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Military Launches Youth Football Championship in Bid to Curb Niger Delta Crime

By
Ola Akinola
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0

PORT HARCOURT — The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has inaugurated a six-day Under-15 Boys Football Championship in Port Harcourt, describing it as a strategic non-kinetic initiative to reduce youth crime and strengthen civil-military relations in the Niger Delta.

The tournament, which kicked off on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Sharks Stadium in Rivers State, features young participants from across the South-South region, as well as Abia and Imo states.

Represented by Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, General Oluyede stated that the championship is a core component of the Armed Forces’ soft approach to tackling insecurity by engaging youths through sports, discipline, and talent development.

“This championship symbolizes the spirit of teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition that defines our great nation,” the CDS said. “It provides an avenue to deter future security challenges with the cooperation of the good citizens of Nigeria through a non-kinetic approach.”

He noted that the Niger Delta faces “unique social and security challenges,” and while kinetic military operations continue, initiatives like the football competition are essential to redirecting youths away from crime and toward productive pursuits.

“By empowering this generation, we help build a safer, more stable, and more prosperous future for all,” Oluyede added.

He charged the participating youths to compete with fairness and sportsmanship, while urging coaches and officials to uphold professionalism and empathy throughout the tournament.

In his welcome address, the Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Phillips, emphasized the unifying power of sports and its role in building trust between the military and host communities.

“Undoubtedly, this championship has come at a time when good working relationships between the military and civilians are mostly required to ultimately overcome the enormity of security challenges being faced by our dear nation,” Phillips stated.

The CDS expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support of youth empowerment and security initiatives, and thanked the Rivers State Government for co-sponsoring the event, along with partners such as Greater Heights Global Sports Development Limited.

The tournament is scheduled to run for six days, with the military hoping it will foster lasting engagement, talent discovery, and peace-building in the region.

PDP Alarms Over Supreme Court Ruling on Emergency Powers, Warns of “Dangerous Precedent

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised a red flag over the potential implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning presidential powers to declare a state of emergency, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy and federal structure.

The party’s alarm follows a split decision (6-1) by the apex court in the suit Attorney-General of Adamawa State & Others v. Attorney-General of the Federation & the National Assembly (SC/CV/329/2025), which challenged the constitutionality of President Bola Tinubu’s earlier declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

While the Supreme Court struck out the case for lack of a cause of action, the PDP, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, argued that the court’s accompanying commentary has been broadly interpreted as an endorsement of expansive presidential emergency powers.

The party expressed deep concern that the ruling’s reasoning, if left unchecked, could empower the presidency to suspend democratically elected state officials, including Governors and State Houses of Assembly.

“Our concern is anchored on the long-standing legal principle that the express mention of one thing excludes others, and the clear constitutional position that no person or institution, other than the State House of Assembly or a court of law, is empowered to remove a Governor from office during their constitutional term,” the statement read.

The PDP cautioned that the interpretation of the judgment creates a pathway for the President, backed by the National Assembly, to leverage emergency declarations as a tool for political coercion against state governments.

Further, the party warned that such a precedent could, in future, be extended to justify the suspension of other core constitutional institutions, including the judiciary.

To avert this perceived threat, the PDP called for urgent legislative action. It urged the National Assembly to introduce constitutional amendments and legislative safeguards to clearly define and circumscribe the scope of presidential emergency powers.

The party also appealed to Nigerians, civil society organisations, the media, and the international democratic community to remain vigilant in defending the principles of constitutionalism, federalism, and the sanctity of electoral mandates.

Concluding its statement, the PDP expressed hope that the Supreme Court would, at the next appropriate opportunity, provide definitive clarity on the constitutional limits of emergency powers to ensure justice, democratic integrity, and long-term national stability.

You Cannot Stop a Moving Train,” Declares APC Chieftain, Predicts Tinubu’s 2027 Return

By
Ola Akinola
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0

“You Cannot Stop a Moving Train,” Declares APC Chieftain, Predicts Tinubu’s 2027 Return

Insists Party’s Achievements Will Secure Victory; Clears IPAC of Blaming for Internal Party Crises

A senior official of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unstoppable and will secure a second term in 2027, citing ongoing infrastructural projects and economic policies as the foundation for his re-election.

Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, the APC Deputy Women Leader who also serves as the Deputy National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), made the assertion in an exclusive interview in Abuja on Monday.

Ibrahim positioned the Tinubu administration’s record—highlighting salary payments, project execution, and nationwide infrastructure improvements—as the decisive factor for voters in the next electoral cycle.

“As an IPAC executive, I cannot publicly disclose strategies, but I assure you that President Tinubu will return in 2027,” she stated. “Salaries are being paid, projects are executed, and infrastructure is improving nationwide. These are the modest achievements that will make Nigerians return him in 2027.”

IPAC Not a Source of Party Crises

Beyond the political forecast, Ibrahim addressed criticisms aimed at IPAC, the umbrella body for political parties in Nigeria. She firmly rejected allegations that the council fuels internal crises within member parties.

“I do not think IPAC is responsible for the internal problems of any political party. That is their internal affair,” she clarified.

She explained that IPAC’s mandate is clearly defined and primarily involves interaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “Regarding factions, IPAC relates strictly with INEC. We work with the names of party leaders on INEC’s portal. We do not concern ourselves with factional disputes,” she added.

APC: “A Moving Train”

Defending the APC’s expansive influence, Ibrahim described the party as a formidable national entity whose appeal naturally draws members from other parties.

“APC is a formidable national party with representation across all zones. That attraction draws people in. You cannot stop a moving train,” she said, dismissing notions that the party orchestrates interference in other political groups. “Other parties’ challenges are their responsibility.”

On internal party democracy, the APC chieftain affirmed that the party adheres to constitutional provisions, including the use of consensus candidacy where applicable.

“The first form of election recognized by the Constitution is consensus. Where candidates agree to adopt a consensus candidate, the party must respect it,” she noted.

She acknowledged that political contests inevitably produce disappointed individuals but maintained that this should not be mistaken for a lack of democratic process. “APC remains a party that leads in internal democracy,” she asserted.

Advocacy for Women’s Special Seats

Shifting focus to gender representation, Ibrahim, a former Executive Director of Women Affairs in IPAC, renewed a push for constitutional amendments to create special legislative seats for women.

She pointed to the acute under-representation of women in the National Assembly: only four out of 109 Senators and 17 out of 360 House of Representatives members.

“Politics is a game of numbers. Without representation, voices are not heard,” she argued, highlighting structural barriers in finance, education, and society that disadvantage women.

“The advocacy for special seats is about equity, not superiority,” she explained. “The proposal is for one Senate seat and one House of Representatives seat per state reserved exclusively for women to contest among themselves.”

Ibrahim concluded with an appeal to federal lawmakers, urging them to support the initiative for the sake of equity and national development.

Dangote Price Move Triggers Major Petrol Price Slash in Lagos Depots

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Ex-depot price falls ₦118 per litre in one week as competition intensifies.

LAGOS – Private petroleum depot owners in Lagos have slashed the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by an average of 14%, a dramatic market shift directly attributed to competitive pressures from the newly operational Dangote Refinery.

Market surveys conducted on December 15, 2025, reveal a significant drop, with major private depots now selling petrol at ₦710 per litre. This marks a sharp decline from the average of ₦828 per litre recorded just a week earlier, on December 8.

The move is a direct response to the increasingly dominant market presence of Dangote Refinery-linked marketers, who have been offering petrol at approximately ₦703 per litre. Industry sources confirm this price advantage has made it untenable for independent depots to maintain their previous rates.

“Once Dangote marketers began selling at the ₦703 price point, our volumes at higher prices completely stalled,” a depot operator, who requested anonymity, told NewsFocus. “The Lagos market is highly sensitive and reacts faster to such shifts. We had to adjust to remain competitive and avoid a costly stock build-up.”

Key Depot Price Adjustments (₦/Litre):

· Menj Depot: ₦828 → ₦710

· Integrated Depot: ₦826 → ₦710

· Bovas Depot: ₦826 → ₦710

· A.A. Rano Depot: ₦829 → ₦710

Market analysts note that private depots initially attempted to hold prices close to the ₦800 mark but were forced to capitulate within days due to severely reduced sales activity.

This significant ex-depot price reduction is expected to intensify competition across the downstream supply chain. Observers predict that if the Dangote Refinery maintains its current supply volume and pricing strategy, further price reductions could cascade to retail outlets, particularly during the high-demand holiday season.

The development marks one of the most substantial market corrections since the Dangote Refinery began influencing local fuel supply, signaling a potential new era of price dynamics in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

Nigeria Police to Resume Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement from January 2026, Cites Security Concerns

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has announced the resumption of full enforcement of its Tinted Glass Permit policy, effective January 2, 2026. The decision, announced on Monday, is attributed to a rise in criminal activities involving vehicles with unauthorized tint.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police clarified that the enforcement was previously suspended “in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience” to allow motorists time to regularize their documents, and not due to a court order.

“Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass,” the statement read. It noted that criminal elements have exploited the enforcement pause to conceal identities and facilitate crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.

A Proactive Security Measure

The Police Force framed the resumption as a “proactive measure to safeguard our communities.” The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assured that the enforcement would be conducted “with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws.”

The IGP reiterated the Force’s commitment to public safety and collaborative efforts to secure the nation.

Call for Compliance

Motorists using, or intending to use, tinted glass on their vehicles are strongly advised to obtain the requisite permit through approved channels before the January 2, 2026, deadline to avoid penalties.

The announcement signals a renewed crackdown on vehicle modifications that compromise security, as the police seek to close a perceived operational gap exploited by criminals.

Nigeria’s Inflation Falls to 14.45%, Marks Eighth Straight Monthly Drop

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 14.45% in November 2025, continuing a sustained downward trend for the eighth consecutive month this year, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The November figure represents a significant decline from the 16.05% recorded in October 2025 and a substantial 20.15 percentage-point drop from the 34.60% rate in November 2024.

A Sustained Disinflation Trend

The newly released Consumer Price Index (CPI) report confirms that inflation is on a consistent downward path. On a month-on-month basis, however, the rate at which prices increased accelerated slightly to 1.22% in November, up from 0.93% in October, indicating that while annual inflation is cooling, short-term price pressures persist.

This marks the longest sustained period of disinflation for Nigeria in recent years, offering a measure of economic relief amidst ongoing cost-of-living challenges.

Food and Core Inflation Show Mixed Signals

A deeper look at the data reveals a complex picture:

· Food Inflation: The annual food inflation rate saw a dramatic year-on-year decline to 11.08% in November 2025, down sharply from 39.93% in November 2024. This easing is attributed largely to “base effects” from last year’s exceptionally high prices. However, on a month-on-month basis, food prices rose by 1.13%, reversing a deflationary trend from October. Key drivers of the monthly increase included higher costs for staples like dried tomatoes, cassava tubers, ground pepper, eggs, crayfish, and fresh onions.
· Core Inflation: The core inflation rate, which excludes volatile agricultural produce and energy costs, stood at 18.04% year-on-year. This indicates that underlying inflationary pressures, often linked to monetary factors and imported costs, remain more stubborn than the headline figure suggests.

Urban-Rural Divide and Broader Context

The report also highlights a persistent gap between urban and rural experiences. Rural headline inflation was recorded at 15.15% year-on-year, higher than the urban rate of 13.61%. On a monthly basis, price increases in rural areas (1.88%) outpaced those in urban centers (0.95%).

This sustained decline in inflation will likely be welcomed by policymakers and the Central Bank of Nigeria as validation of recent monetary tightening measures. However, analysts caution that the slight uptick in month-on-month inflation and persistent core inflation require continued vigilance to ensure the disinflation trend becomes entrenched and translates into tangible relief for households.

Court Orders Ngige Held in Prison Until Bail Ruling, Cites Flight Risk Concerns

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the continued detention of former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre until a ruling on his bail application scheduled for December 18.

Justice Maryam Hassan of the Gwarimpa court gave the order on Monday after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution regarding the bail request for the former Anambra State governor.

Prosecution Cites History of Breaching Bail Terms

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposing the application, portrayed Ngige as a significant flight risk. EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) informed the court that Ngige had previously breached the terms of an administrative bail.

“He was granted administrative bail and allowed to travel abroad for medical care but never reported back to the Commission,” Tahir stated. The prosecution further argued that the international passport released for that trip was never returned, dismissing Ngige’s subsequent claim of losing the document as “an afterthought.”

Defence Cites Health Grounds, Pledges Compliance

Arguing for his client’s release, Ngige’s lead counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), urged the court to grant bail, primarily on health grounds. Ikwueto assured the court that Ngige would not abscond, tamper with evidence, or interfere with witnesses if released.

Justice Hassan, after taking submissions from both sides, adjourned the matter to December 18 for her ruling on the bail application. This means Ngige will spend at least four more days in prison custody pending that decision.

Background of the Charges

Dr. Ngige was arraigned before the court last Friday by the EFCC on an eight-count charge of corrupt practices. The charges are related to an alleged N2.2 billion fraud. The specifics of the allegations, as outlined in the charge sheet, involve accusations of misappropriation and abuse of office during his tenure as Minister of Labour and Productivity.

The case has drawn significant public attention, given Ngige’s prominent political profile as a former governor, senator, and two-time minister. The court’s upcoming bail ruling on Wednesday will be a critical juncture in the high-profile case.

Renewed Cult Clashes Claim Two Lives, Heighten Tensions in Rivers State Communities

By
Ola Akinola
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0

PORT HARCOURT – Fear has gripped communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State following renewed violent clashes between rival cult groups, leaving at least two persons dead and one critically injured.

The latest killings, confirmed by the state police command, occurred in separate incidents in the Ngo and Unyengala communities on Monday, December 15, and Sunday, December 14, 2025, respectively.

Supremacy Battle Fuels Violence

Community sources indicate the violence stems from an ongoing and bloody struggle for territorial control between suspected members of the MEND and Iceland cult groups. The resurgence of these clashes has sparked deep concern among residents about a potential return to widespread cult-related insecurity in the region.

The incident in Ngo this week follows the killing of another victim, identified simply as Prince, in a separate Andoni community last week, suggesting a pattern of escalating tensions.

Police Confirm Details, Deploy Reinforcements

The Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, officially confirmed the casualties.

“Yes,I can confirm the incident. Two persons were killed and another person was critically injured,” Iringe-Koko stated. “The killings are linked to a supremacy battle between two rival cult groups in the area.”

To quell the violence and prevent further bloodshed, the police have reinforced security presence across the affected communities. SP Iringe-Koko added that “investigations are ongoing with a view to arresting members of the cult groups involved.”

The situation remains tense as residents anxiously await the outcome of the police investigation and hope for a sustained security presence to restore calm to the area.

Tinubu Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Nigerian Army at Key Conference

By
Ola Akinola
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0

LAGOS – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed his administration’s strategic commitment to enhancing the welfare, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, framing it as a cornerstone of national security.

The President’s assurance was delivered today at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025, a pivotal strategic forum hosted in Lagos. Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the President praised the enduring heritage and sacrifices of the nation’s military.

“This gathering of elder statesmen and former Service Chiefs is a testament to the enduring heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” the President stated, honoring officers and soldiers whose sacrifices are “indelibly etched in the nation’s history.”

A Platform for Strategic Reflection and Adaptation

The President highlighted the conference’s critical role in facilitating “honest reflection, strategic evaluation and continuous improvement.” This comes at a time when the Army faces evolving global, regional, and domestic security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

Echoing this sentiment, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), described the event as vital for reviewing operational readiness and aligning the Army’s future with national security priorities. He emphasized a “whole-of-society approach” and urged commanders to ensure the conference yields “concrete operational actions and measurable results on the battlefield.”

Army Leadership Points to Institutional Support and Transformation

In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed “profound appreciation” for the President’s sustained political will and support, particularly in areas of welfare, equipment modernization, and training. He also acknowledged the crucial legislative and budgetary backing from the National Assembly.

The COAS reaffirmed the Army’s frontline role in combating national security threats, stating the force is deliberately transforming into a “more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force” capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric challenges.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscored the military’s foundational role, describing security as a “fundamental prerequisite for development” and commending the Army for safeguarding democratic governance and national unity.

Conference to Deliberate on Key Strategic Issues

The opening ceremony was attended by a high-level assembly of senior government officials, serving and retired Service Chiefs, military officers, diplomats, and heads of security agencies. The conference is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative, and strategic issues to further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to fulfill its constitutional duties.

The President’s renewed pledge of support and the conference’s strategic focus mark a significant moment for Nigeria’s armed forces, as the nation continues to navigate a complex and demanding security landscape.

House Committee Vows Proactive Oversight of Oil Sector, Backs Local Refining

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has announced a strategic shift toward proactive and evidence-based oversight of Nigeria’s critical oil sector, moving beyond reactive interventions to prevent future crises.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, declared this new direction on Monday in Abuja during his welcome address at an end-of-year capacity-building workshop organized by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for committee members and staff.

A Shift in Legislative Strategy

Ugochinyere stated that the committee’s focus for the coming period would be on strengthening anticipatory oversight to ensure stability in a sector that directly impacts national welfare through fuel pricing, inflation, and transportation costs.

“Regulation and legislation are not parallel lines; they are complementary forces,” Ugochinyere said. “When regulators and lawmakers understand each other’s mandates, constraints and expectations, the Nigerian people ultimately benefit.”

He outlined the committee’s core commitments, which include supporting policies that encourage local refining, storage, and logistics efficiency, ensuring regulatory accountability, promoting market transparency, and protecting the interests of citizens while sustaining investor confidence.

Building on a Year of Engagement

The chairman reflected on the committee’s activities throughout 2025, which were marked by sustained engagement with the reforms of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), extensive stakeholder consultations, and focused oversight on fuel availability and pricing stability.

“We have interfaced with regulators, operators, labour unions and consumer groups to balance national interest with market realities,” he noted, highlighting challenges related to importation, local refining capacity, and distribution infrastructure.

He commended the NMDPRA for organizing the workshop, describing it as “timely and strategic” and a reflection of the collaborative spirit intended by the PIA. Ugochinyere emphasized that capacity building is now a “critical necessity” for effective governance in the complex petroleum landscape.

Central Role of Committee Staff

Paying tribute to the committee’s secretariat and support staff, Ugochinyere described them as the “quiet force” behind successful hearings, reports, and oversight visits.

“Your role is not auxiliary; it is central to the effectiveness of this Committee,” he stated, underscoring that as legislative work grows more technical, the need for well-trained, knowledgeable staff becomes paramount.

He urged all participants to engage actively in the workshop, challenge assumptions, and focus on translating the knowledge gained into “better laws, stronger oversight and improved outcomes for Nigerians.”

The workshop brought together lawmakers, committee staff, regulators, and resource persons to deepen understanding of the evolving downstream sector and reinforce collaborative governance under the PIA framework.

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