Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, on Sunday publicly apologised to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, kneeling before his congregation in a dramatic appeal for forgiveness over alleged past misconduct.
The apology followed weeks of intense public controversy sparked by Ogala’s allegations that the cleric had an affair with her, made unfulfilled promises of marriage, shared explicit content, and attempted to induce her with $10,000 to withdraw her claims.
In a video that went viral on social media, Okafor was seen addressing worshippers from the pulpit, admitting that mistakes had been made and offering an apology to those he said he had offended.
“I am sorry to everyone I have offended, including Doris Ogala,” the pastor said, adding that he was ready to make restitution where necessary. He acknowledged his imperfections, stressing that he had never claimed to be perfect.
In a moment that drew loud reactions from the congregation, Okafor knelt before the altar, asking for forgiveness and prayers.
Despite the apology, the cleric maintained that many of the allegations against him were untrue, a stance that drew a swift response from Ogala. During an Instagram Live session, the actress said she forgave him but rejected his claim that her accusations were lies.
The controversy intensified earlier in the month after Okafor reportedly married another woman, identified as Pearl, amid Ogala’s public accusations that he reneged on a promise to marry her after a relationship she claimed lasted several years.
While Okafor had initially said he would allow legal authorities to handle the matter, mounting public pressure and sustained online attention appear to have prompted his public show of remorse.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday lavished praise on members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for their resolute support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and for boldly defending democratic principles in the state.
Wike described the lawmakers as exemplifying trust, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the right causes, setting them apart as a shining example of democracy in Nigeria.
He made the commendations during a visit to the lawmakers at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt, where he personally expressed gratitude for their steadfastness.
Wike urged the legislators to remain firm in upholding justice, assuring them that their courage has distinguished them nationally.
He sharply criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for withholding the lawmakers’ entitlements prior to the federal declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State earlier this year.
“It is important to come here to say thank you for what you have done for us and the people of Rivers State,” Wike said, also appreciating a car gift from the lawmakers.
Drawing from his extensive political experience, Wike highlighted the importance of supportive spouses and family unity, noting that the Assembly members have demonstrated exceptional harmony in working for the state’s progress.
“I have been in politics actively and seen it all. This is the first time I’ve seen legislators boldly declaring their stand and remaining firm, asserting that we are a separate arm of government not a department,” he stated.
Wike emphasized that true strength in leadership comes from principle, not compromise, and warned against the notion that money can buy loyalty indefinitely.
“Money has boundaries and limitations. It doesn’t walk on its own; someone has to carry it,” he remarked.
Praising the impeccable maintenance of the Assembly Quarters, Wike said: “I thought by now this complex would be overgrown with weeds, but it’s the neatest I’ve seen in any state. That shows real leadership—when you have the right leaders, things move forward.”
He added that the lawmakers’ endurance through hardship, including denied entitlements simply for political disagreement, has positioned them as national beacons of democracy, with their families standing solidly behind them.
As 2025 draws to a close, Wike stressed the need to recognize and appreciate those who stood firm, vowing continued gratitude ahead of the new year.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has doubled down on his steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing that true allies prove their loyalty in hard times, not just when victory is assured.
Speaking on Saturday in Ochigba community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike proudly recounted how he and his supporters boldly backed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, despite the risks and unpopularity in the region.
The remarks came during an end-of-year thanksgiving service hosted by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, in his hometown, where Wike addressed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders.
Wike encouraged his followers to remain resolute amid intimidation, promising that their efforts and sacrifices would be rewarded.
He distinguished his group from latecomers to Tinubu’s support, noting that genuine backers are recognized for their courage under pressure.
“During the 2023 election, nobody knew the outcome. Many were afraid to publicly support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike stated. “But we took a firm stand when it was tough, and today, our choice has proven right.”
Highlighting the vital role Rivers State supporters played in Tinubu’s success, Wike stressed that politics demands boldness and principle. He criticized those who stayed silent when it mattered most, saying they cannot claim equality with those who endured the heat.
Reaffirming his personal creed, Wike said, “Agreement is agreement. If you can’t deliver on a promise, don’t make it.” Loyalty and reliability, he added, are the cornerstones of his political career.
Looking ahead, the minister hinted that political engagements would ramp up from January, while assuring his camp that their stance remains solid.
“For us, our position is unwavering,” Wike declared. “We backed Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu when it was difficult, and we will continue standing with him now. That commitment is unbreakable.”
The Federal Government has graduated more than 7,000 newly recruited forest guards across seven frontline states, marking a major step in its drive to strengthen internal security and deny criminal groups safe havens in forested areas.
The graduation ceremonies were held on December 27, 2025, in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara and Kebbi states under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, launched in May by President Bola Tinubu.
The programme, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is designed to curb terrorism, banditry and kidnapping by securing forests that have long served as hideouts for criminal elements. Each participating state was directed to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards.
According to ONSA, the recruits underwent a rigorous three-month training programme covering physical fitness, patrol operations, tactical movement, arms handling, use-of-force procedures, as well as ethics, legality and human rights.
A total of 98.2 per cent of the trainees successfully completed the programme. While 81 recruits were disqualified on disciplinary grounds, two died due to pre-existing medical conditions. All successful trainees have been certified and cleared for operational deployment.
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the guards would be deployed immediately to support existing security agencies, gather intelligence and protect vulnerable communities.
“These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel; they are first responders and community protectors who will help reclaim territories taken over by criminal elements,” Ribadu said. He added that salaries and allowances would commence immediately, with no delay between graduation and deployment.
The forest guards are indigenous to their local government areas, a strategy aimed at leveraging local knowledge, terrain familiarity and community trust in tackling insecurity and illegal exploitation of forest resources.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Department of State Services, the National Park Service, as well as the armed forces, police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The Federal Government said the programme would be expanded nationwide as part of its sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Nollywood actress and producer, Allwell Ademola, has reportedly died at the age of 43.
Entertainment industry sources said Ademola suffered a heart attack at her residence and was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
News of her passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across the film community. Actress Faithia Williams expressed shock on Instagram, describing the loss as deeply painful, while Mide Martins mourned her colleague in an emotional Facebook post, calling the day a “black Saturday.”
Actor Damola Olatunji also reacted with a candlelight tribute, writing, “Life is a mirage.” Meanwhile, Bidemi Kosoko publicly rejected the news in disbelief, praying that the reports were not true.
Tributes continue to pour in from colleagues and fans as the Nollywood industry mourns the sudden loss of one of its own.
YOLA/HONG, ADAMAWA STATE, DECEMBER 25, 2025 – In a grim reminder of the persistent security threat facing northeastern Nigeria, Boko Haram insurgents launched a major assault on communities in Adamawa State on Christmas Day, killing at least two soldiers and an unconfirmed number of civilians. The attack occurred in the Garaha District of Hong Local Government Area, near the border with Borno State and the notorious Sambisa Forest.
The Attack: A Swift and Overwhelming Assault
According to eyewitness and security sources, a large contingent of insurgents, “numbering in several hundreds,” invaded the town of Mayo Ladde within the Garaha District in the early hours of December 25.
The attackers reportedly overwhelmed local security forces, including police, troops from the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF). The insurgents pushed into the Garaha Market area before engaging in a firefight.
A police source confirmed that an anti-terror unit based in Garaha, led by Supol Kuva Gaya, responded to distress calls around 2 a.m. in collaboration with the military. Despite this swift response, the superior force of the attackers led to significant casualties.
Casualties and Aftermath
Initial reports confirm the death of two Nigerian Army soldiers, whose bodies were taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Hong. Hospital management at FMC Hong confirmed receiving both fatalities and soldiers injured in the attack.
The exact number of civilian casualties remains unknown, but eyewitnesses described the situation as “gravely deplorable.” Local sources indicate that many residents have fled their homes in Garaha District, seeking refuge in Hong as internally displaced persons (IDPs). Normal life has yet to return to the affected area.
Official Response and Ongoing Tensions
The Adamawa State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Supol Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed the attack but stated that the situation has been brought under control. Attempts to reach the Nigerian Army’s 23 Brigade for an official statement were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
This attack underscores the enduring threat posed by Boko Haram and its offshoots in the region, despite ongoing military operations. It notably occurred in an area that has been a repeated target for insurgents and shares a border with the Sambisa Forest, a known militant stronghold.
The Christmas Day assault in Adamawa casts a long shadow over recent optimistic pronouncements, such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s prediction that banditry and insurgency would be “defeated” in 2026. It starkly highlights the complex and ongoing nature of the security challenge in Nigeria’s northeast, even as the government pursues international partnerships like the recent U.S.-assisted airstrikes in Sokoto State.
ABUJA, December 27, 2025 – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing attack on the Federal Government over last week’s U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto State, framing the foreign-led military operation as a catastrophic failure of leadership and a dangerous abdication of national sovereignty.
In a strongly-worded statement released Friday, the opposition party described the December 25 strikes by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) as a “grim symbol” of the Tinubu administration’s “historic incompetence,” raising alarms about Nigeria’s long-term strategic autonomy.
A Sovereignty Crisis, Not a Security Success
While acknowledging the urgent need to combat terrorism, the ADC vehemently opposed the operational model that allowed foreign troops to execute direct strikes on Nigerian soil. The party argued this sets a perilous precedent, reducing Nigeria to a subordinate role in its own security affairs.
“The ADC reiterates its long-standing opposition to the physical operation of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil,” stated National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. “We must not allow our desperation today to compromise the sovereignty of our country… What we see is that President Tinubu has outsourced his most important constitutional responsibility.”
The party demanded full transparency from the government, pressing for answers on critical operational details: the exact nature of Nigeria’s involvement, who exercised command-and-control, the number of terrorists neutralized, and the specific technological gap that allegedly necessitated foreign execution of the mission.
Criticism of “Careless” Communication and “Religious Framing”
The ADC also blasted the government’s handling of public information around the sensitive operation. The party noted that Nigerians first learned of the airstrikes through a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump, with official Nigerian confirmation coming later through a ministry spokesperson.
“This reflects a frightening lack of awareness of the historic significance of this incident by the President of Nigeria,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the party expressed deep unease with the persistent framing of Nigeria’s security crisis in religious terms by the United States—a narrative it warned threatens national cohesion. The ADC questioned why the Nigerian government, if it were a true collaborative partner, has allowed this sectarian narrative to persist unchallenged in international discourse.
Contrasting Government Accounts and Widening Political Rift
The ADC’s condemnation stands in stark contrast to the Federal Government’s own account of the operation. On Friday, Information Minister Mohammed Idris provided a detailed briefing, confirming the strikes were precision-guided, approved by President Tinubu, and resulted in zero civilian casualties. The government described the action as a successful product of “structured cooperation” with international partners, targeting two major ISIS enclaves in Sokoto’s Bauni Forest.
This political rift highlights the deepening national debate over Nigeria’s security strategy. The controversy pits the government’s position—that sophisticated international collaboration is necessary to degrade advanced terrorist networks—against opposition fears that such partnerships erode sovereignty and expose a failure of domestic security capacity.
As security operations continue, the ADC’s statement ensures that the Sokoto strikes will be judged not only on their immediate tactical outcome but on their lasting impact on Nigeria’s sovereignty and the Tinubu administration’s legacy in the fight against terrorism.
Uyo, December 26, 2025 – The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed strong confidence that the twin scourges of banditry and insurgency will be decisively defeated in Nigeria starting from 2026. He called for a united national effort to achieve peace and security.
Akpabio made the declaration on Friday during a prayer and fasting service organised for his family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, in his hometown of Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
A Message of Hope and Collective Action
Addressing the congregation, Senator Akpabio framed his message around the hope of the Christmas season and the promise of the New Year.
“I want to wish all Nigerians a very prosperous and peaceful New Year. I want to assure Nigerians that the New Year will usher in renewed peace in our country,” he stated.
He connected the spiritual significance of Christmas to the nation’s current challenges. “Reflecting on the significance of the Christmas season, Akpabio said the birth of Jesus Christ symbolises redemption and hope, adding that Nigeria would experience freedom from banditry and insurgency in the coming year.”
Call for National Unity and Support for Government
The Senate President emphasised that achieving this security goal requires a collective national resolve. He urged citizens to “set aside their differences, embrace peace and promote unity within their families, states and across the country,” stressing that “national development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.”
Akpabio specifically called on Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to rally behind the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He pointed to the government’s ongoing efforts and noted that “renewed collaboration with international partners would further strengthen the fight against banditry and insurgency.”
This comment follows recent precision airstrikes against terrorist targets in Sokoto State, which the Federal Government confirmed were carried out with international cooperation and resulted in no civilian casualties.
Focus on Family as Foundation for Peace
The event, an annual family tradition held every December 26, also focused on familial bonds. Akpabio described family unity as “the foundation for peace, progress and collective success in society.”
His wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, echoed this sentiment, encouraging family members to “support one another selflessly, set aside personal differences and live together in love and harmony.”
The head of the Greater Akpabio Family, Chief Ekan Akpabio, urged relatives in public service to remain connected to their roots and prioritise the welfare of their kin.
The Senate President’s optimistic forecast provides a high-level political endorsement of the government’s security strategy and sets a public expectation for measurable progress in the nation’s fight against violent extremism and criminality in the coming year.
A prominent Catholic figure has called for the arrest of Nigerian cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, accusing him of crimes against humanity after Gumi referred to jihadist terrorists as “our warriors” and condemned recent U.S. airstrikes. The clash has ignited a fierce debate over Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious narratives, and the path forward in its fight against terror.
The Controversy Over the U.S. Strikes and Gumi’s Stance
The conflict centers on the December 25 U.S.military operation in Nigeria’s Sokoto State, which President Donald Trump said was deliberately timed for Christmas to send a message to groups targeting Christians. The Nigerian government confirmed the airstrikes were the result of “structured security and intelligence cooperation” with the U.S., involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination.
Following the strikes, Sheikh Gumi, a controversial but influential Islamic cleric, issued a forceful condemnation. He argued that the U.S. involvement would turn Nigeria into a “theatre of war,” attract anti-American forces, and dangerously polarize the nation along religious lines by framing the intervention as protection for Christians. He urged the government to halt cooperation with the U.S. and instead seek military assistance from what he termed “neutral countries” like China, Turkey, or Pakistan. Most explosively, Gumi referred to the targeted insurgents as “our warriors”—a statement Catholic Deacon Nick Donnelly seized upon in his call for Gumi’s arrest.
Donnelly’s Call to Action and Gumi’s Past Positions
In a post on X(formerly Twitter), Deacon Nick Donnelly, a British Catholic author and activist, declared Gumi’s remarks tantamount to supporting genocide. “Sheikh Gumi protests President Trump’s Christmas military strikes against the bestial Islamist terrorists. Calling the terrorists conducting the genocide against Christians ‘our warriors’. Gumi must be arrested and put on trial for crimes against humanity,” Donnelly wrote. He further demanded that President Bola Tinubu publicly condemn Gumi or be seen as “complicit in his crimes”.
Gumi is no stranger to controversy, having long advocated for negotiating with armed bandit groups in northwestern Nigeria, a stance that has earned him labels as a “bandit sympathiser”. In past interviews, he has argued that Nigeria’s military cannot win a guerrilla war and that negotiation is a pragmatic solution, controversially suggesting that kidnapping children is a “lesser evil” than killing soldiers. These views have placed him at the center of Nigeria’s complex security debate.
A Deeper Geopolitical and Domestic Divide
The current crisis is rooted in a major diplomatic shift from Washington.On October 31, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for severe violations of religious freedom, citing the killing of Christians. He threatened to cut off aid and hinted at military intervention, framing it as a defense of a persecuted religious minority.
This U.S. stance is heavily contested within Nigeria and by independent analysts. The Nigerian government, foreign minister, and advisers to President Tinubu have consistently rejected the “Christian genocide” narrative. They argue that the violence is more complex, driven by resource competition, criminality, and poor governance, and that victims come from all faiths. Data from groups like ACLED supports this, showing most violence in central Nigeria stems from farmer-herder disputes over land, not purely religious targeting. Furthermore, the majority of victims of jihadist groups like Boko Haram in the northeast have been Muslims.
Analysts suggest Trump’s focus appeals to his domestic evangelical base and represents a shift in U.S. Sahel policy to reassert influence after withdrawing from neighboring countries like Niger. For President Tinubu, a Muslim from the south leading a religiously divided nation, this presents a “delicate balancing act”. He must address legitimate security concerns without appearing to favor Western powers or inflame sectarian tensions.
The Debate Over Sovereignty and Security
The core of the dispute now unfolding in Nigeria’s public sphere pits concerns over sovereignty against demands for urgent security.
· Gumi’s Argument for Sovereignty: Gumi’s opposition is framed as a defense of national sovereignty and religious harmony. He warns of foreign powers with “imperial tendencies” and “ulterior motives” turning Nigeria into a proxy battlefield. His call for alternative partners like China or Turkey is based on a belief that they would be less likely to frame the conflict in religious terms that could split the country.
· Donnelly and Pro-Intervention Voices: For Donnelly and others who share his view, the primary concern is an immediate end to violence they see as religiously motivated genocide. From this perspective, the nationality of the forces providing help is secondary to the outcome of saving lives and crushing terrorism. This view finds support among some northern Christian leaders who have stated that Nigeria needs “all available support” to end the insecurity.
The call for Gumi’s arrest by a foreign religious figure adds another volatile layer, raising questions about external influence in Nigeria’s internal discourse and legal system.
Official Nigerian Position and Path Forward
The Federal Government has attempted to steer a middle course.The Foreign Ministry has defended the U.S. cooperation as sovereign, lawful, and aimed at protecting all civilians. Concurrently, officials have downplayed the religious narrative, with Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar explicitly stating the joint operations are “not targeting any religion”.
As analysts note, the long-term solution requires Nigeria to address the root causes of instability: poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and the government’s absence in vast rural territories. Whether framed as a religious crisis, a criminal insurgency, or a governance failure, the call for action is unanimous. However, the disagreement over whose action is legitimate—domestic forces, the U.S., or other international partners—and under what narrative, has become a defining and deeply divisive issue for Nigeria’s future.
ABUJA, December 27, 2025 – A prominent northern Christian body has thrown its weight behind reported United States military intervention in Nigeria, breaking ranks with critics to declare that the nation urgently needs all available external support to defeat worsening terrorism.
In a strong statement, Elder Sunday Oibe, Chairman of the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), faulted growing public opposition to foreign military involvement, framing the country’s security situation as an “existential crisis” demanding collaborative action.
“Nigeria Needs Help to Curb This Madness”
Elder Oibe’s remarks come amid intense national debate following reports of U.S. airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in Sokoto State on Christmas Day. While some quarters have raised sovereignty concerns, NOSCEF has taken a pragmatic stance focused on results.
“There’s no gain saying that Nigeria needs help to curb this madness of insurgency, kidnapping and terrorism troubling the soul of this nation,” Elder Oibe stated. He emphasized that any assistance aimed at restoring peace should be welcomed, provided the Nigerian government is fully aware and involved in the process.
“In whatever way this help comes, as long as the Nigerian government is in the know, it is a welcome development,” he asserted. “Nigerians have been bleeding for far too long because of the activities of these criminal bandits, whom I prefer to call enemies of humanity.”
Aligning with Babangida’s “No Negotiation” Stance
The NOSCEF chairman aligned his position with that of former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida, who recently called for a decisive, uncompromising approach to terrorism.
“I agree completely with the position of former leader, General Babangida, that government must root out this evil without negotiation,” Elder Oibe said, underscoring the forum’s support for robust military action over dialogue with terrorist groups.
Questioning Critics of Foreign Intervention
Reacting to arguments against foreign military involvement, Elder Oibe questioned the logic of opposing efforts to eliminate terror groups that continue to kill innocent citizens. He referenced the recent bombing of a mosque in Maiduguri as evidence of the persistent threat.
“Why should any sane mind be against rooting out these criminals by whatever means necessary?” he asked. “Whether it is American, Indian, or Togolese support that will help Nigeria uproot this evil, it should be welcomed. Nigerians simply want to live freely and go about their daily activities without fear of attack.”
Security Crisis Transcends Geopolitical Concerns
The elder’s remarks highlight a deepening divide in Nigeria’s security discourse, where immediate safety concerns for many citizens outweigh longer-term geopolitical considerations about sovereignty.
Elder Oibe insisted that the immediate priority must be the safety of Nigerian lives, stressing that insecurity has already cost the nation too much in blood and economic progress.
The NOSCEF endorsement adds significant moral weight to arguments for international security cooperation, particularly coming from a group representing Christian communities in Nigeria’s most conflict-affected regions. It signals that for many directly impacted by terrorism, the source of salvation matters less than the reality of deliverance from violence.
As debates continue about the appropriate boundaries of foreign military involvement, voices like NOSCEF’s underscore the desperate reality on the ground where theoretical sovereignty concerns compete with daily survival imperatives.
