Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 23

Rivers Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, 15 Lawmakers Defect from PDP to APC

By
Roland Edet
-
0

 

In a major political shake-up, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, along with 15 other lawmakers, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amaewhule announced the defection during Friday’s plenary, citing divisions within the PDP at the national level as the driving force behind the move. He confirmed that he had notified his ward chairman of his departure and had formally registered with the APC.

“Distinguished colleagues, APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to ensure my APC party card is issued without delay. I am happy to be a member so we can join forces with Mr President, who is doing so much for this country,” Amaewhule said.

The Speaker also praised President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a leader who “means well for Nigeria” and has shown “genuine support for Rivers State.”

According to Amaewhule, the lawmakers’ priority is now to support the President from within the APC, arguing that internal fractures in the PDP made staying in the party untenable.

The defections, long anticipated amid the state’s deepening political divisions, strengthen the bloc aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike, which has been at odds with Governor Siminalayi Fubara since late 2023.

Political analysts say the move gives the APC a significant foothold in the Rivers State House of Assembly, previously dominated by the PDP, and could reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

As of press time, the PDP state leadership had not issued an official response to the defections.

 

 

 

HOSTCOM Applauds Tinubu for Appointing Former Delta Governor Okowa as RHI National Coordinator

By
Saladin Babagana
-
0

The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Delta State Chapter, has hailed the appointment of former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the federal intervention platform led by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

In a statement jointly signed by Delta State HOSTCOM Chairman, Chief Amb. Enujeke Ndidi Sunday (IJP), and State Secretary, High Comrade Joseph Laminghan, the organisation described Okowa’s appointment as a “strategic national asset placement,” adding that his experience, empathy, and governance record will significantly strengthen grassroots empowerment across the country.

Chief Enujeke said oil-bearing communities in Delta State — many of which benefitted from Okowa’s development-focused administration — are confident that his new role will widen access to federal social interventions and increase opportunities for vulnerable populations nationwide.

“Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa remains a distinguished statesman and builder of people and institutions. His achievements in healthcare, education reforms, technical skills development, welfare expansion, and landmark growth of oil communities through DESOPADEC stand as legacies of visionary leadership,” the statement read.

HOSTCOM noted that Okowa’s new appointment is not merely a reward, but “a call to national duty at a time Nigeria needs unity, bipartisan cooperation, and competent technocrats to drive sustainable impact.”

The organisation also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for choosing Okowa, describing the decision as a demonstration of maturity, patriotism, and readiness to work across party lines for the greater good of the nation.

According to the group, “President Tinubu has shown that nation-building must rise above politics. By appointing Senator Okowa, the President has placed merit, compassion, and proven experience above partisanship.”

HOSTCOM pledged full support for Okowa in his new task and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of 2027.

The statement concluded with a promise to continue partnering with government institutions, stakeholders, and development actors to deepen peace, strengthen inclusivity, and drive growth across oil-producing communities in Delta State.

RHI: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Unveils Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons With Disabilities in Edo

By
Saladin Babagana
-
0

 

 

The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Edo State as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Speaking at the launch held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, the First Lady announced that 250 persons living with disabilities in each state and the Federal Capital Territory have received business recapitalisation grants of ₦200,000 each to strengthen their small-scale enterprises.

Represented by Mrs. Edesili Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Edo State, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was created to enhance the economic resilience of Nigerians with disabilities and ensure their full integration into national development.

She explained that ₦50 million was allocated to each state and the FCT, bringing the total number of empowered beneficiaries nationwide to 9,500 persons. She further revealed that the empowerment fund is valued at ₦1.9 billion and will now be held every year on December 3rd to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“Let it be a seed that grows into something greater a business that supports you and your family,” she urged beneficiaries.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to disability inclusion, noting that Edo has established by law a government agency dedicated to promoting the welfare and rights of persons living with disabilities.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Melody Omosah, Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), praised the First Lady for her compassionate leadership and continuous support for disability inclusion in Nigeria.

The event climaxed with the symbolic presentation of empowerment grants to selected beneficiaries.

Supreme Court Declares FG Wrong on Withheld Osun LG Funds, But Strikes Out Suit Over Locus Standi

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0

 

The Supreme Court on Friday struck out a suit filed by the Attorney General of Osun State against the Federal Government over the withholding of local government allocations, ruling that the state’s Attorney General lacked the legal authority to sue on behalf of the 30 local councils.

In a split decision of six Justices to one, the apex court held that only elected and inaugurated local government officials have the legal standing to initiate such an action.

However, while dismissing the suit, the court strongly condemned the Federal Government’s action, declaring that withholding funds constitutionally meant for local councils is a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Idris described the Federal Government’s conduct as “unjust” and admonished it to ensure direct payment of allocations into local government accounts.

Justice Idris further noted that since there was no evidence that the Osun Attorney General was instructed by the councils to act on their behalf, he could not competently file the suit.

The Court also rejected the Attorney General of the Federation’s contempt claim against his Osun counterpart, stating that the AGF was “in greater contempt” of the law for failing to release the funds as required.

In a minority judgment, Justice Emmanuel Agim disagreed with the majority, insisting that the Osun AG had the right to institute the case. He condemned the Federal Government’s action as one capable of crippling local government operations across the state.

U.S. Action Shames Nigerian Govt Over Terror Fight — Timi Frank Applauds Trump, Congress

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0

 

Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary and political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has declared that recent moves by the United States have exposed the Nigerian government’s reluctance to confront terrorism, accusing authorities of protecting sponsors of insecurity while citizens are being slaughtered.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Frank commended U.S. President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Congress and Secretary Marco Rubio for imposing visa restrictions on terrorism financiers linked to Nigeria, insisting the action has forced the Nigerian government to react after years of silence.

“I thank President Trump and the good people of the United States who have shown sympathy and support for Nigerians at a time when terrorists and bandits threaten to overrun our nation,” Frank said. “The U.S. is more committed to ending insecurity in Nigeria than our own leaders.”

Frank, who serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, described the U.S. sanctions as the “first serious international move” compelling Nigeria to act, adding that without America’s intervention, Nigerian leaders would “still be looking the other way.”

He lamented that despite receiving a comprehensive list of terror financiers from the United Arab Emirates during the Buhari administration, the Nigerian government has refused to release or prosecute those involved because many are politically protected.

“The government already has the list, but it has been buried because many of the sponsors are politically connected. Some are in the ruling party. That is the uncomfortable truth they do not want Nigerians to know,” he stated.

Frank accused the Nigerian government of prioritizing political indulgence over national security, citing reports of luxury vehicles being purchased for political allies even as mass killings continue.

“This shameless display shows exactly where their priorities lie, and it is not with the people,” he said.

He urged the U.S. not to share intelligence with Nigerian authorities until the “full, unedited list” of terror financiers is made public and prosecutions commence.

Frank, who is also Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, thanked President Trump, Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Riley Moore for supporting efforts to end violence in Nigeria.

“Their intervention has exposed what our own leaders have refused to confront and has given Nigerians renewed hope that this nightmare can end,” he added.

Tinubu Swears In Gen. Musa as New Defence Minister, Tasks Him to Consolidate Security Gains

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
-
0

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday swore in retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, charging him to accelerate ongoing reforms aimed at securing lasting peace across the country.

 

Musa’s appointment followed the resignation of former Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on December 1, 2025. His nomination was immediately forwarded to the Senate, which screened and confirmed him without delay.

 

Born in Sokoto in 1967, the retired general was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991. He went on to serve in various capacities before President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Defence Staff in 2023. He retired from service in October 2025 after a distinguished career in which he championed stronger inter-agency military collaboration.

 

With his swearing-in, the Tinubu administration expects Musa to assume office immediately and strengthen recent security gains while fast-tracking defence sector reforms to enhance peace and stability nationwide.

 

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

 

Others present were Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, wife of the newly sworn-in minister; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and retired Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs.

 

 

Troops Foil Ransom Collection, Rescue 10 Kidnapped Women in Kaduna Bush

By
Ola Akinola
-
0

KADUNA – Soldiers from 1 Division Nigerian Army, under Operation FANSAN YANMA, have rescued all 10 women abducted from their farms in Ungwan Nungu, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The victims were kidnapped on November 29 while working on their farmland.

Military sources told NewsFocus that troops, acting on credible intelligence, tracked the bandits for days and struck at exactly 6:40 a.m. on Friday just as the kidnappers were about to collect ransom from the victims’ families.

“The troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle. Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned the women and fled into the forest,” a senior officer said.

During the operation, soldiers recovered:

– One locally fabricated AK-47 rifle
– One round of 9mm ammunition
– ₦1.6 million cash believed to be part of the ransom money

All 10 rescued women, aged between 25 and 55, have undergone debriefing and medical checks and have been reunited with their families in Sanga.

The General Officer Commanding 1 Division praised the troops for their gallantry and vowed that the fleeing bandits will not escape justice.

Security sources say intensive patrols and tracking operations are ongoing in Sanga and neighbouring forests to prevent reprisal attacks.

VIO Vows Supreme Court Fight After Appeal Court Bans Impoundment of Vehicles

By
Ola Akinola
-
0

ABUJA – The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) has announced it will appeal to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal on Thursday upheld a landmark ruling that permanently bars its officers from stopping vehicles, impounding cars, or imposing fines on motorists in the Federal Capital Territory.

A three-member panel of the appellate court unanimously dismissed VIO’s challenge against an October 2024 Federal High Court judgment, describing the agency’s roadside enforcement practices as “unlawful, oppressive and unconstitutional.”

The original suit was filed by Abuja-based lawyer Abubakar Marshal, who dragged VIO to court after officers seized his car in Jabi in December 2023. The High Court had awarded him N2.5 million damages and issued a perpetual injunction against VIO, the FCT Minister, and the Transport Secretary.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi ruled that no law empowers VIO officers to act as mobile courts on the highways, stressing that only properly constituted courts can impose fines or confiscate property.

Reacting to the verdict, acting VIO Director Deborah Osho told NewsFocus: “We are heading to the Supreme Court. If we cannot enforce traffic laws on the road, there will be chaos. Abuja drivers already feel they are above the law.”

Motorists and rights groups have hailed the decision as a major victory. “This ends years of extortion on our roads,” said commuter rights activist Comrade Yusuf Abdul. “VIO should limit itself to vehicle inspection at designated centres as the law intended.”

Legal experts say the ruling currently applies only to the FCT but could set a precedent for the entire country if upheld by the Supreme Court.

For now, VIO officers in Abuja have been directed to stand down from roadside operations pending the final outcome of the case.

Tinubu Drops 65 New Ambassadors: Career Diplomats, Ex-Govs, Fani-Kayode, Jega, Dambazau All Make List

By
Ola Akinola
-
0

ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has sent a blockbuster list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, in the biggest diplomatic shake-up since he recalled all envoys in September 2023.

The list, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday, contains:

– 34 career foreign service officers
– 31 non-career (political) appointees

Every state and the six geopolitical zones are represented.

Notable names include:

– Former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega
– Former Interior Minister Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd)
– Former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd)
– Ex-Senators Folasade Grace Bent, Solomon Ita Enang and Jimoh Ibrahim
– Former Akwa Ibom First Lady Chioma Ohakim
– Controversial commentators Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri
– Retired diplomats and security chiefs

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, has one week to screen the nominees. Confirmation is expected before the Christmas break.

This fresh batch comes on top of three names submitted last week, bringing the total pending ambassadorial approvals to 68.

With most Nigerian missions abroad currently run by chargés d’affaires for over two years, the new appointments are seen as critical to reviving Nigeria’s economic diplomacy and foreign investment drive.

Senate Declares Lead Poisoning Emergency, Orders Nationwide Crackdown

By
Ola Akinola
-
0

ABUJA – The Nigerian Senate has declared the deadly lead poisoning outbreak in Lagos-Ogun border communities a national public health emergency and ordered an immediate, country-wide clampdown on all sources of contamination.

Following chilling revelations of blood-lead levels up to 186 times above safe limits in Ogijo, lawmakers on Thursday directed the Ministries of Health, Environment and Solid Minerals, NAFDAC, NESREA and SON to enforce strict regulations on battery recycling plants, lead processing factories and industrial emissions across Nigeria.

The upper chamber also mandated the establishment of a dedicated National Lead Poisoning Response and Remediation Office under NEMA, deployment of free mass screening and chelation therapy by NCDC, and full environmental clean-up of affected soil, water and homes.

Senators Mukhail Abiru (Lagos East) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), who moved the motion, described the situation as a “silent killer” that has turned Ogijo into a sacrifice zone.

The Senate commended the recent closure of seven illegal factories and suspension of lead ingot exports, but insisted the response must now go nationwide to prevent similar tragedies elsewhere.

A compliance report has been demanded within six weeks.

1...222324...430Page 23 of 430

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Newsfocus is your news, sports,politics, entertainment, music fashion website. We offer you the latest breaking news and videos straight from the sports and entertainment industry across the world.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

© 2020 Focus Media . All Rights Reserved