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Ipele Terrorist Attack: Olowo Sympathises With Community

By
Ola Akinola
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Residents of Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State are still reeling from the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack that left the Divisional Police Station razed. In response, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olowo of Owo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has expressed deep concern and sympathy with the people.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Sam Adewale, the monarch condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate attempt to disrupt peace and dampen the joy of the yuletide season.

“The attack was clearly aimed at disrupting the peace and to spoil the joy of the yuletide season, a period meant for thanksgiving, love and unity among the people,” the statement read.

Oba Ogunoye, however, thanked God that no lives were lost, stressing that the preservation of lives remains paramount despite the destruction recorded.

Solidarity and Security Appeal

The Olowo commiserated with the Olupele of Ipele, the Nigeria Police Force, and the entire Ipele community, assuring them of his total support and solidarity during this difficult time. He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, while also being vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious movements or unfamiliar faces to security agencies.

“Community cooperation with security agencies is critical to safeguarding lives and property. Collective responsibility remains the strongest weapon against crime and criminality,” he emphasized.

Prayer for Protection

The monarch prayed for divine protection over the people, security personnel, and the land, expressing confidence that with unity, vigilance, cooperation with security agencies, and God’s help, peace would continue to reign across Owo Local Government Area and Ondo State at large.

NNPP Dissolves Kano Executive Committees

By
Ola Akinola
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Abuja – The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on Friday announced the dissolution of its Executive Committees at the state, local government, and ward levels in Kano State.

The decision, taken at an emergency meeting of the NWC, was said to be in line with the provisions of the NNPP constitution.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, the NWC explained that caretaker committees would be appointed to oversee the structures in the interim, with further directives to be communicated in due course.

“The NWC resolved to appoint caretaker committees to act in the interim. Further instructions will be announced in due course,” Johnson stated.

The party expressed appreciation to all outgoing officials for their service and contributions to the NNPP in Kano State.

“The NWC accordingly thanked all those who held positions at state, local government, and ward structures of the party in Kano State and assured them of the party’s appreciation for their invaluable contributions,” the statement added.

ACJHR Hails Tax Reform as Nigeria’s Greatest Economic Achievement

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) has described the successful implementation of Nigeria’s new tax reform bills as one of the nation’s greatest economic achievements in recent history.

In a statement issued by its Director of Policy and Strategy, Iloabuchi Mirabel Chinenye, the organisation commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, for what it called bold leadership and strategic commitment to fixing Nigeria’s long-standing fiscal challenges.

Shift to Transparency and Growth

According to ACJHR, the reforms mark a decisive departure from an inefficient, leak-prone tax system to a transparent, growth-driven framework capable of repositioning the Nigerian economy. For decades, weak revenue mobilisation, tax evasion, multiple taxation, and overdependence on oil revenues had hindered economic development.

The Centre said the new regime directly confronts these problems by widening the tax net, improving compliance, and ensuring fairness without placing undue burden on ordinary Nigerians.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again demonstrated uncommon political will by driving a reform that previous administrations avoided,” the statement read.

Praise for Adedeji’s Leadership

ACJHR particularly lauded Zacch Adedeji for what it described as “exceptional technocratic leadership” at FIRS, noting that his role in translating policy into effective implementation has been critical to the early success of the reforms.

“Under the leadership of Mr. Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS has shown professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. The clarity in implementation and engagement with stakeholders has helped build confidence in the new tax framework,” the group stated.

Long-Term Benefits

The Centre emphasized that the reforms will deliver far-reaching benefits, including increased government revenue for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare. It added that the measures would also boost investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal sovereignty.

Calling on Nigerians to exercise patience, ACJHR stressed that short-term adjustments are necessary to achieve long-term stability and prosperity.

“No great economy is built without sacrifice. Nigerians must see this reform not as a burden, but as a collective investment in a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation,” the statement added.

Call for Transparency

The group urged relevant government agencies to sustain transparency, accountability, and public sensitisation to ensure that the gains of the tax reforms are fully realised and equitably distributed.

Fubara Can’t Be Trusted, Says Ewor as Rivers PDP Faction Collapses into Wike’s Camp

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Port Harcourt – A major realignment shook Rivers State politics on Friday as Dr. Nname Ewor, factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former loyalist of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, formally dissolved his faction into the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.

Ewor announced the collapse of his faction during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area, declaring an end to factionalisation within the PDP in Rivers State.

“Today, I am handing over the chairmanship and leadership of my faction to the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee. PDP is no longer factionalised in Rivers. PDP is under one chairman and one leadership, and that leadership is the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike,” Ewor said.

Ewor’s Defection and Criticism of Fubara

Explaining his decision, Ewor accused Governor Fubara of being untrustworthy, particularly in handling efforts to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state.

“The President mediated twice. If the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mediated twice and agreements were not kept, that means you cannot be trusted. Can such a leader be trusted? We can’t trust him,” he declared.

Ewor also dismissed claims by Fubara that Wike had been intimidating or frustrating his administration, insisting that the former Rivers governor had done nothing to undermine his successor.

ONELGA Leaders Laud Wike

Earlier, ONELGA Chairman, Mr. Chukwu Ogbogu, praised Wike for his developmental interventions in the area during his tenure as governor. He noted that many indigenes of ONELGA benefited from appointments at both state and federal levels under Wike’s leadership.

“I cannot thank you enough for this and many other things you have done for us,” Ogbogu said, assuring the minister of continued loyalty and support.

Mrs. Nkemjika Ezekwe, representing ONELGA II State Constituency, described Wike as a strong advocate of women empowerment, noting that he gave Rivers women a voice and financial independence.

Similarly, Brother Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, hailed Wike as a “divine project,” crediting him with building bridges across Rivers State and shaping his political journey.

Wike’s Response

In his remarks, Wike commended the people of ONELGA for their unity and strength, describing the local government as a stronghold of his supporters. He emphasized that Rivers people were united in support of President Bola Tinubu, irrespective of party affiliation.

“We are not talking about party politics in Rivers. We are talking about the Renewed Hope family for Tinubu, and we will do all we can to give him the needed support,” Wike said.

 

 

Bodija Explosion: Oyo Govt Says FG’s N30bn Intervention Fund Unspent, N20bn Balance Still Withheld

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Oyo State Government has disclosed that the N30 billion released by the Federal Government as part of the intervention fund approved for the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan has remained untouched, nearly two years after the incident.

The state government also revealed that the Federal Government is yet to release the outstanding N20 billion balance from the N50 billion approved to support the reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government said the N30 billion is still intact in the Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account domiciled with FirstBank of Nigeria.

According to the statement, Governor Seyi Makinde formally wrote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 19, 2024, requesting federal intervention following the devastating explosion. The governor reportedly outlined immediate actions taken by the state, including search-and-rescue operations, medical treatment for victims at the state’s expense, provision of accommodation for displaced residents, and deployment of emergency services.

The statement said the state estimated the total cost of intervention at N100 billion but received presidential approval for N50 billion, specifically for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and surrounding areas. Of this amount, only N30 billion was released by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria on November 4, 2024.

“As of Thursday, December 31, 2025, the N30 billion remains untouched in the Oyo State infrastructure account. Interested members of the public may verify this with the bank,” the statement said.

The government explained that it deliberately refrained from accessing the funds because the remaining N20 billion has been withheld by relevant federal agencies without official explanation.

“Given the recent controversies surrounding the approval and release of the funds, the Oyo State Government is convinced of the wisdom of its decision to ‘wait and see’ before utilising the N30 billion already released,” the statement added.

The government maintained that despite delays in federal intervention, it acted swiftly after the explosion, spending N24.6 billion from its own resources on emergency response, infrastructure reconstruction and compensation to victims.

The breakdown, according to the statement, includes N20.141 billion spent on reconstructing infrastructure in Bodija and adjoining areas, and N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to affected victims.

The state government further noted that intervention funds are treated as capital grants and are subject to standard budgeting processes, explaining why the receipt of the N30 billion was not publicly announced earlier.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Oyo State Government urged residents to disregard what it described as attempts by “desperate political actors” to exploit the tragedy for personal or political gain.

Governor Makinde, the statement said, remains committed to serving the people of Oyo State faithfully and ensuring that all approved funds are properly accounted for and utilised in the best interest of victims and the state at large.

ADC Disowns Peter Obi’s Alleged Defection, Declares Enugu Registration Invalid

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has disowned reports that former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has defected to and registered as a member of the party in Enugu State.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Gombe said the clarification became necessary following what he described as misleading information circulating in the public domain regarding the ADC’s membership registration process.

He stressed that the ADC is founded on the principles of order, discipline and strict adherence to its constitution, noting that the party’s registration procedure is clearly defined and leaves no room for ambiguity.

“The party distances itself from reports claiming that a certain Mr. Peter Obi was registered at the party’s zonal office in Enugu,” Gombe said, adding that such action contravenes the ADC’s constitution and established procedures.

According to him, “It has come to our attention that a certain Mr. Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu. The National Working Committee categorically states that this action does not align with the constitutional and stipulated procedures for membership registration into the African Democratic Congress.”

Gombe explained that membership of the ADC begins strictly at the ward level, which is the only constitutionally recognised point of entry into the party.

“The process of registering with the ADC is clearly outlined: prospective members must register at their respective ward levels within their state of origin or residence; complete official party forms with required documentation; and, upon successful registration, be issued a validated membership card,” he said.

While reaffirming the party’s openness to all Nigerians, the ADC chairman emphasised that such inclusiveness must be exercised strictly within the framework of the party’s laws and regulations.

He added that the ADC constitution does not recognise registration at zonal or national offices outside a member’s designated ward, stressing that any such registration is irregular and invalid.

“Therefore, the Office of the National Chairman distances the constitutionally governed ADC from the reported registration of Mr. Peter Obi at the Enugu zonal office. The party is investigating this breach of due process,” Gombe stated.

The ADC leadership urged prospective members, supporters and the general public to disregard claims suggesting alternative channels for party registration, reiterating that ward-level registration remains the only valid and recognised method.

“The ADC remains committed to providing a robust and credible platform for all Nigerians, but insists on operating strictly within the ambit of its constitution and regulations,” the statement concluded.

2026: SEC Targets Long-Term Capital, Infrastructure Bonds, Green Finance to Drive Economic Growth — DG

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to prioritise the mobilisation of long-term capital in 2026 to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure and sectoral gaps, while streamlining regulations and promoting innovative financial instruments to channel disciplined capital into productive sectors of the economy.

The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this in a New Year message issued in Abuja on Thursday, outlining the Commission’s strategic focus for the year.

Agama said the Commission would, in 2026, aggressively facilitate the issuance of infrastructure bonds, green bonds, municipal bonds and infrastructure-focused funds to attract both domestic and international long-term capital.

“Our goal is to attract long-term domestic and international capital into roads, power, rail, housing and digital infrastructure, while making it easier for state governments and infrastructure companies to access the market efficiently,” he said.

The SEC boss also revealed plans to deepen financing for agriculture by promoting the listing of agribusiness firms and creating tailored listing windows for agricultural cooperatives and value-chain companies.

“Through commodity exchanges, agricultural investment trusts and commodities-linked financial instruments, we will de-risk agriculture, ensure fair pricing for farmers, strengthen food security and allow Nigerians to own a stake in the nation’s breadbasket,” Agama stated.

He added that the Commission would drive the revitalisation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and introduce innovative affordable housing bonds to unlock capital for mass housing delivery and expand homeownership opportunities.

“These initiatives will create new asset classes for investors and move millions of Nigerians closer to owning their homes,” he said.

According to the DG, the SEC is also reviewing its rules to incentivise listings by small and medium-scale enterprises, particularly in manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals and finished goods.

“By providing patient capital through the capital market, we will revitalise factories, reduce import dependency, create jobs and position ‘Made in Nigeria’ as a global brand,” Agama noted.

On the power sector, he said the Commission would support energy development through infrastructure bonds, green energy bonds, project-backed securities and public-private investment vehicles.

“We will help unlock long-term capital for grid expansion, renewable energy projects, embedded power solutions and energy transition initiatives. By improving bankability structures and attracting patient capital into the power value chain, the capital market will support energy security,” he said.

Agama described the new year as an opportunity for the SEC to redefine the role of the Nigerian capital market in national development.

“As the new year begins, we are not merely turning a page on the calendar; we are embracing a profound opportunity to redefine the very purpose and power of the Nigerian capital market,” he said.

He added that the Commission was building on a year of transformation to position the capital market as a key solution provider for Nigeria’s most pressing economic and developmental challenges.

New Year Message: APC Thanks Nigerians, Hails Security Forces, Reaffirms Support for Tinubu’s Reforms

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their resilience and patriotism, while reaffirming its unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s reform agenda.

In a New Year statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said Nigerians had shown steadfast support amid far-reaching reforms aimed at addressing long-standing national challenges and improving living conditions.

The party acknowledged the sacrifices made by citizens, noting that the Tinubu-led administration was steadily transforming entrenched problems across key sectors into opportunities for national renewal.

“We are thankful to Nigerians for their patriotism and resilient support of our great Party and President Bola Tinubu-led administration as we continue to confront and transform complex, age-old challenges in key sectors of our national life, and remake the material conditions of life for our good people,” the APC said.

Describing the New Year as a moment for reflection and recommitment, the party urged Nigerians to embrace renewed hope for a more united, peaceful and prosperous nation.

According to the APC, the most difficult phase of the administration’s reforms is gradually easing, with positive indicators emerging across the economy.

“Our great Party is delighted that this endurance and sacrificial love of country has begun to bear visible fruits, and that the transient pains of the administration’s deep and focused reforms are now dissipating steadily, with all vital economic indicators showing a rebounding economy and a resurgent Nigeria,” it stated.

The party framed recent gains as a collective national achievement, insisting that progress recorded so far belongs to all Nigerians.

“The administration’s success is Nigeria’s success, and every Nigerian should be proud of our collective progress as we march with full faith and confidence into a future of shared prosperity,” the statement added.

The APC also paid tribute to members of the nation’s security forces, commending their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.

“We pay a special tribute to the men and women of our security forces on the frontline. We thank you for your devoted service, exceptional patriotism and invaluable sacrifice. You have the highest respect of a grateful nation,” the party said, praying for their continued protection.

Looking ahead to 2026, the APC pledged to work harder to justify the confidence Nigerians have placed in it as a national political platform, while reaffirming full backing for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The party said the President’s reforms were already restoring macroeconomic stability, improving infrastructure delivery, boosting agriculture and oil production, and strengthening national security.

It concluded with a note of optimism, expressing hope for peace, prosperity and continued progress for Nigeria in the new year.

Police Arrest Lexus Driver in Anthony Joshua Crash That Killed Two

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the road traffic accident that left world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua, injured and claimed the lives of two others.

The driver is currently in police custody as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Boluwatife Babaseyi.

“The driver of the Lexus SUV is currently in custody in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case. Investigations are ongoing,” the statement said.

The accident occurred earlier this week along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and triggered widespread concern within and outside Nigeria due to Joshua’s international stature in professional boxing.

Although the boxer survived the crash and was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, two of his close friends who were travelling with him reportedly died at the scene. Their remains were repatriated to the United Kingdom the same day.

Eyewitnesses and preliminary reports indicated that the Lexus SUV was involved in a high-impact collision, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle and the immediate death of two occupants.

The police have assured the public of a thorough and transparent investigation to establish the cause of the accident and ensure that justice is served.

New Year Homily Moves Akpabio to Withdraw All Defamation Suits

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has ordered the withdrawal of all pending defamation lawsuits he instituted against several individuals, saying a New Year homily profoundly changed his perspective.

Akpabio made the disclosure on Thursday during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, where he revealed that he had filed close to nine court cases against individuals he accused of defaming and maligning his reputation.

According to the Senate President, his decision followed deep personal reflection sparked by the sermon delivered by the Parish Priest during the service.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” Akpabio said. “But as I listened to the priest, I suddenly realised he was speaking directly to me. I therefore direct my solicitors to withdraw all the lawsuits against them.”

In his homily, the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Aka, and Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, the Very Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, stressed the importance of peace, urging worshippers to release themselves from past hurts and grievances.

“The greatest thing man needs is peace,” Father Udoette said. “You have to let go of the past, no matter what it was. All of us carry some luggage of pain and hurt. You have to let go if you want to move on.”

Akpabio’s directive effectively brings an end to all ongoing defamation-related legal actions involving his name, signalling a conciliatory beginning to the new year and closing a chapter of high-profile litigations tied to his public life.

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