclosed that Justice J.O. Abdulmalik of Abuja High Court, did not only refuse to grant an interim injunction sought by Wike’s agents, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu seeking the nullification and non-recognition of the PDP convention and its outcomes, but cautioned against taking actions that could render the court’s eventual judgement nugatory.

The party stated that by proceeding to announce a fictitious National Caretaker Committee, the group has acted in contempt of the court “and have fundamentally altered the status of the two plaintiffs in that suit.”

PDP described the constitution of the fictitious caretaker committee as drama, which it said, will further deepen the “illegality they have been digging since 2023 in their bid to politically incapacitate the PDP and obstruct its role as the main opposition party in Nigeria.”

Said the party, “The public is already familiar with the comical spectacle that this group has become, with each new action overshadowing the last in sheer ridiculousness.”

It reassured PDP members and Nigerians that the party remains firmly on a path of rebirth, anchored on transparency, equity, honesty, and inclusiveness.

PDP stated that the purported constitution of a so-called National Caretaker Committee by Wike and his friends was designed to coordinate their personal political affairs.

“The activity they claim to have undertaken is one they clearly lack the authority to carry out, even if they were still members of the party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all organs of our party, particularly the National Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees, remain intact and under the legitimate leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

“These organs are led by dignified individuals, who cannot be procured or commodified in the manner that has become the signature modus operandi of this group of former members,” the party stated.

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• The remand of activist Harrison Gwamnishu has sparked split opinions online, as many revisited his ugly past, while some gave their verdicts on his alleged offence which led to his arrest
• A Nigerian man has stated on Facebook that the activist made a mistake, which he claimed VeryDarkMan capitalised on
• He rubbished the explanation provided in Harrison’s defence, saying no one removes N5 million from a ransom to implant chips

A Facebook user, Hon Roberto Chibueze, has reacted to the ongoing remand of activist Harrison Gwamnishu.

Roberto said Harrison made a mistake.

A man says Harrison Gwamnishu’s mistake was taking the money meant for the kidnappers.
Photo Credit: Hon Roberto Chibueze, Harrison Gwamnishu
Source: Facebook

Man points out Harrison’s mistake

According to Roberto, Harrison should not have taken from the ransom. He said the reasons given in defence of Harrison’s action do not hold water.

Roberto claimed that online critic VeryDarkMan took advantage of Harrison’s mistake and tried to pull him down. In his words:

“Harrison made a mistake, he took the money, those reasons flying are not sufficient enough to back it up. Then VDM saw the opportunity to use it and pull him down, he jumped on it.”

Read also

Man shares what people should learn from Harrison Gwamnishu’s case, asks 3 deep questions

He further said the explanation given by Harrison’s camp that he removed N5 million from the ransom to implant chips was unbelievable.

“Them no de commot 5 million from money to implant chip. Tell that story to kids,” he wrote in the comment section.A man says Harrison Gwamnishu shouldn’t have taken the money he allegedly took.
Photo Credit: Hon Roberto Chibueze, Harrison Gwamnishu
Source: Facebook

See his Facebook post below:

Harrison Gwamnishu: Man’s remark triggers reactions

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

Okorie Chukwuka Justice said:

“You’re right. VDM who claimed to have this Main Character Syndrome is always looking for a loophole to drag anyone doing well in Social Media because he wants to be the only one in the game. You hardly see him share or promote anything good news coming from any blogger? The boy is becoming petty lastly.”

Chigozie Iheanacho said:

“Vdm isn’t pulling anyone down, and he didn’t jump into the case uninvited, the family actually contacted him. These are exactly the kinds of issues he handles: scàmming, stèaling, intimidation, and similar matters. He basically operates like an online police!”

Amb Iwasam Agbong said:

Read also

Man explains why Harrison Gwamnishu should sack his lawyer immediately: “Who authorised it?”

“VDM is not pulling anyone down, he’s simply doing what he has always done without favoritism. He has consistently called himself an online police, and his role has always been to pursue cases like this. That’s exactly what he’s doing now. He has made it clear many times that he will call anyone out even his own brothers, if they ever misbehave. And it’s true: if VDM had kept quiet, people would still drag him for being biased. So in this situation, no one is pulling anyone down. Justice cannot be selective.”VDM and Harrison are not in competition. They are doing two completely different kinds of work. And the same way Harrison handles issues in his own lane, VDM handles his in his own lane. The day VDM does something wrong that requires Harrison to act, and Harrison steps in, I will support it fully and I will never call it “pulling down.” After all, nobody forced Harrison to take money that was meant for something else.”

Y’all Meet Philo Sopher II said:

“Na you understand that guy VDM. He’s been looking for opportunity to get him down & now the guy has presented him one.”I think he’s just working with one of the laws of the ‘48 laws of power’. VDM is not who people see him as. Lol.”

Jerry Uche Williams

“So the person that couldn’t resist the temptation to steal ransom money didn’t pull himself down but it is the person that called him out for theft that pull him down; una really dey intelligent for this social media.”

Read also

Nigerian man speaks out amid claims Harrison took #5.4 million from ransom

Gift Okedinma said:

“VDM is known for calling evil for what it’s. Say no to selective justice.”

Ex-SUG president’s bad experience with Harrison Gwamnishu

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a former SUG president had recounted his terrible experience with Harrison Gwamnishu several months ago.

Narrating his experience, he stated that Harrison allegedly stormed his Onicha Ugo community with more than eight boys and brutalised a youth named Victor because of a lady they were both interested in.

He said he visited Victor when he got wind of the incident and found him physically assaulted and his car seriously damaged, which required over N4 million to fix.

Source: Legit.ng

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday held confidential discussions with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The meeting also had in attendance the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru.

The engagement, held at the State House in Abuja, came against the backdrop of escalating political friction in Rivers State and ongoing uncertainties regarding Fubara’s standing within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Fubara arrived at the Presidential Villa at approximately 5:01 pm, where he was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer.

The session, which lasted until about 5:45 pm, was held entirely behind closed doors, with no official details released on the agenda or outcomes.

Governor Nwifuru’s meeting, which took place just before, similarly remained private, though it is believed to have addressed regional priorities such as infrastructure development and security concerns in the South-East.

The timing of Fubara’s engagement is particularly noteworthy, following the high-profile defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

This defection has dramatically altered the power dynamics in the state legislature, reducing PDP-aligned members supportive of Fubara to just three.

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Former minister of state for labour and productivity, Senator Joel Ikenya, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Ikenya announced his decision in a statement issued in Jalingo on Monday, adding that the move was taken in the “best interest” of the people of Taraba.

Ikenya served as a member of the Taraba state House of Assembly, a member of the House of Representatives, and Senator representing Taraba south, before serving as a junior minister.

He has also contested the governorship seat in the state on several occasions.

His words: “I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude for the love and solidarity you have shown to me since my political journey, which spanned over many years.

“After careful consideration, due diligence, and wide consultations, I am pleased to announce that I have formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the interest of my people, Tarabans.

“You are all aware that PDP remains a party that has given me the platform to attain all the positions that I ever got in politics and this is where I believe I am loved.”

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‎A fresh controversy erupts as man accuses controversial critic, Verydarkman of orchestrating a couple’s abduction.

‎Earlier, Gistreel reported that Verydarkman claimed that he arrested human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu.

Details Of The Allegation

This followed after an X user accused the human rights activist of diverting a 20 mullion naira ransom meant for his sister and brother-in-law.

‎According to the man whose identity remains unknown, Verydarkman and his fellow ‘ratel’ members planned the abduction of the couple

‎He further alleged that the policeman in Auchi, where Harrison Gwamnishu was arrested, belongs to the same cult group with Verydarkman.

‎In the now-viral video, the man addressed the 5.4 million naira ransom circulating online.

According to him, Harrison Gwamnishu does not hand over the full amount to kidnappers and operation to rescue victims from captivity has always been successful.

Reacting to this claim, a user, Deepen Insights remarked, “Maybe VDM go too arrest someone. Them don arrest him too much. He who alleges must prove. 😂”.

Another user, Emenike godfather, “There’s sense in this cos how can kidnapperssss quickly noticed that the money no complete easily to the extent of arguing with them.People wey suppose de fear?”.

Success Chinedu inquired, “I thought VDM said he didn’t know the guy whom his brother and wife was kidnapped”.

Watch video below….

‎

“You see that kidn@pp£d couple in Edo State, I can bet my chest and tell you that it’s VeryDarkman and that his friend in Edo State joined hands together to arrange the whole thing just to set Harrison Gwamnishu up. The whole truth will come out soon, if you notice, nobody is… pic.twitter.com/HEmHIfegWs

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 8, 2025

‎

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed the approval of final operating licences for 82 Bureaux De Change under its updated regulatory framework, cautioning Nigerians to avoid patronising unlicensed foreign exchange dealers.

The approval is based on the 2024 Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for BDC Operations and took effect from November 27, 2025.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali.

The bank stated that only operators listed on its website are recognised to conduct business. According to the statement, “only Bureaux De Change listed on the Bank’s website are authorised to operate from the effective date.” 

The apex bank emphasised that more names would be added as their approvals are finalised, noting that the public can verify all valid licences online. “The CBN will continue to update the list of Bureaux De Change with valid operating licences for public verification on our website,” the statement added. It also advised the public to “avoid dealing with unlicensed Foreign Exchange Operators.” 

Legal consequences for unlicensed BDC operations 

The CBN reiterated that operating a bureau de change without the required approval is an offence under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act. It warned that offenders would be sanctioned. “Operating a Bureau De Change business without a valid licence is a punishable offence under Section 57(1) of BOFIA 2020,” the statement read.

The bank urged the public to be cautious when conducting forex transactions, saying the clarification was necessary to prevent members of the public from falling victim to illegal operators. The statement concluded that members of the public “are hereby advised to note and be guided accordingly.” 

See full list below:

What you should know 

The confirmation of 82 licences comes as the CBN intensifies its efforts to bring greater transparency and structure to the forex market, following several policy reforms over the past months.

In May 2024, the CBN released the approved guidelines for operations of Bureau De Change (BDCs) across the country while asking BDCs to reapply for licensing online with the new regulatory requirements in the next six months.

According to the new regulatory requirements, Tier-1 BDCs are mandated to have a minimum capital base of N2 billion while that of Tier-1 was set at N500 million.

Furthermore, the bank set the application fee for a Tier-1 license at N1 million and that of Tier-2 at N250,000. The licensing fees for Tier-1 and Tier-2 BDCs were set at N5 million and N2 million, respectively.

The bank also asked BDCS to meet the requirements of the Tier of license they are applying for within the next six months.

The new guidelines approved for Tier-1 BDCs allowed them to operate across the 36 states of the country and the FCT and open franchises all over the country, subject to the approval of the CBN.

Some of the guidelines for BDCs included banning BDCs from futures, options and derivative trading, carrying out outward international transfers, receiving international inward transfers, dealing on crypto assets or entities that deal with crypto assets and others.

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At least seven women have been killed in a tragic shooting involving soldiers escorting the Brigade Commander of the 23 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Amechi Agwu, in Adamawa State.

The incident took place on Monday afternoon at Rigange junction in Lamurde, after troops reportedly opened fire on a group of protesters.

Tension in the area was already high following a violent assault earlier in the day by suspected Chobo-speaking militia, who launched coordinated attacks on several communities in Lamurde Local Government Area.

A respected community leader, speaking with difficulty as he held back tears, told SaharaReporters that 12 women were shot, with seven dying on the spot.

“Five others are battling for their lives at Numan General Hospital,” he said, describing the chaos that followed the shooting.

Multiple local sources said the women had gathered to protest what they called the unacceptable delay in the arrival of security forces.

According to them, troops only reached the attacked communities hours after the assailants had completed their rampage and withdrawn without resistance.

“The women were angry, frustrated, and tired of burying their own,” another source said. “They were demanding answers. Instead, what they got were bullets.”

News men sought comments from the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Apollonia Anele.

Calls to her mobile phone went unanswered, and a text message requesting clarification on the shooting had also not received a reply at the time of filing this report.

Efforts to obtain the Army’s official position on the allegations are ongoing. As of press time, the Nigerian Army had not issued any official statement regarding the incident.

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Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA) is set to launch the National Immunisation Plus Days, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s healthcare delivery system.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Dr. Suleiman Bashir Sa’idu, disclosed this during a media engagement in Yola, emphasising that the exercise is designed to build defense mechanisms against various diseases.

Sa’idu stressed that the immunisation drive is a vital component of the agency’s efforts to improve routine immunization and overall healthcare services in the state. He expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly UNICEF, for their unwavering support and cooperation.

The agency’s chairman noted that the increasing mobility of people, especially Nigerians traveling globally, heightens the risk of disease transmission, underscoring the need for vaccination to protect citizens, especially children.

Sa’idu urged residents to prioritise their wards’ health by cooperating with medical teams administering vaccines and availing themselves of necessary healthcare services.

Also speaking earlier, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr James  Vasumu, said that the Adamawa State Government has demonstrated its commitment to healthcare development by transmitting N100 million to UNICEF and N50 million to UNFPA as counter-funding.

Vasumu, however, lauded the media for its support and cooperation, acknowledging the significant impact of its publicity efforts on the agency’s successes.

He also commended development partners, traditional, and religious leaders for promoting the agency’s activities in the state.

The agency’s efforts aim to improve healthcare services, protect children, and promote overall well-being in Adamawa State.

The immunisation drive is a testament to the agency’s dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery in the state.

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