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Tinubu-Trump Meeting ‘Imminent,’ Presidency Insists Amid U.S. Religious Freedom Designation

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja, Nigeria — November 11, 2025

The Nigerian presidency has reiterated its confidence that President Bola Tinubu will soon hold face-to-face talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, despite escalating tensions over Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged severe violations of religious freedom.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, said the anticipated bilateral engagement could take place “either at the White House or the State House” and may occur “at any time.”

“In diplomacy, protocol is key,” Bwala stressed. “When you’re building something, it must be preserved and protected. We will not be pressured into revealing the stage we are at in this discussion because there must be respect for protocol.”

His remarks follow a series of high-profile statements from the Trump administration, including an October 31 Truth Social post in which the U.S. leader accused Nigeria of allowing “thousands of Christians” to be killed by “radical Islamists,” citing data from Open Doors estimating over 3,100 faith-based Christian deaths in Nigeria in 2024 alone.

Trump subsequently threatened to halt all U.S. aid and warned of potential military intervention, stating: “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid… and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists.”

In response, President Tinubu issued a statement on November 1 rejecting the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant, emphasizing constitutional guarantees of freedom of worship and inviting U.S. collaboration in combating extremism.

Bwala, in a November 1 statement, highlighted alignment between the two leaders on counterterrorism, noting that the Trump administration had previously authorized significant arms sales to Nigeria—support that the Tinubu government has “adequately utilized” to achieve “massive results” against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala wrote.

He added that any “perceived differences” regarding the nature of terrorist threats in Nigeria would be clarified during the upcoming leaders’ meeting.

While no official date has been confirmed, unverified reports circulating on social media earlier this month suggested a planned Tinubu visit to Washington in early November—possibly to meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance—may have been postponed, with some claiming Trump demanded Nigeria first address its internal security challenges. The presidency has neither confirmed nor denied these reports.

Analysts say the stakes are high: U.S. aid to Nigeria exceeds $500 million annually, primarily in health, agriculture, and security assistance. A CPC designation could trigger sanctions, including visa restrictions and funding cuts, under the International Religious Freedom Act.

Meanwhile, domestic reactions remain mixed. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged calm, while some civil society groups have criticized the government’s handling of insecurity in the Middle Belt and northern regions, where clashes between herders and farmers—often framed in ethno-religious terms—continue to claim lives.

As diplomatic channels remain active behind closed doors, the anticipated Tinubu-Trump summit is seen as a critical opportunity to de-escalate rhetoric, reaffirm security cooperation, and address mutual concerns over religious freedom and violent extremism.

The presidency has signaled that such high-level engagement will proceed with discretion, prioritizing substance over spectacle in a relationship vital to both nations’ strategic interests in West Africa.

Trump Threatens $1 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against BBC Amid Editing Scandal and Leadership Exodus

By
Ola Akinola
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0

London — November 11, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated a transatlantic media firestorm by demanding the BBC retract a documentary and apologize for allegedly defamatory editing of his January 6, 2021, speech—or face a $1 billion lawsuit in U.S. courts. The threat, delivered in a legal letter dated November 9, comes just days after two top BBC executives resigned amid accusations of institutional bias, prompting an unprecedented apology from the broadcaster’s chairman and reigniting debates over its future as a publicly funded entity.

The controversy centers on a 2024 episode of the BBC’s flagship investigative series Panorama, titled “Trump’s America: The Road to January 6.” The program spliced clips from Trump’s Ellipse rally speech, creating the impression he directly urged supporters to “fight like hell” and march immediately to the Capitol—phrasing that, in context, was separated by nearly an hour and included calls for peaceful protest. Critics, including a leaked internal memo from former BBC standards adviser Michael Prescott, labeled the edit “misleading” and part of a pattern of “systemic bias.” 10

BBC Chairman Samir Shah addressed the uproar in a letter to UK lawmakers on Monday, conceding the edit “did give the impression of a direct call for violent action” and describing it as “an error of judgment.” He vowed reforms to bolster editorial oversight at the corporation, which has weathered financial strains, including hundreds of job cuts in recent years, while relying on a mandatory TV licence fee from British households. 11 Shah’s statement followed the dramatic resignations on Sunday of Director General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness, both of whom cited personal accountability for the lapse.

Davie, who had led the BBC since 2020, told staff his departure was “entirely my decision,” emphasizing that “as director general, I have to take ultimate responsibility” for editorial missteps. 13 Turness, a veteran journalist previously at NBC News, echoed the sentiment, stating the scandal had “reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC—an institution that I love.” 16 Their exits, confirmed by BBC insiders, mark a seismic shift at the 100-year-old broadcaster, which has faced serial scrutiny—from a 2004 scandal over Iraq War reporting to earlier 2025 rebukes for a Gaza documentary ruled “materially misleading” by regulators and for airing unvetted anti-Israel remarks at Glastonbury. 18

Trump’s Ultimatum: Retraction or Retribution

Trump’s legal team, led by attorney Alejandro Brito, fired off the cease-and-desist letter to BBC headquarters in London, accusing the network of “false and defamatory” content designed to “interfere in the presidential election” by portraying Trump as inciting the Capitol riot. 0 The demands include:

  • An immediate on-air and online retraction of the Panorama episode;
  • A public apology acknowledging the “malicious, disparaging” edits;
  • “Appropriate compensation” for reputational harm.

Failure to comply by November 14 at 5 p.m. EST (10 p.m. GMT) would trigger a lawsuit seeking no less than $1 billion in damages, potentially filed in Florida where the program was accessible online. 3 Trump, no stranger to media litigation—he recently sued The New York Times for $15 billion over unrelated coverage—hailed the resignations on social media as proof the BBC was “caught doctoring” his “perfect” speech, branding its journalists “corrupt” and “dishonest.” 5 White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt amplified the attack, dubbing the BBC “100-per-cent fake news.” 17

The threat has sparked a whirlwind on X (formerly Twitter), with users from Trump supporters to UK conservatives amplifying calls for accountability. One post declared it “the END for the BBC,” garnering hundreds of interactions, while others urged jail time for those involved, tying the scandal to taxpayer-funded licence fees. 24 27 Broader sentiment reflects polarized views: right-leaning accounts celebrate it as a “reckoning,” while defenders decry it as foreign meddling in British media. 2

UK Backlash: From Jubilation to Warnings

The saga has cleaved Britain’s political landscape. Former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a longtime BBC critic, vowed to withhold his licence fee until the issue was resolved and demanded Davie’s head. 17 Current Tory leader Kemi Badenoch hailed the resignations as justice for a “catalogue of serious failures,” while ex-BBC journalist Karen Fowler-Watt warned of a “right-wing attack” in a polarized media ecosystem. 13

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey fired back at Trump, imploring Prime Minister Keir Starmer to “keep his hands off” the BBC, which he called “the world’s number one news source.” Starmer’s office struck a measured tone, affirming the BBC’s “vital role in an age of disinformation” but insisting it must “correct mistakes quickly” to preserve trust. 15

Public opinion on London’s streets mirrors the divide. Construction worker Jimmy (who declined his surname) told AFP the BBC’s reputation is “tarnished” and its impartiality in doubt, while 78-year-old writer Jennifer Kavanagh sighed that it’s “always attacked from the right and from the left—they can never get it right.”

A Charter in the Crosshairs

Timing couldn’t be more fraught: The UK government is poised to launch a review of the BBC’s royal charter, which governs its operations and funding until 2027. 4 Amid stretched budgets and over 500 viewer complaints since last week’s Daily Telegraph exposé, the scandal has supercharged calls to reform or scrap the licence fee, which generates £3.7 billion annually but faces evasion rates above 10%. 11 Analysts like Fowler-Watt describe the BBC as in “a situation of crisis,” with Trump’s intervention risking perceptions of undue U.S. influence on sovereign media.

Legal experts question the lawsuit’s viability: Defamation claims across borders hinge on proving “actual malice” under U.S. standards, and the BBC’s apology may blunt damages. 3 Yet for Trump, the move aligns with a broader offensive against perceived adversaries, from CNN to CBS.

As the November 14 deadline looms, the BBC must navigate retraction risks that could embolden critics while staving off a financial juggernaut. Shah hinted at a measured response to the “litigious fellow,” but with Trump’s shadow looming over Broadcasting House, the stakes for impartiality—and survival—are higher than ever.

Nigerian Troops Thwart Boko Haram Abduction, Rescue 86 Civilians in Borno State

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Maiduguri, Borno State — November 11, 2025 — Troops from Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the Joint Task Force North East, achieved a significant victory against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents on Sunday, rescuing 86 kidnapped civilians and dismantling a terrorist camp in Borno State.

The operation unfolded when soldiers from the 135 Special Forces Battalion, operating under Sector 2 of OPHK, intercepted a group of terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya Road near Dutse Kura. Intelligence indicated the insurgents were in the midst of abducting civilians and commandeering vehicles. In a swift response, the troops engaged the attackers, preventing further abductions and forcing the terrorists into a disorganized retreat toward the village of Mangari.

A subsequent pursuit led to a decisive clash near the insurgents’ makeshift camp, where the troops overwhelmed the fighters, compelling them to flee. Clearance operations in the area uncovered 11 rudimentary structures used by the terrorists, which were promptly destroyed. Among those freed were men, women, and children, many of whom had been held captive for an undetermined period.

“We are grateful to the Nigerian military for this timely intervention,” said one of the rescued civilians, speaking anonymously due to ongoing security concerns. “These terrorists have terrorized our communities for too long; this gives us hope.”

In the firefight and subsequent searches, the troops recovered an arsenal of weapons and logistics support, including:

  • One AK-47 rifle loaded with five magazines containing 73 rounds of ammunition;
  • Four PKT ammunition belts;
  • Five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles hijacked by the insurgents.

No casualties were reported among the Nigerian forces, underscoring the effectiveness of their training and tactics in the volatile North East region.

Parallel Strike on Terrorist Supply Lines

In a coordinated effort, troops stationed at Mangada apprehended 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers traveling toward Chilaria. The arrests disrupted a major resupply convoy, yielding a haul of critical materials:

  • Two pickup vans and one tricycle laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS);
  • Approximately 1,000 liters of petrol in jerricans;
  • Four gallons of engine oil;
  • Two new tires for gun-mounted trucks;
  • A substantial cache of medical consumables, foodstuffs, and other provisions.

These seizures represent a blow to the insurgents’ operational sustainability, as logistics remain a key vulnerability for groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP amid Nigeria’s protracted counter-insurgency campaign.

The Military High Command praised the troops for their “gallantry and professionalism,” urging Operation HADIN KAI to maintain relentless pressure on terrorist networks across the North East. “Sustain these operations to deny the enemy freedom of action,” the command stated in an official release. “Every success like this erodes their capacity and restores security to our people.”

This latest triumph comes amid heightened military activity in Borno, where insurgent attacks have persisted despite years of federal and multinational efforts. Rights groups, however, continue to call for parallel investments in community rehabilitation and economic development to address the root causes of radicalization in the region.

As Nigeria marks another step forward in its fight against extremism, analysts warn that sustained vigilance is essential to prevent the insurgents from regrouping. Operation HADIN KAI, launched in 2015, has claimed numerous victories, but the shadow of Boko Haram—responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and displacements since 2009—looms large.

Nigeria Records 145 Kidnappings in October 2025, North-West and North-Central Regions Lead

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja — A total of 145 kidnapping incidents were reported across Nigeria in October 2025, according to data compiled by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and indexed by The Cable. The figures highlight a severe security challenge, with the North-West and North-Central geopolitical zones accounting for the overwhelming majority of cases—124 incidents combined.

The North-West region recorded the highest number at 75 kidnappings, followed by the North-Central zone with 49. In contrast, the North-East reported 11 cases, while the South-East and South-South zones each logged 4 incidents. The South-West had the lowest tally, with just 2 kidnappings.

Breakdown of Kidnappings by Geopolitical Zone (October 2025):

  1. North-West: 75
  2. North-Central: 49
  3. North-East: 11
  4. South-East: 4
  5. South-South: 4
  6. South-West: 2

Total: 145

These statistics underscore a persistent regional disparity in insecurity, raising urgent questions about law enforcement capacity, community safety measures, and the need for targeted interventions in the hardest-hit areas. Analysts and rights advocates are calling for enhanced intelligence sharing, bolstered military presence, and socioeconomic initiatives to address root causes such as poverty and unemployment in affected zones.

The NHRC’s monthly tracking aims to inform policy and public discourse on human rights violations. As Nigeria grapples with this crisis, stakeholders emphasize the importance of coordinated federal and state responses to curb the menace.

#TheCableIndex

EFCC Declares Ex-Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Over $14.8 Million Refinery Fraud Allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a public wanted notice for Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, accusing him of conspiracy and the dishonest conversion of $14,859,257 in public funds earmarked for refinery construction. 0 The announcement, released Monday by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, comes amid heightened scrutiny of Sylva’s overseas travel and follows a recent military raid on his Abuja residence linked to separate coup plot rumors he has vehemently denied. 10

Sylva, 61, from Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, is alleged to have diverted funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for a proposed refinery project. 2 The EFCC secured an arrest warrant from Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Lagos on November 6, 2025, authorizing any EFCC officer, police, or law enforcement personnel to apprehend him for questioning. 1 The court order explicitly states the warrant’s purpose: to bring Sylva before the commission to answer charges of criminal misconduct.

In its statement, the EFCC urged the public to provide information on Sylva’s whereabouts, directing tips to any of its 14 zonal offices nationwide, the nearest police station, or via hotline 08093322644 or email [email protected]. 4 A photograph of Sylva accompanies the notice, which has rapidly circulated on social media, amplifying calls for accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector. 39

The development unfolds against a backdrop of political turbulence for Sylva. Just days earlier, on October 29, 2025, his aide, Chief Julius Bokoru, dismissed viral reports tying Sylva to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu as “desperate and narcissistic” fabrications by 2027 election rivals. 11 Bokoru described the rumors as a response to Sylva’s “intimidating political presence and credibility,” positioning him as an obstacle to rivals’ ambitions. He reaffirmed Sylva’s status as an “unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat,” highlighting his mobilization of Bayelsa State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) structures to endorse Tinubu at a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa. 17

Bokoru confirmed a raid on Sylva’s Abuja home by suspected Defence Headquarters operatives, noting “significant damage” to the property but no explanation provided by the intruders. 42 He clarified that Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi, were abroad at the time—first in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up, then en route to Malaysia for a professional conference—insisting the trip was pre-planned and unrelated to evasion. 14 Security sources had earlier linked the October 28 raid to intelligence suggesting Sylva’s involvement in covert meetings with detained military officers probing a thwarted coup, though the Defence Headquarters has debunked broader coup narratives. 41

Sylva’s political career, spanning roles as a Rivers State assemblyman in the 1990s, Bayelsa governor from 2007 to 2012, and petroleum minister under Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, has long intersected with graft allegations. 6 He was the APC’s 2023 Bayelsa gubernatorial candidate, losing to incumbent Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Past probes into asset declarations and public funds have yielded mixed outcomes, with some cases dropped or dismissed.

Social media reactions to the EFCC notice have been swift and polarized. Supporters decry it as selective persecution amid Sylva’s vocal backing of Tinubu, while critics demand swift justice, drawing parallels to unfulfilled refinery promises that have plagued Nigeria’s energy sector. 20 33 As of Monday evening, neither Sylva nor his team had issued a direct response to the fraud charges, though Bokoru’s prior statements underscore a narrative of political victimization.

The EFCC’s pursuit signals an intensified crackdown on oil-related corruption, echoing recent arrests in vote-buying schemes in Anambra and a fatal EFCC raid in Lekki. 0 With Sylva’s location undisclosed, the case tests the anti-graft body’s resolve—and Nigeria’s commitment to holding high-profile figures accountable, regardless of alliances.

Super Eagles’ Hotel Sparks Fury

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Iwobi’s Viral Video Exposes Subpar Lodging in Morocco Amid World Cup Push

As the Super Eagles of Nigeria hunkered down in Rabat for a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon, midfielder Alex Iwobi unwittingly ignited a firestorm of criticism with a silent social media video that laid bare the team’s modest accommodations. The footage, capturing a grim exterior view from his hotel room—complete with weathered buildings, dangling laundry, and outdated satellite dishes—has fueled accusations of neglect by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), just days before Thursday’s must-win clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Iwobi, the Fulham star with 89 caps for Nigeria, posted the clip on Sunday without commentary, panning across the rundown surroundings of the Rive Hotel, the team’s base. The 57-second video, which has racked up millions of views across platforms, struck a nerve among fans already weary of recurring logistical lapses in Nigerian football. “This isn’t a hotel; it’s a hostel in a slum,” one supporter lamented in the comments, echoing a chorus of outrage over what many see as an insult to the continent’s most decorated national team.

The NFF swiftly pushed back, with spokesperson Ademola Olajire clarifying via social media that the video merely showed “an old building visible from a window” and that the Rive was deliberately chosen for its proximity to training facilities and the stadium—mere minutes away in Rabat’s bustling Agdal district. 14 “The hotel is comfortable and secure,” Olajire insisted, noting that 14 players, including captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman, had arrived by Monday evening. Iwobi himself followed up with a lighthearted clarification, insisting he was “just sharing the view” and not lodging complaints, though the damage to public perception was already done. 17

Social media erupted, with users dissecting the video frame by frame. @dele003 blasted CAF and FIFA as “utterly useless,” questioning how Morocco—hosts of the 2030 World Cup—could offer such subpar digs for a four-day tournament. “The NFF should’ve scouted ahead and rejected this,” they wrote, tagging federation officials in a post that garnered over 5,000 likes. 0 @prolific_eric piled on, decrying the irony of stars from “the richest Black nation on earth” enduring what he called “not even a 2-star hotel.” “Selfishness and corruption at its peak—countries with half our resources treat players like kings,” he fumed, his thread sparking debates on systemic mismanagement. 1

Critics like @MiraculousSound tied the accommodations to broader motivational woes: “After drilling mentality into these players, you stick them in this dump? Expect miracles on the pitch?” Meanwhile, @MntwanaThokoza2 alleged outright graft, claiming the NFF “booked a rundown spot to pocket the difference—pure money looting.” 2 The backlash echoes earlier scandals, including the Super Falcons’ complaints about substandard rooms at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco earlier this year, and a March incident where Super Eagles players were forced to share beds during qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. 12

Not all reactions were condemnatory. @Ameboibadan offered a contrarian spin, framing the setup as “tough love training.” “Comfort breeds complacency—if they’re cozy, they might slack and lose. This keeps them hungry to win, or no ride home. Props to NFF for the discipline,” the post read, drawing a mix of eye-rolls and reluctant chuckles. 3 Others, like @ArcSadam, used sarcasm to jab at government priorities: “No one insult Nigeria’s leaders after this—proof we’re world-class at cutting corners.” 18

The controversy arrives at a pivotal moment for Finidi George’s side, who advanced to the playoffs after a gritty group-stage finish, including a 4-0 thrashing of Benin. With Gabon coached by Thierry Mouyouma plotting a tactical upset, the Eagles—bolstered by arrivals like Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface—face immense pressure to secure a spot in the intercontinental playoffs against an Asian side. Yet, as camp buzzes with 24-man squad integration and evening drills, the hotel saga underscores deeper fissures: CAF’s responsibility for neutral-venue logistics clashing with NFF’s oversight, all while players foot the bill for their focus.

Neither CAF nor the NFF has announced plans to relocate, but the federation’s damage control hints at internal reviews. For Iwobi and his teammates, the real test looms Thursday: Can they channel the discomfort into dominance, or will it fester as another footnote in Nigeria’s turbulent football narrative? As one fan put it, “Win, and it’s forgotten. Lose, and it’s legendarily bad.” The eyes of a football-mad nation—and beyond—are watching.

FCT Minister Wike Issues Final 14-Day Ultimatum to Land Use Violators in Premium Districts

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

₦5 Million Penalty Mandated or Risk Sanctions

By Toyin Adebayo, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has issued a final 14-day grace period to property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse districts who have contravened approved land use provisions, directing them to comply with the FCT Administration’s revised regulations or face stringent enforcement measures.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, affected allottees and title holders must remit a ₦5 million violation fee, in addition to applicable charges for land use conversion and change, within 14 calendar days commencing Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

“Non-compliance within the stipulated 14-day period will trigger enforcement actions by the FCT Administration,” the statement cautioned.

This directive builds on prior public notices published in national newspapers from September 8 to 10, 2025, alerting property owners to the reviewed land use and purpose clauses for designated areas within the Federal Capital City (FCC). The original 30-day compliance window lapsed one month ago.

In a gesture of fairness and administrative leniency, Minister Wike has granted the extension to allow defaulters an additional chance to regularize their properties in accordance with legal requirements.

The specified locations are:

  • Maitama District: Gana Street and Usuma Street;
  • Asokoro District: Yakubu Gowon Crescent;
  • Wuse II District: Aminu Kano Crescent and Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent;
  • Garki II District: Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Gimbiya Street, and Onitsha Street;
  • Garki I District: Ogbomosho Street, Lafia Close, Yola Street, Abriba Close, Danbatta Street, Ringim Close, and Ilorin Street.

Affected parties are urged to proceed to the Department of Land Administration with original title documents and valid identification to obtain Letters of Conveyance of Approval, which outline the sanctioned land use changes and associated fees.

The statement further noted that, upon full compliance, the Minister has authorized the issuance of updated title documents, including Statutory Rights of Occupancy and Certificates of Occupancy, for a renewed 99-year term.

The FCT Administration emphasized, however, that this amnesty excludes properties previously revoked for reasons such as non-development, unpaid ground rents, or other violations.

FCTA Slams Sahara Reporters Over False Claims — Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

***Fully Funds, Revamps Aso Radio/TV

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has debunked a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, owed salaries of workers at the Abuja Broadcasting Corporation (Aso Radio/Television) and had abandoned the organisation.

In a strongly worded statement, the Acting Managing Director of Aso Radio/TV, Ajibola Akinwumi, described the allegations as “baseless, misleading, and unethical,” insisting that staff salaries are fully paid up to October 2025 under Wike’s leadership.

“The Honourable Minister has not only ensured prompt salary payments but has also approved the regularisation of ad-hoc staff making them pensionable employees. This clearly shows his commitment to staff welfare and institutional growth,” Akinwumi said.

He faulted the online platform for breaching journalistic ethics, noting that Sahara Reporters failed to seek clarification before publishing the story.

“Your report ignored fairness and balance, even mentioning my name without courtesy contact. That’s an unacceptable ethical breach,” he stated.

Akinwumi reaffirmed that Aso Radio/TV operates a transparent, 24-hour service across radio and television, committed to accurate and responsible journalism.

“Fake news and disinformation do not build nations. Minister Wike’s leadership continues to earn praise for infrastructure renewal and his determination to uplift public institutions. We should all support his vision for the common good,” he added.

Ned Nwoko Insists on Rehab for Regina Daniels Amid Escalating Drug Abuse Claims and Abuse Allegations

By
Ola Akinola
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0

By News Desk
Abuja

ABUJA — Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has intensified his public plea for his estranged wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, to enter rehabilitation for alleged drug addiction, framing it as a life-saving measure for her and their two young children.

In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, the 64-year-old lawmaker presented toxicology reports showing elevated levels of multiple substances in Daniels’ system, linking them to her recent “violent and destructive” episodes, recurrent health crises, and a personality shift from calm to erratic. Nwoko recounted rushing her unconscious to Nizamiye Hospital three times over the past eight months due to suspected overdoses, emphasizing, “I want her alive and healthy, not just for me, but for our children. Many people have died of drug overdose—what will I tell her children tomorrow?”

He accused Daniels’ siblings—particularly her brother Samuel “Sammy West” Ojeogwu—and friends of supplying the drugs and sabotaging recovery efforts by smuggling substances during treatment attempts. “Her close relations and friends that I trusted are exploiting her resources to keep her addicted,” Nwoko said, dismissing social media denials from Daniels’ mother, Rita Daniels, as “baseless distractions” rooted in denial. To counter skepticism, he offered to fund independent toxicology tests by any expert of their choosing, even abroad: “If her mother wants to prove me wrong, let them arrange it—I will pay.”

The senator also refuted Rita Daniels’ recent Instagram claim that Nwoko’s son died of a drug overdose in the UK, calling it an “inhuman attack” unsupported by autopsy findings. He portrayed himself as a protector fighting for Daniels’ sobriety to ensure she raises their sons in a “sane and healthy environment.”

Daniels, 25, fired back on Instagram Sunday morning, admitting to past drug use but branding Nwoko’s narrative “exaggerated, manipulative, and designed to tarnish my image.” She alleged he encouraged her habit, quoting him as saying she was “sexier” when high, and accused him of sexual assault, confinement, and forcing sedatives on her for bipolar disorder whenever she challenged him. “You seize my phones for weeks because you hate that I talk to my family,” she wrote, claiming isolation tactics to force reconciliation. Daniels further asserted no legal marriage existed—”We were never married in any court of law”—and that her “prime years” and career sacrifices outweighed his financial support. “Leave me alone, Ned. Marriage is not by force. Love is not by force.”

The feud, which erupted publicly on October 18 with a viral video of Daniels tearfully alleging domestic violence in their Abuja home, has spiraled into a spectacle of competing videos and posts. Nwoko has shared footage purportedly showing Sammy West harassing his staff and children, while labeling actress Uche Montana as another supplier. Daniels, in turn, claimed Nwoko targeted her family, citing Sammy’s recent arrest and remand—initially for alleged threats but now tied to drug supply accusations—and police invitations to Rita. She briefly surrendered, tearfully vowing to return home post-arrest on November 7, but has since doubled down on independence, flaunting a new family mansion in Lagos as a symbol of self-reliance.

Daniels dropped a bombshell by claiming she was 17—not the reported 18—when they wed in 2019, igniting debates on consent and power imbalances in their 40-year age-gap union. Activist Omoyele Sowore amplified this on X, urging UK authorities to probe Nwoko—a registered solicitor—for potential statutory rape and abuse of power. Public reaction has fractured: Supporters rally behind Daniels with #JusticeForRegina petitions surpassing 30,000 signatures, while others, like activist VeryDarkMan, back Nwoko’s drug claims based on her videos. Lawyers, including one analyzing Nwoko’s videos, have faulted him for failing to set boundaries and called for Sammy’s release.

Nwoko, who has six wives and denies violence across all marriages, has spent millions aiding Daniels’ family—₦125 million to Rita alone—yet insists the crisis stems solely from addiction, not abuse. Daniels counters that drugs entered her life post-marriage, tying it to marital trauma.

As the spat dominates Nigerian media and X—trending with hashtags like #RegNedSaga and #JusticeForNed—the couple’s children remain caught in the crossfire. No formal divorce proceedings have been filed, but observers warn the public airing risks irreparable harm. Police have yet to comment on the latest claims, leaving the saga unresolved amid calls for mediation or intervention.

INEC Declares Soludo Winner of Anambra Governorship Election with Landslide Victory

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

AWKA — Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been declared winner of the Anambra State governorship election held on November 8, securing a second term with a commanding margin.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the State Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edogah Omoregie, at the INEC headquarters in Awka.

Soludo polled 422,664 votes, dwarfing his closest challenger, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 99,445 votes.

Other candidates trailed far behind:

  • Paul Chukwuma (YPP) – 37,753 votes
  • George Moghalu (Labour Party) – 10,576 votes
  • John Nwosu (ADC) – 8,208 votes

Election Statistics:

  • Total registered voters: 2,788,864
  • Total accredited voters: 598,229
  • Total valid votes: 584,054
  • Rejected votes: 11,244

INEC confirmed that results from 99.4% of polling units had been uploaded to the IReV portal prior to the final declaration, reinforcing transparency in the process.

Soludo’s victory solidifies APGA’s dominance in Anambra, a state the party has governed since 2006. The win also reflects strong voter endorsement of the governor’s infrastructure drive, urban renewal projects in Awka and Onitsha, and education reforms—despite criticisms over security and youth unemployment.

Political analysts say the fragmented opposition—split across APC, YPP, LP, and ADC—failed to mount a unified challenge, paving the way for Soludo’s landslide.

No major incidents of violence were reported during the election, with security agencies and INEC commended for a largely peaceful and credible exercise.

Soludo is expected to be sworn in for his second term in March 2026.

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