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Police Take Control of Rivers PDP Secretariat Over Leadership Dispute

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Police Take Control of Rivers PDP Secretariat Over Leadership Dispute

Amid ongoing leadership disagreements within the PDP, the Rivers State Police Command sent a tactical squad to seize control of the PDP Secretariat on Aba Road in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Using a patrol van, the special squad blocked the secretariat’s main entrance and limited entry to the building. Additionally, the roadblock forced drivers to use a single lane on the congested Aba Road, disrupting traffic flow.
According to reports, the news comes after Nname Robinson Ewor was named the PDP’s acting chairman in Rivers State.
Following the nullification of Aaron Chukwuemeka’s and his executive committee’s tenure by a Rivers State High Court, Ewor rose to prominence.

Read Also: Family of Four, Six Others Die in Benue Truck Accident

Ewor told party members that Chukwuemeka was no longer accepted as the PDP’s state chairman.

Ewor emphasized that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is still the PDP’s leader in Rivers State by virtue of his position, but added that Chukwuemeka could now concentrate on his responsibilities as Chairman of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI).

Ewor also denied that Nyesom Wike, the former governor and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory, still has a strong hold over the state PDP’s leadership.

To be clear, the PDP in Rivers State is led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. “Any other claims should be ignored,” Ewor stated.

 

Family of Four, Six Others Die in Benue Truck Accident

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Family of Four, Six Others Die in Benue Truck Accident

Ten people have been killed in a sad accident in Okete village, Okpikwu Oglewu, in Benue State’s Ohimini Local Government Area.
According to information obtained, a family of four was killed on Wednesday when a mining truck struck a bus carrying six people before slamming into an adjacent residential building.
Ekah Bernard, a community leader, told Channels Television that ten deaths have been confirmed as a result of the examination, and that many others are presently undergoing treatment at St. Daniel Hospital in Otukpo.
This disaster, which has also seriously damaged many homes and businesses, has left the local community, which is located along the Otukpo-Loko Oweto Abuja Road, in a state of mourning.

Read Also: FG Criticizes Sanusi for Unconstructive Comments on Its Policies

Five years after it was put into effect, the Federal Government has formally lifted the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State.

According to reports, on Sunday, December 22, 2024, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, represented by Segun Tomori, confirmed the most recent development at a news conference.

According to the statement, significant advancements in regional security served as the foundation for the Federal Government’s decision to relax the prohibition on mining exploration in Zamfara State.

“Revived economic activities in a mineral-rich state like Zamfara, which is abundant in gold, lithium, and copper resources, stand to benefit Nigeria greatly,” Alake said.

He went on to explain that although the original prohibition was well-meaning, it unintentionally left a hole that illicit miners took advantage of, costing the country resources.

He also emphasized the state’s significant potential to increase national revenue.

FG Criticizes Sanusi for Unconstructive Comments on Its Policies

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FG Criticizes Sanusi for Unconstructive Comments on Its Policies

According to Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Federal Government’s commendable policies that improve the lives of Nigerians do not require the endorsement of Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano.

The minister made this announcement in Abuja on Thursday.
The minister asserts that Sanusi, like every other Nigerian, has the unalienable right to voice their thoughts about the way the country is being run, whether they be praise or criticism.

However, we think it’s funny that a leader—especially one from a company that values honesty, equity, and justice—would openly acknowledge that they have backed off from speaking the truth due to self-interest based on fictitious hostility.

It is important to note that Nigeria is at a turning point in its history where strong and decisive measures are required to address long-standing economic issues.

As he, Sanusi, had always argued, “this administration has implemented transformative reforms, not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth.”

More than anything else, Sanusi himself admitted that the short-term suffering brought on by these unavoidable choices is a necessary byproduct of decades of careless economic management.

“Notable progress is already being made as a result of these reforms. Nigeria’s ability to protect itself from external economic shocks has been reinforced by the unification of currency rates, which has also increased foreign reserves and boosted investor confidence.

“The elimination of the fuel subsidy has resulted in a substantial increase in funding for vital areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.”

The minister voiced dissatisfaction that reforms, which are universally acknowledged as necessary by international experts, including Sanusi himself, are now being tacitly denounced due to a change in allegiance.

According to Idris, Sanusi has a special obligation to support reforms that advance society rather than thwart them.

“We implore the Emir to put the welfare of Nigerians above his own interests and partisan overtones.

“All stakeholders must be united, focused, and willing to make sacrifices in order to rebuild Nigeria.” As a government, we implore respected leaders to abstain from statements that erode public confidence.

Rather, they have an obligation to support the shared objective of a successful Nigeria. This is a crucial moment for our nation; cooperation is required, not pointless diversions.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu is unwavering in its resolve to guide Nigeria toward shared prosperity, sustainability, and economic inclusion.

“While remaining resolute in prioritizing the interests of Nigerians above all else, this administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders,” Idris stated.

Air Peace Suspends Flights to Six Nigerian Locations Temporarily [Find Out Why]

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Air Peace Suspends Flights to Six Nigerian Locations Temporarily [Find Out Why]

Flights to and from Warri, Ibadan, Akure, Ilorin, Calabar, and Uyo have been formally suspended by Air Peace owing to unanticipated maintenance needs.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications for Air Peace, said that these cancellations will impact flight operations on Wednesday and Thursday, January 15 and 16, 2025.
In an effort to minimize any inconvenience, the airline made sure that all impacted passengers were promptly informed via a variety of communication channels.

Air Peace reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and sincerely apologized for any inconveniences caused. For more assistance, travelers are advised to contact customer service or consult flight schedules.

“Dear Valued Client, We would like to notify you that owing to unforeseen maintenance, flights to and from Warri and Ibadan have been canceled. For the same reason, flights have also been canceled to Akure, Ilorin, Calabar, and Uyo.

According to the statement, “these cancellations will affect operations today and tomorrow.”

Remember how Chris Najomo, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), asked for a meeting with all of Nigeria’s domestic airline CEOs on December 27, 2024?

This is because throughout the holiday season, there are frequent flight cancellations and delays.

On Thursday, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Michael Achimugu revealed this on his X handle.

Achimugu described a situation he encountered while attempting to board his aircraft.

This evening, while I was attempting to board a flight, I entered the scene. The passengers were furious and threatening to use violence.

Read Also: Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace peace, foster unity

“I spoke with them directly for roughly twenty minutes, stressing that if the weather was really terrible, I would check with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, or NiMET. I further clarified that in the event of a force majeure situation, the airline is not liable,” he stated.

In spite of this, he claims that he took some action to allay passenger worries.

Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace peace, foster unity

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Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace peace, foster unity

Yesterday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his appeal for peace and unity as his government works to address urgent political and socioeconomic issues.

According to him, only on the basis of peace and unity can the foundations of progress be built.

The president also urged Nigerians to avoid violence and polarizing behaviors, which stand in the way of the country’s development into a successful and peaceful one.

Nigerians should become ambassadors of peace, President Tinubu, who is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for this year’s “Sustainability Week,” said in his message on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He emphasized that working together would open the door to a hopeful and optimistic future.

The 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) hosted solemn events to honor personnel of the armed forces who gave their lives in defense of Nigerian sovereignty.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who served as the President’s honorary guest, laid wreaths at the National Arcade across from Eagle Square in Abuja alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Nigerian Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Minister of Defense Abubakar Badaru, and Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa.

In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu reminded Nigerians of the ultimate sacrifices made by the nation’s former service members and emphasized the need of maintaining peace on a national and international level.

According to him, the commemoration event provided a chance to consider the military’s coordinated efforts to protect the nation’s territorial integrity in addition to expressing thanks.

He urged a fresh commitment to the principles that the Armed Forces stood for and praised the personnel for their patriotism.

President Tinubu posted on Twitter: “We may show our appreciation and honor our former service members who gave their lives to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and other countries on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Peace is desperately needed in the world and in our country.

As we commemorate this sad day today, keep in mind that many people have sacrificed their lives—and continue to do so—to ensure that we can live in peace with one another.

For a peaceful and flourishing country, let us therefore avoid violence and polarizing tendencies. All of us should become peace ambassadors.

“With each other, we can create a bright future where harmony and peace are paramount.”

The service, which began in Abuja at 10.07 am, included prayers for the nation and the slain heroes’ surviving families as well as a minute of silence in remembrance of them.

Additional dignitaries who laid wreaths included Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawale.

Wreaths were also laid by Maj Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, the chairman of the Nigerian Legion; Mrs. Olubunmi Okiti, the representative of the Military Widows Association; and Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima, the cameroonian ambassador to Nigeria and dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, three volleys were fired, and the vice president signed the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Anniversary Register before releasing pigeons into the air.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSoF), Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, and Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim were among the other dignitaries present.

The sacrifices made by the dead heroes should not be forgotten, Badaru told reporters, adding that they paid the ultimate price for protecting the nation.

He promised active military personnel that their sacrifices would always be remembered and emphasized the value of togetherness.

President Tinubu was thanked by Major Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril (rtd), the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, for signing the Revised Terms and Conditions of Service for officers and personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to him, the updated terms and conditions will improve the wellbeing of active and retired military members.

Better welfare, he said, will eventually encourage soldiers to put their best effort into protecting the nation.

“This is a great indication to them that Nigerians will remember them and will continue to support them despite their service and sacrifices,” he said.

But Jibrin asserted that there’s always space for development.

He emphasized how the Nigerian Legion coordinates activities to guarantee the well-being of retired military men.

“The Minister of Defense, through the Nigerian Legion, makes any official statements regarding the general well-being of retired members of the Armed Forces,” he stated. Every other sound, whether from left or right, is merely a show.

The Federal Government and Nigerians have been hailed by Mrs. Bunmi Okiti, National President of the Military Widows Association (MIWA), for continuously remembering the sacrifices made by dead heroes.

Remembrance Day, according to her, is a time to honor the memory of departed loved ones and provide assistance to their families.

On the subject of widows’ rights, Okiti recognized that her association was still working to help widows deal with the bureaucratic system.

“Anyone who has trouble receiving their entitlements, we forward the paper, go to the authority to find out, and ensure the process moves along,” she stated.

The resolution of unresolved life insurance claims for Army officers was another demand made by Mrs. Okiti.

Final-Year Akwa Poly student shot dead by gunmen

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Final-Year Akwa Poly student shot dead by gunmen

Gunmen suspected of being cultists have shot and killed Prince, a Higher National Diploma (HND2) student at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in Ikot Osurua.

The event happened on Abuja Street in Ikot Osurua, the neighborhood where the institution is located, early on Wednesday morning, at around one in the morning.

According to reports, Prince, a senior studying computer science, was assaulted while his girlfriend was around.
According to witnesses who spoke to The Nation, Prince had just finished his final exams and was getting ready to defend his project before being enlisted in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

The attackers broke into the property, went straight to Prince’s room, and shot him in the abdomen, leaving him in a pool of blood, according to sources.
The victim’s fiancée sounded the alarm, so the neighbors hurried him to the hospital for treatment, according to a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous.
Although the attack’s motivation is yet unknown, the incident has increased local concerns about cult-related violence. Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests connected to the crime or offered any comments on the situation.

Nothing was taken from the residence by the gunmen. Not a single person in the compound was robbed. They simply shot him and ran off.

“The victim and his girlfriend met me yesterday at around 4 p.m. They both had on facemasks. I asked them jokingly why they were wearing that outfit. We all chuckled.

The victim was a prominent member of his church’s choral group and well-liked in the neighborhood. The manner in which he passed away startled us.

Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa DSP Timfon John confirmed the occurrence, stating that cult activities and robberies occurred in the vicinity of the victim’s compound, where the students were shot dead.

Read Also: Timileyin Ajayi Breaks Silence on Killing Girlfriend, Salome Adaidu

“We have information that there were cult activities and robberies in the vicinity. Someone who was later identified as a student was shot during their invasion and robbery. However, the inquiry is still ongoing,” he stated.

Timileyin Ajayi Breaks Silence on Killing Girlfriend, Salome Adaidu

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Timileyin Ajayi Breaks Silence on Killing Girlfriend, Salome Adaidu

Gospel musician Timileyin Ajayi, 32, claims he has no regrets about killing Salome Eleojo Adaidu, his lover.

Ajayi is being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa Police Command in Lafia.

He was taken into custody on suspicion of killing his alleged lover, Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who works at Nicon Insurance in the capital city of Abuja.

While visiting the suspect at his residence on the Papalana axis in New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Salome was reportedly slain.

Ajayi and the machetes and knife he used to carry out the crime were presented Tuesday at the Nasarawa State Police Command headquarters.

After killing the woman and mutilating her body parts, he was apprehended on January 12 while attempting to dispose of her head.

In an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Ajayi admitted to the crime while responding to questions.

We don’t always have each other, therefore I killed her; it wasn’t something I had planned.

“It took place on that particular day. She was cheating, therefore I don’t have the strategy in mind,” he stated.

The majority of the time, she keeps most things from me. I learned about it from her phone. I made the decision because I noticed she was talking to other males on the phone,” he claimed.

Read Also: Ndidi Calls on Super Eagles Teammates to Prepare for World Cup 2026 Campaign

He responded, “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal,” when asked if he regretted what he had done. I believed that if you have to do something to someone, you must do the same to them.

I don’t regret anything since we were genuinely compatible. “You have to understand what that person is going through in order to actually put yourself in that person’s position.”

Ndidi Calls on Super Eagles Teammates to Prepare for World Cup 2026 Campaign

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Ndidi Calls on Super Eagles Teammates to Prepare for World Cup 2026 Campaign

Wilfred Ndidi, a midfielder for the Super Eagles, has given his teammates the assignment to give the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualification ticket a boost and make sure they focus all of their energy on the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Not making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be a huge blow to Nigerian football and the players, who would not have the opportunity to do so again, Ndidi said, acknowledging that the players put themselves in a risky scenario.

In a discussion with his Super Eagles teammate Kenneth Omeruo on X (previously Twitter), Ndidi made this statement while reflecting on the team’s challenging qualifying situation.

Ndidi said, “We know we’re in a tough and important situation, and we cannot let this slip because if some players get left out of this World Cup, there might not be another guaranteed opportunity to go for the next World Cup.”

The Super Eagles are presently four points behind joint leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and the Benin Republic in fifth place in Group C after three points from four games. Nigeria will next play at home against Zimbabwe in Uyo seven days later and away to Rwanda in Kigali on March 17.

Ndidi added, “We put ourselves in this situation because we didn’t do well in the previous games, but I feel like the AFCON qualifying games and qualifications have already created a new confidence in the team to actually push towards qualifying for the World Cup.”

The Leicester City midfielder, who missed out on qualifying for Qatar 2022, emphasized how urgent it is to turn things around in order to avoid missing another World Cup.

“I didn’t have the chance to go to the World Cup in Qatar; my last World Cup was in 2018.” “A number of the players who competed in 2018 are no longer even on the national team,” he suggested.

Read Also: Chelle Visits Super Eagles in Ikenne Before CHAN Draw

“We must treat this seriously. Every athlete aspires to compete in the World Cup; we cannot ignore this. We are unable to accept that.

The players must give their best performances in the remaining games, according to Ndidi, who also thinks the team has the talent and mentality to go back on track.

“There is no justification moving forward. We just need to demonstrate our strengths and make as many points as we can,” he said in closing.

Chelle Visits Super Eagles in Ikenne Before CHAN Draw

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Chelle Visits Super Eagles in Ikenne Before CHAN Draw

In his first public appearance since his unveiling on Monday, new Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle and his agent Sidibe Abraham Brehima arrived at the Super Eagles B’s Ikenne-Remo camp yesterday with Coach Augustine Eguavoen, the Nigeria Football Federation’s technical director.

The three traveled directly to the Remo Stars’ Sports Institute in the legendary Ogun State town after taking a plane from Abuja to Lagos.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau had made it clear during Monday’s unveiling that Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and Olatunji Baruwa, who helped the Eagles B qualify for the African Nations Championship, would essentially continue to be in charge of the team’s preparation and tournament participation, while Chelle would only be with the Eagles B in a supervisory capacity.

In the meantime, the Confederation of Afican Football (CAF) stated that the tournament would be postponed until August. This evening, the draw for the final event of the 8th African Nations Championship will take place in Nairobi, Kenya.

Read Also: Reps Committee Declares FG’s Envelop Budgeting for MDAs Unconstitutional

Dayo Enebi Achor, the team administrator for the Super Eagles, is in Nairobi in advance of the event, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Nigeria time at the Kenyatta International Convention Center. Kenyan icon McDonald Mariga, Tanzanian Mrisho Ngasa, and Ugandan Hassan Wasswa will support CAF’s Director of Competitions, Mr. Samson Adamu, at the draw.

At the draw ceremony, the names of 19 nations—common hosts Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda; Nigeria; Morocco; Guinea; Senegal; Mauritania; Burkina Faso; Central African Republic; Algeria; Niger Republic; Congo; Sudan; Rwanda; Democratic Republic of Congo; Zambia; Angola; and Madagascar—will be put into pots.

Reps Committee Declares FG’s Envelop Budgeting for MDAs Unconstitutional

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Reps Committee Declares FG’s Envelop Budgeting for MDAs Unconstitutional

The Federal Government’s envelope budgeting method for its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies was deemed insufficient by the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, which also rejected the N286 million allotted to support Nigeria’s 109 overseas missions.

According to documents the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided to the Committee, which was presided over by Representative Busayo Oluwole Oke, the Ministry had suggested a budget of almost N1.5 trillion based on an evaluation of the embassies’ needs.

Rep. Oke, the committee chairman, stated, “I have not seen anywhere in our laws where envelope budgeting is mentioned,” during an interactive session with the Ministry and the Federation’s Budget Office on Tuesday during the 2025 Budget defense. He also described the budget as being too inadequate for missions that were meant to represent the nation’s image.
We are concerned that your submission to Mr. President violates the law and was not founded on a needs assessment,” he continued.

Tanimu Yakubu, the Director General of the Budget Office, clarified in his presentation that the 2025 budget increased the budgetary allotment for the missions by 25%. In order to increase the country’s revenue generation, he also asked the National Assembly to approve the tax reform proposals.

Yakubu suggested that until the nation improved its revenue generation, fewer foreign missions should be established. He said, “Why don’t we think about drastically cutting back on our overseas missions until we can increase our revenue?”

“We have 109 diplomatic missions abroad, which include 11 consulates, 22 high commissions, and 76 embassies,” he said. As you correctly pointed out, the issue is as pervasive as Nigeria’s current international circumstances.Three years ago, when Nigeria’s debt servicing took nearly all of its revenue, the situation was undoubtedly worse. But when debt financial engineering decreased debt service from as high as 100 percent to 55 percent in the first year, we began to see improvement under this administration.

Read Also: USSD Debt Crisis: NCC Orders Disconnection of Nine Banks

“If you speak with our missions overseas, they will tell you that they began to feel some respite last year. We haven’t arrived yet. The present administration has instituted bold reforms, beginning with the abolition of the PMS and other product subsidies and the deregulation of the foreign currency rate.

With these two models, we anticipate saving roughly N11 trillion. Although the savings began to appear in October of last year, the primary recipients—state governments in particular—collected the funds and remained mute. We do know, though, that they took a lot more than they had in a number of years.

In order to increase our revenue collection, we anticipate you to make improvements to the tax measures that we have presented to the National Assembly for your consideration.

“Mr. President has made a special effort to insist on 2.12 million barrels per day, which is an extremely ambitious goal for oil production. He understands that in order to meet these needs, we must look for revenue. The budget for this year is ambitious as a result. It is about N50 trillion this year, compared to roughly N36 trillion last year.

“We must keep managing scarcity, whether we refer to it as envelope budgeting,” he stated.

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