Thursday, January 8, 2026
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Military Nets 4,375 Terror Suspects, Rescues 2,336 Victims, Foils N8.9bn Oil Theft in 2025 — DHQ

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced major operational victories recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in 2025, including the arrest of 4,375 suspected terrorists, the rescue of 2,336 kidnapped victims, and the prevention of oil theft valued at over N8.9 billion.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the DHQ’s end-of-year briefing on ongoing military operations across the country.

According to Onoja, the achievements reflect sustained efforts by the Armed Forces to protect lives and property, safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and strengthen national security in the face of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft.

“The briefing highlights operational achievements in our sustained effort to secure the nation, while also assessing the evolving threat environment, inter-agency collaboration and the resilience and professionalism of our troops,” he said.

He explained that the Armed Forces continued to combine kinetic and non-kinetic operations to neutralise threats, secure communities and create a safe environment for economic activities to thrive.

Onoja revealed that within the year, troops—working alongside other security agencies—neutralised several notorious terrorist and bandit commanders, including Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (aka Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, Kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, Mallam Umar, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada and Nwachi Eze (aka Onowu).

Others neutralised, he said, include bandit kingpins known by pseudonyms such as Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja.

In addition to the 4,375 arrests, Onoja disclosed that 1,616 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the year, while 2,336 abducted persons were successfully rescued across various theatres of operation.

On the fight against oil theft, the DHQ said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled crude oil theft estimated at N8,918,647,206.00. This included the recovery of 16,623,542 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,255,674 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 407,734 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,508,823 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Over 503 illegal refining sites were also discovered and destroyed.

General Onoja noted that intelligence reports indicate terrorists are attempting to relocate into some communities due to sustained military pressure on their strongholds. He assured that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets are actively tracking such movements.

“The purported influx of armed herders into some communities is being taken seriously. Several movements have been identified and are being closely monitored,” he said, urging communities to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies.

He encouraged citizens to promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified proactive measures to prevent fleeing terrorists from infiltrating or destabilising any community.

Onoja said the successes recorded in 2025 are a testament to the determination, bravery and professionalism of Nigerian troops, despite the risks, hardships and long periods away from their families.

He added that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has assured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, while pledging that the Armed Forces and other security stakeholders will intensify efforts against terrorism and other crimes in 2026.

On Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Onoja said the CDS paid tribute to fallen heroes and veterans who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.

“On behalf of the CDS and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria, I wish our gallant troops, defence correspondents and their families a peaceful and prosperous New Year. God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

No Fake Laws, Only Due Process — Budget Office Defends Tax Reform Acts

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The Budget Office of the Federation has firmly defended the integrity of Nigeria’s newly enacted Tax Reform Acts, dismissing allegations of post-passage alterations as unverified speculation and warning that such claims pose a serious threat to democratic governance and public trust.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Director-General, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, the Office responded to concerns raised by the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, stressing that any alteration of a law after debate, passage, authentication and presidential assent—outside due process—would undermine the core principles of the Republic.

“A nation cannot be governed by insinuation or sustained on circulating documents of uncertain origin,” the statement said, cautioning that the careless amplification of unverified claims erodes public confidence that is often difficult to rebuild.

While welcoming the National Assembly’s decision to investigate the matter, the Budget Office insisted that institutional inquiry, rather than conjecture or speculation, remains the appropriate path in a democracy.

The Office affirmed the right of Nigerians and the business community to access authoritative versions of the law, clarifying that legal authenticity derives from certified legislative records and official publications—not informal or viral documents in circulation.

It also highlighted the importance of the separation of powers, warning that unsubstantiated claims of “fake laws” risk damaging confidence in democratic institutions, even as it acknowledged legislative oversight as a constitutional responsibility.

From a fiscal perspective, the agency noted that legal certainty is fundamental to revenue projections, macroeconomic stability, budget credibility and investor confidence—key pillars as Nigeria pursues reforms aimed at reducing borrowing, controlling inflation and limiting the impact of indirect taxes on vulnerable citizens.

To strengthen public trust, the Budget Office proposed practical measures, including the publication of verified legal texts in a single repository, the issuance of Certified True Copies, clear explanations of any discrepancies, and the alignment of subsidiary regulations with authenticated laws.

It rejected calls for the suspension of the tax reforms, arguing that caution should not translate into policy paralysis.

“Where clarification is required, it must be provided; where correction is required, it must be effected; where investigation is required, it must proceed,” the statement said.

Describing taxation as a democratic covenant built on transparency and trust, the Budget Office called on all stakeholders to protect national institutions and resist the spread of unauthenticated information.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal transparency, institutional integrity and reform-driven economic prosperity.

Oba of Benin Disowns Attack on Pedro Obaseki, Warns Youths Against Jungle Justice

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The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, has distanced himself from the youths who attacked and publicly humiliated a former Managing Director of Daar Communications, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, declaring that the incident was never authorised by the palace.

Dr. Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was reportedly attacked on Sunday by suspected thugs at Uwa Primary School, where he had gone to play football. He was beaten, stripped naked and forced to walk through parts of Benin City after being accused of being an “Oghionba” (enemy of the Oba).

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Mr. Frank Irabor, the revered monarch condemned the incident and cautioned against the spread of unverified information on social media.

“The Benin Traditional Council uses this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incident in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorised by the Oba of Benin,” the statement said. “It cannot be authorised because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so. The Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.”

The Oba further warned youths against taking the law into their own hands under any guise, stressing that acts of jungle justice are unacceptable regardless of the level of provocation.

The statement urged individuals to always respect the rule of law and allow appropriate security agencies to handle disputes and allegations, noting that unlawful actions only undermine peace and order in society.

Hardship Deepens as 2026 Beckons, David Mark Warns, Calls for Urgent National Rescue

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National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned that Nigeria’s economic hardship could worsen in 2026 unless urgent corrective measures are taken, describing 2025 as a year of intense suffering for millions of citizens.

Speaking in Abuja on New Year’s Eve to usher in 2026, the former Senate President said the outgoing year severely tested the endurance of Nigerians, as rising living costs and economic strain eroded hope across the country.

“The year 2025 was, without doubt, a difficult year for the majority of Nigerians,” Mark said. “The renewed hope that the government promised has yielded more misery and widespread hardship, as citizens battled with an ever-rising cost of living. Food, basic drugs and transportation were priced beyond the reach of most people due to misguided policies that have condemned more Nigerians to multidimensional poverty.”

Mark accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of preparing policies that could further aggravate the situation, warning that proposed tax measures would only compound the suffering of already overburdened citizens.

“Rather than offer hope in the new year, the APC government has decided to impose stringent taxes that will deepen the misery of Nigerians. These taxes will not renew hope; they will renew hopelessness,” he said.

Beyond economic concerns, Mark said 2025 marked a critical turning point in Nigeria’s political evolution, particularly for opposition forces determined to halt what he described as a dangerous drift toward a one-party state.

He recalled the formation of a coalition of opposition parties under the ADC on July 2, 2025, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard democracy. “Our coalition was born out of necessity—to arrest Nigeria’s gradual descent into an authoritarian one-party state and to rescue our country from a government that behaves more like an army of occupation than one elected by the people,” he said.

The ADC chairman stressed that the success of the coalition would depend on patriotism, sacrifice and a commitment to national interest above personal ambition. According to him, the response from Nigerians since the announcement of the coalition has been encouraging, with growing public engagement nationwide.

Acknowledging widespread scepticism due to years of unfulfilled promises, Mark urged Nigerians not to surrender to cynicism or political apathy. “We do not claim to be perfect, but do not doubt our sense of duty and our commitment to be on the right side of history,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mark said history would judge whether Nigerians chose despair or collective action at this critical moment. He warned that withdrawal from civic responsibility would only empower those who thrive on public apathy.

“Fellow Nigerians, we know you are tired, and you have every reason to be,” he said. “But you cannot afford to give up now. This country belongs to all of us. If we rise together—not with violence but with vision, not with anger but with courage—then 2026 can be the year we begin to take our country back.”

Calling for optimism rooted in collective strength, Mark urged Nigerians to approach the new year with faith rather than fear. “Faith in the power of the people, faith in the possibility of something better, and faith that Nigeria’s story is not yet done,” he said.

He concluded by extending New Year wishes to Nigerians and paying tribute to fallen security personnel and victims of violence across the country, praying that 2026 would bring strength, healing and renewed hope to the nation.

2026 Will Bring Renewed Hope, Stronger Institutions — Akpabio Assures Nigerians By Sola

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President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has expressed optimism that 2026 will mark a year of renewed hope and steady national progress, anchored on strong democratic institutions, effective legislation and collective national resolve.

In his New Year message to Nigerians, Akpabio commended citizens for their resilience and patience amid economic and social challenges, while reaffirming the National Assembly’s unwavering commitment to democratic stability, accountability and good governance.

In the message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President assured that the Senate would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, representation and oversight in the overall interest of national unity and development.

“As we enter the year 2026, I extend my warm wishes to Nigerians for a peaceful and fulfilling year. I commend the resilience, patience and civic maturity of our people, even in challenging times,” Akpabio said.

He stressed that while the Executive arm implements government policies, the National Assembly remains focused on ensuring that governance outcomes reflect the aspirations of Nigerians through effective legislative backing and robust oversight.

“The Senate and the entire National Assembly will continue to perform their duties with diligence—providing legislative support where necessary, exercising oversight where required, and always acting in the best interest of national unity, economic stability and social justice,” he stated.

Akpabio expressed cautious optimism that ongoing efforts to address insecurity, economic pressures, infrastructure gaps and youth unemployment would yield more tangible results in 2026, emphasising that sustainable progress rests on the strength of institutions rather than individuals.

“Our democracy is stronger when institutions function properly and leaders remain accountable. The National Assembly will continue to work to strengthen these institutions and ensure that public policies are people-centred and forward-looking,” he added.

Looking ahead to increased political activities in the build-up to the 2027 general elections, the Senate President cautioned against divisive politics and what he described as “false messianic narratives,” warning that self-styled saviours often deepen divisions rather than foster national cohesion.

“Democracy thrives on ideas, responsibility and respect for national unity—not inflammatory rhetoric or deception,” he said.

He called on political actors to conduct themselves with restraint and a strong sense of national duty, assuring that the Senate would continue to uphold democratic norms, parliamentary discipline and the rule of law.

Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Executive, Judiciary and other stakeholders in the quest for a more united, just and prosperous Nigeria.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain engaged, vigilant and hopeful in the year ahead, while supporting democratic institutions for the collective good of the nation.

“On behalf of my family, my constituents, the Senate and the entire National Assembly, I wish all Nigerians a peaceful celebration and a prosperous 2026,” he said.

2027: No Retreat on Rivers Political Course, Says Wike

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the political decision taken to “restore power to the people of Rivers State” ahead of the 2027 general elections is irreversible.

Wike spoke on Wednesday during a thank-you visit to Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he said the resolve of his political camp could not be altered by intimidation or financial inducement.

According to him, the decision includes mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election and addressing what he described as a leadership failure at the state level.

“We have done it before and we are going to do it again. We are prepared, we have made a decision and we are not going back. Nobody will intimidate us,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor warned that greed, ingratitude and the misuse of power often lead to political downfall, adding that some leaders entrusted with authority in the state had been misled by money and influence.

He said his visit to Eleme was to appreciate the people for standing firmly with President Tinubu during difficult political moments, stressing that their support had not been taken for granted.

“In spite of all the challenges, President Tinubu appointed a South-South person as Minister of the FCT. That has never happened before. The level of development we are seeing today has also never happened before now,” Wike said.

Earlier, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Eleme, Aforji Igwe, described Wike as a fair and principled leader, assuring him of the continued support of the people of Eleme.

Also speaking, Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council, Obarilormate Ollor, praised Wike for infrastructural interventions carried out in the area during his tenure as governor.

Ollor said the people of Eleme were fully aligned with Wike’s political direction, noting that while they were already mobilised for President Tinubu’s re-election, they were awaiting further guidance ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.

Wike Vows to Expose Tinubu-Brokered Peace Accord With Fubara, Alleges Breach

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to publicly unveil the details of the peace agreement brokered between him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the governor of failing to honour the terms.

Wike made the declaration on Wednesday during a “Thank You Visit” to Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, stating that the time had come for the public to know what was agreed at the Presidential Villa.

“Very soon, we will let people know what we agreed on before Mr President,” Wike said, warning against trusting politicians who do not keep their word.

President Tinubu had in June intervened in the political crisis in Rivers State, facilitating a reconciliation between Wike and Fubara in the interest of peace and stability. However, the FCT minister alleged that the truce had since been breached, stressing that integrity and adherence to agreements are essential in politics.

He advised residents of Tai to be cautious of political actors who, according to him, exploit the system without honour, insisting that such individuals should not be trusted.

Wike also declared that Rivers State was fully prepared for the 2027 general elections, dismissing suggestions that money would determine electoral outcomes. “What matters is the will of the people,” he said.

Explaining the purpose of his visit, the minister said it was not for political mobilisation but to appreciate the people of Tai for their support during the 2023 elections.

“It was a tough battle in 2023. You took a risk, worked with us, and God gave us victory,” he said, adding that Tai Local Government had since enjoyed tangible benefits, including the establishment of a federal university and other developmental projects.

Earlier, Senator Barry Npigi (APC, Rivers South East) commended President Tinubu and Wike for their support to the district, noting that the area had witnessed unprecedented development. He assured the minister of the district’s continued loyalty in appreciation of what he described as justice, equity and fairness under the current administration.

Similarly, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Tai Constituency, Mr Bernard Nbar, pledged the sustained support of his constituents, saying, “You can count on the Tai people, because Tai people keep to their words.”

Chairman of Tai Local Government Council, Mr Mbakpone Okpe, also thanked Wike for the visit, describing his call to support Tinubu in 2023 as a blessing to the area.

Okpe said Tai had continued to benefit from federal appointments, infrastructure projects and empowerment programmes, adding, “For these reasons and more, we are ready to return Mr President for a second tenure. We will roll out all our votes for Tinubu and whoever you support.”

Solid Minerals Boom: Tinubu–Alake Reforms Drive Revenue from N16bn to Over N70bn in Two Years

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By Segun Tomori

 

It is no happenstance that revenue from solid minerals has surged astronomically since the advent of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

 

From a paltry N16bn generated from the sector in 2023, it moved to N38bn in 2024 and now set to cross the N70bn mark under the stellar stewardship of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.

 

Since assuming office, Alake has redirected global attention to the nation’s mining sector in a manner quite unprecedented. Armed with the now famous 7-point agenda, he hit the ground running with reforms that included the revocation of 1,633 licenses for default in payment of annual service fees in late 2023, while another 924 dormant licenses were revoked early 2024 to free up space for serious investors.

 

Guidelines for Community Development Agreements (CDAs) were also revised to make consent of host communities an integral part of license applications process whilst the elephant in the room – illegal mining, is being tackled with the establishment of the mining marshals in 2024. Just over one year after, over 300 illegal miners have been apprehended; about 150 undergoing prosecution; 98 illegal mining sites recovered. Nationwide satellite surveillance of mining sites is billed to come on stream in 2026 to bolster the capacity of the marshals.

 

Though mining belongs to the exclusive legislative list, the minister creatively introduced the principle of cooperative federalism to encourage States to apply for mining licenses and operate as Limited Liability Companies . This has produced tremendous results as several states now have Joint Venture (JV) partnerships that has yielded several investments in Nasarawa, Kaduna, Abuja, Oyo amongst others.

 

Today, Lithium factories are springing up, a $400m rare earth metals plant is in the offing and it is estimated that close to $1.5bn Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been attracted to the sector since 2023.

 

On the global stage, Alake’s advocacy for local value addition – a major component of his 7-point agenda, that seeks to make processing or some form of refining of minerals mandatory before exports, has caught continental attention, leading to the establishment of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG).

 

The AMSG, a body of African Ministers of Solid Minerals/Mining unanimously elected Dr. Alake as pioneer chairman – a testament to how his vision has thrilled his colleagues and positioned Nigeria as leading the continent’s mining sector renaissance.

 

To enhance the ease of doing business in the sector, the Nigeria Minerals Decision Support System (NMRDSS) – a web based platform was established to attract investments and serve as a repository of information on geo-scientific and geo-economic data on Nigeria’s mineral resources featuring interactive mapping, geological data, infrastructure details amongst others.

 

I can go on and on, therefore, it is no surprise that we are set to cross the N70bn mark in 2025. Though unprecedented, it is still a drop in the ocean, considering the vast potentials of the mining sector.

 

We go again in 2026 to surpass this record by consolidating on reforms to ensure solid minerals ultimately becomes a major contributor to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 

Happy New Year, in advance!

 

*Segun Tomori*, anipr, FSCA

 

Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development

No Victory in Rivers Without Wike,’ APC Chieftain Tells Governor Fubara

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GOKANA, Rivers State — A top chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara cannot secure political victory in Rivers State without the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the state’s undisputed leader.

The National Vice Chairman of the APC for the South-South, Hon. Victor Giadom, made the assertion on Tuesday during a visit by Wike to Gokana Local Government Area, stating that every electoral contest in the state must pass through the former governor.

“I guarantee… the Gokana people are for Wike and Tinubu. There is no political force here other than Wike,” Giadom said.

“For Governor Fubara to win anything here, he must pass through Wike.”

The event, organized as a thank-you tour by Wike, drew a coalition of political figures from both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), underscoring the minister’s cross-party influence in the oil-rich state.

Political Heavyweights Pledge Allegiance

Former Senator Magnus Abe reinforced Giadom’s position, stating that the people of Gokana had already chosen their political direction.

“Wike is a unifier, and that is why we are united. If you follow Wike, you will not go home empty-handed,” Abe said.

“Tell President Tinubu not to bother campaigning in Gokana; we are already for him.”

The Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol, and the Chairman of Gokana Local Government, Mr. Confidence Deko, also pledged total loyalty to Wike and President Bola Tinubu, describing the area as a “no-go zone” for opposing forces.

Wike Preaches Unity, Patience

In his response, Wike said his visit was solely to appreciate the people for their longstanding support and commended their unity behind the Tinubu administration.

“When you are united, good things will come,” Wike stated, urging the community to remain patient and follow their leaders when the time is right.

He also highlighted the collaborative political atmosphere in the state, noting the presence of both PDP and APC members at the gathering as evidence of cohesion under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The statements from key figures in Gokana signal deepening political realignments in Rivers State and present a direct challenge to Governor Fubara’s autonomy ahead of future elections.

 

Wike Vows Political Correction for Rivers by 2027, Signals Shift from Past ‘Mistake’

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BORI, Rivers State — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State will not repeat what he termed a “leadership mistake” in the 2027 elections, pledging that the error would be corrected when the time is right.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers, made the declaration on Thursday during a thank-you visit to Khana Local Government Area, where he expressed appreciation for the community’s support during the 2023 general elections.

“We will not make the same mistake again at the state level in 2027, but we will talk about it when the time comes,” Wike stated before a crowd of supporters in Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoniland.

“Just follow your leaders. Anywhere you see them going, that is where we are going.”

Though he did not specify the nature of the alleged error, Wike emphasised that leadership must reflect the collective will of the people rather than personal ambition, adding that elected officials are meant to serve, not pursue selfish agendas.

The minister insisted his visit was not for political campaigning but to thank the people of Khana for standing with him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during what he described as a difficult political period.

“During the turbulent time, Khana stood with us when others were afraid,” he said. “Today, you are benefiting from good roads to the University of Environment and other projects because of the support of Mr President.”

He highlighted increased federal attention to Ogoniland under the Tinubu administration, including appointments and infrastructure projects, with more expected to follow.

Wike also noted a shift in political behaviour in Rivers, suggesting that future votes would be based on unity, trust, and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda rather than strict party loyalty.

Local Leaders Reaffirm Support

In his remarks, Rep. Dumnamene Dekor (APC–Khana) praised Wike and President Tinubu for restoring pride to Ogoniland and assured the minister of the people’s readiness to follow his political direction.

“Whatever you ask us to do, we shall do, and wherever you ask us to go, we shall go,” Dekor said.

Mrs. Barile Nwakoh, speaking for the women of Khana, said Wike continues to enjoy broad support in Rivers due to his sincerity and goodwill, adding that women in the area are prepared to mobilise for President Tinubu.

The Chairman of Khana Local Government, Dr. Thomas Bariere, thanked Wike for his consistent support, noting that backing Tinubu had brought tangible benefits to the area.

“When the right people are in office, good things happen,” Bariere said.

The event concluded with local leaders reaffirming their support for Wike and the Tinubu administration ahead of the next electoral cycle.