Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, describing his death as a great loss to Delta State, the Anioma nation and Nigeria at large.

Governor Oborevwori in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, said Senator Nwaoboshi was a proud son of Delta State and a courageous defender of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building would remain indelible.

The governor recalled the late senator’s impactful service at the National Assembly, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, noting that his voice and advocacy for the development of the Niger Delta and Delta State stood him out as a committed and passionate leader.

He said Senator Nwaoboshi’s political journey and rise to prominence were anchored on a rich political pedigree, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy, which also saw him serve meritoriously as a two-time Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.

According to the governor, the late lawmaker devoted his life to the service of his people, the party and the nation, leaving behind a legacy of courage, loyalty and dedication to public service.

Governor Oborevwori, said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Anioma nation, members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress and all those whose lives he touched.

“I pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.

SOURCE PAGE

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) recorded a surge in passenger traffic on Tuesday following the commencement of a federal government approved 50 percent reduction in train fares for the Yuletide season.

Major stations along the Lagos to Ibadan and Abuja to Kaduna standard gauge corridors, as well as key narrow gauge routes, witnessed heavy turnout, with several departures operating beyond capacity as travellers took advantage of the discounted fares to journey for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The festive rail service, implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, is scheduled to run from Tuesday December 23 to Sunday January 4, 2026, offering passengers nationwide a half fare option during the peak travel period.

Officials attributed the strong response to growing public reliance on rail transport and the relief the discount provided to families and group travellers in the face of rising seasonal transport costs.

Passengers, who spoke with The Nation described the initiative as timely and economically relieving, noting that it eased the burden of festive travel and encouraged safer long distance movement.

Speaking on the commencement of the exercise, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of safe, efficient, and customer focused services throughout the festive season.

He said both standard gauge and narrow gauge services were fully operational, supported by enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements at stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger volumes.

SOURCE PAGE

By Juliet Umeh

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to suspend Twitter, now known as X, in Nigeria, insisting the move was necessitated by the platform’s “reckless” conduct and the threat it posed to national security.

Mohammed said the suspension was not intended to silence dissenting voices but to curb the spread of fake news, hate speech and disinformation capable of undermining national unity and stability.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television ahead of the launch of his book, Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, which chronicles major communication decisions taken during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, including the controversial 2021 Twitter ban.

According to him, the government’s engagement with social media platforms over misinformation predated the suspension, noting that concerns about the dangers of an unregulated digital space were raised as far back as 2017.

“I started the campaign against fake news and disinformation in 2017. I knew the dangerous dimension it was taking. An unregulated social media space was becoming a threat to society,” Mohammed said.

He explained that despite repeated warnings, Twitter had become a preferred platform for individuals and groups seeking to inflame tensions and threaten national cohesion.

“When we suspended Twitter, it was because it was becoming reckless. We warned them several times. Social media had reached a stage where it was becoming dangerous to everybody,” he said.

Mohammed dismissed claims that the ban was a reaction to the deletion of a tweet by former President Muhammadu Buhari or an attempt to suppress opposition voices, stressing that the decision followed prolonged engagements with the platform.

“The President asked me only one question: do I think a country should do so? And I said yes, based on our discussions and the risks we were seeing,” he said.

He added that Twitter was not registered to operate in Nigeria at the time of the suspension, noting that the subsequent agreement signed with the Federal Government validated the decision.

“Twitter was not registered in Nigeria to do business. The agreement they later signed with us, which is contained in this book, is evidence that we did the right thing,” Mohammed stated.

The former minister argued that unlike traditional media, which has editorial gatekeepers, social media platforms allow unchecked content capable of inciting violence and deepening divisions.

“You must not push freedom to the extent that you set one part of the country against the other. We saw how social media was used to direct attacks on institutions,” he said, referencing court proceedings during the trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mohammed noted that Twitter’s operations were restored only after it agreed to meet government conditions, including local registration and compliance with Nigerian laws.

According to him, the book offers an insider’s account of how narratives were shaped during the Buhari administration and why certain difficult communication decisions were taken.

“This is about documenting history from an insider’s viewpoint — how decisions were made, how misinformation overshadowed facts, and how media was used to shape national narratives,” he said.

The post Lai Mohammed defends Twitter ban, says platform became ‘reckless’ appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

Wike Urged To Intervene As Abuja Estate Alleges Illegal Conversion Of Parks Into Residential Plots

Residents of Blue Fountain Estate, also known as EFAB Metropolis in Karsana district, Abuja, have appealed directly to Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to urgently intervene in a escalating crisis involving alleged illegal land conversions by the estate’s developer.

In a press statement, the Blue Fountain Estate Homeowners and Residents Association (BFEHORA) accused Blue Fountain Properties Ltd (BFPL), an affiliate of EFAB Properties Limited, of distorting the estate’s master plan by converting lands designated for essential public infrastructure into residential plots for private profit.

“We would like to alert the FCT Department of Development Control that BFPL has engaged in the illegal conversion of designated public infrastructure. Areas explicitly marketed and approved for recreational parks, hospitals, fire stations, and schools have been carved up and sold as residential plots. This distortion has left a community of approximately 2,000 housing units without essential and emergency services,” the association stated.

The residents warned that the absence of these facilities exposes the community to significant risks, including inadequate emergency response and limited recreational spaces in an estate spanning over 200 hectares along the Murtala Mohammed Expressway.

BFEHORA further alleged broader violations, including financial mismanagement of facility fees collected since 2016 and sponsorship of an unauthorized group to undermine the legitimate residents’ association. They demanded a forensic audit, restoration of proper governance, and transfer of facility management to homeowners.

The association has also called on the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Nigeria Police, and Department of State Services (DSS) to support the intervention.

Efforts to reach BFPL for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

The plea comes amid Minister Wike’s ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with Abuja’s Master Plan, including actions against unauthorized developments elsewhere in the FCT.

Residents said they hoped his administration will address what they described as a blatant breach threatening community safety and livability in one of Abuja’s emerging residential hubs.

SOURCE PAGE

Motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are facing severe delays following two separate accidents on major bridges connecting Lagos with the southwestern hinterland.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued warnings urging drivers to exercise caution.

The first incident occurred on the Otedola Bridge, inward Berger, involving five vehicles. LASTMA reported that emergency responders were on site to secure the scene and manage traffic flow. The accident caused significant congestion, with traffic backing up to the Ojota Bridge.

A separate collision took place on Kara Bridge, inward Opic, involving eight vehicles. Tow trucks have been deployed to remove the disabled vehicles, while LASTMA officers directed traffic to alleviate gridlock. “Tow trucks are on the ground to move the vehicles off the road, and our officers are on the scene managing the traffic situation. Please drive with caution always,” the agency stated on social media.

Kara Bridge, which spans the Ogun River at the Lagos-Ogun boundary, has been the site of multiple accidents in recent years. In October, no fewer than six people, including a police inspector, died following a multi-vehicle collision on the Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident involved several trucks, including a fuel tanker.

Eyewitnesses revealed that one of the trucks veered off the road, crashed into the brick barricade of the bridge, and was subsequently severed, causing the head of the vehicle to plunge into the Ogun River.

LASTMA confirmed eight casualties in total but did not provide further details. A video shared by the agency showed the damaged trucks and lifeless bodies at the scene. LASTMA noted that a towing van sent to separate the vehicles was also damaged during the operation.

The incident caused a major traffic gridlock on the expressway, forcing some motorists to drive against traffic. Commercial drivers reportedly exploited the congestion to increase fares, charging between ₦2,000 and ₦2,500 for the Berger-Oshodi route instead of the usual ₦1,000 to ₦1,200.

The Kara Bridge collision comes less than 24 hours after another truck accident on the Otedola Bridge, underscoring ongoing safety challenges on Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.

Federal Road Safety Corps marshals were on hand to manage the situation and assist in the recovery of vehicles.

SOURCE PAGE

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 21, 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, assuring stakeholders of a free, fair and credible process.

The bye-elections will be held for Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies, which have remained without representation in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

INEC announced the date following a formal notification by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, informing the Commission of the vacancies and requesting the conduct of bye-elections in line with constitutional and electoral provisions.

According to INEC, the Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former lawmaker, while the Khana II seat was declared vacant after the death of its representative.

In a statement, the Commission said it remained committed to upholding democratic principles by ensuring that eligible voters in the affected constituencies are given the opportunity to elect new representatives to speak on their behalf in the state legislature.

INEC noted that timely representation is essential for effective lawmaking, oversight and constituency advocacy, particularly in a politically and economically strategic state such as Rivers.

The Commission disclosed that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the nomination process, will hold between January 23 and January 27, 2026.

INEC urged political parties to conduct transparent and credible primaries and warned them to adhere strictly to their party constitutions and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The Commission further announced that public campaigns by political parties and candidates will commence on February 8 and end on February 19, 2026.

It advised political actors to base their campaigns on issues and conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the law, while cautioning against hate speech, violence and the misuse of state resources.

INEC added that security agencies would work closely with electoral officials to ensure law and order throughout the campaign period and on election day.

Registered voters in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies are expected to go to the polls on February 21, 2026, to elect their new representatives to the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah has inaugurated two new commissioners, saying the move was part of his government’s renewed momentum in delivering good and impactful governance.

The new Commissioners are Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze and Dr. Charles Egumgbe. While Barr. Nnajieze, who was the Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the Governor before his appointment replaces Dr. Kingsley Udeh, current Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Egumgbe was designated as the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development carved out from the now split Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Deacon Okey Ogbodo will continue to head the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.

Speaking during the brief inauguration ceremony in the Executive Chambers, Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, Mbah declared that there would be no holiday for both the new and old appointees, stressing that there was so much work to be done in order to meet the people’s expectations now raised so high by the administration’s massive achievements in less than three years.

As part of the efforts to strengthen the system, Mbah said all contract payments would henceforth be cleared by the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to checkmate observed sharp practices by some unscrupulous contractors.

“All we do in the state and achieve in the state is determined by the effectiveness of the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice is like an engine room in the true sense of it. This is because we cannot proceed without getting your clearance. If we want to move on contract, investment, project, we must get clearance from the Ministry of Justice,” he stated.

He urged the new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to brace up for the huge task ahead, especially given the sensitiveness and enormity of responsibilities vested in the Ministry.

“Imagine that we have to spend N1.3 trillion next year on capital projects. You can then begin to imagine the work load you and your team are exposed to. Basically, you are the quality assurance and the quality control of the government. We have started a policy where there will not be any payment to any contractor without clearance from the Attorney General’s office.

“So, you have to hit the ground running; no Christmas break for you or other appointees. We have to sustain the momentum,” he asserted.

On another note, Governor Mbah described the traditional institutions and rural areas as critical centres of administration and development, hence the need to create a ministry specifically dedicated to Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.

He directed the new Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Dr. Egumgbe, to work to strengthen the traditional institutions.

“We believe that our traditional instituitions are a crtitical part of what we do because the Igwes (traditional rulers) are the eyes and the ears of government in their various communties. This is why people that occupy those thrones are to be people of impeccable character and must be elected by the people.

“Therefore, it is my hope that you strengthen sanity and order in that subsector,” the governor charged him.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the new commissioners, Barr. Nnajieze said that they understood the weight of expectations on them, assuring that they would add impetus to his humongous vision and unprecedented transformation of Enugu State.

“We thank you very much for the privilege to be at the echelon of this vision. We will drive the vision with you and we will be with you every step of the way,” he assured.

Related

SOURCE PAGE

The Delta State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected members of a cult group and recovered several firearms and other dangerous items.

The suspects were arrested during an initiation ceremony at the Ekraka Community forest in Kokori on Saturday.

The operation carried out late-night during a tactical operation in Ethiope East local government area of the state followed credible intelligence that members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, were planning an initiation.

Police, operatives of the Quick Response Squad, led by its commander, SP Collins Achem, were swiftly deployed to the area to prevent the gathering.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement.

“At about 11:00 p.m., the patrol team encountered the suspects, who reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun duel upon sighting them.

“The operatives responded decisively, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, while several others escaped deeper into the forest.

“A search of the forest resulted in the recovery of two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun, one single-barrel cut-to-size gun and a battle axe.

“Other items recovered included aprons bearing “NBM” insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, mobile phones, charms, and suspected hard drugs.

“In addition, seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by members of the cult group were recovered and towed to the QRS Base in Warri.

“The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their individual roles, dismantle the cult network, and apprehend other fleeing members,” the statement read.

The Delta State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible information to enhance security across the state.

He told parents, schools, community and faith leaders, as well as youths, to see the fight against cultism as a collective responsibility.

SOURCE PAGE

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has cautioned football lovers with heart complications or high blood pressure against watching the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Sani gave the warning ahead of the AFCON opening match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and their Tanzanian counterparts.

Posting on X, the former lawmaker wrote: “My prayers for Super Eagles victory over Tanzania.

“My advice to those of you with Heart complications or High Blood Pressure; avoid watching AFCON.

“Every year we lose people as a result of watching such tough matches.”

SOURCE PAGE

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting and redeployment of dozens of Assistant Commissioners of Police and two Superintendents of Police across the country.

The Nigeria Police Force announced the nationwide postings on Tuesday, with effect from January 1, 2026.

Postings cover commands, tactical and specialised units

A police wireless message issued by the Force Security Department at the Force Secretariat, Abuja, indicated that the redeployment affects officers across states, area commands, divisions and specialised formations.

According to the directive, several ACPs and SUPOLs have been reassigned to new commands and units, including the Mobile Police Force, Interpol, Anti-Human Trafficking, Maritime, Disaster Management, Intelligence, and Finance and Accounts departments.

Other officers were posted to operations, research and development, the X-Squad, Airport and Railway Commands, Education and Training departments, as well as specialised tactical units such as Bomb Disposal, K-9, and Mounted Police.

The wireless message also affected officers serving in Area Commands and other key operational formations nationwide.

The reshuffle places new Commanders (C.O.s) at the helm of several strategic Mobile Police Squadrons.

Some notable postings include: ACP Kabiru Adeshina Akinroye – C.O. MOPOL 17 Akure; ACP Emmanuel Olusola Oyewole – C.O. MOPOL 33 Ado Ekiti; ACP Ogungbe Mi Igbekele -C.O. MOPOL 12 Minna; ACP Stephen Olusola Olatise – C.O. MOPOL 4 Ibadan; ACP Nnaji Agha Chima – C.O. MOPOL 26 Uyo; ACP Atanda Olubunmi Otitoola – C.O. MOPOL 59 Bajoga; ACP Alkali Lamido – C.O. MOPOL 58 Lafia; ACP Awoyale Olufemi Olayinka – C.O. MOPOL 16 Abeokuta and ACP Obideyi Olusoji Abraham – C.O. MOPOL 13 Makurdi.

Specialized Units & Force Headquarters (FHQ)

Several officers were moved into specialized administrative and investigative roles. For instance, ACP Haruna Shehu Shagari – AC Anti-Human Trafficking (FCID Annex Kaduna); ACP Ahahnana Gabriel Onuh – AC Interpol Abuja; ACP Ogaarashi Chima – AC Ops Marine (FHQ Abuja); ACP Ejiofor Grace Obiageli – AC Disaster Management Unit (FHQ Abuja); ACP Umar Bashir Mohammed -AC Research & Development (FHQ Abuja); ACP Obed Masoyi Ali – AC DFA FPM (FHQ Abuja); ACP Salhu Aliyu – AC FedOps (FHQ Abuja); and ACP Henry Yanet Kaboshio – Camp Commandant (FHQ Abuja)

Key Area Command Postings

The directive also fills several critical Area Commander (A/CDR) vacancies across the federation, namely ACP Ishaku Kwambla Hamman – A/CDR Dikwa (Borno); ACP Ibrahim Usman Abdulkarim – A/CDR Uromi (Edo); ACP Ajileye Ismail Bello – A/CDR Metro (Kwara); ACP Tope Olaleye – A/CDR Moniya (Oyo); ACP Tope Adewumi Oparinde – A/CDR Osogbo (Osun); ACP Shehu Mohammed Aliyu – A/CDR Askira Uba (Borno); ACP Chuks Hyginus Nwoke – A/CDR Akwete (Abia); ACP Kememalafakumo Osuluku – A/CDR Area ‘C’ Airport (South-South PH); ACP Sunday Oluwadare – A/CDR Ogbere (Ogun); ACP Godwin Onyebuchi Mba – A/CDR Ikere-Ekiti (Ekiti); ACP Ibrahim Tasiu – A/CDR Tinnapa (Cross River); ACP Isiyaku Adamu – A/CDR Ohaukwu (Ebonyi); ACP Mohammed Babamaudo Usman -A/CDR Kaltungo (Gombe); ACP Tanko Yakubu Mahmud – A/CDR Dala (Kano); ACP Sunday Ayoola Ikuelogbon – A/CDR Iwaro Oka (Ondo); ACP Haliru Ibrahim – A/CDR Dusima (Katsina); ACP Musa Akawu – A/CDR Rano (Kano); ACP Mohammed T. Ogunrin – A/CDR Agodi (Oyo); ACP Rasaq Omotayo Adegbite – A/CDR Area ‘L’ Ilashe and ACP Komolafe Omoniyi – A/CDR Akure (Ondo).

Others include ACP Yusuf Ahmed Ubale – A/CDR Bajoga (Gombe); ACP Tukur Bawa Mohammed -A/CDR Koton-Karfe (Kogi); ACP Okezie Obediah: A/CDR Onueke (Ebonyi); and ACP Usman Ibrahim – A/CDR Mungonu (Borno).

State Commands & Zonal Postings (AC Ops/CID/DFA)

ACP Rakiya Gimba: AC X-Squad (FCT); ACP Shinkafi Shuaibu Abubakar: AC ZCID Zone 14 (Katsina); ACP Leticia Onyechere Onwuchekwa: AC DFA (Enugu); ACP Douye Kpokpo: AC SID (Ebonyi); ACP Bello Alhaji Oro: AC X-Squad (Bauchi); ACP Abdulaziz Isa Umar: AC DOPS Zone 14 (Katsina); ACP Wada Abdulkadir: AC SID (Kebbi); ACP James Mahaman Paul: AC Finance and Accounts (PAB FHQ); ACP Mohammed Aminu: AC Courses (POLAC); ACP Uba Shehu: AC ‘A’ (Taraba); ACP Daiyyabu Mohammed Ahmed: AC Ops (Gombe); ACP Emilia Mammi: AC SCID (Bayelsa); ACP Mansur A. Idris: AC Ops (Plateau); ACP Aminu Suleiman: AC DFA Zone 1 (Kano); ACP Davidson Okechukwu Ndubueze: AC DFA (Niger); ACP Emmanuel O. Agbo: AC DFA Zone 9 (Umuahia); ACP Hamisu Nasiru Isa: AC DFA (Sokoto); ACP Joy I. Akpan: Asst. Dir Professional Studies (PSC Jos); ACP Bukar Saleh Mohammed: Asst. Dir Field Training (PSC Jos); ACP Silas Egbeh Onele: AC X-Squad (FCID Annex Enugu); ACP Yusuf Umar: AC DPK (FHQ Abuja); ACP Ilyas Ibrahim: AC ATW (PCM); ACP Adejokun Ademola: AC ‘A’ (DTD FHQ Abuja); ACP Matthew Sunday: AC Printing Press (Lagos); ACP Danjuma Alex Ocheje: AC X-Squad Zone 13 (Ukpo); ACP Emmanuel C. Udekwe: AC DFA Railway (Lagos); ACP Hajara Yusuf Ahmed: AC SID (FCT Abuja); ACP Alhassan Abdulazeez: Deputy Commandant (Ende Hills); ACP Abdulahi Usman: AC DFA (Kwara); ACP Hamza Nadada: AC ‘A’ (FCT Abuja); ACP Michael Segun Adejumo: AC Railway (Ibadan Western District) and ACP Yahaya Maru Mainasara: AC X-Squad (Taraba).

Others are ACP Solomon Olukayode Ayeni: Deputy Commandant (PTS Ikeja); ACP Victor Bwede Bala: AC DFA (PSC); ACP Mohammed Gulma Abdulrazak: AC X-Squad Zone 14 (Katsina); ACP Sani Gyadi-Gyadi Mohammed: AC DFA (PCI); ACP Ahmed Abdullahi: AC X-Squad (Zamfara); ACP Abdullahi Baba: AC X-Squad Zone 12 (Bauchi); ACP Bishop Chawar: AC BTW (PCM); SUPOL Victor Emeka Chiekwu: AC DFA (PCI); SUPOL Mohammed Nguru Hadi: AC DFA (Kogi).

SOURCE PAGE

The 2026 proposed budget has passed second reading at the Senate.

The senators voted to pass the budget after debating its general principles during plenary on Tuesday.

The appropriation bill seeks to authorise the issuance of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation of N58.4 trillion (₦58,472,628,944,759) for the 2026 fiscal year.

President Bola Tinubu presented the N58.4 trillion budget to a joint session of the National Assembly last Friday.

The budget is christened ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’. It was read for the first time on the same day.

Based on the parameters and fiscal assumptions, total revenue is projected at ₦34.33 trillion, while total expenditure stands at ₦58.18 trillion, including ₦15.52 trillion for debt servicing.

Recurrent (non-debt) expenditure is estimated at ₦15.25 trillion, with capital expenditure at ₦26.08 trillion. The budget deficit is pegged at ₦23.85 trillion, representing 4.28 per cent of GDP.

In the proposal, defence and security are projected to have ₦5.41 trillion, Infrastructure was pegged at ₦3.56 trillion, education has ₦3.52 trillion and health got ₦2.48 trillion.

The debate

Leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), said the proposal reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to restoring economic stability, correcting distortions, and strengthening public finance.

Mr Bamidele explained that the budget is anchored on four pillars which are; consolidating macroeconomic stability; improving the business and investment environment; promoting job-rich growth and poverty reduction; and strengthening human capital while protecting vulnerable citizens.

He said the budget proposal emphasises purposeful spending, disciplined debt management, and pursue growth that is broad-based and sustainable.

Sectoral priorities

Mr Bamidele said the sectoral composition of the budget addresses Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, particularly insecurity.

“The sectoral priorities of this budget speak directly to Nigeria’s pressing needs. Security receives primacy, rightly so, because without peace and safety, no economy can thrive. The President’s articulation of a restructured national security architecture and a firm stance against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent criminality underscores the seriousness of this commitment,” he said.

The senate leader also highlighted proposed investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and productivity.

“Equally important are the substantial investments in education and healthcare, recognising that no nation can rise above the quality of its people. Support for student financing, healthcare expansion, and partnerships with international donors reinforces the human-capital focus of this budget. Investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and productivity further demonstrate an understanding that growth must be anchored on jobs, food security, and private-sector participation,” he added.

He urged senators to support the bill’s passage for second reading, noting that the proposals are realistic.

Lawmakers’ contributions

Former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, called on the federal government to ensure full implementation of the budget once approved, to avoid the practice of operating multiple budgets within a single fiscal year.

Diket Plang (Plateau Central) said the budget prioritises macroeconomic stability and infrastructure development, adding that effective implementation would boost productivity.

Aminu Abbas (Adamawa Central) described the proposal as the best budget presented so far in Nigeria’s democratic history, urging lawmakers to ensure it delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) commended the administration for the substantial allocation to security and infrastructure and stressed the need for full implementation.

READ ALSO: Reps approve Tinubu’s request to extend 2025 capital budget to March 2026

Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) said the proposal signals an end to the operation of multiple budgets within a fiscal year.

Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) noted that effective implementation would deliver dividends of democracy across the country.

The Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), said that if properly implemented, the budget would place Nigeria on a positive economic trajectory.

Source link

• A Nigerian man has shared a video on social media after visiting the house of popular internet personality GehGeh
• In the video, he debunked the content creator’s earlier claim that his newly built mansion had been burnt down
• The young man captured an early-morning scene showing the house, which was still in standard condition

A Nigerian man has released a video showing the residence of popular internet personality GehGeh.

This debunked an earlier claim by GehGeh on his Instagram page that the property had been destroyed by fire.

Man visits GehGeh’s residence, debunks claims about his house getting burnt.
Photo credit: @Stanley Aaron/Instagram.
Source: Instagram

Man says GehGeh’s house wasn’t burnt

The clip, which circulated on social media, showed the exterior of the building appearing intact and exquisite, contradicting reports that had gained attention earlier.

In a new video reposted on Instagram by a user @Stanley Aaron, an eyewitness captured himself standing outside the compound in the early hours of the day.

Read also

“It was spiritual arrow ”: Femi Adebayo’s brother breaks silence on tragic loss of his son

He filmed the structure from different angles, emphasising that the mansion was still in good condition.

His intention was to counter the viral narrative that the house had been burnt down, a claim that many social media users had accepted without verification.

According to the man, the visit took place in the morning, allowing him perform a clear tour of the building’s state.

Man debunks viral reports about GehGeh’s house getting burnt.
Photo credit: @Stanley Aaron/Instagram.
Source: Instagram

He focused on the walls, roof and surrounding environment, all of which showed no visible signs of fire damage.

The video hinted that the house was still in good condition, with no evidence of smoke stains, structural collapse or other indicators typically associated with a recent fire incident.

He captioned the post:

“Don’t believe everything you see on social media. See house wey them say e burn. See am. Na the house be this. See am. Gehgeh house burn. For the whole of social media, e don burn. But for real life, see the house here. See the house nothing do am. Nothing do the house. Make I zoom am. Na early morning view be this.”

Read also

Lady who went to Chris Okafor’s church amid Doris Ogala’s saga posts rare moment of pastor

The controversy began from an earlier post by GehGeh, who had shared a photo of a burnt building while lamenting the cruelty of people.

That post led to massive sympathy and reactions online, with many assuming the photo was real.

However, the subsequent video of an eyewitness raised doubts about the authenticity of the earlier photo shared by GehGeh.

Reactions as Nigerians speak about GehGeh’s house

Nigerians reacted massively in the comments section.

@I’ll be back said:

“Oga you dey lie I see geh geh house just now no dey lie you dey fine like.”

@Ariduñu01 said:

“Not only poor people dey vex, sometime u reach people dey envy una self trying to bring who is coming up to ur standard down.”

@MOJERE_AANU said:

“Na lie joor. I am just coming from some page now I saw it clearly nothing do hin house ooo. Na AI abeg.”

@World Aje money said:

“Even me self were i never do my own finish self this matter dey do me like my head dey hot.”

Read also

Ned Nwoko Throws Jab Amid Fallout with Regina Daniels, Elicit Reactions: “This Thing Really Pain You”

@kellyfundzlivinglarge said:

“Oga he no burn ooooo, see the front yard is cleared and the burnt picture front yard are still full of stuff and dirt at the front. OMO AI too good ooo.”

@D_STARBOY_01 added:

“2025 no be good luck for some ppl grhh geh house burn down his account was banned cartefe was banned temporarily on twitch peller been won kill in self toklex account was banned may nothing like dis happen to ppl next year in Jesus name.”

See the post below:

Nigerian man rejects GehGeh’s classes

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a young Nigerian man turned down the viral online classes of influencers GehGeh and SaidaBoj.

He jokingly pledged his commitment to Kanayo O. Kanayo if the actor ever starts his own academy.

Source: Legit.ng

SOURCE PAGE

A Nigerian lady, Tracy Mcwary, has shared her unusual journey of marrying a man despite discovering he was having an affair with her best friend, only to divorce him two months later.

Her story, which she posted on Facebook, has sparked heated reactions online.

Marriage Despite Betrayal

Tracy revealed that she found out about her husband’s infidelity with her best friend before the wedding.

Despite knowing this, she went ahead with the marriage. She said her decision was strategic and part of a bigger plan.

Divorce Two Months Later

After only two months of marriage, Tracy divorced her husband.

In her post, she emphasized that she had intentionally stayed in the marriage for a short period to make a point.

Lessons Learned

Sharing her experience on Facebook, Tracy highlighted the lessons she gained from the ordeal.

She advised women to apply emotional intelligence and not let emotions cloud their judgment.

According to her, infidelity does not equate to love, and staying calm and strategic can yield personal victories.

A Point Proved

Tracy explained that her actions were aimed at proving her worth.

She wrote: “”Before I married my Ex-Husband, I found out he was sleeping with my best friend. I still went ahead and married him and dumped him two months later. Women are too emotional and they must apply emotional intelligence. That a man slept with a woman doesn’t mean he loves her, it’s just for the moment. If he loved her, why did he marry me? It was just to ease pressure and nothing more. I proved a point at the end of the day, I am sweeter, better, and marriageable. So at the end of the day, I WON.”

See below;

SOURCE PAGE

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that  it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

SOURCE PAGE

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the alleged changes to Nigeria’s new tax laws as an act of treason, drawing attention to the discrepancies between the bills passed by the National Assembly and the version officially gazetted by the government.

In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku said the illegal and unauthorised changes represent a “brazen act of treason against the Nigerian people,” stressing that it is a direct assault on the nation’s constitutional democracy.

According to him, the alleged “draconian overreach by the executive branch undermines the foundational principle of legislative supremacy in the making of laws.”

He added that the Presidency’s decision reveals “a government more interested in extracting wealth from struggling citizens than empowering them to prosper.”

In the statement, Atiku outlined details that were illegally inserted into the tax bills by the Presidency after it was passed by the lawmakers.

Atiku’s statement read: “The following substantive changes were allegedly illegally inserted into the tax bills after parliamentary approval, in clear violation of Sections 4 and 58 of the 1999 Constitution:

“New Coercive Powers Without Legislative Consent

“Arrest powers granted to tax authorities

Property seizure and garnishment without court orders

“Enforcement sales conducted without judicial oversight

“These provisions transform tax collectors into quasi-law enforcement agencies, stripping Nigerians of due process protections that the National Assembly deliberately included.

“Increased Financial Burdens on Citizens

“Mandatory 20% security deposit before appealing tax assessments

Compound interest on tax debts

“Quarterly reporting requirements with lowered thresholds

“Forced USD computation for petroleum operations

“These changes erect financial barriers that prevent ordinary Nigerians from challenging unjust assessments while increasing compliance costs for businesses already struggling in a difficult economy.

“Removal of Accountability Mechanisms

“Deletion of quarterly and annual reporting obligations to the National Assembly

“Elimination of strategic planning submission requirements

“Removal of ministerial supervisory provisions

“By stripping away oversight mechanisms, the government has insulated itself from accountability while expanding its powers, a hallmark of authoritarian governance.

“A Government Against Its People. This constitutional violation exposes a troubling reality: a government obsessed with imposing ever-increasing tax burdens on impoverished Nigerians rather than creating conditions for prosperity.

“Instead of investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment that would expand the tax base organically, this administration chooses the path of aggressive extraction from an already struggling populace.

“Nigeria’s poverty rate remains alarmingly high, unemployment continues to devastate families, and inflation erodes purchasing power daily.

“Yet rather than supporting citizens to become more productive, thereby generating sustainable tax revenues, the government employs draconian measures to squeeze resources from people who have little left to survive.

“True economic growth comes from empowering citizens, not impoverishing them further through punitive taxation and erosion of legal protections.

“A thriving economy with prosperous citizens naturally generates robust tax revenues. But this requires vision, investment, and patience, qualities evidently lacking in an administration that resorts to constitutional manipulation to achieve short-term fiscal goals.

“I hereby call upon: The Executive to immediately suspend the implementation of the tax law effective January 1, 2026 to give room for a proper investigation.

“The National Assembly to immediately rectify these illegal alterations through proper legislative processes and hold accountable those responsible for this constitutional breach.

“The Judiciary to strike down these unconstitutional provisions and reaffirm the sanctity of the legislative process.

“Civil Society and all Nigerians to reject this assault on democratic principles and demand governance that serves the people rather than exploiting them.

“The Government abandoned this path of extraction and oppression, and instead focused on policies that enable Nigerian citizens and businesses to thrive.

“The EFCC to immediately investigate and prosecute those found culpable in the illegal alteration of our laws to extort and defraud the Nigerian people.

“What the National Assembly did not pass cannot become law. This fundamental principle must be defended, or we risk descending into arbitrary rules where constitutional safeguards mean nothing.”

Politics Nigeria earlier reported that there has been outrage over alleged discrepancies between tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the version gazetted by the Presidency.

SOURCE PAGE