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Nigeria-US Relations Remain Stable Despite US Visa Restrictions — FG

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According to Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of US visa restrictions has no bearing on the country’s diplomatic ties.

According to him, the US-Nigeria relationship is unaffected by individual visa limits.

According to reports, on Wednesday, the US government imposed limits on visas for Nigerians who finance or assist the country’s Christian genocide.

During an appearance on Arise Television, Idris discussed the development and stated that Nigeria and the United States still have a good relationship and are cooperating to overcome any obstacles.

“Visa issues are national prerogatives,” he declared. The government of the United States, Nigeria, or any other nation, for example, has its own visa policy that it periodically analyzes.

“Perhaps you’re posing that query. Given the context of the recent tensions, let me state that Nigeria and the United States are still collaborating closely to find solutions wherever there are ambiguities or issues that need to be resolved. The Nigerian government is dedicated, transparent, and actively working with the United States to resolve any issues that need to be resolved in relation to some of the diplomatic tensions that have arisen.

“However, Nigeria and the United States still maintain regular diplomatic relations, and we are cooperating flawlessly to make sure that we continue to advance the mutual interests of both countries.”

NEC Staff Advised by Amupitan: Corruption Undermines Institutions

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The leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Staff Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Society has been asked by INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan to maintain the commission’s fundamental principles of accountability, transparency, and integrity.

In his keynote speech at the Society’s Annual General Meeting, AGM, and Election, Amupitan made the request.

He counseled the association’s leadership to conduct its internal elections in a free and fair manner and to exercise caution with the members’ funds.

According to the head of INEC, corruption and improper handling of members’ funds must not be tolerated.

“Any form of corruption is a poison to any institution, especially one built on collective trust,” he declared.

The INEC chairman emphasized the importance of members’ welfare while highlighting the co-operative’s primary goal, particularly in view of the present difficult economic situation.

“As the guardian of the electoral process, it is my responsibility to instill in the entering and departing leaders of this wonderful society an essential set of ideals that cannot be compromised.

“First, you need to give careful money management and openness top priority. The executive is only a trustee; the cooperative’s funds belong to its members.

“Your transactions must be traceable, your books must be open, and your choices must be justified.

Secondly, you have to abstain from corruption and pledge to be completely accountable. Any kind of corruption is detrimental to an institution, particularly one that is based on public trust.

Mismanagement of members’ savings must not be tolerated at all. Party celebrations are not the use of cooperative funds.

To increase the welfare of members, every naira must be tracked and allocated to productive endeavors.

The welfare of its members is the cooperative’s main goal. The cooperative is a dependable way for employees to help and support one another during these difficult economic times, he said.

Amupitan reaffirmed his dedication to the welfare of his employees and called on the cooperative leadership to give members’ welfare top priority and guarantee fair access to loans.

He stated that all members should have equitable access to the packages and advantages provided by the organization, irrespective of their status or affiliation.

“The principles of justice, equity, and fairness as well as the rules of the multipurpose society must always guide the exco.”

“A forward-thinking approach and a good investment focus will help society build a more resilient future,” he stated.

Breaking: Cross River APC Chairman Removed for Financial Allegations

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Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, was impeached by the State Working Committee (SWC) due to accusations of financial impropriety and administrative excess.

The APC state secretariat in Calabar hosted the event on Thursday.

Under former governor Ben Ayade, Eba was appointed chairman in October 2021. He was charged with embezzlement, theft of party funds, conceit, and neglecting to provide party officers with stipends.

SWC members, chapter chairmen, and other interested parties signed a statement claiming that Eba’s actions had damaged party operations and frayed ties throughout the state.

The Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen had already demanded his impeachment, accusing him of worsening the condition of ward and chapter officials and delaying stipends for over three months.

State Treasurer Dr. Matthew Egom seconded the motion to remove him, which was made by State Welfare Secretary Okara Ekawu. They claimed that before coming to a unanimous verdict, the committee looked into the accusations in great detail.

Eba was instructed to turn over all party assets and records, including secretariat management, to the acting chairman while the National Executive Committee (NEC) issued additional directions.

In contravention of Sections 21:2 (ii & v) of the APC Constitution, Forum Chairman and Boki LGA Chairman Kelvin Nyong called the non-payment of stipends “unprecedented” and charged Eba with dividing the party.

The party leaders in attendance reiterated their support for Governor Bassey Otu and stated that stability and efficient governance required the shift in leadership.

About two years ago, Eba encountered similar resistance when prominent members of the party, such as Chief Peter Higgins and former presidential adviser Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, demanded his dismissal due to similar accusations.

He caused a stir last month when he publicly pledged allegiance to former governor Ben Ayade and arranged a lavish airport reception for him. This action was perceived as disparaging the current administration.

Breaking: Zamfara Lawmaker Joins PDP, Leaves APC

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Shamsuddeen Hassan Basko, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly who represents the seat of former Governor Abdulaziz Yari, has switched from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Speaker publicly declared his defection on Thursday while Governor Dauda Lawal presented the projected budget for 2026.

According to reports, Hassan, who represents Mafara North, is the most recent supporter of Senator Abdulaziz Yari to leave the APC amid escalating internal strife.

Since losing to Senator Godswill Akpabio in the race for Senate President two years ago, Yari, a former state governor, has seen his power decline.

The action diminishes Yari’s hold on the party structure and exacerbates the divisions within the Zamfara APC. Hassan claimed that “deepening crises and poor leadership” at the state and municipal levels were the reasons he quit the party.

The congressman bemoaned that ongoing differences had prevented effective involvement in a letter titled “Resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC)” that was sent on December 3, 2025, to the APC chairman of Galadima Ward, Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

“After careful reflection of activities, crisis, divisions, sidelined and poor leadership of the party from local government and the state levels, I have decided to step away from active participation in the party,” the letter states.

Hassan went on to say that he made this choice because he wanted to pursue “commitments that align more closely” with his political views and the demands of his community in terms of development.

Despite being challenging, the congressman claimed that his departure was essential to the advancement of the people he represents. He conveyed his appreciation for the experiences he had gained while serving in the ruling party.

Noting that copies had been sent to the chairman of the Talata Mafara Local Government and the Zamfara State APC, Basko advised the ward leadership to take the letter as his official notice of leaving the APC.

Below is a copy of the letter of resignation.

‘Yari Never Said Tinubu Is Caged’ — Ally Sets Record Straight

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Aminu Shehu, an associate of Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has refuted social media claims that President Bola Tinubu is “caged” inside the Presidential Villa, according to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

In a statement released on Thursday, Shehu characterized the widely shared assertion as untrue and an intentional attempt to mislead the public and create needless political conflict.

Shehu reportedly stated that the comments attributed to the former governor of Zamfara State after the One Nigeria Project Conference in Abuja were made up.

“A widely circulated social media report on Wednesday falsely claimed that Senator Abdulaziz Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ‘caged’ inside the Presidential Villa,” the statement stated.

The assertion, which surfaced during the One Nigeria Project Conference in Abuja, has been verified as false information. The publication was rejected by many close to the senator as an intentional attempt to mislead the public and create needless political strife.

In actuality, Senator Yari made statements endorsing President Tinubu and urging Nigerians to stand together. Yari emphasized the President’s commitment to bringing stability back and advancing national development.

He claimed that because President Tinubu is committed to advancing Nigeria, he has been working nonstop and receiving thorough briefs from all significant sectors of the country. Yari claims that the President is deeply involved in the problems facing the country and dedicated to coming up with solutions that would help every citizen. Yari continued by saying that a large number of Nigeria’s issues are self-inflicted and need for cooperation to solve.

He emphasized that national togetherness is the only way to achieve true growth, saying, “This is because so much havoc was initiated by us ourselves, but we need to come together.”

“I was with the President in the night, and I told him that I would be here, and if he has time, he should watch what we are doing,” he said, disclosing that he directly alerted President Tinubu about his attendance at the conference. And I believe that support should be given to this organization.

“Senator Yari also addressed the negative rhetoric that frequently targets the President, highlighting the fact that many of the criticisms originate from people who ought to know better. The elite are the issue. People are mistreating Tinubu. “You are mistreating him because you are more aware of the issue than the facts,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for integrity, accountability, and patriotism to advance the nation.

“Yari came to the conclusion that a shared commitment to growth and development, collaboration, and unity of purpose are necessary to achieve “One Nigeria.” His claims contrast sharply with the fabrications that are making the rounds on the internet.

President Tinubu Sends List of Ambassadorial Nominees: Ibas, Dambazau Included

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A number of new people have been nominated by President Bola Tinubu to serve as non-career ambassadors.

Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a former naval chief and the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, is among those on the list, according to a statement released by the State House on Thursday.

Others include former Imo state first lady Chioma Ohakim, former senator Ita Enang, and former interior minister and army staff chief Abdulrahman Dambazau.

Additionally, the President proposed Fatima Ajimobi, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and Senator Nora Daduut to serve as non-career ambassadors.

According to reports, the list raises the total number of people President Tinubu has nominated to serve as ambassadors to 68.

Details to come.

Tinubu’s Adviser to US: ‘Nigeria Is Not Venezuela’

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Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Policy Communication, criticized recent calls by some US politicians for Nigeria to do away with Sharia law on Thursday, calling the action an infringement on the nation’s constitutional integrity and sovereignty.

In an interview with Arise Television on Thursday, Bwala stated that any such foreign meddling in Nigeria’s domestic legal system is both intolerable and against international standards.

In response to a question on whether the US government has the authority to force Nigeria to change its constitution or outlaw Sharia law in the northern states, Bwala said, “They don’t have the locus.”

“Doing that will amount to violating a nation’s territorial rights and integrity,” he continued.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s federal framework permits different legal systems in different states.

“A national law is not sharia law. Although their federal style of government is more sophisticated, we also use it, Bwala clarified.

Additionally, Bwala denied that US President Donald Trump had threatened to use force in Nigeria, claiming that this would be against international law.

“There are only three conditions upon which another country can invade militarily, so even the threat of a potential military invasion is inconsistent with the US convention,” he stated.

“You are either invited by that nation, you are at war with that nation, or the UN requests that you be there.”

Bwala’s comments follow a congressional briefing in the US when senators were encouraged to advocate for the dissolution of Nigeria’s Hisbah religious police and the repeal of Sharia law.

Extremist organizations like Boko Haram and ISWAP “weaponize Sharia-based institutions and Hisbah operatives to advance extremist ideology, enforce forced conversions, and operate unchecked in many communities,” according to Dr. Ebenezer Obadare, a Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, who made this claim during the hearing.

However, Bwala maintained that Nigeria’s constitutional modifications are a domestic matter that is outside the jurisdiction of any foreign authority.

We don’t agree with them about changing our constitution. “We are not Venezuela; we are a sovereign state that has never been colonized by the United States anywhere,” he said.

Moghalu: I’m Shocked by Ambassadorial Nominees’ Past Attacks on Tinubu

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Kingsley Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stated on Thursday that he was “chilled” by comments made in the past by certain ambassadorial applicants disparaging President Bola Tinubu.

Moghalu questioned why these nominees for ambassadors, who had disparaged Tinubu, would later take crumbs.

“I am chilled to the bones when I see what some of today’s @officialABAT ambassadorial nominees have written and said about him in the past,” Moghalu said on X. I have no political affiliation with or opposition to President Tinubu.

It’s acceptable to disagree with someone politically or even on principle and then change your opinion.

However, it is astounding how harsh, personally abusive, and derogatory language these individuals have used to characterize a human being, only to then turn around and receive crumbs from the victim of the abuse.

“At the very least, stay in your lane, for heaven’s sake, if you feel so strongly about someone rather than simply topics.

“To go to such extremes just because of transient political opposition (or “crumbflakes” dropping right now) and then eat your own vomit tells far more, in my opinion, about the speaker or writer than about the person spoken or written about, without elevating anyone to the status of a saint! We will say that those who claim that Nigeria is a “zoo” are using offensive rhetoric. Two pence from me.

Chidoka: Adding More Soldiers or Police Won’t End Terrorism

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Osita Chidoka, a former minister of aviation, has stated that Nigeria does not need more police or soldiers to fight terrorism.

According to reports, Chidoka stated this in an interview with Arise Television, highlighting the necessity of Special and Forest Forces in Nigeria.

Chidoka emphasized that it is unfortunate that the nation lacks Special Forces and that President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration to enlist more police and troops is a snap decision.

“We should have a special force by now because we have been at this since 2008,” he stated. Instead of more police and military, we need a forest force.

Boots on the ground is what President Bola Tinubu said, correct? Declaring an emergency: 50,000 military, 20,000 additional police officers, etc. NYSC camps will be used and new soldiers will be recruited.

However, I believe that was a snap decision. I don’t believe that more police or soldiers are necessary to combat terrorism in Nigeria. It is unfortunate that we haven’t gone forward and created special forces to combat terrorism.

Colombia developed the Jungle Force, a specialist unit trained and assisted by the U.S. Navy, in response to this issue. They possessed a striking force, helicopters, and their own intelligence system.

“If you look at the police budget for 2025, which is over 1.2 trillion naira, of which about 1.1 trillion is for salaries, we don’t need more soldiers or police.” There are just roughly 97 billion for overhead.

IPOB Applauds Otti, Sokoto Governor Over Solidarity Visit to Nnamdi Kanu

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The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and the governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu, were praised by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for paying their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, a visit at the Sokoto Correctional Center.

The group described the visit as a sign of solidarity and concern for Kanu’s continued detention in a statement released on Thursday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful.

Along with the governors, the group also commended Hon. Obi Aguocha and other well-meaning Igbo leaders, especially Sokoto-based Igbo community members.

“The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, under our courageous leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, express gratitude to Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State and Almad Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State for their unexpected visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a prisoner of conscience at the Sokoto Correctional Center,” the statement said. We also commend Hon. Aguocha and other concerned Igbo people for visiting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, particularly those who reside in Sokoto.

“The Nigerian State will always be troubled by the kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, prolonged detention, illegal trial, life in prison, and brutal transfer to Sokoto prison.” Until a comprehensive independent inquiry is conducted, we cannot ignore the unfairness of using State Security Forces for false flag operations in the Eastern Region to fabricate proof of terrorism and violence supported by the government against IPOB and MNK. Furthermore, the perpetrators of these nefarious schemes will be tormented forever if they use the mechanism of a biased legal system to imprison an innocent person whose only “offense” was defending his people and attempting self-determination from a country that has marginalized and oppressed its people since gaining independence. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu continues to be seen by Ndigbo and many conscious Nigerians as a victim of a despotic government and a prisoner of conscience.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, did not commit any crime recognized by domestic or international law that would have allowed Justice James Omotosho and his associate Barrister Awomolo, SAN, to impose a harsh ruling on the innocent person despite intense pressure from the illegal Nigerian presidency in the Executive branch. The degree of unfairness meted out to MNK has greatly infuriated Ndigbo.

“The highest level of provocation to IPOB and Ndigbo as a whole is represented by his kidnapping and extraordinary rendition from Kenya, five years of illegal detention, illegal trial, conviction, life sentence, and transfer to Sokoto prison amid extreme insecurity.” But while we have waited for reason and justice to prevail, we have taken in everything.

“A biased government should think twice before sentencing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life in prison if they believe that doing so will weaken his resolve and that of the Indigenous People of Biafra, or IPOB, movement. This is especially true if they have a biased judge and prosecutor.

More than 90% of Ndigbo people and many well-meaning Nigerians and foreigners adore Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. A destined person will always find his destiny followers wherever he goes, thus the biased government is misguided if they think that moving him to Sokoto will cause people to give up on this holy mission. Mazi Kanu will always have the support of Ndigbo and decent people. However, there is a requirement that the Nigerian government ensure his safety. May he never suffer any intentional or unintentional harm. The consequences of anything happening to him in a state jail facility are best left unthought. One should not undervalue a leader who is loved and respected by almost 70 million people.

The nonviolent Biafra self-determination movement is the focus of IPOB. However, as we await the date of a UN-supervised referendum for Biafrans to decide their fate in the purported Nigerian Unity, the Nigerian government must ensure that this nonviolent cause endures by protecting our leader and members.