NIGERIA NEWS
I Don’t Have Personal Disagreement With Rivers Assembly Members
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that he does not have any personal disagreement with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Hon. Martins Amaechwule, contrary to public speculation.
Governor Fubara, who stated this while commissioning the extended and dualized Ahoada–Omoku Road in the Rivers West Senatorial District, a project executed by Julius Berger, noted that he has endured significant personal and political strain because he refused to publicly narrate his side of the story in the state’s political crisis.
The governor,. however explained that he has been unable to meet with the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other lawmakers since emergency rule was declared in the state because the legislators prefer to attend only meetings convened by the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Nyesom Wike.
Fubara said: “I do not have any personal disagreement with members of the Assembly. I have made every effort to meet with them. I am just waiting for a meeting to be fixed by our leaders. Anyone saying I refused to meet them is not telling the truth.”
“I have suffered too much because of a single story. A lot of things have happened, but nobody has heard my own side. I am ready to meet their demands so that we can have peace in this state. This is not about me, it is about Rivers State.”
The governor disclosed that he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the PDP in order to safeguard peace and development in the state, stressing that it was not driven by personal interests,
He added that Rivers State has remained stable largely due to the support of President Bola Tinubu, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division.
“We can’t thrive in an atmosphere of rancour. Development can’t come when there is continuous disunity. We are standing today because of the support of Mr President.
“We are ready to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda to every part of Rivers State,” Fubara stated.
He said the project was part of his campaign promise to the people of the area and commended residents for their support of his administration and that of President Bola Tinubu.
“I want to thank God for making this day possible. We are celebrating with our people for their support and to assure them that even in the face of challenges, we remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy.
“We promised to extend this road to Omoku and today, that promise has been kept,” he said.
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Police operatives in Kwara State have arrested four suspects over alleged illegal firearms possession.
The police intercepted a cache of illegal firearms and arrested the four suspects during a routine stop-and-search operation along Sabongida Road.
According to sources, on 11 December 2025 at about 0845 hours, operatives from Jebba Division apprehended Musa Mohammed and Musa Abdullahi, both residents of Saorami, Masegun LGA, Niger State.
The suspects were found in possession of six locally made AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, four cartridges, and one expended AK-47 round concealed inside a bag.
Interrogation revealed that the firearms were intended for delivery to two other suspects, Mohammad Umoru and Magin Isah of Shonga, who were subsequently arrested.
All four suspects have been handed over to the IRT operatives on special duties in Kwara State for further investigation, according to reliable security sources.
The Lagos State Police Command has stated that an officer performing official duties was wrongly accused of stealing in a viral video online.
Naija News reports that the video, which circulated online on Wednesday, showed the officer with a swollen face and a bleeding nose, surrounded by members of the public shouting “ole” (thief).
However, Lagos police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement on Thursday, described the narrative accompanying the video as false and misleading.
Adebisi noted that the confrontation occurred when the officer, attached to the Lagos State Taskforce, was enforcing a ban on illegal parking along Brown Street, Oshodi.
According to her, the incident escalated after the officer stopped a motorist attempting to park improperly.
She, however, stated that during the altercation, the officer accidentally discharged his firearm, causing debris to hit bystanders.
Adebisi said the mob immediately gathered, during which the Inspector was violently attacked and sustained serious injuries.
The statement added, “The motorist became violent, resulting in a heated confrontation.
“During the incident, the Inspector accidentally discharged shots onto the road, and debris from the impact affected some passersby.
“The Inspector has been subjected to disciplinary actions in line with established police procedures for his unprofessional conduct. In the same vein, thirteen (13) suspects captured in the viral video assaulting the officer have been arrested, currently in police custody, and will be prosecuted upon the completion of investigations.
“They are: Dele Oriade ‘m’ aged 39 years, Adekunle Olalere ‘m’ aged 40 years, Mudashiru Olamilekan ‘m’ aged 28 years, Anayo Achusie 34 years, Joshua Enwonyin ‘m’ aged 24 years, Okoro Okechukwu ‘m’ 26 years, Rilwan Lateef ‘m’ aged 32 years, Damilare Odebode ‘m’ aged 22 years, Haruna Aleshi ‘n’ 25 years, Sodiq Omoniyi ‘m’ aged 26 years, Chukwudi Patience ‘f’ aged 25 years, Godstime Okafor ‘f’ 26 years, Chinedu Divine ‘m’ 29 years.”
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday.
Ewhrudjakpo reportedly slumped on Thursday afternoon and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said he received the news “with shock,” noting that the late deputy governor was at his office performing official duties shortly before the incident.
According to him, the circumstance of Ewhrudjakpo’s death underscores his dedication to service.
“He apparently defied illness to serve the people of Bayelsa State,” Abiodun said.
The governor extended condolences to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, as well as the government and people of the state, urging them to take solace in the life of commitment and service lived by the deceased.
“I received news of the demise of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow,” he said. “The incident came as a profound shock to all of us, but we submit to the will of the Almighty God, who has chosen to call him home at this time.”
Abiodun described Governor Diri’s loss as particularly painful, noting that he has “lost a dependable ally,” and extended sympathy to the family and friends of the late deputy governor.
“It is my sincere prayer that the Almighty God will be with them and give them the strength to survive this hour of pain and sorrow,” he added.
The governor said Bayelsa State and Nigeria had lost “a gem,” but urged the public to take comfort in the fact that Ewhrudjakpo lived a life dedicated to public service.
“May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose,” he said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has confirmed that Nigerian soldiers aboard the C-130 aircraft that made a forced landing in Burkina Faso remain in the West African country.
Tuggar made the disclosure on Thursday during a joint press briefing at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja alongside his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had earlier explained that the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when it experienced a technical issue, prompting it to land in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, in accordance with standard aviation safety protocols.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the landing was a precautionary move in compliance with international aviation regulations.
The Confederation of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc made up of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, had accused Nigeria of violating Burkinabe airspace, describing the aircraft’s landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.”
The AES also authorised member states to neutralise any unauthorised aircraft within their airspace.
Responding to questions on the soldiers’ status, Tuggar confirmed they remain in Burkina Faso.
He said, “Yes, they are. We are discussing how we can resolve this delicate matter as quickly as possible, and we’re talking. So it’s something that is being handled diplomatically.”
Beninese Foreign Minister, Olushegun Bakari, clarified that the incident involving the Nigerian Air Force plane had no connection with Nigeria’s military support in foiling a recent coup attempt in the Benin Republic. Tuggar backed the clarification.
Tuggar said, “Absolutely, it was on its way to Portugal, and it developed a technical problem and was forced to land.
“And this is part of ICAO regulations, it’s under international law. When you’re flying, and you have a problem, you land in the nearest airport, and it can happen to anybody.
“Tomorrow, it can be a Burkinabe plane flying, let’s say, to Kenya or somewhere, and then it’s forced to land in Kano or Maiduguri or anywhere else. It can be any other country.”
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concern that Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign is being weaponised for partisan purposes under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to purge themselves of political interference or risk losing the trust of Nigerians permanently.
The former vice president, reacting to the arrest and detention of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), accused the EFCC of abandoning the principles on which it was founded.
He lamented that the agency, instead of upholding justice, is now allegedly being used to pursue narrow political agendas.
“The politicisation of corruption investigations has rendered the EFCC’s credibility suspect and rubbished the very ideals that inspired its establishment,” Atiku said.
He criticised what he described as the selective targeting of opposition figures such as Malami, warning that the pattern portrays the EFCC as an overzealous extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku expressed shock that the EFCC “became hyperactive the moment the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged as an opposition force,” launching what he called coordinated actions against key figures like Malami and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, while ignoring alleged corruption involving allies of the ruling party.
He recalled instances where former governors with pending corruption cases were reportedly rewarded with ministerial and ambassadorial appointments by President Tinubu, yet the EFCC “looked away without objection.”
Atiku further alleged that Malami would have been spared if he had defected to the APC, even “if he had looted the entire CBN vault.”
“Nigerians are watching in disbelief as an agency created to fight corruption willingly turns itself into a lapdog of the ruling APC, used to hound credible opposition while shielding political loyalists,” he added.
Atiku also accused the EFCC of using intimidation to compel politicians to join the ruling party, claiming that corruption cases often “disappear” once individuals align with the APC.
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One of Nigeria’s leading civil society organisations, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, marked its 15th anniversary on Wednesday in Lagos, celebrating its contributions to civic engagement, government accountability, and youth empowerment across the country.
The event, themed ‘Footprints and Frontlines,’ featured the launch of the second edition of the organisation’s flagship book on active citizenship, ‘Footprints 2.0’, whose foreword was written by the late Christopher Kolade, who was a boardroom icon, diplomat, and broadcaster.
Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, delivered pre-recorded remarks praising EiE for its courage, determination, and commitment to justice, fairness, and equity.
He urged the organisation to continue its work, noting that civic engagement transcends generations and that building a fair Nigeria is “bigger than all of us.”
Muhammad Sanusi, the Emir of Kano, spotlighted the role of civil society in holding governments accountable.
He stressed that the nation belongs to its people, not only political leaders, and called for unity and a shared vision for Nigeria’s future.
Representing the entertainment sector, Nigerian hip-hop artist Jude Abaga, also known as M.I., recounted his personal journey in civic involvement.
He spoke about his efforts to encourage young people to register to vote and participate in governance, and emphasised EiE’s role in connecting the creative sector with civic advocacy, empowering thousands of young Nigerians to actively shape democratic processes.
Fola Adeola, co-founder of GTCO and long-time supporter of EiE, commended the organisation for sustaining citizen advocacy over the past 15 years.
He urged volunteers, partners, and staff to build on their achievements by fostering vision, unity, and civic responsibility among Nigerians.
In her pre-recorded address played during the event, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, commended EiE’s 15 years of active citizenship, highlighting its role in mobilising citizens to register, vote, and hold elected officials accountable.
Cross-section of participants
She cited tangible results, including repaired school roads, reopened health centres, and improved access to electricity in underserved communities.
Speakers collectively stressed the importance of resilience, innovation, and technology in strengthening civic education and participation. They also called on Nigerians to overcome divisions of ethnicity, religion, and geography to create a more inclusive society.
EiE’s legacy in civic engagement
Founded in 2010, EiE Nigeria has led campaigns such as Register, Select, Vote, Protect, aimed at promoting electoral integrity.
The organisation has also leveraged social media, town halls, and voter education programmes to amplify citizens’ voices and enhance government accountability.
Launch of Footprints 2.0
During the anniversary event, EiE launched Footprints 2.0, expanding the book from 10 to 15 chapters.
Yemi Adamolekun, EiE’s executive director, said the new edition reflects the evolution of civic engagement in Nigeria and adds chapters on local governance and the National Social Action Scheme (NSAS).
In her welcome address, Mrs Adamolekun explained EiE’s journey over 15 years, noting that the organisation has educated Nigerians on the power of their voice and how to use it effectively.
She said the book’s ‘Footprints’ section traces EiE’s civic initiatives, from protests and policy advocacy to voter campaigns and youth mobilisation, while ‘Frontlines’ captures ongoing nation-building in classrooms, courtrooms, markets, studios, and digital spaces.
Mrs Adamolekun said the celebration coincided with Human Rights Day, commemorating the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
She also welcomed back Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, whose keynote at the 2010 Future Awards helped inspire EiE’s founding.
The launch honoured contributors including Tunde Bakare and Aisha Yusuf and recognised new contributors such as Attahiru Jega, Seun Akinyemi, Dapo Awobeku, Ngozi Iwere, Rinu Douala, Serah Ibrahim, Obianuju Illonya, Tunji Lardaner, Adan Ahmad, Solomon Emiola, Imoleayo Michael, and Cheta Nwanze.
The event also paid a special tribute to the late Christopher Kolade for his contributions to civic engagement.
Reflections on civic engagement
On the sidelines, M.I. encouraged young Nigerians to remain engaged in shaping the country’s future.
He described EiE as a bridge for his advocacy work with organisations such as Task, the UN, UNDP, Osiwa, and the Gates Foundation, and warned that disengagement from civic duties worsens national challenges.
Political economist Pat Utomi said Nigeria’s political class has fallen short of citizens’ expectations, leaving the country distant from youth aspirations.
He recalled the formation of the Concerned Professionals in 1993 and the 1995 Integrity Movement, highlighting citizen-led accountability, and urged each generation to define and pursue its mission to sustain civic activism.
The event concluded by recognising Mr Kolawole’s legacy and calling on the next generation of Nigerians to continue engaging actively in governance and national development.
Since 2010, EiE has mobilised citizens through campaigns like Register, Select, Vote, Protect, using civic education and technology to strengthen accountability. Its work forms part of a broader wave of Nigerian civic movements, empowering young people to actively participate in governance and influence national reforms.
NIGERIA NEWS
African Energy Policy Alliance Applauds NUPRC’s Transparent Release of Frontier Exploration Funds
*Hails Komolafe’s Leadership in Strengthening Regulatory Credibility
The African Energy Policy Alliance (AEPA) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its transparent handling and timely release of the Frontier Exploration Fund (FEF) to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, describing the move as “a model of regulatory–industry synergy for the rest of the continent”.
In an electronic statement issued on Thursday, Dr. Randy Amuche, Executive Director of AEPA, said the Commission’s clarification, confirming the approval and release of over $185 million and N14.9 billion to the NNPCL, reinforces the reputation of the NUPRC under the leadership of Gbenga Komolafe as a regulator deeply committed to accountability, professionalism and transparent resource governance.
AEPA noted that the Commission’s prompt dismissal of claims that it withheld the fund demonstrates a maturing regulatory culture grounded in evidence-based processes.
“The NUPRC, led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has once again demonstrated exceptional regulatory discipline. By explaining that the Frontier Exploration Fund is domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and not with the Commission, and that disbursement follows rigorous evaluation of NNPCL’s work programmes, the NUPRC has set a continental benchmark for transparency,” the statement reads.
Dr Amuche praised the Commission’s decision to contract PwC to independently evaluate NNPC’s claims before approving payments, saying it reflects a commitment to financial integrity and best-practice oversight.
“From the initial release of N14.9 billion and $45 million, to the final tranche of $140 million approved on November 27, the NUPRC demonstrated procedural discipline that boosts investor confidence. Such diligence is precisely what Africa needs as countries seek to unlock frontier basins from Uganda to Namibia,” he said.
AEPA also applauded the seamless coordination between the NUPRC and the NNPC, describing the relationship as a model of how regulators and national oil companies should collaborate to drive national and continental energy security.
“What we are witnessing between the NUPRC and NNPC is a productive, functional relationship rooted in mutual respect for institutional mandates. The regulator demands evidence; the national oil company meets the requirements; and both work together toward expanding exploration in frontier basins,” Dr Amuche observed.
He urged other African nations reforming their petroleum governance structures to study Nigeria’s approach, noting that credible, transparent regulatory practices remain central to improving global investor perception of Africa’s energy markets.
“For Africa to compete and grow, we need institutions that are predictable, professional and transparent. The NUPRC’s handling of the Frontier Exploration Fund is a strong demonstration of how regulatory integrity strengthens the entire energy ecosystem,” he said.
AEPA also encouraged stakeholders to rely on verified information and avoid “unsubstantiated claims” that undermine trust in public institutions.
The continental organisation reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen exploration funding, deepen frontier basin development, and expand domestic reserves in line with global energy transition realities.
“Nigeria is setting the pace. Properly supervised frontier exploration, as currently driven by the NUPRC under Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, is essential not just for national growth but for Africa’s collective energy future,” he added.
NIGERIA NEWS
After Reaching 300 Level, Nigerian Lady Switches From Anatomy To Nursing, Spends 7 Years in School
- A Nigerian lady who gained admission to study anatomy at the university switched to nursing which has always been her heart desire
- According to the lady, she wanted to study nursing, but there was no resources at the time she gained admission so she started with anatomy
- However, when she got to 300 level, her parents supported her to make the switch to nursing, and now she has graduated after seven years
A Nigerian lady has finally graduated from the university after spending seven years there.
According to the lady who shared her inspirational story on TikTok, she gained admission to study anatomy but she later made a switch into nursing.
Romanus Victory Ihuoma said she spent seven years in the university. Photo credit: TikTok/@vickypresh263.
Source: TikTok
In her post, the lady, Romanus Victory Ihuoma said it has always been her dream to study nursing, but could not pursue it because it was expensive.
However, when she got to 300 level in the department of anatomy, her parents advised her to switch to nursing.
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She said:
“It started in 2019 when I got admitted into the Human Anatomy department. I studied up to 300 level—just one session left to graduate—and my parents advised me to switch to Nursing. Nursing had always been my passion, but the resources weren’t available at the time. Still, we pushed through, I took the change of course form, and began the journey again in the Nursing department.”
When she switched to nursing, Victory said the course felt strange and touch, both mentally and financialy, but she refused to give up.
She noted:
“It felt strange. The courses were confusing compared to Anatomy, but I kept pushing. The road became tough… and I must say, Nursing is financially demanding. I saw hell. And the worst part is that no one cares whether you can pay or not—you must pay your bills on time. I cried. I prayed. I begged God for strength. For years, my only prayer point was to have food to eat. And God came through for me.”
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After spending seven years in school, she has now graduated as a proud registered nurse.
She said:
“People asked me if I wasn’t done with school yet, or if I was repeating levels. Many times, I answered with shame. I watched two sets graduate before it was finally my turn—even people I entered school before. But I did my part, and God crowned my efforts. On the 4th of December 2025, I signed out of the university. A journey that took me 7 long years to complete.”
Ihuoma poses in a photo with her parents. Photo credit: TikTok/@vickypresh263.
Source: TikTok
Graduate becomes a filling station attendant
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man who is a university graduate has gone viral after he posted photos showing what he does for a living.
According to the man’s post, he has completed his education and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
However, he indicated that he now works at a filling station as a pump attendant, a development that sparked reactions.
Source: Legit.ng
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has explained why those arrested for engaging in vote-buying during the recent governorship election in Anambra State have not been charged to court.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on elections, organised by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room on Thursday in Abuja, Chairman of the Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, said whereas INEC is statutorily empowered to prosecute electoral offenders, however, security agencies that carried out the arrests have not submitted their investigation reports to the Commission.
Amupitan stated that the electoral body have been collaborating with the relevant agencies to secure the reports.
“I am happy to know that you are aware that some people were arrested, and people are saying, what have you done?
“We are reaching to the police. We are reaching to EFCC. We are reaching to all the other agencies. We will need reports on the investigations conducted in respect of those people that were arrested.
“Because the power of INEC is to prosecute, not to arrest. We don’t have that capacity for now.
“We are liaising with the law engineering agencies to ensure that those that were arrested will have their day in court,” he said.
According to him, to secure democracy, technological integrity must be matched by political accountability.
The INEC boss decried that poor telecommunication network remained the Commission’s biggest obstacle in its effort to achieve real-time upload of election results from the 176, 000 polling units in the country, some of which are located in remote areas.
NIGERIA NEWS
Bandits, terrorists in trouble as Nigerian Army graduates well-trained soldiers from battle course
The 8 Division of the Nigerian Army has graduated 60 soldiers from its fourth quarter basic battle course.
The division said the graduation would bolster operational capacity under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North West Operation Fansan Yamma.
The training lasted nine weeks and was designed to instil “warrior ethos” and improve the combat effectiveness of troops.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and commander Sector 2 JTF, Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the division’s training school.
Ajose said he was pleased with the improvements in infrastructure and training, adding that the gains were visible in field reports.
He urged the graduating soldiers to apply their skills and serve as mentors to their colleagues.
He said, “Share your knowledge especially in weapon and live arms drills and let your discipline be an example to others.”
David Ezebuche, acting division training officer, said the programme was designed not only to teach tactics but to cultivate a mindset built on courage, discipline and team spirit.
The ceremony featured a demonstration of battlefield skills before formation commanders and staff officers.
Outstanding participants received awards during the event.
Lance Corporal Abubakar Rabiu was named best graduating student, WHILE Sapper Popoola Ayomide was adjudged second in the order of merit. Private Edore Ogbenefejiro placed third.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and group photographs.