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Spiritual Leader Backs Trump’s Warning, Urges Tinubu to Target Terror Financiers

By
Ola Akinola
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0

IBADAN — Satguru Maharaj Ji, founder of the One Love Family, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act decisively against alleged sponsors of jihadist and bandit groups operating in Nigeria, endorsing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent warning about the nation’s security crisis.

In a press statement dated December 15, 2025, the spiritual leader described Trump’s caution—which hinted at potential foreign military intervention—as a “wake-up call” necessitated by years of unchecked violence, sectarian conflict, and what he termed Nigeria’s failure to dismantle terror financing networks.

Maharaj Ji accused certain individuals within Nigeria’s political and social elite of enabling violent groups while enjoying protection from authorities. He specifically named Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi among others and called for their arrest, investigation, and prosecution.

“No individual should be above the law where national security is concerned,” he asserted.

The spiritual leader further alleged that Western humanitarian and donor funds had been diverted to finance extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, fueling arms acquisition, deepening insecurity, and widening ethnic divisions. He also accused some Northern elites of deliberately undermining national unity for personal or ideological gain.

Advocating a return to African traditional spirituality, Maharaj Ji criticized both Christianity and Islam as foreign impositions that have diluted indigenous consciousness.

In a direct appeal to President Tinubu, Maharaj Ji urged collaboration with Donald Trump and Western intelligence agencies to expose terrorist networks and financial channels. He also proposed domestic measures, including:

· Reintroduction of nationwide toll gates to boost revenue.

· Provision of official vehicles for medical doctors to improve healthcare access.

· Comprehensive audits of property ownership and fintech firms to curb terror financing.

Additionally, he called on the Sultan of Sokoto to direct followers to vacate illegally occupied lands and urged scrutiny of Nigeria’s representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament to ensure no sympathies exist for extremist groups.

The statement concluded with a spiritual pledge of support for President Tinubu’s administration, coupled with a warning that Nigeria’s long-term stability hinges on accountability for those behind years of violence.

Wike Celebrates 58th Birthday Amid Acclaim from Rivers Groups

By
Ola Akinola
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0

PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) and 32 affiliated organizations across Rivers State have extended birthday felicitations to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, as he marks his 58th birthday.

In a statement jointly signed by the group’s Director-General, Hon. Johnson Georgewill, and Secretary, Mrs. Sarima Akpata, the coalition hailed Wike as “a dominant figure in Rivers State politics” and lauded his contributions to governance and infrastructure development.

The RRM noted the minister’s trajectory in public service—from his early role as Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, through his two-term tenure as Governor of Rivers State, to his current position overseeing the nation’s capital under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Describing Wike as a leader with a “resilient leadership style” and a commitment to delivering tangible democratic dividends, the group emphasized that his impact on governance and national development is widely recognized, “even by political opponents.”

The statement further commended Wike’s “strength of character and steadfastness in the face of political challenges,” portraying him as “a builder of leaders and a consistent force in Nigeria’s political landscape.”

The coalition concluded with prayers for the minister’s continued good health, wisdom, and greater impact in leadership as he celebrates another year.

The public show of support from Rivers-based groups comes amid sustained political engagement in the state, reflecting Wike’s enduring influence in the region’s political affairs.

Itode Akari reports for NEWSFOCUS.

FG Confirms Major Revenue Crisis, 2025 Income to Fall ₦30 Trillion Short of Target

By
Ola Akinola
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0

 

ABUJA — The Federal Government faces a severe revenue shortfall, with projected income for 2025 expected to reach only about ₦10.7 trillion against a budget target of ₦40.8 trillion, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, disclosed on Tuesday.

The alarming gap—approximately ₦30.1 trillion—threatens the full implementation of the 2025 “Budget of Restoration,” valued at ₦54.9 trillion, and underscores persistent vulnerabilities in the nation’s fiscal framework, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Edun revealed the figures during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committees on Finance and National Planning, convened to review the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

He attributed the drastic shortfall primarily to the underperformance of key revenue streams, especially Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Company Income Tax (CIT) from oil companies, which have fallen far below projections.

“Based on present trends, federal revenue for the year is projected to close at approximately ₦10.7 trillion, far below the ₦40.8 trillion target,” Edun told lawmakers.

To bridge part of the gap, the government has raised ₦14.1 trillion through borrowing. Despite the fiscal strain, Edun assured that the administration has maintained payment of salaries, statutory transfers, and debt servicing through “careful and innovative treasury management.”

Spending Performance and Caution

On expenditure,the Minister reported that capital releases to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in 2024 reached ₦5.2 trillion out of ₦7.1 trillion appropriated—a 73% implementation rate. When multilateral and bilateral-funded projects are included, total capital spending was ₦11.1 trillion out of ₦13.7 trillion budgeted, representing 84% performance.

Edun urged fiscal realism, cautioning against rigid expenditure commitments based on optimistic oil revenue forecasts. “We must aim high, but experience over the past two years shows that spending should be guided by revenues that actually materialise,” he stated.

Divergent Views on Future Projections

Also speaking,the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, acknowledged internal disagreements within the Economic Management Team regarding revenue assumptions. He noted some members advocated conservative estimates based on historical data, while others pushed for ambitious targets to drive revenue agencies toward higher performance.

For the 2026 projections, Bagudu said the government maintained an oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day but adopted a more prudent revenue assumption of 1.84 million barrels per day. He urged revenue-generating agencies to intensify collection efforts.

Lawmakers Emphasize Scrutiny

Earlier,the Chairman of the House Committee, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, stressed the necessity for thorough scrutiny of the nation’s fiscal plans. He emphasized that, given current economic realities, careful analysis is essential to prevent inflated budgets and to support sound decision-making for national progress.

The revelation highlights the ongoing challenge of aligning Nigeria’s ambitious budget goals with its volatile revenue base, setting the stage for difficult fiscal choices in the coming years.

 

Ports Boom: Export Containers Soar Over 1,000% as Tinubu’s Policies Fuel Maritime Surge

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA — Nigeria’s ports have recorded a historic surge in export activity, with official data revealing an extraordinary 1,085 per cent increase in export-laden containers in the third quarter of 2025, powered by the Tinubu administration’s aggressive export-focused economic reforms.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in its quarterly performance report released Tuesday, announced that total cargo throughput climbed to 33.52 million metric tonnes—a 16.2% rise from the same period last year—marking one of the strongest quarterly performances in recent maritime history.

The staggering leap in export containers—from just 5,812 TEUs in Q3 2024 to 69,039 TEUs in Q3 2025—is being hailed as clear evidence that Nigeria’s push to diversify the economy through non-oil exports is gaining unprecedented momentum.

“This performance is a direct outcome of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic focus on trade facilitation, port efficiency, and export growth,” said NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho. He credited the “strategic leadership” of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and ongoing modernization initiatives for strengthening sector confidence and operational efficiency.

Key Highlights from the Report:

· Total Container Traffic rose 18.9% to 546,931 TEUs.

· Import Containers also grew significantly, by 33.1%, to 268,713 TEUs.

· Empty Container Traffic fell by 21.5%, indicating a healthier trade balance.

· Ship Traffic increased by 8.4% to 1,074 vessels, with total Gross Registered Tonnage up 18% to 42.64 million—a sign that Nigerian ports are attracting larger ships.

Port-by-Port Breakdown:

While Tin Can and Apapa ports led in the number of ship calls,the newly operational Lekki Port emerged as the dominant force in cargo handling, accounting for 46.8% of all cargo by volume and receiving the largest vessels by average size. Onne, Apapa, and Tin Can ports followed, with Calabar recording the smallest share.

Analysts point to targeted government interventions—such as the deployment of export processing terminals, digital platforms like the e-call-up system for trucks, and streamlined port processes—as key drivers behind the reduced bottlenecks and improved turnaround times.

“These numbers are not accidental,” stated one maritime economist. “They reflect a coherent policy direction aimed at repositioning the maritime sector as the engine of national growth and a pillar of the Blue Economy agenda.”

The record figures suggest a tangible shift in Nigeria’s trade dynamics, with the ports now acting as a critical conduit for the administration’s renewed hope for a diversified, export-powered economy.

They Matter, They Are Seen”: Renewed Hope Initiative Brings Joy, Support to Elderly Citizens

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA — Senior citizens gathered at the Centre for Arts and Culture in Garki, Abuja, on Tuesday for the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Elderly Support Scheme, an event hailed as both a gesture of gratitude and a call to action to protect and honour Nigeria’s ageing population.

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, praised the initiative—spearheaded by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu—for ensuring that the elderly “feel valued, protected, and supported by society.”

Under the theme “Finding Joy in Old Age,” Dr. Mahmoud emphasised that ageing should be “a season of dignity, fulfilment, and peace, rather than one marked by neglect, loneliness, or hardship.”

“True joy in old age comes from feeling seen, heard, and appreciated,” she stated, adding that the programme reflects the First Lady’s “compassionate vision” to reach vulnerable groups across the nation.

Dr. Mahmoud reiterated that the welfare of the elderly remains a priority for the FCT Administration, with efforts channeled through the Women Affairs Secretariat to improve healthcare access, social protection, and inclusion for older residents.

Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, described the elderly as “custodians of culture, wisdom, and collective memory.”

She revealed that Senator Tinubu had directed all state chapters of the RHI to “recognize, celebrate, and bring joy to the elderly,” regardless of religion, tribe, or gender.

“This scheme goes beyond material support,” Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi said. “It is about affirmation and validation—telling our elders that they matter, that they are seen, celebrated, valued, and respected.”

The Minister commended the Women Affairs Secretariat for its consistency and thanked partners for their support, while encouraging beneficiaries to stay hopeful and engaged.

The event was framed not merely as a social intervention, but as a broader appeal to families, communities, and institutions to uphold the dignity of older Nigerians, learn from their wisdom, and ensure “no one is left behind.”

 

EXCLUSIVE: Malicious Villa Gossip Drove Buhari to Distrust Wife, New Book Claims

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA — In a stunning new biography launched at the State House on Monday, former First Lady Aisha Buhari claims that a climate of vicious gossip inside Aso Rock led the late President Muhammadu Buhari to lock his bedroom door against her, believing rumors that she intended to kill him.

The claim, which provides a deeply personal explanation for the president’s severe 2017 health crisis, is the central revelation in the 600-page official biography, “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” authored by Dr. Charles Omole.

The Genesis of a Crisis: Broken Trust and Broken Routine

According to extensive excerpts from the book, Mrs. Buhari had for years personally managed a strict nutritional regimen for her husband, described as “a slender man with a long history of malnutrition symptoms.” This routine of tailored vitamins, proteins, and timed meals was, she says, essential for his strength.

This delicate system collapsed when rumors began to circulate within the Presidential Villa. “Then came the gossip and the fearmongering. They said I wanted to kill him,” Aisha Buhari is quoted as saying. The biography states that President Buhari “believed them for a week or so,” leading him to lock his room and, critically, abandon the meal plan.

The consequences were swift and severe. “Meals were delayed or missed; the supplements were stopped. For a year, he did not have lunch,” she revealed. This nutritional breakdown, Aisha Buhari contends directly, was “the genesis of the crisis” that led to his medical collapse.

From Nutritional Neglect to a 154-Day Medical Leave

The physical deterioration from the lost routine culminated in President Buhari’s two extended medical trips to London in 2017, totaling 154 days—one of the longest medical leaves by a sitting Nigerian president. During this period, he ceded power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Upon his return, Buhari admitted to being “never so ill” and having received blood transfusions. Aisha Buhari, who took charge of his recovery in London, described slipping hospital-prescribed supplements into his food. She reported a dramatic improvement: “After just three days, he threw away the stick he was walking with.”

She uses this account to definitively debunk widespread conspiracy theories from that era. “Her contention… is that ‘loss of a routine’ was the genesis of the crisis,” Omole writes, adding that she argued Buhari’s illness was “not a mysterious ailment or poisoning.”

A Legacy Launched and a Warning Implied

The biography was launched by President Bola Tinubu, who praised his predecessor’s integrity but underscored a key lesson from the book. “The life of President Buhari… teaches us that personal honesty must be backed by systems,” Tinubu stated, implicitly highlighting the vulnerabilities revealed by the biography’s account.

Author Dr. Charles Omole stated the work aims to present a complete portrait of “the man Muhammadu Buhari,” covering his life from his early years in Daura, Katsina State, to his passing in a London hospital in July 2025.

Other Key Revelations

The biography also addresses other long-standing controversies:

· Climate of Mistrust: It describes an Aso Rock atmosphere rife with suspicion, including alleged surveillance and “bugging” of the President’s office.

· “Jibril of Sudan” Debunked: Aisha Buhari dismisses the popular rumor that a body double was used for public appearances, calling it “absurd.”

· Institutional Critique: Omole notes that Buhari’s need for treatment abroad exposed the gaps in Nigeria’s health system while also praising his constitutional consistency in transferring power to his deputy during his absences.

The book’s intimate details provide a unprecedented, if contested, window into the private fears and administrative failures that impacted one of Nigeria’s most consequential presidencies, shifting the narrative on a national health mystery from political conspiracy to a story of personal trust broken at the highest level.

2026 Target Date Set for Fury-Joshua Heavyweight Showdown, Ending Years of Speculation

By
Ola Akinola
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0

December 16, 2025 — The biggest fight in British boxing history is finally on the horizon. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, the two defining heavyweights of their generation, have a concrete plan to finally meet in the ring in 2026, promoters and multiple sources have confirmed to NewsFocus.

A fight that has been mooted, negotiated, and fallen apart for nearly half a decade is now being actively lined up to headline a major Riyadh Season event in the latter half of 2026.

“Tyson’s indicated if it’s the right deal, he’ll definitely do it,” Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions, told Sky Sports News. “I do believe it will happen… sometime in late summer.”

This agreement follows a familiar pattern of failed negotiations, most notably in 2021 and 2022, when last-minute complications and contractual disputes left fans disappointed. This time, however, confidence is high, with the powerful backing of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Chairman, Turki Alalshikh, who is credited with making the deal.

Hurdles on the Path to the Ring

Despite the advanced planning, the blockbuster fight is not yet a certainty, with both fighters facing significant tests before they can face each other.

· Coming Out of Retirement: Tyson Fury, 37, announced his retirement after two consecutive losses to the undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk, in 2024. He has since posted a cryptic message hinting at a return: “The king must return to his throne… after the long and hard battles awaits immortality!” Promoter Frank Warren confirmed Fury is “in the gym full-time training very hard.”

· Mandatory Warm-Up Fights: A key stipulation of the 2026 plan is that both Fury and Joshua must first win separate bouts in early 2026. This strategy is not without risk, as a shock loss for either man could derail the entire event.

Potential Warm-Up Opponents

Media reports have begun speculating on who could share the ring with the British stars before their clash.

For Tyson Fury

· Arslanbek Makhmudov: A heavy-handed Russian (21-2, 19 KOs) reportedly in consideration.

· Zhilei Zhang: A dangerous Chinese veteran who would provide a stern test.

· Martin Bakole: A credible heavyweight who has previously sparred with Fury.

For Anthony Joshua

· Deontay Wilder: A long-discussed mega-fight that never materialized.

· Martin Bakole: Also linked to Joshua, potentially in Nigeria.

· Derek Chisora: A domestic battle that would draw a huge UK crowd.

· Joshua’s Immediate Test: Before any 2026 plans, Anthony Joshua, 36, must first return to the ring this week against YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami. Following a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua admits he needed a “reset.” A loss to Paul, while considered highly unlikely by experts, would undoubtedly jeopardize the Fury superfight.

A Legacy Fight Beyond Belts

Originally conceived as a clash for the undisputed heavyweight championship, the 2026 iteration will have no world titles on the line. Instead, it represents a pure legacy fight to settle a historic British rivalry and determine the second-best heavyweight of the era behind Usyk.

“The fans have been asking for this, and everybody has been talking about it, for years and years and years,” said Frank Warren. “It’s better that if it’s going to happen it happens now.”

For both fighters, the financial incentive is monumental. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, stated that Alalshikh is “probably the only one who can make the Tyson Fury fight because both guys are going to want a huge amount of money.”

The Long Road to Agreement

The journey to this point has been fraught with false starts:

· 2021: A deal was nearly finalized for an undisputed title fight, but was scuppered when Deontay Wilder exercised a rematch clause against Fury.

· September 2022: Fury publicly called out Joshua and set a deadline to sign a contract. When it passed unsigned, Fury declared the fight “officially over.”

Now, with a clear path and powerful financial backing, the boxing world is holding its breath, hoping the third time is the charm for a fight that has been over half a decade in the making.

FRSC To Prosecute TikTok Star Over Reckless Driving Livestream

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has initiated legal proceedings against popular TikTok personality Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, over a viral video that captured him livestreaming while driving, an act authorities say led to a road accident.

The move was ordered by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, after he reviewed the widely circulated footage. In a statement issued on Monday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mohammed condemned the growing trend of reckless road behaviour by celebrities and social media influencers.

The statement clarified that using mobile devices or livestreaming while driving is a clear violation of traffic laws and poses a severe risk to the driver and other road users.

“The Corps Marshal stressed that no individual is above the law, regardless of fame or online following,” the statement read.

Mohammed has directed relevant FRSC commands to conduct a thorough investigation and commence prosecution in accordance with traffic laws. He reiterated the Corps’ zero-tolerance policy toward distracted driving, identifying it as a leading cause of road crashes nationwide.

The FRSC also called on content creators and influencers with large followings to promote responsible road usage through their platforms, warning that violators would face sanctions to deter future offences.

ADC Denies Plans for State, LGA Congresses, Disowns Purported Publication

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted claims that it is planning to conduct state and local government congresses, describing a recent publication attributing such a directive to its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, as false and unauthorized.

In a joint statement issued on Monday and signed by the Chairman of the ADC Chairmen’s Forum, Hon. Kingsley Temitope Ogga (Kogi State Chairman), and the Forum’s Secretary, Hon. Kennedy Odion (Edo State Chairman), the party clarified that the said publication did not originate from Senator Mark or the National Working Committee (NWC).

The statement followed a meeting between the ADC Chairmen’s Forum and the National Chairman, where Senator Mark categorically denied issuing any directive for congresses.

“During the meeting, the National Chairman stated categorically that the publication calling for state/local government congresses of the party published in one newspaper did not originate from his office. He further confirmed that he neither authorized nor had prior knowledge of the document, and that it was unknown to the National Working Committee of the party,” the statement read.

It added that the publication was “illegal, invalid, and of no effect whatsoever,” and urged party members, stakeholders, and the public to disregard it entirely.

“Accordingly, any claims, notices, or insinuations contained therein suggesting that congresses will be held across the states of the Federation for the ADC at the local government and state levels are false and should be disregarded in their entirety.”

The Forum also reaffirmed its loyalty to Senator Mark-led NWC and commitment to the party’s success in future elections, including the 2027 general polls.

The clarification aims to prevent confusion within the party ranks and ensure stability ahead of upcoming electoral activities.

Lamido Reaffirms PDP Loyalty But Signals Readiness for Alliances Amid Party Crisis

By
Ola Akinola
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0

KANO — Former Jigawa State Governor and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has reaffirmed his commitment to the party but declared he is prepared to explore political alliances if ongoing efforts to resolve the party’s internal crisis fail.

Lamido stated this on Monday while addressing a gathering of party loyalists at his office in the Sharada area of Kano, where he acknowledged enduring what he described as persistent injustices against him and his political family within the PDP.

The former governor stressed that, despite his grievances, his long-standing commitment to the PDP would not be easily discarded. He, however, noted that political realities might necessitate broader cooperation if internal reforms prove unattainable.

“By the end of this month, December 31, 2025, we shall know where we are going,” Lamido declared. “I remain a PDP member, but my supporters and I are open to alliances with any political party, depending on how events unfold.”

He explained that the coming weeks would be decisive, as critical national consultations and meetings are expected to determine whether the PDP can overcome its leadership and structural challenges.

Lamido urged his supporters to exercise patience, assuring them that behind-the-scenes efforts are ongoing to resolve the crisis rocking the party. He warned that hasty decisions could further weaken the opposition and undermine democratic balance in the country.

The former Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that he had held discussions with prominent PDP stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other party elders, who he said had pledged to work towards restoring unity and stability within the party.

Lamido recalled issuing a 10-day ultimatum to the PDP leadership over the executive committee formed at the party’s Ibadan convention, insisting the process was flawed.

He maintained that the convention was illegal and advised those involved to retrace their steps in the interest of party cohesion.

“What we are asking for is fairness, justice, and adherence to the party’s constitution,” he said.

Lamido also revisited his aborted ambition to contest for the national chairmanship of the PDP, describing his exclusion as unjustified and divisive. He argued that denying members legitimate aspirations only deepens internal resentment and weakens party unity.

Monday’s stakeholders’ meeting in Kano drew a large turnout of political heavyweights loyal to Lamido, including former commissioners, 27 local government chairmen, and 30 lawmakers who served during his tenure as governor. Party stakeholders and women leaders from all 27 local government areas of Jigawa State were also in attendance, underscoring Lamido’s enduring influence within the party.

He assured his supporters that whatever decision emerges by December 31 would be guided by principle, consultation, and the broader interest of democracy, rather than personal ambition.

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