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Nigerian Soldiers Released from Burkina Faso Arrive in Ghana [PHOTOS]

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Nigerian Soldiers Released from Burkina Faso Arrive in Ghana [PHOTOS]


Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, says the Nigerian Air Force personnel previously detained in Burkina Faso have now arrived safely at an Air Force base in Accra, Ghana.

Tuggar announced their arrival in a post on X on Friday evening.

“I can confirm that the pilots and crew of NAF C-130 (913) have safely arrived at the Air Force Base in Accra. The successful outcome reflects Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, regional cooperation, and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in resolving sensitive matters through dialogue,” he wrote.

The Burkina Faso military authorities detained the soldiers after their aircraft made a forced landing in the country.

They were released on Wednesday, 17 December, after President Tinubu dispatched a delegation led by Tuggar to meet with Ibrahim Traoré, leader of the Burkinabé junta.

In a statement, Tuggar’s spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said both sides amicably resolved the matter involving the Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew.

The personnel had been held for nearly two weeks after the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) described the landing as an “unfriendly act” said to be in defiance of international law.

However, the Air Force explained that the crew detected a technical issue that required a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, the closest available airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

Talks between Nigerian and Burkinabé officials were held in Ouagadougou on Wednesday.

Abdulkadir said Tuggar conveyed a message of solidarity from President Tinubu to Traoré, as both sides explored ways to deepen bilateral relations and strengthen regional cooperation.

He added that discussions focused on improving political, security and economic collaboration, with particular attention to joint responses to security threats and collective action through existing regional frameworks.



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I’ve no further political ambition after my tenure as governor – Otti

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I’ve no further political ambition after my tenure as governor – Otti


Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has restated “his long-standing position” that he will retire from active politics after he is done with the governorship.

Mr Otti insisted that he has no presidential, vice presidential or senatorial ambition, according to a statement issued by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor’s special adviser on media and publicity, on Friday, 19 December.

Mr Ekeoma stated that the governor gave the explanation on 19 December at Government House Umuahia, while reacting to a viral video, in which someone was berating him over his recent visit to the jailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, alleging that he is nursing presidential or vice presidential ambition after the end of his tenure.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, in November, sentenced Mr Kanu to life imprisonment for terrorism.

Mr Otti, while acknowledging that divergence of opinion is part of democracy, said everyone is free to hold an opinion and that such opinion may not be right.

“In the first place, that is the beauty of democracy. So people should hold their opinion, and we respect people’s opinion. And that you hold a different opinion doesn’t mean you are right.

“One of the things he talked about was my ambition after being governor.

“And I had said it before, and I want to say it again, that by the time I’m done with governorship, I will retire.

“So I don’t have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also don’t have senatorial ambition when I finish with the governorship.

“I came on a mission, and when I deliver that mission, I will give way for younger people. So he was talking of Igbo presidency. I don’t even understand what that means.

“I think if his thesis is based on that assumption, the assumption has collapsed, because he won’t see me on the ballot,” Mr Otti stated.

According to him, it is important for a public official to know when to quit.

“When you have done what you have been asked to do, you must take the exit door and give way for other people. We’ve seen people here, after being governor, who went back to become local government chairmen. That’s not what we are here for. We are not cut out for those kind of things.”

Why I visited Nnamdi Kanu – Otti

Governor Otti used the opportunity to explain his reasons for visiting Mr Kanu in Sokoto Correctional Centre.

“The second point is about Nnamdi Kanu. And I don’t want to put this matter in the public space so that it doesn’t derail the discussions that we are having.

“The truth about it is that exactly 24 months ago, I opened up discussions at the highest level on Nnamdi Kanu.

“And going to see him is the right thing to do, because he comes from my state. In fact, he comes from this Local Government (Umuahia North, the Abia State capital).

“And there are always different ways to solve a problem. I don’t believe that the way to solve a problem is to ignore it. And I had written extensively, even about Nnamdi Kanu and Operation Pyton Dance, I think in 2017 or 2018. And I condemned it.

“And I still condemn it. I cannot vouch for some of the recordings that the gentleman put in his video, where he said Nnamdi Kanu called for mutiny, I don’t know about that! But then, I do know that two wrongs do not make a right,” the governor explained.

Governor Otti said he knows that when an issue has been approached from the legal point of view, there is also another window, called “the administrative point of view”.

“I’m not a lawyer. And if the judiciary says the man has been sentenced to life imprisonment. That is certainly not the end. Because that’s the court of first instance, there’s still an opportunity to appeal, and then an opportunity to even go to the Supreme Court.

“But what we are trying to do is to intervene. I’m not a supporter of the disintegration of Nigeria.

“So my position is that it would be insensitive of me to sit here and say one of our own, who has been convicted, should die when we have an opportunity to discuss, negotiate, and sue for peace. Even people convicted to death can be pardoned. That’s what I’m working on. It has nothing to do with non-existent presidential ambition. Everything is not politics.”



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Nigerian Lady Tells Mother She’s Working Out, Posts Her Unexpected Epic Response: “Very Hurtful”

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Nigerian Lady Tells Mother She’s Working Out, Posts Her Unexpected Epic Response: “Very Hurtful”


  • A Nigerian lady got an unexpected response after informing her mother that she was working out, and that was why she missed her call
  • She posted a screenshot of her mother’s epic WhatsApp message on social media, and it caught people’s attention
  • Many shared their thoughts on what the woman said to her daughter, as some shared their diverse views on the viral chats

A Nigerian lady posted the message she received from her mum after informing her that she was working out.

Her mother’s response after informing her about the work out sparked mixed reactions.

Nigerian Lady Tells Mother She’s Working Out, Posts Her Unexpected Epic Response: “Very Hurtful”Nigerian Lady Tells Mother She’s Working Out, Posts Her Unexpected Epic Response: “Very Hurtful”
Source: TikTok

In a viral TikTok post by @smorpepper, the lady posted screenshots of the chat as her mother questioned her.

The lady’s mother told her that she was deceiving herself, while telling her what she should do.

See the screenshot of the chat below:

Nigerian Lady Tells Mother She’s Working Out, Posts Her Unexpected Epic Response: “Very Hurtful”Nigerian Lady Tells Mother She’s Working Out, Posts Her Unexpected Epic Response: “Very Hurtful”
Source: TikTok

She captioned the post:

“Sometimes you just gotta read your mum’s texts and go on with your day. Living with my family, you need to have tough skin!”

Read also

Businesswoman displays unusual message she received from man who brought his girlfriend to her store

See the post below:

Reactions trail lady’s Whatsapp chat with mum

Boost Brigade

As an only child, even my own mother cannot speak to me like this.

𝒞𝒽𝒾_𝒞𝒽𝒾🧚‍♀️💋ྀིྀི

”bloated agama lizard” a very hurtful word

High Bee Editor

I don’t know but I feel like this is toxic

DESEMI MATTHEW

I know say no be your mother write this thing. Relate to someone who can’t create a WhatsApp group but knows how to edit chat? You knew you lied, so it went fast you had to rush out to explain yourself.”

Honey

not my mum telling me my shape looks like that of a guy laughing, and I told her to keep laughing at what she made when God gave her the opportunity to (Na Yoruba I take talk am, e sweet pass this), saying maybe if she had chosen better I wud v lookd better, she kept quiet

Source: Legit.ng



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Passengers scream, pray as Air Peace London Abuja flight experience turbulence

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Passengers scream, pray as Air Peace London Abuja flight experience turbulence


Passengers on Air Peace flight from London to Abuja experienced a terrifying ordeal when the plane hit severe turbulence mid-air.

This was captured in a video posted by a  TikTok user, @scotchy, a passenger on the flight.

Details Of The Ordeal

In the now-viral viral TikTok video, the passengers erupts into prayers shouting”Jesus!” and “The blood of Jesus!” as the plane shook violently.

According to @scotchy, the passengers on board concluded  they were going to die during the plane’s turbulence.

The caption reads,”‎”The moment we all thought we were gonna die on Air Peace flight from London to Abuja” She captioned the video.

‎Speaking further about the incident, the lady stated, “I thought I was going to meet my maker, Christ, and that I was never going to experience my first Dirty Decemberrrrr”. 

Meanwhile, the incident has gone viral, with TikTok users sharing their thoughts and opinions

Reacting to this,  a TikTok user, @Annchilondon, “Asking for a friend, is this everybody’s first time flying 👀 ? Turbulence isn’t the fault of the airline looool”.

@Cakesbytrish, it’s just turbulence until u face the situation”.

Another user, @helena156 added,Turbulence and Air Peace are besties 😂 especially on the Abuja route 🫩 My experience was horrible,it felt like the wind almost blew the plane off 😂”.

While, @herchampagne wrote,With the intensity of these prayers, the plane was never going down 😂”.

Watch video below…..

@__scotchy

I thought I was going to meet my maker Christ and that I was never going to experience my first Detty Decemberrrrr #fyp #airpeace #dettydecember #turbulence #naijatiktok

♬ original sound – Scotchy

 





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Zamfara PDP blasts APC over Gov. Lawal’s trip to Dansadau

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Zamfara PDP blasts APC over Gov. Lawal’s trip to Dansadau


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State has rejected what it described as false and misleading claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding Governor Dauda Lawal’s recent visit to the Dansadau Emirate in Maru Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by Halliru Andi, PDP Publicity Secretary, on Friday, the PDP said it read the APC’s press release with utter dismay.

They accused the ruling party of spreading fiction about the governor’s trip.

According to the PDP, Governor Lawal received a warm and historic welcome from the Emir of Dansadau, the Emirate Council, and local residents.

The party said people from communities along the 107-kilometre Gusau-Dansadau road came out in large numbers to welcome the governor, making the journey take several hours.

“The conferment of the traditional title ‘Garkuwan Dansadau’ on Governor Dauda Lawal clearly shows the respect, love and acceptance he enjoys among the people,” the PDP stated.

The party also said Dansadau had been ignored for almost 10 years under APC-led governments.

PDP noted that no sitting governor visited the area during that period.

It said Governor Lawal ended this neglect by visiting the community to listen to residents’ concerns and to flag off the Gusau-Magami-Dansadau road project.

The PDP explained that the road project would help improve security, boost economic activities, and make it easier for farmers to transport their produce.

The party added that most residents of the area are farmers who had suffered neglect in the past.

On the reported incident involving the lawmaker representing Maru South, Hon. Kabiru Mikailu Dangulbi, the PDP condemned the development and blamed desperate APC element  for allegedly trying to embarrass the lawmaker and damage the governor’s image.

“The matter has been reported to the appropriate security agencies, and investigations are ongoing,” the statement said.

It added that the APC should allow the law to take its course.

 



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Only a Fool Will Contest Tinubu, Elections Aren’t Won Online — Shettima

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Only a Fool Will Contest Tinubu, Elections Aren’t Won Online — Shettima


Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly in control ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that only a reckless politician would attempt to challenge the incumbent president.

Speaking on Friday, Shettima dismissed any serious opposition to Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that electoral victories are built through structure, alliances, and credibility, not online popularity or social media noise.

The Vice President made the remarks during the 15th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Party leaders, governors, and top officials were present at the gathering.

According to Shettima, political ambition without strategy and grassroots support is a dead end.

He stressed that Nigeria’s elections are decided by real engagement with voters and strong political coalitions, not trending hashtags.

“Only a fool hell-bent on a suicidal path or an outright imposter can dare to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. But we are in a democracy, and people are free to contest elections,” he said on Friday.

The Vice President further cautioned against relying on nostalgia or public sentiment shaped online, noting that such approaches have repeatedly failed in Nigeria’s political history.

“But elections are not won by noise or nostalgia. Elections are not conducted, to follow the words of Uba Sani, elections are not conducted on Facebook, on Twitter. They are won by coalitions, credibility, and conviction.”

Shettima praised President Tinubu’s political experience, describing it as a major advantage as preparations for 2027 gradually take shape.

He said the APC is guided by lessons from past elections and remains focused on consolidating its achievements in government.

“With the experience of our president is our shield, and the lessons of the past are our guide. I believe that 2027 is not a gamble; it is a responsibility, and by the grace of God, we shall have a renewable blessing,” Shettima told the gathering.



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He was abducted on our wedding day

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He was abducted on our wedding day


Uchechigeme Anyanwụụtụtụ Okwu-Kanu, wife of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has recounted the circumstances surrounding his abduction in 2009.

In a post shared on social media on Thursday, Okwu-Kanu said both she and her husband had endured profound personal hardship in what she described as a struggle for the “restoration and transformation” of their people.

She said Kanu was abducted in broad daylight on December 19, 2009, the same day their traditional marriage was scheduled to take place.

Okwu-Kanu alleged that Kanu was seized in front of their family square by men loyal to Ralph Uwazuruike, leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

She accused Uwazuruike of betraying Kanu and said the incident remains a painful memory whenever she reflects on that day.

Okwu-Kanu alleged that Kanu was assaulted and publicly humiliated after his abduction.

She said Kanu’s only offence was opposing what she described as the exploitation of the Igbo cause through the printing of “so-called Biafran passports”, vehicle number plates and proposals to issue currency for profit.

She said: “I will stop here for today. But understand this: there are battles in which the only weapon you possess is time. And in a little while, Nnamdi Kanu will be free.”



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BUA Foods, BUA Cement lead heavyweights as ASI gains 1.13% 

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BUA Foods, BUA Cement lead heavyweights as ASI gains 1.13% 


The Nigerian All-Share Index ended the trading session on 19 December 2025 on a strong note, climbing 1,694.4 points to close at 152,057.4.

This marked a 1.13% gain from the previous close of 150,363.1, as heavyweight stocks such as BUA Foods and BUA Cement rallied.

Market activity also picked up, with trading volume rising to 1.5 billion shares, up from 839 million shares exchanged in the prior session.

Winners, losers and market activity

Total equity capitalization stood at N96.9 trillion across 25,667 deals, just inches away from the N97 trillion threshold.

On the gainers’ table, UNIONDICON led the rally with a 10% increase, while AUSTINLAZ followed closely, also rising by 10.00%.

Conversely, SOVRENINS and ROYALEX topped the losers’ chart, shedding 7.42% and 6.84% respectively.

In terms of activity, NEIMETH and STERLINGNG dominated the session, emerging as the most traded stocks by volume and leading the activity chart for the day.

Market summary  

  • Current ASI: 152,057.4
  • Previous ASI: 150,363.1
  • Day Change: +1.13%
  • Year-to-Date Performance: +47.73%
  • Volume Traded: 1.5 billion shares
  • Market Cap: N96.9 trillion.

Top 5 gainers   

  • UNIONDICON: Up 10.00% to N6.60
  • AUSTINLAZ: Up 10.00% to N2.42
  • TANTALIZER: Up 9.80% to N2.69
  • ALEX: Up 9.78% to N12.35
  • CHAMPION: Up 9.71% to N16.95

Top 5 losers  

  • SOVRENINS: Down 7.42% to N3.87
  • ROYALEX: Down 6.84% to N1.77
  • OMATEK: Down 6.84% to N1.09
  • EUNISELL: Down 5.88% to N80.00
  • ETERNA: Down 5.63% to N28.50

Trading volume 

  • NEIMETH led trading activity with 500.9 million shares, followed by STERLINGNG (278.7 million) and CHAMPION (145.2 million).
  • FCMB (75.6 million) and TANTALIZER (58.9 million) completed the top five.

Trading value 

  • By value, NEIMETH dominated with N3.0 billion worth of trades.
  • CHAMPION followed with N2.5 billion.
  • FIRSTHOLDCO, STERLINGNG, and GTCO recorded N2.3 billion, N1.9 billion, and N1.9 billion, respectively.

SWOOTs and FUGAZ performance 

Among SWOOTs, BUA FOODS gained 6.02%, while BUA CEMENT rose 4.94%.

On the flip side, Dangote Cement shed 0.8%.

For the FUGAZ stocks: 

  • FIRSTHOLDCO gained 5.39%, while GTCO closed flat.
  • UBA lost 3.85%, ACCESSCORP fell 2.15%, and ZENITH BANK declined by 0.31%.

Market outlook 

With the All-Share Index now above the 152,000-point mark, bullish sentiment may strengthen more, potentially pushing the market toward the 155,000 level on improved participation.



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Tinubu threatens executive order, FAAC deductions, if govs withhold LG funds

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Tinubu threatens executive order, FAAC deductions, if govs withhold LG funds


…We’re undeterred by opposition’s criticism – Yilwatda 

…Govs endorse President Tinubu for 2027

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned state governors that he may be compelled to issue an Executive Order to enforce direct allocation of funds to local governments if states fail to comply with a recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the third tier of government.

The warning was issued on Friday during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment delivered on July 11, 2024, ruled in favour of the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for the 774 local government councils in the country.

In a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel, the apex court declared it unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils. 

The court ordered that allocations from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments, in line with Section 162 (5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a provision widely flouted by many states through the operation of joint accounts.

Expressing concern over reports that some governors were still refusing to release statutory allocations to local councils, President Tinubu warned party chieftains that continued non-compliance could force him to take decisive action through the Federation Account Allocation Committee.

“The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly,’” the President said. “If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it.”

“I’m just being very respectful and understanding with my governors. Otherwise, if you don’t start to implement it, fact after fact, you will see.”

The President stressed the need for governors to comply, warning that further violations could warrant a federal intervention. 

“The ultimate goal is our Supreme Court. We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he insisted.

The meeting which started at 6:05 pm had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly leadership, alongside top party leaders and stakeholders. 

Declaring the meeting open, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda dismissed criticisms from opposition parties as “shallow.”

He noted that the party is gaining ground nationwide despite the attacks by the opposition.

Yilwatda maintained that despite efforts by the opposition to throw spanner on the wheel of the party’s progress, it has continued grow, adding that the success story of the party has continued to make the opposition uncomfortable. 

“Our objectives remain that we want to strengthen and galvanize the party structures at all level, and we are enhancing our structural and strategic preparedness ahead of the next election cycle.

“We are not deterred by the few shallow criticism of the opposition. They have become increasingly uncomfortable with our deliberate and principled effort to build a truly pan Nigerian political party rooted in progressive politics,” he said.

The chairman noted that the party’s mobilisation drive is aimed at ensuring victory for the party in future elections.

On the recent defections by governors and their structures, Yilwatda said the development has further made the party “more formidable and better prepared,” making everybody want to be a member of APC.

The chairman also praised the party’s dominance in the National Assembly, crediting its leadership for “effective party evangelism” that lured opposition lawmakers. “We have a commanding majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives,” he noted.

He also said the electronic membership registration system is designed to boost transparency, accuracy, and internal democracy. Saying, “This will enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making,” he said.

Earlier, the governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya moved a compsite motion for the commencement and completion of the e-membership registration being embarked upon; for the conduct of congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels of the party; and election of national officers and other associated members. 

The motion was seconded by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and unanimously adopted by members in attendance.

Eulogising the President Tinubu for the modest achievements made despite the global economic downturn, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PDF) and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzordinma moved a motion for the endorsement of the President for the second term.

The motion was seconded by the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Una Sani, and received unanimous adoption of NEC members.

Goodwill messages by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate .

In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ry. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

All the state governors elected under the platform of the party. 

The six newly defected governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were also in attendance. 

They are Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.

Members of the National Working Committee (NWC), party State Chairmen, former National Chairmen, Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomole, former governor of Ogun state, Akogun Segun Osoba and hosts of others.



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North-Central APC Forum welcomes Muftwang, hails defection as strategic boost for party

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North-Central APC Forum welcomes Muftwang, hails defection as strategic boost for party



By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has commended Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, for joining the ruling party, describing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a strategic and historic development for the region.

Muftwang’s defection was officially confirmed on Thursday night by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

In a statement issued on Friday, Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, welcomed the Plateau governor into the party and assured him of full support.

He disclosed that the Forum had consistently canvassed Muftwang’s defection since April 2024, citing his performance in office and the need for political stability in Plateau State.

According to the statement, the governor has also directed his aides to defect with him to the APC.

The Forum described Muftwang’s decision as both “historic” and “strategic,” noting that the North-Central has now become the only geopolitical zone in the country with all six states governed by APC governors.

“We are pleased to announce the successful outcome of our sustained advocacy for Governor Caleb Muftwang to join the APC,” the Forum said.

“Our call was motivated by our commitment to the development of Plateau State and the entire North-Central, as well as our belief in the governor’s capacity to deliver even more on a stable political platform such as the APC.”

The Forum added that the defection would enhance collaboration with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and improve the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Plateau State.

“With this development, the North-Central has achieved a major political milestone, as all six states in the zone are now governed by the APC,” the statement added.

“This aligns with our long-held vision of consolidating the party’s strength in the region.”

The Forum also reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising six million votes from the North-Central in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, noting that the target was upgraded from an initial four million votes set in April 2025.

“Our pledge to deliver six million votes for Mr President remains on course, especially now that all states in the zone are under the APC,” it said.

The group also commended President Tinubu for providing what it described as a leadership environment that facilitated Muftwang’s defection.

The Forum recalled that it formally invited the governor to join the APC in April 2024, shortly after the Supreme Court affirmed his election.

It also disclosed that consultations were held with party leaders and stakeholders in Plateau State as part of efforts to persuade the governor to defect.

Although rumours of Muftwang’s defection emerged in late 2024, the governor at the time denied the reports and reaffirmed his PDP membership. However, the Forum said it sustained engagement with him, particularly in view of internal challenges within the PDP.

The defection had earlier attracted opposition from some APC leaders in Plateau State, who, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos in October 2025, adopted a motion opposing Muftwang’s admission into the party.

Reacting to the opposition, the Forum said resistance to the governor’s defection was driven by personal interests rather than the collective interest of the party, stressing that the decision to admit Muftwang rests with APC officials at his ward level in Mangu Local Government Area.

The Forum urged party members and stakeholders to close ranks and work together to strengthen the APC and advance development across Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.

If you want this sharpened further for a specific newspaper house style or cut down for space, I’ve got you.

The post North-Central APC Forum welcomes Muftwang, hails defection as strategic boost for party appeared first on Vanguard News.



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Police reaffirm commitment to rule of law, tackle NBA – Tribune Online

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Police reaffirm commitment to rule of law, tackle NBA – Tribune Online


The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) high command on Friday reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, public safety and judicial authority in handling the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy, due to commence from January 2 next year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.

The statement noted that the Force had observed recent public commentary attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, concerning the implementation of the policy, and insisted that the policy was being implemented in the interest of members of the public.

According to it, “In the overriding interest of public order, institutional clarity and national security, the Force finds it necessary to place the facts on record, correct material misrepresentations and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, public safety and judicial authority.

“At all times, the Nigeria Police Force remains a law-abiding institution operating strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, extant statutes and valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction.

“Under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Force has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court. Respect for the judiciary and adherence to due process remain non-negotiable pillars of police governance and command responsibility.

“The regulation of vehicle-tinted glass is not a discretionary or arbitrary policy as erroneously portrayed by the President of the NBA. It is firmly grounded in law. The Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation (LFN) 2004, is an Act of the National Assembly and not a military decree, as misrepresented by the NBA President.

“Section 2(3)(a) of the Act vests the Inspector-General of Police with statutory authority to issue permits, while Section 1(2) of the same Act requires applicants to establish legitimate security- or health-related justification.

“This framework exists primarily to address public safety concerns, particularly the use of obscured vehicles in the commission of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism and other violent crimes.”

The statement pointed out that it was therefore incorrect and misleading to portray the policy as a revenue-driven initiative.

According to it, “The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating organisation. Nonetheless, the Force is empowered by law to receive funds that accrue incidentally in the discharge of its statutory functions.

“Section 26(1)(f) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), expressly recognises this authority. This legal position is neither novel nor controversial.”

The statement further explained that, in balancing accessibility for legitimate applicants with the imperatives of national security and operational sustainability, the Federal Government approved the Police Specialised Services Automation Project, which received the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in July 2022.

According to it, “The project is implemented under a lawful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement authorised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Act, with the Nigeria Police Force partnering a licensed information technology infrastructure provider.

“Under this automated framework, applications for tinted glass permits are processed online, subjected to security vetting and approved strictly in accordance with the law.

“Administrative fees paid by applicants are applied solely towards sustaining the technology infrastructure, data security systems and workflow architecture supporting the process. They do not constitute revenue generation by the Nigeria Police Force.”

The statement clarified that the allegation by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, that payments were made into a “private account” operated by Parkway Projects was entirely false and betrayed either a lack of understanding of payment processing systems or outright mischief calculated to mislead members of the public.

“Parkway Projects Limited is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed payment services provider, engaged by the Federal Government as a payment collection channel for the Vehicle Tint Permit Project, in the same manner as platforms such as Remita.

“The reference number cited as a bank account number of Parkway Projects by the NBA President is not a bank account but a unique transaction identifier used for reconciliation and settlement into designated government channels.”

It further explained that while some motorists may desire tinted glass for privacy, aesthetics or protection from sunlight, the indiscriminate use of heavily tinted vehicles had demonstrably undermined traffic surveillance, facilitated criminal concealment and impeded intelligence-led policing.

“The enhanced Tint Permit System was therefore introduced to standardise applications nationwide, improve vetting and integrate security innovations previously absent from the process, while eliminating bottlenecks and tendencies for extortion associated with the former process. This is part of a series of innovations recently introduced to modernise policing in Nigeria under the current Inspector-General of Police.”

The statement recalled that enforcement of the policy was earlier voluntarily suspended following engagements with NBA leadership and in response to public appeals.

According to it, “This decision was an exercise of institutional restraint and goodwill, not the result of any judicial restraint. The Force remains fully cognisant of pending matters before the courts, including Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, in which judgment has been reserved, and will not take any step capable of pre-empting or undermining judicial outcomes.

“The recent communication regarding enforcement was intended to provide advance public notice on operational planning, subject always to compliance with subsisting court directives and further guidance from the courts.

“Where any aspect of such communication is capable of misinterpretation, the Nigeria Police Force is open to constructive engagement to ensure clarity, harmony and strict adherence to the law.

“That notwithstanding, the Nigeria Police Force will not expend valuable time responding to ignorant and mischievous claims, especially by persons who have chosen to use malicious attacks on the Police as a launch pad to limelight and fame under the guise of being defenders of the masses.”

The statement added that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reassured Nigerians of the Force’s unyielding commitment to professionalism, transparency, accountability and the protection of fundamental rights, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to safeguard lives and property and will continue to act lawfully, decisively and independently in the best interest of the Nigerian people.



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