Monday, December 15, 2025
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Wike Confident Gwarimpa Interchange Will Be Completed in Three Months, Urges Focus Amid Distractions

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  • Wike Confident Gwarimpa Interchange Will Be Completed in Three Months, Urges Focus Amid Distraction

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the ongoing Gwarimpa Interchange project will be completed within the next three months, praising contractors for their commitment despite funding challenges.

Speaking during an inspection of the site, Wike commended CBC Global, the contractor handling the project, noting that the quality of work is “quite encouraging” and that residents of Gwarimpa Estate would soon benefit from reduced traffic congestion.

“What surprises me is the confidence they have, even though we have not funded them very well. I can see the level of work they have done, and I’m really impressed. We will ensure the contractor is well funded so that the job is completed as promised,” Wike said.

The FCT Minister also lauded President Bola Tinubu for his confidence in the administration, saying that it has inspired contractors to continue work even without full funding.

On handling distractions and critics, Wike emphasized the importance of focus, dismissing recent false reports about his arrest in France.

“People will try to distract you. But as long as you are focused on your mandate and your boss is happy with your work, you will not be perturbed by what others say,” he said.

On the political developments in Rivers State, particularly the defection of 16 lawmakers from the PDP to the APC, Wike maintained a measured stance, stressing that the Constitution allows members to leave a factionalized party.

“It’s unfortunate, but everyone has the right to make a choice. Those who have left are free, and those who remain, we will continue to work together,” he said, affirming his continued commitment to the PDP.

Wike’s remarks highlight both his administration’s focus on infrastructural development in Abuja and his approach to navigating political and media distractions while delivering on government projects.

 

 

Federal Lawmakers, Lawyers, CSOs Launch Campaign for FIRS Chair Adedeji’s Removal

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Federal Lawmakers, Lawyers, CSOs Launch Campaign for FIRS Chair Adedeji’s Removal

A coalition of federal lawmakers, civil society organizations, and legal groups has intensified calls for the removal of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zack Adedeji, citing alleged unconstitutional and illegal activities.

The campaign, set to formally launch on December 15, will include the collection of votes of no confidence and the presentation of a petition detailing Adedeji’s alleged misconduct. The coalition comprises lawmakers representing Ideato North and South, the Lawyers in Defense of Justice, the Economic Interest Defenders, ethnic youth movements including Arewa Conservative Youth Movement, Ohaneze Youth Movement, Oduduwa Youth Movement, and the African Center for Justice and Human Rights.

“We have uncovered numerous unconstitutional activities by Zack Adedeji that undermine the Constitution and Nigeria’s economic governance framework,” said Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a federal lawmaker and co-convener of the campaign.

The group’s allegations include: Misleading the President into establishing entities not recognized by law; Misuse of public funds for projects not appropriated by Parliament; Indiscriminate issuance of tax waivers and improper revenue collection; and Inflated project costs under the RHIDF and other infrastructure funds, resulting in significant revenue losses.

“The activities were not backed by law or Parliament, which constitutes a criminal offence with serious consequences. He must step down to allow a forensic audit,” the group stated.

The coalition emphasized that the December 15 press conference in Abuja will be televised live, marking the start of a nationwide campaign for reforms and forensic scrutiny of the FIRS under Adedeji’s leadership.

The move signals growing pressure on Nigeria’s revenue agency leadership, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and governance at the nation’s primary tax authority.

DSS Nabs Doctor Smuggling Drugs to Wounded Kwara Kidnappers

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LORIN – The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a medical doctor accused of transporting drugs and medical supplies from Sokoto to kidnapping syndicates hiding in Kwara State’s forests, dealing a blow to the gangs’ support network amid intensified military operations.

The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was intercepted in the Jebba area of Moro Local Government on Friday, following intelligence on courier activities linked to the criminals.

Security sources revealed the doctor was ferrying the supplies to treat kidnappers nursing gunshot wounds from recent clashes with troops deployed under Operation Safe Haven.

“The criminal gangs appear desperate for medical care after sustaining injuries in encounters with security forces,” a DSS official said, adding that the arrest underscores the syndicates’ vulnerability as pressure mounts.

Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed the development in a statement, hailing it as a “major stride” in disrupting bandit logistics.

Authorities have warned health facilities in forested areas to bolster security, fearing kidnappers may target them for supplies. Investigations continue to unravel the doctor’s full connections to the rings.

TotalEnergies Secures 40% Stake in Chevron’s Nigerian Offshore Licences, Signaling Boost for Oil Investment

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  1. TotalEnergies Secures 40% Stake in Chevron’s Nigerian Offshore Licences, Signaling Boost for Oil Investment

TotalEnergies Nigeria has acquired a 40% stake in Chevron’s offshore exploration licences PPL 2000 and PPL 2001, a move industry experts say underscores renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The farm-out agreement was disclosed by Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, during his visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) headquarters in Abuja on December 4, 2025.

Swartz urged the NUPRC for swift approval to facilitate rapid development of the assets and reiterated Chevron’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Nigeria, including participation in the upcoming 2025 licensing round.

“This agreement reflects our optimism for Nigeria’s oil sector. We look forward to rapid development of these assets and continued partnership with the NUPRC,” Swartz said, praising the commission for creating a transparent and supportive regulatory environment.

He described the enforcement of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as a “watershed moment” that has restored predictability and made Nigeria an attractive destination for investment. Swartz also reported zero incidents of oil theft or pipeline sabotage in the past year for Chevron-operated assets, signaling improved security in the region.

Looking ahead, Chevron plans to deploy a drilling rig in late 2026 to explore newly discovered resources near Egbami and extend leases on existing fields.

Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, NUPRC Executive Secretary, welcomed TotalEnergies’ investment, noting that it reflects Nigeria’s growing appeal to investors. He highlighted that the 2025 licensing round would be even more transparent and digitally driven than the 2024 exercise, offering 50 fields for bidding via the NUPRC portal.

Komolafe also credited the Tinubu administration and security agencies for improvements in security and the business environment, urging investors to seize the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s favorable fiscal and regulatory framework.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.