Television Nigerian

Sadiq Abubakar Ciroma, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, has been officially welcomed into the All Progressives Congress (APC) by state Defense Minister Bello Muhammad Matawalle.

Ciroma was introduced to Matawalle on Friday by state APC chairman Tukur Danfulani, who also welcomed Ciroma and his followers into the party.

Speaking during the function, Matawalle said that Ciroma’s decision to join the APC would help the people of Zamfara and characterized him as a politician with vision and good judgment.

He promised equal possibilities within the party to Ciroma and his supporters.

Ciroma clarified that he left the PDP because he thought the APC’s leadership and performance in the state were more inclusive.

He accused Governor Dauda Lawal’s PDP-led administration of prioritizing tax collection over local communities.

Manir Haidara Kaura, the chairman of the Kaura Namoda Local Government Council, responded to the defection by accusing Ciroma of working against the PDP prior to a recent state assembly by-election.

Haidara questioned his allegiance by accusing him of working with APC stakeholders and disclosing party secrets.

At the State House in Abuja on Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met separately and behind closed doors with the governors of the states of Kaduna, Benue, and Cross River.

They reportedly met us in the midst of ongoing problems with governance and security in their areas.

Each of the three governors—Uba Sani of Kaduna, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, and Bassey Otu of Cross River—arrived separately to confer with the President.

Sources familiar with the discussions told The Nation that the sessions’ main focus was on the three states’ pressing economic and security issues, despite the Presidency not releasing a formal statement outlining the agenda.

The governors refused to talk to reporters after the meetings.

As they left the State House for their waiting cars, they greeted reporters briefly but remained silent.

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has been welcomed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) by Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Speaking during the State’s inauguration of Fubara’s Igwuruta-Airport Road, Keyamo claimed that the ruling party had laid a trap to catch a frog but had instead caught an elephant.

The minister praised President Bola Tinubu’s strategic leadership for attracting South-South voters to the APC.

He referred to the party as the biggest family in Africa while extending a warm welcome to the governor.

According to Keyamo, he was there when the governor received the APC membership card.

“I won’t end without warmly welcoming the latest catch in APC,” he declared. Sir Siminalayi Fubara was the elephant we caught when we put up a trap to catch a frog.

“May I say that we would want to thank Mr. President as a real son of the South-South? I am unable to depart without expressing my gratitude to Mr. President for everything that he has done for the people of South-South and Rivers State.

“The South-South has never had it better. In the South-South, we are currently six over six for the ruling party, having started from zero in 2015. Rivers State has never had resistance in the past, thus what we have from 2015 to the present is even an anomaly.

Rivers State has occasionally sided with the center for the advancement and welfare of its citizens. I want to express my gratitude to Mr. President for his audacious changes, which have drawn a large number of people to the ruling party.

Keyamo claimed that Governor Fubara had resolved one of the major issues facing the aviation sector with the flag off and road inauguration.

“We had always wanted to give that road a facelift so that those who arrived at Port Harcourt, one of our oldest international airports, would have a good view of the city and a good impression when they are driving into the city,” he stated. “The road leading to the Port Harcourt Airport once branched off the highway, and that road has been in deplorable condition.”

However, it appears that Rivers State is wealthier than us. We’ve been begging the governor to assist us in clearing the path. The world will know that you took care of us when we go from this place. The first issue you resolved for us was that.

On Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 68 ambassadorial candidates were ratified by the Nigerian Senate.

Recall that President Tinubu ultimately delivered the names of sixty-eight (68) nominees for confirmation as Nigeria’s ambassadors to the National Assembly, which was a major step toward the country’s diplomatic representation abroad.

More than two years of Tinubu’s administration functioning without designated envoys to lead Nigeria’s missions, embassies, and consulates in various nations are essentially over with the eagerly anticipated submission.

It was recalled that stakeholders and foreign observers had put tremendous pressure on the Federal Government to appoint ambassadors quickly, particularly during a period when some US senators, congressmen, and foreign lobbyists had accused Nigeria of Christian persecution and genocide.

In order to further Nigeria’s foreign policy goals, improve bilateral and multilateral ties, and protect the country’s reputation and strategic interests in the international system, it is anticipated that the new ambassadorial appointments will be extremely important.

The 68 nominees are chosen from governments in each of the six geopolitical zones, with 34 of them being career diplomats and the remaining 34 being non-career appointees.

Three nominees, Ayodele Oke, Kayode Are, and Aminu Dalhatu, who were among the initial group President Tinubu sent to the Senate, were reviewed and approved by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs earlier on Wednesday. After a long meeting at the National Assembly, they were screened.

Below is the whole list:

34 CAREER AMBASSADORS: 1. Mwaobiola Ezeuwo Chukwuemeka, Ambassador of Abia
2. Maimuna Ibrahim Adamawa
3. Enpeji Monica Okochukwu, Anambra
4. Bauchi: Mohammed Mahmoud Lele, Ambassador
5. Endoni Sindup, Bayelsa
6. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno, Ambassador of Borno
7. Ambassador Jen Adams Ni Okun Michael from Cross River
8. Ambassador Clark Omeru Alexandra of Delta
9. Chima J. Leoma Davies of Ebonyi
10. Oduma Yvonne Ehinose, Edo
11. Wasa Shogun Ige in Edo
12. Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel, Ambassador of Ekiti
13. Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley, Ambassador of Enugu
14. Magaji Umar, Ambassador to Jigawa
15. Mohammed Saidu Dahiru, Ambassador of Kaduna
16. Abdul Salam Abus Zayat, Ambassador to Kano
17. Katsina: Shehu, Ambassador
18. Katsina: Aminu Nasu, the ambassador
19. Abubakar Musa Musa, Kebbi
20. Haidara Mohammed Idris, Ambassador of Kebbi
21. Ambassador Bako Adamu Umar of Kogi
22. Kwara: Sulu Gambari, the ambassador
23. Romata Mohammed Omobolanle, Ambassador, Lagos
24. Shaga John Shama, Ambassador of Nasarawa
25. Salau Hamza Mohammed in Niger
26. Niger: Ibrahim Dan Lamy, Ambassador
27. Ogun: Mopolola Adjola Ibrahim
28. Ruben Abimbola Samuel, Ondo
29. Akonde Wahab Adekola, Ambassador of Osun
30. Oyo: Ariwani Adedokun Esther, the ambassador
31. Plateau: Gedagi Joseph John, Ambassador
32. Rivers: Luther Obomode Ayokatata, the ambassador
33. Danladi Yakubu Yaku Taraba
34. Bidu Dogondagi Zamfara NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS (31):
35. Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia
36. Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu of Abia
37. Senator Grace Bent from Adamawa
38. Senator Eta Enang from Akwa Ibom
39. Nkechi Linda Okocha, Anambra
40. Mahmoud Yakubu in Bauchi
41. Philip K. Ikurusi, Bayelsa 42. Paul Olga Adiku, Benue
43. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd.) at Cross River 44. Reno Omokri at Delta
45. Hon. Abbasi Brahma, Edo
46. Erelu Angela Adebayo Ekiti 47. Barrister Olumilua Oluwayemika Ekiti
48. Rt. Hon. Ugwanyi Ifeanyi in Enugu
49. Imo: Mrs. Chioma Ohakim Barr
50. Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd.) in Kano 51. Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari in Katsina
52. Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Aliu, Kogi
53. Olufemi Pedro, Lagos 54. Barr. Mohammed Obanduma Aliu, Nasarawa
56. Ondo: Ambassador Joseph Yusuf Shara’aji 55. Ondo: Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, PhD
57. Fani-Kayode Osun
58. Ajimobi Fatima Florence, Oyo
59. Lola Akande, Oyo
60. Yakubu N. Gambo, Plateau
61. Plateau: Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, Senator
62. Onweze Chukwudi Rivers
63. Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar of Sokoto
64. Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe of Taraba
65. Adamu Garba Tarba-Nagri of Yobe
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs cleared the first batch (3).

66. Ayodele Oke of Oyo State
67. Amin Mohammed Dalhatu, Jigawa
68. Ogun: Lateef Kayode, a retired Colonel Are

Chris Ngige, a former minister of labor and employment, was placed under detention in Kuje Correctional Center by an Abuja High Court on Friday while his bail plea was being considered.

Ngige was charged with N2.2 billion fraud on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Former Anambra governor Ngige is accused with eight charges of receiving bribes and committing fraud.

From May 29, 2003, until March 17, 2006, the defendant held the position of governor of Anambra under the PDP platform.

From 2015 to 2023, he was a minister in the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ngige was taken into custody by the EFCC on Wednesday.

He is being tried for allegedly committing fraud while serving as the Minister of Labor and Employment.

He was charged by the EFCC of giving seven contracts totaling more than N366 million “for consultancy, training and supply by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)” to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a business owned by his partner Ezebinwa Charles.

According to the EFCC, Ngige gave another business owned by Mr. Charles eight contracts totaling more over N583 million.

Additionally, the EFCC said that the defendant gave Nwosu Chukwunwike’s company, Jeff & Xris Limited, eight contracts totaling more than N362 million by using his position to grant preferential treatment.

He also gave contracts worth N668 million to Olde English Consolidated Limited and N161 million to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, all of which are owned by Uzoma Igbonwa.

Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000 is violated by these offenses, according to the EFCC.

Additionally, Ngige was charged by the anti-graft agency of using “his organization, called Senator (Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organization from Cezimo Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011901119)” to obtain compensation from NSITF contractors.

Additionally, the EFCC said that Ngige received N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited.

Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 was violated, according to the EFCC, and this is punishable under section 17(c) of the same Act.

However, he entered a not guilty plea to every accusation.

Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, the EFCC’s attorney, asked the court to remand Ngige to Kuje Custodial Center and requested a trial date.

However, Ngige’s attorney, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, pointed out that they were only made aware of the arraignment yesterday and were unable to submit an application for bail.

Ikwueto pleaded with the judge to grant Ngige conditional bail due to her health.

Additionally, he tried to move for the defendant’s oral bail request on self-recognition.
Tahir pointed out that both an oral and written application could not be submitted to the court.

Additionally, he pointed out that Ngige has not yet turned up his international passport, which was a requirement of his prior bail.

However, Ikweto stated that the EFCC has been notified via letter that Ngige’s foreign passport was stolen.

Tahir denied being aware of the report.

Judge Maryam Hassan ordered his remand to the Kuje Correctional Center after hearing their arguments.

Justice Hassan postponed the hearing and decision regarding his bail request until Monday.

Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has pledged to assist and work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat drug misuse in the nation.

During a courtesy visit to Marwa at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the esteemed traditional ruler led two other royal fathers: Olusin of Ijara Isin, Oba Ademola Julius Ajibola, and Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyan Olatoye.

Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Chairman of the NDLEA, was given a renewed mission to combat substance misuse and illicit drug trafficking, and the monarch promised him assistance and cooperation.

“To be kind with you, we are proud of you,” he says. It is not by accident that you are in this position right now; rather, it is a result of your commitment and dedication. You’re such a friendly person. You have always been a performer, which is why you are able to lead Lagos State and Borno. The legacy of Keke Marwa that you brought to Nigeria is another aspect of you that I will always remember.

In direct response to the NDLEA chief’s request that traditional leaders assist the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat drug misuse, the Alaafin pledged to organize his peers to collaborate with the Agency.

“I’ve heard your message, and several of my traditional rulers and colleagues here are also prepared to work with you. I must admit that we are at the grassroots level and have close ties to the locals. We have a thorough understanding of the situation. I’m using this chance to let you know that we are prepared. We are more than happy to collaborate with you and provide you with all the assistance you need to succeed in this position. We can assure you that we will always be available to you in times of need,” Oba Owoade said.

Marwa congratulated the Alaafin on taking his ancestors’ throne in his welcome speech. He accused him and other traditional leaders nationwide of using their local power to collaborate with NDLEA to eradicate drug usage in communities.

According to him, “nearly 15 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 use drugs, according to the drug use survey report of 2018. The drug scourge in Nigeria is at an unacceptable limit.” It’s a serious issue, and President Tinubu has ordered us to take action, combat the drug problem, apprehend the traffickers, prosecute them, and confiscate their property. And because conventional institutions are so crucial to this responsibility, we would like to call on them.

Nigerians hold traditional institutions in high regard. No matter who you are in Nigeria, you still have a place of origin. When you return to that location, you honor the community leader. As a result, the traditional leader’s words have weight. We also urge traditional authorities to actively advocate against drug usage by engaging the religious leaders in charge of the churches and mosques in their respective domains. The NDLEA is always ready to collaborate with the conventional organization.

Because drug traffickers pose a threat to many young people and their families, he said the Agency will also value information from traditional leaders on drug dealers in local areas.

“We truly value this partnership, and I can assure you that if we are able to curb drug use, even criminal activity will decrease because all kidnappers, insurgents, terrorists, and bandits use drugs to get high,” he continued.

He thanked Alaafin for the visit and wished him a long and prosperous reign filled with health, peace, growth, and prosperity for the entire Oyo Kingdom.

Alhaji Shuaibu, 40, was successfully rescued by Taraba State troops in a quick operation in Lau Local Government Area (LGA).

Alhaji Shuaibu, a Fulani who lived in Yelwata Community in Ardo-Kola LGA, was identified as the victim.

The individual was allegedly kidnapped on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at approximately 0905 hours, close to Yaja village in Lau LGA, according to security expert Zagazola Makama.

The deployed troops promptly began pursuing the kidnappers based on reliable human intelligence.

With a quick response time of less than two hours, the victim was saved uninjured at approximately 1100 hours that same day.
The security situation in the area is confirmed to remain calm, with security personnel maintaining vigilance and alertness to prevent any further incidents.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old man, Abubakar Hassan, sustained gunshot injuries during a raid conducted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Ngurore Market in Yola North Local Government Area of Yobe State.

According the reports that the incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. on December 10, 2025, during a raid targeting a suspected drug den within the market.
According to those who spoke with Zagazola Makama, a security specialist, the NDLEA agents rushed a market neighborhood and started firing intermittently.

The source claims that Hassan, a member of the Jambutu village, was struck by a stray bullet in the right leg and stomach as a result of the NDLEA agents’ actions.

Shortly after the event, the Ngurore Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was reported to have visited the spot. The sufferer was transported right away to Banene Hospital in Ngurore, where he is still undergoing treatment and is reportedly doing well.

Citing mounting worries over operational inefficiencies and security dangers, the Defense Headquarters has ordered the immediate removal of all unauthorized checkpoints and non-essential static obstacles along the nation’s key roadways.

The directive, which was included in a memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of Defense Minister Christopher Musa, cautioned that the growth of unauthorized checkpoints was impeding personnel’s mobility and putting them in unnecessary danger.

“Headquarters has observed a growing proliferation of non-essential static roadblocks and checkpoints along several routes within the JOA (Joint Operations Area),” the statement said.

It further noted that while securing roadways remains crucial, the unchecked spread of fixed posts has begun to “undermine operational efficiency and disrupt freedom of movement for both security forces and civilians.”

The communication added that troops manning these checkpoints were being placed at unnecessary risk, especially along high-traffic corridors such as:

Abuja–Lokoja–Ajaokuta–Idah–Otukpa–Obollo Afor–Enugu;

Abuja–Lokoja–Obajana–Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti–Ikole Ekiti;

Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Okpella–Auchi–Benin;

Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; and

Lagos–Ore–Benin–Asaba–Niger Bridge.

The statement said, “In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully convey that the services Headquarters hereby instructs all TCS/FCs to ensure the immediate dismantling of the non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints within their respective JOA.”

Commanders have been directed to ensure compliance only with control points deemed operationally essential.

Instead of stationary deployments, the military will now rely on “aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering” to dominate strategic routes.

The statement emphasised the importance of maintaining only checkpoints approved for specific operational or security purposes.

“Commanders are further to ensure strict compliance with the approved control point locations and maintain only those essential for operational, security purposes and dominate the expanses of routes with aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering,” the statement said.