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Cleric Blames Tinubu’s Troubles with Trump on Economic Reforms and Systemic Failures

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President Donald Trump’s invasion language against Nigeria, according to Amidu Sanni, is “the misadventure of a reckless outburst,” while Bola Tinubu, the country’s leader, encouraged the unrest.

This was stated by Mr. Sanni, the former chief imam of Lagos State University, during an interview conducted in Lagos on Sunday. However, the cleric stressed that if the government moved quickly, the looming invasion could be avoided.

Nigeria was been reclassified by the Trump administration as a “country of particular concern.” Mr. Sanni pointed out that it was ironic to suddenly become a human rights activist while disregarding the atrocities in Sudan or Gaza.

The preacher noted, “The sleepless nights being ‘enjoyed’ or suffered by the Nigerian government are self-inflicted; they are the result of systemic failure.”

He claims that inadequate international relations and a disorganized security architecture are among the problems.

They also include mischievous or ignorant interpretations by local and foreign non-state players, he continued, as well as inadequate media involvement by state actors both domestically and globally. He continued by saying that people of all faiths had died as a result of the widespread, mindless murders that have plagued Nigeria over the years, particularly since the Boko Haram attack in 2000.

Since the country’s restoration to democracy in 1999, Mr. Sanni has blamed the systemic shortcomings of successive civilian administrations for their failure to solve security, political, and economic issues, which he claimed were the cause of the nationwide killings.

He pointed out that banditry, kidnapping, illicit mining, misappropriation of security funding, and impunity for criminals have all been exacerbated by state and non-state actors’ inability to address security issues.

“In light of the economic reforms being pushed by the Nigerian government in the oil and financial sectors, it is appropriate to see Trump becoming more Catholic than the Pope, or more Anglican/Protestant than the Archbishop of Canterbury,” he stated.

“These reforms are dislodging the American and Western stranglehold on our economy and denying free petrodollars and unearned foreign exchange to the round-tripping bourgeoisie who had hitherto enjoyed free funds and influence,” the cleric continued.

Trump’s declared threat of conflict is purely political and economic in nature. Regretfully, it appears that some of our religious thought leaders support Trump’s suicidal and selfish military or missionary mishap. Many people are unaware that the focus of war is not on who is correct but rather on who survives the brutal battles.

He also denounced the government’s diplomatic failings, pointing out that nearly three years into the present administration, Nigeria has not yet appointed meaningful ambassadors to important international capitals.

“It is unacceptable that the president has not fully utilized international platforms like the UN General Assembly and the G20 to tell Nigeria’s true story and rebrand our economic and political profiles,” he declared.

However, Mr. Sanni criticized the government’s media approach, pointing out that it has not institutionalized regular presidential parleys with domestic and foreign media, which he said has exacerbated false information about the nation.

He called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Christian Association of Nigeria to work together to demonstrate to the world that Muslims and Christians in the nation are unified in their opposition to all human rights violations.

“Tension Erupts as Army Opens Fire on Policemen After Anambra Polls”

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On Sunday, November 9, 2025, tensions broke out along Onitsha Road in Anambra State when police officers returning from election duties were allegedly shot by some Nigerian Army members.

It was learned that the conflict took place at a military checkpoint, where personnel from both security services got into a fight before the soldiers allegedly started shooting at the police officers.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, one of the impacted police officers claimed that the altercation abruptly got out of control.

We experienced a miscommunication with Army officials at a military checkpoint while returning from the Anambra State election. They started shooting at us before we knew what was happening,” he claimed.

He continued by saying that numerous officers were hurt and one officer was shot in the chest.

“Many other police officers were hurt, and one of us was shot squarely in the chest. As we speak, the problem has led to a riot. We have also requested backup,” he continued.

The event happened just hours after Anambra State’s November 8, 2025, governorship election, which witnessed a significant security personnel deployment.

Approximately 45,000 police officers were reportedly called in to keep the peace during the drill.

Charles Soludo, the current governor and member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), won the election with 422,664 votes.

Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) received 37,753 votes, while Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his closest opponent, received 99,445.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate John Nwosu received 8,208 votes.

Police apparently mobilized reinforcements to the location after the shooting, which led to a disturbance.

Neither the Nigerian Army nor the Police High Command have released a formal comment regarding the conflict as of the time of publication.

The event raises questions about interagency coordination during national assignments and heightens the state’s post-election anxiety.

Port Harcourt Customs Breaks Revenue Record, Generates N33.75 Billion in 30 Days

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In October 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt Area I Command, reported its highest-ever monthly revenue of ₦33.75 billion, a staggering 272% increase over the ₦9.07 billion earned in the same month of 2024.

Comptroller Salamat Aliyu Atuluku, the Customs Area Controller, revealed the accomplishment in a statement released on Sunday. He characterized the performance as the result of cooperation, creativity, and operational discipline.

With two months left in the year, the command had already surpassed its annual revenue target of ₦216 billion, earning ₦247.46 billion between January and October 2025, compared to ₦164.08 billion during the same period in 2024.

Atuluku declared, “As of October 2025, the Command has already surpassed its annual target by over ₦31 billion, with two powerful ’ember’ months to go.”

The controller credited officers’ dedication, increased discipline, and strategic leadership for the achievement.

“This accomplishment is not coincidental. It is the outcome of strategic leadership, revitalized operational discipline, and the steadfast commitment of officers and soldiers under my supervision,” she said.

According to Atuluku, a major factor in increasing efficiency was the implementation of Bodogwu, the Unified Customs Management System.

We have been able to find bottlenecks, enhance data accuracy, and guarantee real-time revenue accountability because to Bodogwu. Our efforts to increase operational efficiency and openness have been substantially aided by this invention, she said.

In order to encourage voluntary compliance and lessen disagreements during container clearance, she also acknowledged enhanced collaboration with sister agencies, terminal operators, and shipping firms.

The statement emphasized that the command has strengthened fiscal policy enforcement, prevented revenue leaks, and updated data monitoring to track import declarations and duty payments in real time.

Comptroller Atuluku encouraged her staff to keep in mind the importance of their work for the country while praising them for their “exceptional integrity and commitment.”

“We are not just talking about numbers when we talk about revenue. We’re talking about the resources that propel national growth, the money that powers the building of roads, the provision of healthcare, education, and security infrastructure,” she stated.

The controller emphasized that preventing economic sabotage remained a top priority while commemorating the record collection.

“We are strengthening our anti-smuggling measures to safeguard the country’s economy from damaging and illegal imports, while ensuring that legitimate trade continues to flourish under a fair and transparent system,” she said.

The statement attributed the better outcomes to continuing Customs reforms under Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who has prioritized efficiency, automation, and stakeholder engagement since taking office in 2023.

Overseeing important seaports and export terminals in Rivers State, the Port Harcourt Area I Command continues to play a significant part in Nigeria’s non-oil economy and serves as a trading hub for the South-South area.

Atuluku thanked the Nigeria Customs Management Team, the Comptroller-General, and port stakeholders and urged further cooperation.

“Together, we can maintain this momentum and develop a more effective and people-centered Customs administration that benefits the public interest and the economy,” she continued.

“The Poll Was Marred by Violence” — APC’s Ukachukwu Rejects Soludo’s Win

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Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s Anambra election, has denounced the win of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), calling the entire process tainted.

Speaking to reporters in Awka on Sunday, Ukachukwu asserted that widespread intimidation, violence, and attacks directed at his supporters tainted the poll.

The APC candidate claimed that a large number of his followers suffered severe injuries and lost personal belongings as a result of being brutalized during the poll.

He maintained that the election could not accurately reflect the people’s actual desire under such circumstances.

In order to decide on the next course of action, Ukachukwu disclosed that he has started consulting with party stakeholders and supporters.

“We thank members of our team, they are all brave soldiers, they are all winners in different ways, including those who were intimidated in various ways, including having their houses and cars burned, and even my deputy, who was intimidated into fleeing for her life when they threatened her,” he stated. These folks are all winners.

“I phoned you to let you know that we are talking to our agents and gathering information about that day’s events; we will discuss it when the time is appropriate.

“All of these things are not worth discussing at this time. Our opponents kidnapped some of my agents and held them until after the election. We are now gathering information from both of our party agents, and in order to decide what to do next, I must speak with my party.

Ukachukwu claimed that money intended to pay party agents was referred to as “vote-buying money” and that his supporter was kidnapped and held until after the election.

“They arrested my supporter who was supposed to pay our agents, claiming he was carrying money intended for vote buying,” he continued. Can I purchase votes to unseat a current governor who controls the state’s finances? The election’s outcome will reveal who bought votes. The quantity of votes I received would have changed if I had purchased a vote.

“Go investigate; every person detained was an APC member. Visit the young woman whose home was set on fire in Anambra East; her only transgression was supporting our party and canvassing for our triumph.

However, it is even unprecedented that I received 99,000 valid votes. These voters did so because Anambra needs to proceed. I received enough votes to let them know that the APC in Anambra can no longer be disregarded.

The 99,000 voters who supported us are among those I will confer with regarding our next course of action. These are the individuals that think Anambra must be superior. Our agents kept their position and worked for us despite the fact that we were unable to pay them since they abducted my supporter.

“99,000 is not a small number, so they cannot claim that APC does not exist in Anambra today.”

ADC Candidate Kicks Against Anambra Election, Calls It a ‘Cash-Driven Victory’

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John Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for governor, has denounced the results of Saturday’s Anambra election, calling it a “ruse and total subversion of the people’s will.”

With 422,664 votes, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Sunday that Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had won the election.

With 99,445 votes, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came in second, and Nwosu came in fifth with 8,208 votes.

Nwosu claimed in a post-election declaration that massive vote buying tainted the entire process.

Voters were openly bought off with payments ranging from ₦3,000 to ₦20,000 in nearly every polling place, transforming the entire process from a democratic exercise into a marketplace.

“This is a direct attack on the integrity of our democracy and a national embarrassment; it was a cash-purchased victory and a loss for democracy,” he declared.

Nwosu emphasized that “the integrity of the process, not the outcome, is what determines true victory.”

“A corrupt, manipulative, and vote-trading election cannot and will never represent the voice of the people,” he declared.

In addition, the ADC candidate demanded that if Nigeria really wanted a rich and equitable country, the “culture of electoral corruption” must end.

Nwosu declared that the “conscience of our democracy had been wounded” and cautioned that the future is sold when votes are purchased.

“What we saw was the blatant victory of greed and desperation over the values of justice and fairness, not the expression of choice,” he stated.

In addition, the lawmaker thanked his party and campaign staff for their unwavering support despite “intimidation and inducement.”

‘Senate Leader Bamidele: I Stand Firm in My Support for Oyebanji, No Apology

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Opeyemi Bamidele, the leader of the Senate, has stated that he owes no one an apology for his unwavering support of Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State, claiming that their long-standing collaboration has resulted in unheard-of progress for the state.

Bamidele reportedly made the statements on Saturday in Ikogosi Ekiti at the 2025 Ikogosi Day Celebration and the introduction of a ₦1 billion Development Fund, which attracted national dignitaries.

As the event’s principal initiator, he brushed off criticism of his partnership with the governor, emphasizing that the partnership is based on a common goal and long-standing friendship rather than political expediency.

Governor Oyebanji is “a man of integrity and humility,” according to Bamidele, who is sincerely dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Ekiti residents.

“I urge those who are upset that I am backing Governor Oyebanji to hold back their anger. He stated, “We cannot recognize what is good and fail to support it.”

“By the grace of God, Governor Oyebanji and I have been friends for more than 30 years, even though we had no idea what we would become. Our friendship is an example of glory supporting glory.”

He stated that he had “no regret whatsoever standing by Governor Oyebanji” and that their cooperation is a partnership for the advancement of Ekiti rather than a plot.

Bamidele emphasized how the legislative and executive branches’ cooperation had produced projects that are visible throughout the entire state.

He clarified that Governor Oyebanji sent Ekiti’s National Assembly members a list of important projects to think about for constituency involvement after they were elected.

“Governor Oyebanji invited the nine of us and gave us a list of projects he would love us to implement after we were elected,” he added.

He continued by saying that legislators are carrying out complementing projects at the federal level while the governor carries out state-level initiatives.

For this reason, wherever you look in Ekiti, you’ll find a project being carried out either by the National Assembly members under Governor Oyebanji’s supervision or by the state administration.

“Every time I have traveled to this state to conduct my project inspection, the governor has halted all of his activities in order to accompany me.

“I really don’t have any apology for such people if they are there saying all kinds of things, forgetting that Ekiti is benefiting from our partnership,” he stated.

In response, Governor Biodun Oyebanji called the Senate Leader “a dependable partner in the Ekiti project” and commended him for his steadfast support and cooperation.

He emphasized that governance has grown more inclusive and significant as a result of his administration’s emphasis on unity, cooperation, and peace.

“No community can experience sustainable growth without unity,” the governor said, urging the people of Ikogosi and the entire state to keep embracing harmony and collaboration.

Ahead of more significant political developments in the state, the gathering represented a significant demonstration of unity between the legislative and executive authorities of Ekiti.

‘A True Visionary’ — Tinubu Celebrates Soludo’s Re-election as Governor

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Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has been congratulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on winning the gubernatorial election. Tinubu claims that Soludo’s reelection is proof of his visionary leadership.

According to reports, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress, the governor’s closest opponent, received 99,445 votes, but he was proclaimed the winner with 422,664.

Tinubu personally signed a statement on Sunday congratulating the governor on his win.

He emphasized that he became the third governor in the state’s political history to earn a second term after his resounding victory in Saturday’s ballot.

“I must also congratulate the people of Anambra State, the security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the peaceful and successful conduct of the governorship election,” Tinubu stated.

Professor Soludo’s reelection is evidence of his inspiring leadership and the tremendous advancements the state has achieved under his direction.

“Governor Soludo, the Solution, has shown that, in fact, knowledge is power and that academic concepts can be used to serve the public, supporting responsibility, openness, and responsible resource and personnel management.

“In May of this year, I traveled to Anambra State and officially opened a few projects carried out by the Soludo administration. I emphasized the sound reasoning behind the historic projects that Mr. Solution is undertaking. That was an incredible experience that will always stick in my memory.

“I applaud Governor Soludo for bringing discipline, grace, intelligence, and a new outlook to Anambra’s governance. Anambra’s motto, “Light of the Nation,” is being fulfilled under his leadership.

“I implore Governor Soludo to seek the cooperation of his rivals in the just finished elections and to be kind in his win.

“I promise Governor Soludo that I will always be there for him, and I look forward to Anambra and the Federal Government working together going forward.

“The triumph of the opposition The fact that the Grand Progressives Alliance won the election once more shows how strong our political system is and how difficult it is to prevent any progressive and diligent leader from winning.

According to the accounts I’ve received so far, the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and his team conducted what observers have termed as a credible election, so I must also applaud them for that.

“I task the commission with upholding the standards and enhancing its performance so that we can continue to fortify and expand our electoral system.”

Factional Acting PDP Chair Mohammed Says Party Is Correcting Decay Predating 2015 Polls

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Abdulrahman Mohammed, the PDP’s factional acting national chairman, has stated that his leadership is reversing the party’s decline that began prior to the 2015 elections.

According to Mohammed, the party’s abandonment of its zoning ideals prior to the 2015 elections marked the beginning of the deterioration.

He gave a speech on Friday at the new Board of Trustees (BoT) inauguration in Abuja.

Mohammed bemoaned the party leaders’ willingness to put their own interests ahead of justice.

“We must also be honest with ourselves—the decay we are repairing today did not begin yesterday,” he stated. It started when we gave up on the zoning concept prior to the 2015 elections.

It started when we disregarded the calls of reason from inside our own ranks and let ambition take precedence over equity. We are still plagued by the effects of those choices.

However, God has given us another opportunity to rebuild in His wisdom. Today we have a chance for regeneration, reconciliation, and restoration. And I am here to reassure each and every member of this wonderful party that the PDP will never again be kept captive by manipulation, impunity, or disrespect for its own constitution under this new leadership.

“We’ll reestablish this party in an open manner. We shall uphold the rule of law and court rulings. Our congresses shall be held fairly and honorably. We shall rebuild public confidence and restore the PDP to its position as Nigeria’s democratic moral voice.

“We cannot keep hiding behind the outdated justification that “party concerns are internal affairs.” Constitutional order is still required for internal matters. Party autonomy does not equate to lawlessness. If we don’t reform, we risk becoming obsolete.

As a result, let this inauguration usher in a new era in which conscience takes the lead, unity replaces division, and respect for the rule of law becomes ingrained in our political culture.

“Let history document that good-hearted men and women surged to pull the PDP back when it was on the verge of collapse. Let it be recorded that we opted for principle over politics, truth over silence, and reform over insurrection.

“We can heal our party together. We can restore our members’ trust if we work together. We can revive the PDP as the real hope for Nigeria’s democratic future if we work together.

Meet Mao Ohuabunwa: 12 Things You Should Know About PDP’s New Factional BoT Chairman

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Senator Mao Ohuabunwa was named chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) reorganized Board of Trustees (BoT) on Friday by a group of the party that supports Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

Additionally, it announced that former Kaduna governor Ahmed Makarfi would be replaced as Secretary of the newly formed Board of Trustees by Isah Dansidi.

The faction declared the dissolution of the party’s Board of Trustees, which was headed by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, as was previously reported.

The declaration was made during a meeting in Wike’s Life Camp house in Abuja, when Abdulrahman Muhammad, the factional Acting National Chairman, established a new Board of Trustees.

Muhammad stated that the dissolution was required to restore the party’s moral direction and constitutional order before the gathering entered a closed session.

He insisted that Wabara’s continuing leadership was “untenable” due to his reported suspension by the Abia State PDP for anti-party activities, accusing the Wabara-led BoT of losing the “moral balance expected of that noble institution.”

Here are some details on the recently appointed PDP factional BoT Chairman.

1. Mao Ohuabunwa was born in Port Harcourt on May 24, 1957, to Atani parents in Arochukwu, Abia State.

2. The Rivers State University of Science and Technology awarded him a degree in Applied Biology in 1982.

3. After establishing a medical laboratory, he went on to establish St. Marsons Diagnostic Limited, a network of diagnostic facilities with locations in Yola, Jalingo, Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja.

4. He ran for a House of Representatives position in 1998 as a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), but political unrest ended the process. He ran for office again in 1999, this time under the PDP, and was elected, making history as the first individual to serve in the National Assembly from both the Arochukwu and Ohafia constituencies.

5. Ohuabunwa led the South-East caucus and climbed to the position of Deputy Leader during his two terms in the House (1999–2007).

6. He also held the positions of treasurer from 2004 to 2007 and head of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Security Committee from 2001 to 2003.

7. Ohuabunwa was elected by the PDP to the Abia North senatorial seat in 2015.

8. Nevertheless, Orji Uzor Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a former governor of Abia, defeated him for the Senate seat in 2019.

9. Ohuabunwa has several degrees, including a PhD in Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Rivers State University.

10. He was named Chairman of the University of Port Harcourt’s Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor in July 2024.

11. In addition, the politician is an Anglican Communion Knight of Saint Christopher.

12. He had children from his marriage to Nimi Faith. July 22, 2023, was her death date.

2025 CAF Awards: Rabat Named Host City, Date Officially Announced

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The 2025 CAF Awards will take place in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, according to official confirmation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The continental organization announced on its official website on Friday that the annual celebration of African football brilliance will start at 7 p.m. local time, which is also 7 p.m. in Nigeria.

The announcement stated that the CAF Awards 2025 would begin at 19:00 local time on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.

The biggest football players, coaches, and administrators on the continent will once again be welcomed to the Moroccan capital for what is sure to be a beautiful evening of honor and pride. In recent years, Rabat has grown to be a well-known venue for CAF events, gaining recognition for its exceptional hosting abilities and rich cultural heritage.

With Super Eagles and Super Falcons players nominated in a number of important categories, this year’s competition is anticipated to have a significant Nigerian representation.

After yet another outstanding season in Europe, Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, will be hoping to hold onto his title. One of the favorites to win the men’s championship is still the Galatasaray striker.

Stanley Nwabali, the goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, has been nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year. Nwabali’s heroics between the posts at the 2024 AFCON made him stand out. Daniel Bameyi, a young defender, was also selected for the Young Player of the Year category because of his quick ascent to prominence on the global stage.

Forward Esther Okoronkwo and Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade are competing for the African Women’s Player of the Year award in the women’s divisions. One of the contenders for Goalkeeper of the Year is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who is still a standout player for Paris FC and the Super Falcons.

Mohamed Salah of Egypt, Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bonou of Morocco, and Pape Matar Sarr of Senegal are among the other celebrities vying for honors.

Coach of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Club of the Year, National Team of the Year, and additional categories will be included in the 2025 CAF Awards.