A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to resolve its internal crisis or consider merging with the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Aliyu gave the advice during an interview on a national television programme, stressing that unity and concessions within the PDP were necessary for the survival of the party and the health of Nigeria’s democracy.

“I call on my brothers and sisters in the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress to put their acts together. In my opinion, the PDP should merge with the ADC,” he said.

According to him, if the PDP is truly facing decline, a merger could help revive the opposition and strengthen democratic governance in the country.

He noted that vibrant opposition parties are essential to holding the government accountable.

Aliyu recalled that the APC itself emerged from a merger of several political parties, including the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, and Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.

He maintained that it was not the responsibility of the APC to unite opposition parties, adding that respected political actors within the PDP and ADC must take steps to reposition themselves.

The APC chieftain said the ruling party was not afraid of opposition, stressing that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and not to any individual or political party.

His remarks come amid ongoing leadership crises within the PDP and the recent defection of several key party stalwarts, including governors and National Assembly members, to the APC.

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The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State chapter, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its efforts in arresting and investigating Yakubu Adamu, the state commissioner for Finance, over alleged N4.6 billion money laundering and urged him to resign.

In a press statement signed by the party’s state secretary, Hon. Wada Abdullahi, praised the EFCC for demonstrating courage and commitment in upholding justice and integrity within the public service and financial sector.

The party called on the commissioner to resign immediately, enabling him to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations and court proceedings. According to the PRP, such a step would prevent any disruption to the effective functioning of the Ministry of Finance while the case is being handled.

The party also welcomed the arraignment of the commissioner at the Federal High Court in Abuja, noting, however, that the matter was adjourned to December 30, 2025, by Justice Emeka Nwite.

While urging the EFCC to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, the PRP stressed that justice must be served without bias or favouritism.

“It is imperative that all facts and evidence are carefully examined. No individual, regardless of position, should be above the law,” the party said.

The party further called on the anti-graft agency to expand its investigation to cover the entire period Yakubu Adamu served as Commissioner of Finance, including all financial transactions and decisions made during his tenure.

The PRP also urged the EFCC to closely monitor other Bauchi State government officials and prosecute anyone found culpable.

Describing corruption as a significant obstacle to development, the party emphasised the need for collective efforts to combat the menace.

“We reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in Bauchi State. Authorities must expedite the legal process to strengthen public confidence in our institutions,” the statement added.

The PRP assured that it would continue to monitor the case closely and advocate for justice, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law at all levels of government.

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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security, unity and stability, assuring citizens that the government remains steadfast in upholding religious freedom and peaceful coexistence across the country.

He made the remark in his Christmas message to Nigerians on Wednesday.

Christians all over the world observe Christmas on December 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

What Tinubu is saying  

The President said his pledge to protect lives and property remains firm under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation. That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

Christmas message of peace and hope 

The President urged citizens to reflect beyond the celebrations on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ and His message of peace, hope and salvation.

“As we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and His message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all,” he said.

“Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and His message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.” 

Tinubu extended Christmas greetings to Christians in Nigeria and around the world, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the country.

“On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs,” he said.

Commitment to religious freedom 

The President reiterated his administration’s resolve to protect religious freedom and ensure the safety of Nigerians of all faiths.

“As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence,” Tinubu stated.

He stressed that no Nigerian should suffer discrimination or violence on account of religious belief.

“All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” he said.

Acknowledging Christians’ contributions to nation-building 

Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of Christians to Nigeria’s development, noting that the values of love, compassion and service inspired by the Gospel have helped strengthen communities.

“The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society,” he said.

“We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.” 

According to him, the Christmas season serves as a reminder that faith remains a source of hope amid challenges.

“For those who bring hope and faith in the midst of despair, this season is a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God is with us,” the President added.

Engagement with religious leaders 

The President disclosed that his administration has engaged extensively with leaders of Nigeria’s major faiths to address concerns around insecurity and religious intolerance.

“Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country,” he said, adding that the government would build on the engagements to strengthen collaboration, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.

“These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country,” Tinubu noted.

Road safety advisory for holiday travels 

As Nigerians travel during the festive season, the President urged citizens to exercise patience and discipline on the roads.

“As many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during this holiday period, I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads,” he said.

“I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.” 

Building a greater Nigeria 

Tinubu concluded by expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future, anchored on faith and collective resolve.

“With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria, one that future generations will be proud of,” he said.

What you should know  

Tinubu’s Christmas message is coming barely two months after U.S. President Donald Trump officially designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” alleging widespread attacks on Christian communities.

The designation signals heightened U.S. attention and action regarding religious freedom violations in the country.

Nigeria has continued to refute the allegation, insisting that there is no religious genocide in the country.

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By Evelyn Usman

Pandemonium broke out Tuesday evening as fire engulfed parts of the Great Nigeria Insurance House, a 25-storey building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the incident was reported at about 4:41 p.m., prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin fire stations, with reinforcements from the Sari Iganmu station and the Alausa headquarters. Firefighters reportedly arrived at the scene within 12 minutes, at approximately 4:53 p.m.

The fire, the service said, originated on the fifth floor of the building and spread downward from that level, affecting up to the fifth floor of the 25-storey structure, which is largely used as a warehouse for the storage and sale of clothing materials, in addition to corporate offices and a few shops.

As of press time, no casualties had been reported, while firefighters continued to battle the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the building.

Confirming the incident, Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said, “Firefighting operations are ongoing,” and assured that all necessary measures had been put in place to bring the situation under control. She added that the cause of the fire was yet to be determined.

The post Fire razes parts of 25-storey building in Lagos appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Years ago, a young Hausa/Fulani boy named Ahmad Isah arrived Dutse with little more than hope and a determination to learn the Qur’an. Life was not easy. To survive, Isah ran errands for neighbours and worked in people’s homes rather than beg for food, all while attending his Islamiyya lessons.
  
It was during one of those errands that his life began to change for good. He crossing paths with Mr Alan Maiyaki, a civil servant recently transferred from Benin City, Edo State, to Dutse, was the turning point. Behind Maiyaki’s quiet demeanour lay a deep sense of honesty, humility, and a desire to make a difference. Touched by the boy’s sincerity, Maiyaki enrolled him in a primary school; a small act that would set the stage for a remarkable journey.
  
“I was inspired by my parents, especially my mother, who taught in public schools for 35 years,” Maiyaki recalled. “The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Dr Amina Mohammed, and my experience as a NYSC volunteer for the Millennium Development Goals advocacy project in Niger State also motivated me. I promised myself I would help achieve Goal Two of the MDG — universal primary education — by supporting a child like Isah.”
  
Under Maiyaki’s guidance, Isah pursued both Qur’anic and Western education with unmatched fervour. He excelled at primary school, progressed through Nuhu Muhammad Junior Secondary School and Dutse Capital Secondary School, and scored 217 in his first Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination attempt, earning admission on merit.
  
In 2019, Isah’s life-long dream materialised when he gained admission into the Federal University Dutse, graduating with a BSc in Criminology and Security Studies, Second Class Upper (2.1) degree.
  
His benefactor’s encouragement during his early university years reinforced his belief that “the sky would be his limit.” Isah is serving in Zaria, Kaduna State, a symbol of his transformation.
  
On December 18, 2025, he received his national service certificate in a passing-out parade attended by proud family members.  His mother, Halima Isah, who lost her husband when he was just two, could hardly contain her joy:
  
“Isah is the first graduate in our family. I never believed my son would acquire Western education, yet today he has achieved it,” she said.

His Islamic teacher, Hassan Yalwawa, added, “At five years old, Isah came to learn the Qur’an. Today, he is a graduate. This shows that other Almajiri children can also rise to great heights.”
  
Even as he pursued academia, Isah learned tailoring, a skill that has enabled him run a thriving tailoring shop on Hakimi Street in Dutse, mentoring five apprentices.
  
Isah’s story is more than personal triumph; it is a testament to the power of compassion, mentorship, and unity across cultural and religious divides. A Hausa/Fulani boy and his Edo benefactor, bound by empathy and patriotism, remind Nigeria of the promise that lies in every child.
  
“What a change, what a chance, what an opportunity,” Maiyaki reflected. “Isah’s journey proves what love, understanding, and equal opportunity can achieve. True patriotism transcends tribe, faith and background—it nurtures the potential of every Nigerian child.”

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Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned, in strong terms, a suicide attack at Gomboru market mosque in Maiduguri metropolis on Wednesday evening.

A suspected suicide bomber sneaked into the mosque while worshippers were performing the Maghrib prayer, killing five people and injuring 35 others.

Governor Zulum, conveying his profound condolences from the frontline in northern Borno through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship during the festive period.

“I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum said.

He added, “Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship.”

“I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those that lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls, and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he stated.

The Governor assured that adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach during the festive period and beyond.

Related

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The FCT Police Commissioner, Miller Dantawaye, says the command has six different syndicates of one-chance perpetrators in its custody.

Dantawaye made this disclosure on Wednesday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST.

He was speaking on the security of the FCT during the Yuletide and beyond.

He said that patrols and trainings were ongoing, and all senior officers go out at every point in time to see and ensure police teams are on ground until at least 6am, adding that such has helped them to apprehend a lot of ‘one chance’ perpetrators.

“We have ensured that all hands are on deck to make sure that Abuja residents are secured during the Yuletide and beyond.

“So for the FCT, before I came, there were issues of one chance, robberies here and there, and maybe a few cases kidnapping. But since we came, what we have done is to ensure that all hands are on deck.

“So what we have done is to make sure that we go out to ensure that the men are actually on ground up till at least 6am. So, that has really gone a long way in assisting us towards apprehending a lot of one-chance people either in the act, or after committing the act.

“As we speak, I want to assure you that we have at least six different syndicates of one chance perpetrators that are in custody, and usually it starts from just one person.

“The way we like to put it is you start your investigation from known to unknown. So usually it comes from just one or two persons that you have arrested, and then you continue to dig until the entire syndicate is rounded up,” he said.

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The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it has no fewer than 11 suspects in custody, who are allegedly involved in the killing of Arise News staff, Somtochukwu Maduagwu a few months ago.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Miller Dantawaye, made this disclosure during an interview on Wednesday on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST.

Recall that Maduagwu was killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja in September.

“As soon as I got here as FCT Commissioner of Police, one of the things I did was to try and find out the level investigation had got into.

“And I want to assure you that, to the glory of God, as at of today, at least 11 suspects are in custody.

“The charge sheets as of today are ready. I got that brief before I came here knowing that I was coming here.

“And arraignments will be done within the nearest possible time, most likely immediately after the new year,” he said.

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Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)

have come tops in the 2025 Integrity Report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

The upstream commission scored  91.83 points, followed by NDIC with 90.70 points, while AMCON came third with 89.93 points, the report showed.

However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the University of Calabar, the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) were among 13 Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government that failed to score any point, according to the 2025 report.

The 13 agencies were subsequently classified as “high corruption risk” MDAs, the ICPC release indicated.

In the report released on Tuesday, 357 MDAs were assessed in line with the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) tool of the commission.

The EICS, is a tool used alongside the Anti-corruption and Transparency Units (ACTU) Effectiveness Index (AEI), to measure ethical compliance in the public service. Specifically, the MDAs were assessed in terms of their internal control mechanisms, organisational policies, and adherence to statutory requirements.

The tool also provided a benchmark for peer comparison, government oversight, and potential investor confidence. But the report, according to the Chairman of ICPC, Musa Aliyu (SAN) showed that no MDA achieved full compliance.

The Director of System Study and Review, Olusegun Adigun, who represented the chairman at the presentation stated that out of the 344 MDAs assessed, 48 (13.95 per cent) demonstrated substantial compliance, 132 (38.37 per cent) recorded partial compliance, 141 (40.99 per cent) showed poor compliance, and 23 (6.69 per cent) fell under non-compliance.

In comparison, 13 MDAs (3.64 per cent) were non-responsive and classified as high-risk MDAs.

Also, he explained that 169 MDAs did not have the core values, mission and vision systems for understanding by their staff, while 191 did not have domesticated policies regarding acceptance of gifts, donations, hospitality, and others, which may create integrity questions, noting that government institutions were expected to have a policy to guide employees.

The ICPC chairman further revealed that 102 MDAs did not have strategic plans, while 154 lacked monitoring systems and failed to conduct monitoring and evaluation of programmes, projects and activities during the year under review.

He added that 289 MDAs did not encourage system studies or corruption risk assessments by their ACTUs, while 315 failed to utilise the outcomes of such assessments for decision-making.

In the area of financial management, the report claimed that 99 MDAs lacked guidelines for granting staff advances, adding that 69 did not ensure the timely retirement of advances, while 68 allowed their staff to access new advances without retiring previous ones.

Besides, the report noted that 114 MDAs failed to submit financial reports to the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), while 40 did not remit Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as required, with 75 failing to comply with fiscal responsibility provisions.

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By Victor Ahiuma-Young, Henry Ojelu, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, John Alechenu, Gabriel Ewepu & Gift Odekina

LAGOS — Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has said that President Bola Tinubu does not have the powers to halt the implementation of the tax laws already passed and gazetted.

He said this in reaction to calls for the suspension of the tax laws, following the allegations that have trailed them, while appearing on Arise TV programme yesterday, said: “Suspending or putting it on hold, what does it mean? Some people calling for the suspension have never asked who is supposed to do the suspension.

“The President has no powers, the executive has no powers to suspend it, that is the first point. The second point is that there are four tax laws, two commenced immediately. The Nigeria Revenue Service, has already commenced. So, these laws repealed the FIRS Act, we no longer have the FIRS Act, we now have the NIRS, so how do you suspend this, does it mean we will no longer have any revenue service?

“Is there a way somebody will say that in the last six months, we have had an illegal NIRS? The monies paid to them, we should collect and refund back. I feel if we wait for the outcome of their (House of Reps) review, whatever that is established, if we establish that parts of the alteration were there, we remove them. If you suspend the FIRS for one month, that is crisis.”

But senior members of the Nigerian Bar, many of them of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, disagree, and advanced reasons the Federal Government should not proceed with plans to commence enforcement of new tax laws from January 1, 2026.

In separate reactions, the senior lawyers insisted that it would amount to an affront to the rule of law for such enforcement to begin, despite alleged post-passage alterations to the legislations.

They argued that a law that was duly passed by the National Assembly and officially gazetted, could not be enforced if it is found to contain illegal alterations.

Lawyers disagree

It was their position that since the alterations were not done by the legislative arm of the government, it rendered the gazetted law unconstitutional, void and unenforceable.

In a blunt reaction, Mr. Mohammed Abeny, SAN, described Oyedele’s remarks as “reckless talk and disregard to rule of law in governance.”

On his part, Chief J. K. Gadzama, SAN, argued that the discrepancies between the version of the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the official gazetted copy, “created a serious constitutional and legal crisis.”

Arguing that there was a constitutional violation, Chief Gadzama said: “Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution lays out the precise process for how a bill becomes law. It states that once the President gives assent (or the National Assembly overrides a veto), the Clerk of the National Assembly shall cause the Act to be published in the Official Gazette.

“The gazetted version is the definitive, authentic text of the law. If the gazetted version differs from the one passed, it means the constitutional process has been breached. The ‘law’ in the public domain is not the law as legitimately made.”

Continuing, he contended that the development has created a legal uncertainty that touches on the validity of the new law.

“Which version is the true law? Citizens, businesses, and the judiciary cannot know with certainty what the law says. This undermines the rule of law and the principle that laws must be accessible and predictable.

“A court could declare the gazetted version (or parts of it) invalid or null and void if it is proven to be materially different from the version passed. This would create a legal vacuum for tax matters the law intended to address.”

More so, the learned silk stressed that the situation posed challenges to enforcement and compliance.
“The Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, or other tax authorities cannot reliably enforce the law. Any attempt to apply provisions that exist only in the gazetted version (but not in the passed version) would be legally challengeable.

“Tax-payers facing liabilities or penalties under the discrepant provisions could seek injunctions or challenge the law in court, leading to a flood of litigation and a freeze on the law’s implementation.
“This reveals a major failure in the legislative process—either within the National Assembly’s record-keeping, the Clerk’s office, or the Government Printer (Federal Ministry of Justice’s Gazette office). It erodes public confidence in the institutions of government.

“The House of Representatives’ discovery points to the need for a probe. Was the discrepancy a clerical error, or was it a deliberate alteration (a serious criminal act)? The Constitution does not envisage any authority altering a law after passage and before gazetting.”

Remedial actions

Gadzama, therefore, suggested remedial actions he said could entail the immediate suspension of planned enforcement of the law. He said, “The Attorney-General of the Federation may advise that implementation of the discrepant provisions be suspended until rectified.

“The most straightforward legal remedy is for the National Assembly to pass a new ‘Correction Bill’ or an amendment act that explicitly adopts the intended correct version. This new bill would then go through assent and proper gazetting.

“An affected person or the National Assembly itself could seek a judicial interpretation or declaration from the Federal High Court or Supreme Court on the validity of the law and the correct version.”

Past experience

Going down memory lane, the senior lawyer recalled that such incidents occurred in the past.
“Similar issues have arisen in the past (e.g., with the Electoral Act and other statutes). Courts have consistently held that the authentic law is the one passed by the legislature and assented to, not an incorrectly published version.

In Attorney-General of the Federation v. Guardian Newspapers Ltd (1999), the Supreme Court emphasized the supremacy of the constitutionally-passed version.

“This is not a mere administrative error; it is a fundamental flaw that strikes at the heart of legislative due process.

Averting chaos

“Until resolved, the Tax Reform Law’s legal force is in jeopardy. The National Assembly must act swiftly — either through a corrective legislative action or by collaborating with the Executive to withdraw and re-gazette the correct version — to avert prolonged legal chaos in Nigeria’s tax regime,” he added.

Oyedele’s right — Akinlaja

Reacting to Oyedele’s declaration, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, said: “He is legally correct. Rightly or wrongly, the law has been gazetted with a commencement date prescribed.

“Only a court action can stop its operation as legislated at this time. Of course, it is within the constitutional powers of the legislature to amend or repeal the Act if so found necessary. Shorn of these two possibilities, the Act will operate as it is, regardless of its seeming moral blight.”

Earlier, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in a statement by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, maintained that controversies surrounding the tax reform law had cast doubt on the sanctity of the country’s law-making process.

NBA, which is the umbrella body of lawyers in the country, added that the controversies struck “at the very heart of constitutional governance and call into question the procedural sanctity that must attend lawmaking in a democratic society.”

It said: “The Nigerian Bar Association considers it imperative that a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation be conducted to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the laws and to restore public confidence in the legislative process. Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended.
“Legal and policy uncertainty of this magnitude have far-reaching consequences.

It unsettles the business environment, erodes investor confidence, and creates unpredictability for individuals, businesses, and institutions required to comply with the law. Such uncertainty is inimical to economic stability and should have no place in a system governed by the rule of law.”

President can’t suspend law he assented to — Aladetola

However, Dr Opeyemi Aladetola, a lawyer, said: “The President cannot suspend any law which he has given assent to. Even with all the allegations and controversies surrounding the law, once it has been given assent to, the President himself cannot turn around to suspend the law. It is the National Assembly that can make amendments thereafter if what they passed is not the same with what the president assented to.”

NLC calls for total rejection distorted tax law

In like manner, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called for total rejection of any distorted or falsified tax law, saying: “it is better to patiently craft a law that is broadly co-created and owned than rush into one filled with serious errors and outright political manipulations.

In a statement titled: “Our hope lies in collective action”, President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, said: “Together, in this season and beyond, we must insist on Tax Justice where the rich pay their fair share and all forms of regressive taxation are removed. It is therefore our responsibility to once again remind government that any tax system that does not include workers in its formulation and passage into Law remains an unjust tax.

“Any tax system that is mired in apparent distortion and outright falsification is unacceptable and should therefore be rejected by all. It is better to patiently craft a law that is broadly co-created and owned than rush into one filled with serious errors and outright political manipulations.

“We must insist on social justice where all citizens have access to dignity, good healthcare, and quality education; greater equity for workers where labour is justly rewarded and rights are respected and in, fact a safe and secure nation where lives and properties are guaranteed and the people move about their businesses without fear and intimidations.”

Don’t insist on Jan 1 – Ndume begs Tinubu

Meanwhile, former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, urged President Tinubu to take steps to resolve the controversy surrounding the new Tax Act before its implementation.

In a statement, yesterday, Ndume appealed to the President to shelve the January 1 implementation date to allow for a thorough investigation into claims and counter-claims over alleged alterations to the tax laws.

He gave the advice amid calls by politicians, civil society organisations, and the NBA for the suspension of the Act.

In his appeal, Ndume urged President Tinubu to constitute an ad-hoc team to investigate the allegations, saying that proceeding with implementation without resolving the issue will create legitimacy challenges for the tax laws.

His words: “As a responsive leader that he has always been, he should look at it to find out, if the copy that was signed, whether the claim of alterations was genuine so that he will do the needful to bring the controversy to rest. If not, the controversy will continue. That is to say the tax law will not be implemented, because you can’t build on nothing.

“So, Mr. President should suspend implementation until the issues are resolved because so many civil society organisations, the Arewa Community, the Nigerian Bar Association are saying that he should withdraw the Tax Law and investigate the allegation of forgery.

“Therefore, Mr. President should get to the root of the allegation of forgery. The small committee that will be set up should look into it while the House of Representatives does its own.”

House promisses speedy probe

However, the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating alleged discrepancies in the gazetted Tax Reform Acts has resolved to conclude its assignment and submit its report to the House within the shortest possible time.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary, last week, set up a seven-man ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations of discrepancies between the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions subsequently assented and gazetted.

The concern was raised by Rep. Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), as a matter of privilege on the floor of the House, alleging discrepancies between the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions subsequently gazetted and made available to the public.

Rising under Order Six, Rule Two of the House Rules on a Point of Privilege, Rep. Dasuki told the House that his legislative privilege had been breached, insisting that the content of the tax laws as gazetted did not reflect what lawmakers debated, voted on and passed on the floor of the House.

According to him, after passage of the tax bills, he took time for three days to carefully review the gazetted copies alongside the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives, as well as the harmonised version adopted by both chambers of the National Assembly, but observed discrepancies.

The committee, chaired by Muktar Aliyu Betara, met for the first time on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, to deliberate on the matter.

During the meeting, members resolved to conclude the investigation and report back to the House within the shortest time for legislative integrity, due process, and public confidence in the lawmaking process.

“The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations of Discrepancies in the gazetted copies of the Tax Acts passed by the National Assembly met on Tuesday 23rd December, 2025 to deliberate on the Privilege Matter on the alleged discrepancies in the Tax Reform Acts as passed by National Assembly. The Ad-hoc Committee resolved to conclude the investigation and report back to the House within the shortest time,” the committee said.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and thoroughness, the committee chairman assured that its findings and recommendations would be presented promptly to the House upon conclusion of the investigation.

“The Ad-hoc Committee was constituted to ensure clarity, accuracy, and full conformity between legislation duly passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted tax reforms in line with constitutional provisions and established legislative standards,’ Betara said
Other members of the committee include former Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, Sada Soli, James Faleke, Fred Agbedi, Babajimi Benson and Iduma Igariwey.

Alteration a bad precedence, criminal — Yiaga Africa

Speaking on the issue, Yiaga Africa, yesterday, described alleged alteration of the tax laws as setting a bad precedence and criminal.

In a chat with Vanguard, Executive Director, Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, said the alleged action is a breach of the Constitution, and criminal.

He said: “I think that this entire episode is very concerning and is disturbing, and it is a breach of the Constitution after the National Assembly considered and passed a legislation, and the executive is alleged to have mutilated the legislation passed by the National Assembly, it’s criminal and it amounts to usurping constitutional powers of the National Assembly.

“It is a very bad precedence. How can the National Assembly pass a legislation and then the executive, all they need to do is to assent? The President only has assenting powers.

“He has no power whatsoever to alter a legislation already passed by the body that is a representative of the people saddled with the responsibility of lawmaking. So, it is illegal, it is criminal for that to happen.”

He also called on security agencies to swing into action and investigate the allegation leveled against the executive.

“It calls for thorough investigation and the security agencies need to prosecute anyone who actually mutilated or performed this illegality and criminality because it is short-changing the Nigerian people when their representatives pass the legislation and then somehow the version gazetted is at variance with what the National Assembly passed, especially when some of the provisions that were deleted or inserted border on accountability and transparency,” he stated.

The post Gazette furore: Tinubu can’t stop tax law, says Oyedele; lawyers disagree appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 4,393 officers and men to clamp down on criminal activities during the Christmas celebrations in Lagos and Delta states.

Of the total number, 3,100 personnel were deployed in Lagos, while 1,293 were posted to Delta State. The Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, said the officers were strategically deployed to key tactical locations, including patrol points, beats, relaxation spots, recreational parks, markets, worship centres, religious gatherings, rights of way, and critical national assets and infrastructure, in line with the National Protection Policy Strategy.

He added that deployments also covered remote, coastal and riverine areas across the state. Keshinro said the exercise was aimed at protecting all citizens and Very Important Persons (VIPs), in line with directives from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the personnel were drawn from various departments and units of the command, including Operations, Intelligence and Investigation, Anti-Vandal, Armed Squad, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit, Area Commands and Divisions, Quick Intervention Squad (QIS), Special Female Squad (SFS), Agro Rangers, Crisis and Disaster Management, Counter-terrorism, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Marine, Airport, and the Anti-Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration Unit (ATHIMU), among others.

The commandant reassured Lagos residents of the corps’ commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment, free of crimes and activities that could lead to a breakdown of law and order or the vandalisation of critical national assets and infrastructure during the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations. He said the command had concluded its Proactive Operational Deployment Strategy in preparation for the festive season and the post-New Year period.

Keshinro stressed the importance of inter-agency and intra-agency collaboration to achieve optimal security and safety outcomes, charging personnel to work harmoniously among themselves and with other security agencies.

He also felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Christmas and urged residents, Nigerians and foreigners alike, to imbibe the virtues of peace and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ during the yuletide and New Year celebrations.

The commandant expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for their support to the corps during the year.

He also thanked members of the state executive council, strategic partners, sister security agencies, local security networks, community leaders and other stakeholders for their support in achieving operational and administrative excellence.

Keshinro further commended members of the press for their professionalism, balanced reportage and constructive engagement, which he said had contributed to effective information dissemination and a peaceful working relationship with the command.

Similarly, the Delta State Commandant of the NSCDC, Chinedu Igbo, said the scale of the operation was designed to ensure “watertight security” before, during and after the yuletide.

Beyond conventional patrols, Rapid Response and Patrol Teams have been strategically deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts, while the newly reorganised Female Squad teams will conduct routine patrols in major towns throughout the festive period.

Igbo said particular emphasis had been placed on the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI), a long-standing security concern in Delta State.

He ordered 24-hour surveillance of oil and gas installations, as well as continuous patrols of the First and Second Niger Bridges—facilities whose disruption would have far-reaching economic and security implications.

While the NSCDC has urged residents to celebrate without fear, the deployment also underscores persistent security challenges that often intensify during festive periods, including armed robbery, vandalism and attacks on infrastructure.

Commandant Igbo reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to working with sister security agencies to clamp down on criminal elements, pledging that miscreants would be “apprehended and brought to book.”

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In a move that would majorly impact the youth population and lift the nation’s economy, the Mastercard Foundation’s corporate social responsibility philosophy, which focuses on job creation, has started yielding results with the commitment of partners within the private and public sectors. Raheem Akingbolu reports.

At the beginning, the announcement and the buildup to the 2025 partner convening looked like a tall dream. But as a foundation that had invested well in research to know where the shoes pinched and had consistently impacted the society, the management of Mastercard Foundation had their eyes fixed on the ball and pursued their goals with vigour and precision. The objective was clear, and the approach was well mapped out. Welcome to the 2025 edition of Mastercard Foundation Nigeria Partner Convening.

The venue was Jewel Aeida in Lekki, Lagos, where selected youths from various geo-political zones of Nigeria were gathered to learn, share experiences, network, and tap opportunities. From tech to agriculture, fashion to entrepreneurship, the participants all came prepared with determined minds to leave the two-day event as changed agents to explore the world and contribute their quota to the economy.

The Partner Convening is an annual event that brings together the Foundation’s partners, stakeholders, and collaborators to reflect on progress, share insights, and explore opportunities to deepen impact. This year’s theme focused on “Six Years of Impact: Building on Progress, Shaping Work for the Future”

On day 2, there was a spotlight on the role of all stakeholders in shaping the future of work for young entrepreneurs that the foundation and its partners program for. Among others, the session featured panel sessions with key stakeholders in government parastatals and development partners.

There were also conversations with young entrepreneurs driving change in their communities. One of them was a young lady, Augusta Ezenwa, a Chartered Accountant based in Kano, who has since ventured into Agribusiness. In one of the sessions, Ezenwa spoke with passion on how Agriculture has turned her to an employer of labour and opened her eyes to the opportunities abound in the nation’s agricultural sector.

“Though I’m a chartered accountant, I derive pleasure in agriculture, and it’s paying my bills. With this platform provided by Mastercard Foundation, I have not only learnt more things about entrepreneurship, but I have also been exposed to more opportunities and boosted my contact base. For youths who are passionate about building and sustaining their businesses, this platform has deepened our knowledge and built our confidence that we are indeed on the right path.” she stated.

Another brilliant young Nigerian who spiced up the event was a young University of Lagos 500 level Mechanical Engineering student Saheed Azeez. The young man made a name for himself and the entire country recently after creating two million GPT tokens and built an artificial intelligence (AI) text-to-speech model with a Nigerian accent.

According to Techpoint report, Azeez had earlier in 2024 created Naijaweb, a dataset of 230 million GPT-2 tokens based on Nairaland. In a world where AI can generate lifelike voices in seconds, a text-to-speech model with a Nigerian accent might not seem revolutionary at first. But the young man has rewritten the story and recorded a remarkable feat.

Addressing youths in their hundreds at the event, Azeez said he was motivated by failure and other factors, because prior to his starting YarnGPT, he had applied for a job at a Nigerian AI company but did not perform as well in the interview as he had expected.

YarnGPT became the project that would help him improve his skills and increase his chances of securing such roles in the future.

Building an AI model that sounds Nigerian requires gathering a vast amount of Nigerian voices.

“I used some movies that were available online. I extracted their audio and subtitles. The problem with building in Nigeria is data. Replicating what has been built overseas isn’t that hard, but data always gets in the way,” he explained.

During an interview session with THISDAY, he commended Mastercard Foundation for instituting a platform that would help Nigerian youths live their dreams and called on other organisations in Nigeria to invest in such initiatives

The high point of the event was the announcement by Federal Government on plans to partner with the Mastercard Foundation and other key development partners to establish a credible national employment database that will track employable youths across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who disclosed this, said the initiative reflects the government’s renewed commitment to tackling unemployment and promoting inclusive economic growth.

According to her, the partnership is a key component of the Federal Government’s renewed agenda to collaborate with organisations such as the Mastercard Foundation, which has made remarkable contributions toward boosting entrepreneurship and job creation. The effort, she noted, aims to provide training opportunities, match skilled youths with available jobs, and engage retired professionals in national development programmes.

Hon. Onyejeocha explained that the partnership seeks to create a comprehensive, data-driven system capable of identifying, profiling, and monitoring employable youths across various sectors.

This, she said, would enable the government to better understand labour market dynamics and design targeted interventions for skill development and job creation.

As part of the plan,she said the Federal Government intends to work closely with private sector organisations not only to enhance job creation at the ward level but also to ensure the establishment and smooth functioning of employment hubs across all 774 local government areas in the country.

She stated that the hubs would serve as one-stop centres for job registration, career counselling, vocational training coordination, and employment linkage services. The centres, she added, would also facilitate collaboration among government agencies, private sector employers, training institutions, and community-based organisations to ensure that job opportunities are effectively matched with available skills.

Onyejeocha emphasised that one of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda priorities is employment and job creation, encapsulated in the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), which targets the creation of 2.5 million jobs annually. She appealed to the Mastercard Foundation to work closely with the federal government to achieve this goal.

Earlier, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation Nigeria, Rosy Fynn, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government through its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to create 10 million dignified and fulfilling jobs for young Nigerians by 2030.

Fynn noted that the convening was crucial for gathering collective insights that would help the Foundation and its partners enhance entrepreneurship and job creation across the country. She further reiterated the Foundation’s determination to support the government in harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population, reducing unemployment, and creating a sustainable pathway for inclusive national growth.

In his keynote address, the Founder AI Centre of Excellence (AICE), John Kamara, urged the Federal Government and private sector leaders to take urgent steps to equip youths with job-ready skills to cope with the disruptive effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the world of work.

Kamara, who is also the Founder of Adanian Labs and a leading advocate for digital transformation in Africa, warned that rapid advances in AI are redefining traditional jobs, creating new work models, and demanding entirely new skill sets. He stressed that this shift requires immediate and coordinated action from policymakers, educational institutions, and industry players to prevent worsening unemployment and inequality.

“Artificial Intelligence is not the future—it is already here.Across industries, AI is transforming how we work, learn, and produce. The question is whether our young people will be prepared to thrive in this new reality or be left behind,” Kamara said.

While acknowledging that AI presents vast opportunities for productivity, innovation, and economic growth, Kamara cautioned that it also poses significant risks to employment. He said the only sustainable solution lies in retraining the workforce and integrating digital literacy and AI education into national development plans.

He added that the nation’s youthful population could become its greatest competitive advantage if the right policies, funding, and training ecosystems are put in place.

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…Maj-Gen, CP give security tips to travellers

…Reveals how to identify kidnappers in military, police uniforms

…IGP deploys highway patrols nationwide

By Evelyn Usman

LAGOS — When 34-year-old hair stylist, Gbaikeme Osaretin left her home in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, on December 9, 2025, for a trip to Edo State, her plan was simple.

She intended to spend three nights with her mother in Afuze before continuing to Abuja on December 13, to visit her ailing elder sister, then, return to Edo state to spend Christmas with her mother .

However, Osaretin never made it out of Afuze because the vehicle she boarded for Abuja was flagged down by men in uniform along a lonely stretch of road outside the town.

The men, later identified as kidnappers, abducted her and nine other passengers, marching them barefoot through the bush into a forest camp. She was released four days later after an undisclosed ransom was paid. Recounting her ordeal to Vanguard, she said the abductors appeared authoritative and did not conceal their faces.

“We thought they were soldiers. They waved us down, and the driver stopped immediately. That was when we realized something was wrong,” she said.

Rising fears on highways

With the Christmas season here, millions of Nigerians like Osaretin, are traveling to reunite with family across the country. Major highways linking Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are experiencing increased traffic, with higher transport fares, and queues at motor parks.

Alongside this annual movement, concerns over highway insecurity have grown, with travelers reporting fears of abduction rather than traditional worries of vehicle breakdowns or bad weather. Several federal roads have recorded repeated incidents of kidnapping, with armed groups reportedly blocking highways in broad daylight.

Routes such as Kabba–Lokoja–Abuja, Auchi–Abuja, Benin–Akure, and parts of Ondo, Imo, Kwara, Zamfara, and Benue states have been identified as high-risk pathways. In Benue, areas within the Sankera axis—Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo — as well as Makurdi–Naka and Otukpo–Ugbokolo–Otukpa–Orokam roads, have gained notoriety for criminal activity.

In Edo State, the Auchi–Abuja and Benin–Akure roads have also recorded repeated attacks, with drivers sometimes shot while passengers were abducted into nearby forests.

Dilapidated roads

Beyond insecurity, poor road infrastructure has further complicated inter-state travel. Major highways across the country now have huge potholes, which have become craters as a result of continued erosion, Many sections have collapsed, generating traffic congestion. The Akure–Ado Ekiti road, previously a 30-minute drive, now takes over 90 minutes, while gridlock on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway continues to delay travelers for hours. Transport fares have also increased sharply; road journeys that cost about N 20,000 last year now cost between N40,000 and N 50,000, while air travel remains unaffordable for many due to rising aviation fuel costs.

Security advice to travellers

Despite these challenges, security experts advise Nigerians to travel cautiously rather than abandon road trips.

One of them, Major General Ishaq Bello (rtd) offered security tips, saying, “Christmas is a season of joy, not sorrow. Don’t travel blindly. Prepare your mind, your vehicle, and your route. The journey is as important as the destination. Share route details with at least two trusted relatives, including vehicle registration, destination, departure time, and expected arrival. Information becomes a lifeline if something goes wrong.”

He also warned against night travel, saying : “Darkness gives kidnappers cover. Visibility drops, security response slows, and fatigue makes drivers vulnerable. Travel at dawn, not at dusk.”

On fake checkpoints, he said: “Real checkpoints are organized. You will see patrol vehicles, signage, name tags, and officers working in teams. When men appear in uniform without structure or authority symbols, be suspicious.”

He cited a recent viral video showing over 20 armed bandits standing on a major expressway, appearing in military camouflage but lacking authentic insignia.

For clear identification, Major-General Bello explained: “You can differentiate Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel in camouflage by observing their berets, badges, insignia, rank slides, and unit patches. The quickest visual cue is the headwear: Army uses red for infantry, green for armor or special forces; Navy wears maroon or dark blue/black; Air Force uses light blue or maroon for branches like Air Provost or Air Defence. Criminals wear similar-looking uniforms but without these distinctive features.”

A serving commissioner of Police, who supervises highway security in one of the busiest corridors, also urged caution. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he advised travelers: “Use registered transport companies. Avoid roadside boarding. Don’t board a vehicle and sleep through the journey. Lock doors, keep windows up in traffic, and avoid displaying phones, cash, or jewelry. Criminals watch for targets.”

On checkpoints, he added: “If a checkpoint looks suspicious, slow down, look around carefully, and if necessary, turn back or alert security. Don’t argue with armed men. Compliance increases survival chances.”

Both officers advised kidnap victims to remain mentally alert, noting that observing routes, sounds, and accents can assist security forces later. Motorists were also advised to service vehicles before travel. “Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, turn back. Lives are not replaceable. Keep phones charged and distress numbers saved. In an emergency, seconds matter. We want Nigerians to reach home safely, celebrate with family, and return peacefully. The roads may be dangerous, but knowledge reduces risk. Be guided, be alert,” the CP stated.

IGP deploys policemen

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets nationwide to ensure a safe, peaceful, and crime-free Christmas and New Year. Patrol teams and surveillance units according to his directive, are to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes and traffic disorder, while specialized units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and Air Wing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a separate statement titled Festive Season Security Tips, assured Nigerians of the Police Force’s commitment to their safety.

He said: “While we are doubling our efforts to keep you safe this season, your active participation in your own security is paramount”.

He also advised travelers to ensure vehicles are in good working condition, as well as avoid late-night travel on isolated routes.

“Report all suspicious activities. The Nigeria Police Force is here to serve you. Your prompt information can help us prevent crime and ensure everyone enjoys a peaceful celebration,” Hundenyin added.

The post Christmas travels on highways of fear appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has released the Final Transfer of Regulatory Authority Order to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) as the statutory regulator for electricity sector activities in the State.

The Chairman and CEO of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA), Mr Emeka Onyegbule, who disclosed this to journalists in Umuahia, said the authority to regulate the electricity market in Abia state became effective from December 24, 2025.

He recalled that following the Constitution amendment of 2023, which empowered the States to generate, distribute, and transmit electricity, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in Abuja gave an interim order permitting the states to go ahead and begin the establishment of the regulatory institution.

“That order from NERC came out on June 24, 2025, and it had a time frame of six months for that transition to happen.

“That transition entails putting in the necessary structures in place, appointing the board, and equipping them to do the work which NERC has been doing. So today is a very significant milestone in the life of ASERA as we have completed the six-month transition as at yesterday.

“So, effectively from today, the responsibility and the mandate to regulate, oversight and manage the Abia State’s electricity markets falls on ASERA and no longer NERC.

“And as I said, it has some very profound impact on what the market stands to benefit. First of all, we expect that by the creation of ASERA, you will bring regulation home to customers.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, said that the establishment of the State’s Electricity market remains critical to achieving the Abia 25-Year Development Plan and accelerating industrialisation.

He traced the journey to operationalising the electricity market to March 17, 2025, following Governor Alex Otti’s assent to the Abia State Electricity Law, adding that electricity remains central to economic growth, investment attraction and improved service delivery to consumers across Abia state.

“He explained that the new electricity market had been designed to be world-class, investor-friendly and consumer-focused.

He informed further that ASERA has been empowered to issue metering and billing licenses to encourage private investment in meter deployment, noting that the improved metering would ensure fairness by allowing consumers to pay only for electricity consumed.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said that the enactment of the Electricity Act of 2025 by the Abia state government made it possible for the progress achieved in the electricity sub-sector.

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Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has felicitated with the Christian community in Gombe State and across the world on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration, describing it as a season that reinforces the timeless values of love, peace, sacrifice and tolerance.

In his Christmas message, the Governor said the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ offers an important moment for reflection on the virtues that bind humanity together, irrespective of faith or background, and called on the people of Gombe State to continue to cherish and promote peaceful coexistence.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that Gombe State remains a shining example of interfaith harmony, where people of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds live and work together in mutual respect and understanding.

“This festive season reminds us of the power of love, compassion and selflessness, which are virtues that are central to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
These values are also essential for sustaining peace, unity and harmony in our dear state and our nation,” the Governor stated.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, urged Christians to use the festive season to pray fervently for peace, unity, stability and prosperity across the region and Nigeria, especially at a time when collective resilience and shared responsibility are required to overcome economic, security and social challenges.

He further called on residents of Gombe State to remain committed to supporting government efforts aimed at improving the well-being of the people.

The Governor reassured the Christian community of his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance, equity and inclusion, stressing that his government will continue to carry all segments of society along in the ongoing transformation of Gombe State.

He also pointed to the administration’s tradition of extending practical support to communities during festive periods to ease the burden of celebration, as part of efforts to promote solidarity and shared joy.

He wished Christians in Gombe State and beyond a peaceful, joyous and fulfilling Christmas celebration, while calling on all citizens to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence for the continued progress of the state.

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