The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has restrained the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other defendants from giving effect to a resolution allegedly aimed at removing or sidelining the Cross River State Chairman of the party, Hon. Alphonsus Ogar Eba.

Justice J. E. Obanor issued the interim orders on December 18, 2025 while sitting at Court 26, Jabi, Abuja, in a suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/5197/2025, filed by Eba against the APC, Mr. Ekum Ekok Ojogu, Mr. Patrick Asikpo Okon and INEC.

The claimant approached the court through a motion ex parte,filed by his counsel, Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN)  seeking protection from what he described as an unlawful resolution dated November 26, 2025, which allegedly sought to prevent him from carrying out his duties as the APC chairman in Cross River State.

In granting the application, the court restrained the defendants, either by themselves, their agents or privies, from giving effect to or continuing to give effect to the said resolution, particularly any action that would prevent Eba from performing his responsibilities as the state chairman of the APC pending the determination of the substantive motion before the court.

Justice Obanor also barred the defendants from stopping the claimant from attending the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, as well as any other party meetings he is entitled to attend during the subsistence of his tenure or any extension granted by the party’s NEC.

In a further order, the court restrained the second defendant, Mr. Ekum Ekok Ojogu, or any other person, from parading himself as the Acting State Chairman of the APC in Cross River State while the tenure of the claimant subsists.

The court also directed all the defendants to refrain from initiating, deliberating upon or taking any action or decision capable of adversely affecting Eba’s position or rights as the duly recognised chairman of the party in the state pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Justice Obanor, after reviewing the processes filed before the court, held that there was sufficient reason to grant the interim reliefs sought by the claimant.

“Having gone through all the processes before the court and being satisfied as to the need to grant the interim orders sought, Motion No. M/16959/2025 is hereby granted, and the orders are made as prayed, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice,” the judge ruled.

The judge subsequently adjourned to January 22, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he possesses strong grassroots structures and committed supporters to ensure full backing for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Fubara stated that mobilisation efforts for Tinubu are already about 70 percent complete across the state.

Speaking during the commissioning of the 9.7km Ogbakiri Road project, the governor assured the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of his robust grassroots network and loyal supporters.

He said his confidence is further strengthened by the warm reception and support witnessed during project commissioning activities across various parts of the state.

Fubara reminded citizens of their political responsibility following Wednesday’s engagements with the APC national leadership and urged them to rally behind President Tinubu.

Describing the Ogbakiri Road as a landmark project of his administration, he noted that it was initiated during one of the most challenging periods of his tenure.

The governor recalled that the first tranche of payment for the project was made even when a court ruling blocked the Federal Government from releasing statutory allocations to Rivers State.

He emphasised that the key achievement was the completion of the road as promised, despite the hurdles faced.

Fubara also pledged to examine the cost of extending internal roads in the area and linking the newly commissioned road to Degema via a proposed bridge.

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President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the House of Representatives, seeking approval to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The letter, read on the floor of the House on Thursday by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, stated that the President wishes to address a joint session of the National Assembly at 12 noon on Friday, 19 December, 2025.

“I write to crave the kind indulgence of the House of Representatives to grant me the slot of 12:00 noon on Friday, December 19, 2025, to formally present the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly,” the letter read.

According to the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper before the House, the proposed 2026 budget stands at ₦54.46 trillion, with ₦34.33 trillion expected from retained revenue.

New borrowings are projected at ₦17.88 trillion, covering both domestic and external loans, while debt servicing is estimated at ₦15.52 trillion.

Spending on pensions, gratuities, and retirees’ benefits is projected at ₦1.376 trillion, with the fiscal deficit estimated at ₦20.13 trillion.

Capital expenditure is set at ₦20.13 trillion, excluding transfers and statutory allocations of ₦3.15 trillion, while the Sinking Fund is projected at ₦388.54 billion.

Total recurrent (non-debt) expenditure is estimated at ₦15.265 trillion, with special intervention funds for recurrent and capital spending pegged at ₦200 billion and ₦14 billion, respectively.

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the promotion of graduate primary school teachers in the Tutor Cadre from Grade Level 16 (GL 16) to Grade Level 17 (GL 17).

The disclosure was made in a statement released by the Ogun State Government via its official X account on Thursday.

The government said the move is intended to end career stagnation. It also aims to boost motivation and improve service delivery in primary schools.

What Ogun State Government is saying 

According to the statement signed by the State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the promotion follows a review of existing career progression frameworks.

The review showed that teachers at the peak of the Tutor Cadre had stayed too long at GL 16. Moving them to GL 17 recognizes their experience and qualifications, the statement noted.

“Ogun State Governor, Prince @DapoAbiodunCON has approved the career advancement of Graduate Primary School Teachers (Tutor Cadre) from GL. 16 to GL.17. 

“This was contained in a statement signed by the State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya.  

“The Head of Service explained that the  decision aims to address stagnation at the peak of the cadre and enhance motivation, ensuring improved service delivery in the primary education system,” the statement read in part.

The government also said the promotion is expected to improve learning outcomes. The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has been directed to implement the policy immediately.

Salary upgrades and education reforms 

Governor Abiodun also approved a consolidated salary structure for the Head-Teacher General. The statement noted that this aligns with the revised career framework.

The measures are intended to ensure structured career progression for both teachers and school leaders.

The statement added that the steps form part of broader efforts to strengthen human capital in the education sector.

Teachers and headteachers are expected to continue delivering effective services across all primary schools.

What you should know  

The recent career advancement and salary upgrades for teachers in Ogun State align with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector.

These efforts include the launch of a digital portal by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) to ease teacher registration, certification, and professional development.

The reforms also focus on professionalisation, digitalisation, accountability, equity, and global alignment.

Together, state and federal initiatives aim to improve teacher motivation, career progression, and overall service delivery in schools nationwide.

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The House of Representatives has approved sweeping changes to the Electoral Act amendment, introducing tougher punishments to deter vote buying and selling and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.

The Electoral Act amendment was adopted during clause-by-clause consideration of the House Committee on Electoral Matters’ report at the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

Tougher penalties for vote trading

Under the Electoral Act amendment, individuals involved in vote buying or selling now face a minimum of two years’ imprisonment, a N5 million fine, or both.

The Electoral Act amendment also imposes a 10-year ban from contesting elections on offenders convicted of vote trading or voter card transactions.

These sanctions replace the previous penalties, which were limited to a maximum fine of N500,000 or two years’ imprisonment.

Mandatory electronic transmission of results

Lawmakers further strengthened the Electoral Act amendment by mandating INEC to transmit polling unit results electronically to the IREV portal in real time.

The new provision requires electronic transmission to occur simultaneously with physical collation, reducing opportunities for result manipulation.

Sanctions for electoral officials

The Electoral Act amendment introduces stricter punishment for presiding officers who deliberately breach procedures during counting, announcement, or result transmission.

A new section prescribes a minimum fine of N500,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for willful violations by presiding officers.

Early funding and fraud prevention

To improve preparation, the Electoral Act amendment mandates the release of election funds to INEC at least one year before a general election.

Penalties for multiple voter registration were also increased, with offenders facing a minimum fine of N100,000, one year’s imprisonment, or both.

Changes for parties and voters

The Electoral Act amendment extends the deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists to INEC from 180 to 210 days before elections.

Lawmakers also approved the use of electronically generated voter identification, including downloadable voter cards with unique QR codes, as approved by INEC.

Consideration of the remaining clauses in the Electoral Act amendment bill is still ongoing in the House.

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The Federal Government has reopened all 47 Federal Unity Colleges that were shut in the wake of the rise in insecurity in some parts of the country,

The Federal Government also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives of students and ensuring uninterrupted education across the country.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Thursday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Folasade Boriowo.

Boriowo said that academic activities had fully resumed after the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools.

According to her, students have returned safely to their schools, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations.

“The Federal Ministry of Education assures parents, guardians and the general public that the safety, welfare and well-being of students remain a top priority.

“The government continues to work closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy within school environments nationwide.

“The Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment,” she said.

Boriowo added that the current administration placed strong emphasis on human capital development and recognised education as a critical pillar for national growth and development.

She said the government also remained determined to prevent any disruption to the academic calendar.

“The safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore the government’s resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges.

“The ministry appreciates the cooperation, patience and support of parents, school administrators and students, and reiterates its commitment to sustaining a secure, stable and uninterrupted education system across the nation,” she said. (NAN)

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An undergraduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been named the overall winner of the United States’ video talent contest, “Made in America, Loved in Nigeria.”

The competition, organised by the US Mission in Nigeria, aims to promote American products while strengthening trade, industry, and investment ties between the two countries. Out of 57 entries, five finalists were selected for the grand prize awards.

Raheedat Fagbenle from Lagos State emerged as the grand prize winner. She was followed by Tito Abumere, also from Lagos, in second place, and Janefrancis Ugwu from Abuja in third. 

Fourth place went to Cyril Usheshe from Cross River State, while Timileyin Durotoye from Osun State claimed fifth position.

Speaking at the awards ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja, Lee McManis, Country Public Diplomacy Counsellor at the US Embassy, described the contest as a celebration of the enduring partnership between the United States and Nigeria, built on commerce, mutual respect, and a commitment to progress. 

He emphasised that the event goes beyond showcasing American products, highlighting its role in boosting trade, investment, and business relations between both nations.

“Last year, the US Department of Commerce and Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment signed a five-year Commercial and Investment Partnership agreement focusing on agriculture, the digital economy, and infrastructure. Nigeria is one of only five African countries with such an agreement, underscoring the importance we place on our economic relationship,” McManis said.

He added that over 100 major American companies operate in Nigeria across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and technology, alongside numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. 

“These companies are driving innovation, creating opportunities, and transforming lives on both sides of the Atlantic,” he noted.

McManis further commended the winners for demonstrating how American products and technologies empower Nigerians’ creativity and support businesses and communities across the country. 

“Your stories not only highlight the quality and impact of American-made goods, but also the strong connections linking our nations in trade, creativity, and the pursuit of opportunity. Commerce between the US and Nigeria is about more than goods—it is about people, entrepreneurship, students, families, and communities working together for a brighter future,” he said.

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By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and its crew, previously detained in Burkina Faso, have resumed their journey to Portugal.

The 11 Nigerian personnel were on a scheduled mission to Portugal for aircraft maintenance when the plane made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso on December 8, 2025, due to a technical issue.

Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed on Saturday that the aircraft continued its mission following diplomatic engagements between Nigerian and Burkina Faso authorities.

The release was facilitated by interventions from a high-powered delegation sent by President Bola Tinubu. The team was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and included the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; Chief of Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal A.Y. Abdullahi; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Olawale Awe; and the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Wahab Akande.

The post NAF C-130 Aircraft resumes flight to Portugal after release in Burkina Faso appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Imo State police command has commenced the orderly room trial of seven police officers for their alleged involvement in extortion, unprofessional conduct, and high-handedness.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon by the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, there are three inspectors, one sergeant, and three constables.

He disclosed that they had been arrested following some complaints, a viral video, and subsequent investigations.

The statement read: “The Imo State Police has commenced the orderly room trial for personnel involved in misconduct, including extortion, unprofessionalism, and high-handedness.”

The identities of those involved and how they were apprehended, according to Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), are:
“The trial is following the identification of the personnel by the complainants, leading to their arrest and investigation. Orderly Room Trial proceedings have therefore been initiated against the following seven (7) police personnel: Inspector Eyo Udo – Anti-Vice Unit; Inspector Peter Nweke – Rapid Response Squad (RRS); Inspector Ita Asuquo – Search and Flush; Sergeant Chukwuka Ekwueme – Anti-Vice Unit; Police Constable Onuwa Samuel – Anti-Vice Unit; Police Constable Patchris David – Anti-Vice Unit; Police Constable Amos Sunny – Anti-Vice Unit.”

He said that some of them were captured in the viral video.
“Notably, some of the personnel were captured in a viral video depicting an alleged extortion incident involving operatives attached to a Joint Task Force (JTF) operation, including the other sister agencies at Seven-and-a-Half Junction, Obowo, whose personnel have been handed over to their various agencies for disciplinary action.”

On the reaction of the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, regarding the issue, Okoye said,”The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, assures members of the public that the disciplinary process will be thorough, transparent, and in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force regulations, and the outcome of the trial will be made public.
“The CP reiterates the Command’s resolve to rid the Force of unprofessional elements and urges the public to continue to report acts of misconduct by police personnel via the Command Complaints Response Unit (CRU) – 08148024755, 08068923224, 08134783532.”

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Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has presented a N583.3 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the Adamawa State House of Assembly, outlining plans to drive sustainable growth and economic renewal in the state.

The budget, tagged “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Renewal,” was approved by the State Executive Council before its presentation to lawmakers.

Breaking down the estimates, Governor Fintiri said N209.6 billion, representing 35.93 per cent, has been earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while N373.6 billion, accounting for 64.07 per cent, is allocated to capital projects.

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The governor noted that the budget was developed through extensive consultations with ministries, departments and agencies, lawmakers, and other key stakeholders.

“The budget was designed in line with my administration’s Eight-Point Agenda and the guiding principle of leaving no one behind and nothing untouched,” he said.

Fintiri explained that the 2026 budget reflects current economic realities and realistic revenue projections, adding that expenditure priorities were carefully aligned with the state’s fiscal capacity.

According to him, the focus will be on completing ongoing projects, initiating new strategic infrastructure, investing heavily in education and healthcare, tackling poverty and hunger, and expanding support for agriculture, commerce and small and medium-scale enterprises.

The governor highlighted major achievements of his administration, particularly in youth and women empowerment.

He disclosed that over 60,000 beneficiaries have been supported through the Fintiri Business Wallet Scheme, with an additional 100,000 persons expected to receive ₦50,000 each from December 2025.

He said the initiative is projected to lift hundreds of thousands of residents out of poverty.

On workers’ welfare, Fintiri reiterated the state’s commitment, noting that Adamawa was the first state to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage.

He added that ongoing civil service reforms, digitisation of government processes and the gradual rollout of e-government platforms were enhancing efficiency and accountability.

In the area of infrastructure and social services, the governor said 21 model and mega schools were nearing completion and would commence academic activities in the first quarter of 2026.

“Our cottage hospitals are operational, general hospitals are being upgraded, while water schemes, markets, electricity projects and road construction are progressing across the state,” he added.

Reviewing the 2025 budget performance, Fintiri recalled that the approved budget stood at ₦621.29 billion following a supplementary budget.

As of September 30, 2025, the state had realised ₦235.34 billion, representing 37.9 per cent of projected revenue, while ₦189.51 billion had been expended on personnel costs, overheads and capital projects.

The governor said his administration would continue to sustain fiscal discipline through compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards and the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms framework.

He also announced the introduction of e-budgeting to replace bulky hard-copy budget documents, a move aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency. Ministries, departments and agencies were urged to strengthen their ICT capacity to align with the new system.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works and Energy Services, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development received the largest allocations in the proposed 2026 budget.

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