Television Nigerian

Senator Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, has reiterated his administration’s dedication to enhancing cooperation with the Nigerian Navy in order to improve marine security and protect the state’s coastal resources.

Governor Otu made this statement on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Government House in Calabar with Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of Eastern Naval Command.
The governor called the visit “a mark of seriousness and purpose,” pointing out that the FOC’s quick interaction with the state government shows his willingness to take action.

Otu said, “I want to express my gratitude for your seriousness of purpose.” “I assumed it would take some time to see your face, but we suspended everything to welcome you as soon as we received the notice of your coming. That demonstrates your dedication and readiness for action.

Governor Otu praised the Navy for its long-standing collaboration with the state, especially in maintaining river and creek safety. In the state’s coastal corridor, he noted that the Eastern Naval Command has been a reliable ally in preserving calm and reducing maritime crimes.

He stated, “Security has remained one of our top priorities.” “To maintain peace and stability, we have been collaborating with the Command quite effectively. Your presence is made even more important by the Nigerian Navy’s in-depth knowledge of this region, including its creeks, waterways, and marine ecosystem.

The governor also expressed gratitude to the Cross River Naval officers who are still serving with distinction, noting that their commitment demonstrates the friendly ties between the state and the Navy.

Earlier in his speech, Rear Admiral Okehie thanked the governor for the cordial welcome and referred to his assignment to Calabar as “a homecoming,” having served in the state at various points in the past.

“As the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, I feel like I’m coming home,” Okehie remarked. “I had the honor of serving here from 2014 to 2016 as Commander, NNS Centenary, and from 2021 to 2022 as Commander, NNS Victory.” My admiration for the kind hospitality of the Cross River community and the ongoing collaboration between the state government and the Navy has grown as a result of these encounters.

In order to maintain marine security, advance the blue economy, and fortify civil-military collaboration, he promised that the Command, under his direction, would continue to collaborate closely with the Cross River State government.

“The Eastern Naval Command will deploy a highly professional and motivated force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests in accordance with the mission of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas,” Okehie declared. “We will collaborate with your government to strengthen cooperation for the peace and prosperity of our state and country, promote blue economy initiatives, and improve maritime security.”

“In safeguarding the maritime domain, we preserve also the nation’s peace and prosperity,” he added, pledging the Navy’s continuous support in the state’s efforts to promote peace, sustainable development, and the defense of national sovereignty.

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has stated that no media outlets have been intimidated, shut down, or suppressed by the current administration.

Idris claimed that this is because of the administration’s deliberate adherence to the constitutional values of press freedom during a speech on Wednesday at the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), which was hosted at the State House in Abuja.

The first time a sitting Nigerian leader had personally attended the Guild’s annual meeting, he called President Bola Tinubu’s attendance a historic occasion.

He claimed that the gesture demonstrated how much the administration values the media as a crucial component of democracy.

“It is important to note that this government has not threatened, gagged, or shut down any radio or television station for expressing dissent,” he stated. This is a deliberate commitment to the constitutional values of press freedom rather than an accident.

The Minister pointed out that President Tinubu’s own democratic credentials, which stem from his history of resistance to dictatorship, were reflected in this degree of tolerance and respect for dissenting views.

“The same tenacity and effort that characterize Nigerian media are personified in President Tinubu. He has resisted the forces of injustice just like you have. He is aware that an active, independent media is the cornerstone of a genuine, long-lasting democracy rather than the government’s enemy,” he continued.

Idris claimed that the President’s bravery in previous conflicts, such as his opposition to the unlawful withholding of monies from Lagos State’s local councils while serving as governor, showed the same spirit that propels his present national reform initiatives.

“President Tinubu is guiding our country through difficult but essential reforms to create a more prosperous Nigeria with unflinching determination. The unification of the naira and the elimination of the oil subsidy are just two examples of the tough choices made. The minister continued, “Now we shift to a more equitable tax system intended to finance infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

The administration welcomes constructive criticism as part of democratic participation, he added, adding that the government’s continuing changes were guided by the same ideals of transparency and inclusion that define its relationship with the media.

“President Tinubu’s administration has shown that it believes in you via deeds, not just words. “We encourage you to participate, offer constructive criticism, and report with the accountability that this historical moment requires,” he told the editors.

Mohammed Badaru, the Minister of Defense, has reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to protecting all military personnel carrying out legitimate tasks throughout the nation.

In advance of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day event, Badaru reportedly made the assurance on Wednesday while speaking to reporters at a ministerial press briefing at the National Defence College in Abuja.

His remarks follow an altercation on Tuesday between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, regarding the development of a contested piece of land in Abuja that is purportedly connected to Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, a former Chief of Naval Staff.

In response to inquiries regarding the altercation, the Defense Minister emphasized that the armed forces would not desert any officer who behaved within the bounds of legal authority while also stating that the ministry was already examining the incident.

“Well, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty at the Ministry and in fact the Armed Forces,” Badaru stated.

“We are investigating this matter, and we guarantee that any law-abiding officer will receive excellent protection. He is doing his job, and he is doing it very well, so we won’t let anything happen to him.

The remarks coincide with public indignation over a widely shared video that captured the FCT Minister in a furious altercation with a navy officer at a building site in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.

In the video, Wike asserted that no one was above the law, regardless of position, and accused the police of illegally preventing him from entering the property.

However, the officer said that he was following orders from higher up, which led to an argument that has since split the public.

President Bola Tinubu’s request to collect N1.15 trillion from the domestic debt market to make up the unfunded portion of the 2025 budget deficit has been approved by the Senate.

The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt’s report was approved during a plenary session on Wednesday.

The committee pointed out that the 2025 Appropriations Act calls for a total spending of N59.99 trillion, which is N5.25 trillion more than the Executive’s original N54.74 trillion proposal.

A total budget deficit of N14.10 trillion resulted from this expansion, of which N12.95 trillion had already been approved for borrowing, leaving an unpaid debt of almost N1.15 trillion (N1,147,462,863,321).

Tinubu publicly requested the new N1.15 trillion borrowing on November 4.

According to him, it would ensure that government projects and programs under the 2025 fiscal plan are fully implemented and close the funding deficit.

In a related development, Senator Abdul Ningi’s resolution was approved, instructing the Senate Committee on Appropriations to increase oversight to guarantee that the borrowed monies are appropriately implemented and used exclusively for their intended purposes.

Civil servants and labor activists are outraged by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike’s controversial prohibition on cell phone use by employees of the Department of Land Administration and Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS).

According to an official memo seen by SaharaReporters, starting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below are not allowed to bring their cell phones into the office.

The ban is a component of a new office policy intended to “maintain discipline and information security” within the organization, according to a memo sent by AGIS Head Chijioke Nwankwoeze.

“Mobile phone use within the office premises shall be prohibited for all officers on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below,” the statement stated in part. Employees who are impacted are no longer allowed to use cell phones on the property.

According to reports, all employees of the Department of Land Administration and AGIS who work in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) complex are covered by the memo.

The order was given less than a day after footage of Wike’s furious altercation with a military officer over a contested property in Abuja went viral on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, according to sources within AGIS who spoke with SaharaReporters.

One senior staff member claimed that the minister was incensed at the extent to which the video spread among government employees.

The minister was incensed that staff members were sharing the videos. It seemed like sabotage to him. He is expressing his rage with this phone ban, the person said.

The altercation, which happened in Abuja’s Gaduwa District, garnered national attention after Wike was spotted accusing a naval officer of unlawfully guarding a construction site purportedly connected to a former chief of naval staff.

An unidentified civil servant characterized the order as unworkable and ineffective. For official communications, the majority of us use our phones. Without them, how can we function efficiently?” he questioned.

As of the time of publication, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has not responded to the public outcry over the contentious policy with an official statement or explanation.

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