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Tax Law Controversy: Agbese Says Speaker Abbas Passed All Leadership Tests in 2025

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Tax Law Controversy: Agbese Says Speaker Abbas Passed All Leadership Tests in 2025

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has been praised by the House of Representatives’ Deputy Spokesperson, Philip Agbese, for his leadership in navigating a number of institutional and political obstacles that would have caused the Green Chamber to fall apart in 2025.

Agbese called 2025 a pivotal year for the 10th House of Representatives in an interview on Wednesday.

He claimed that despite strong pressure from both inside and outside the legislature, the House remained together and dedicated to bolstering Nigeria’s democracy under Abbas.

“Speaker Abbas justified his leadership despite the numerous difficulties we faced in 2025. He demonstrated that leadership is about upholding the truth and making sacrifices for the institution’s and the nation’s overall welfare, not about convenience, according to Agbese.

He emphasized a number of significant topics that put the Speaker’s leadership to the test, such as the dispute over purported changes to gazetted tax regulations and recruitment into the National Assembly Service Commission, or NASC.

Agbese claims that Abbas maintained unity and institutional integrity by handling these delicate issues with moderation, deliberation, and rigorous adherence to legislative procedures.

“Mr. Speaker acted swiftly by setting up a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and report back to the House,” Agbese stated in reference to the tax code controversy. In order to bring the tax laws into compliance with National Assembly approval, he also instructed the Clerk to re-gazette them. This demonstrates responsive leadership and a dedication to openness.

Agbese also pointed to Abbas’s management of constituency projects, members’ welfare, and the state of emergency in Rivers State as additional proof of his steadfast and moral leadership.

“Service, sacrifice, and accountability are key components of leadership. Speaker Abbas passed every challenge put in front of him in 2025 for the stability of the House and the advancement of our democracy, not for his own glory, he claimed.

Defection: Danagogo Pledges Support for Fubara

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Defection: Danagogo Pledges Support for Fubara

Alabo Tammy Wenike Danagogo, a former secretary to the Rivers State Government, has assured Governor Siminalayi Fubara of his unflinching support.

Danagogo made the promise on Thursday at the government house in Port Harcourt during the 2026 New Year’s celebration.

He praised the governor for joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He believed that the state and the country would advance if they aligned with the federal government.

He characterized Fubara as a unifier and peacemaker who seeks peace regardless of opposition.

“We may not tell you individually, but we are all behind you,” he stated. We support you in your endeavor to align with the center and foster cooperation with the federal government and the ruling party.

“It will undoubtedly advance Rivers State and Nigeria. You are a unifier and a peacemaker. Have faith that God is in charge and on the throne, regardless of your level of power.

“We support Governor Sim Fubara’s efforts to bring Rivers State into line with the center.”

Fubara has advised his followers to maintain composure in the face of the state’s recent political upheavals.

Speaking on Thursday at the government residence in Port Harcourt’s New Year’s banquet, Governor Fubara claimed that dogs bark because they don’t grasp what’s going on.

He claims that he is certain that everything would go well for him and that the trip would be easy.

The governor gave his followers the assurance that everything was set up to guarantee his victory in the election for a second term.

“Don’t be disturbed by what is happening,” he urged. The dog only barks when it doesn’t understand, according to one of Caesar’s quotations.

Does your dog need to bark if it knows you? Therefore, it’s possible that the dog is seeing something it doesn’t comprehend when it begins to back.

We understand, therefore we’re not barking. We have everything lined up to ensure a pleasant voyage, and we know where we are headed.

According to reports, Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike are at odds again.

Wike has declared that the Rivers State leadership error would be fixed in the 2027 election.

ADC Blasts Keyamo Over Zoning Remarks, Cites APC’s Muslim-Muslim Ticket

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ADC Blasts Keyamo Over Zoning Remarks, Cites APC’s Muslim-Muslim Ticket

Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has refuted Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s zoning accusation against the party.

According to reports, Keyamo stated in a post on 𝕏 that the ADC’s fear of zoning its presidential ticket like other parties stems from the party’s affiliation with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“The ADC is afraid to clearly ZONE its presidential ticket, like the other major parties (PDP and APC) have done, because the party belongs to one man called Atiku Abubakar @atiku,” the minister stated.

The incapacity of ADC to zone its presidential ticket is the EXACT hole that Atiku forced PDP into in 2023.

The ADC spokesperson responded by saying that Keyamo’s stance on zoning was false.

He described how the APC disregarded zoning when choosing its presidential flagbearer in 2014, the Senate President in 2015, and a Muslim-Muslim presidential candidate in 2023.

A party with such a past shouldn’t be criticizing another, he said.

“You may be aware (or not) that the party leadership initially decided to zone the number three position to the North Central at the beginning of the controversy over who should be Senate President after the 2015 presidential election,” Abdullahi stated.

But when it appeared that Dr. Saraki would win, the ACN caucus, led by Baba Akande and Asiwaju BAT (now President), claimed to represent progressive politics and said that zoning was a PDP issue. They supported Ahmed Lawan from Yobe (North East) because of this.

“That would not be a baseless argument, considering that the presidential primaries that produced PMB appeared to have been thrown open, irrespective of zoning,” he continued.

Rochas Okorocha (4th, 264 votes) was able to run alongside Buhari, Kwankwaso, @Atiku, and Sam Nda-Isaiah because of this. Ahmad Lawan (NE), Ahmed Sani (NW), Yahaya Bello (NC), and candidates from the South ran in the primary election in 2023, repeating this pattern.

Additionally, in 2027, the APC merely zoned to the incumbent rather than any region, much like in 2019.

Now, you would agree with me (hopefully) that religious balancing is a component of zoning as a means of fostering national cohesiveness, which has been shown to be even more important than geographic concerns.

However, when the APC opted for a Muslim-Muslim ticket, it severed this tenuous thread of national cohesion.

By doing thus, the APC demonstrated that they had no time to consider religious sensitivities as long as they believed that a ticket based on the same religion would win.

“And it would be a matter of political strategy if they changed it or kept it in 2027; it wouldn’t be because they suddenly felt guilty.”

2027: Atiku, Peter Obi, ADC Give Opposition ‘One Leg in Aso Rock’ – Salihu

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2027: Atiku, Peter Obi, ADC Give Opposition ‘One Leg in Aso Rock’ – Salihu

After former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi defected, African Democratic Congress (ADC) leader Ladan Salihu stated the party is now one step closer to the Presidential Villa.

According to reports, Salihu made the claim in response to Obi’s recent transfer to the ADC on Friday, January 2, 2026, during an interview on Arise Television.

At a gathering in Enugu on Wednesday, Obi and other well-known South-East political figures formally defected to the ADC. This development has continued to spark responses in the political sphere.

Salihu called Obi’s defection a turning point and claimed that the former governor of Anambra State’s joining the party had greatly improved the party’s prospects for next elections.

He declared, “Peter Obi’s announcement that he would join the ADC is a political blockbuster, which is one step to the Presidential Villa.”

He claimed that Obi’s choice was a turning point for both the party and Nigeria’s changing political environment.

It is a pivotal point in our political history. Salihu continued, “We are currently striving to fortify the party and establish it as a significant opposition force in Nigeria.

Recalling former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s recent declaration for the party, the ADC chieftain asserted that the ADC is in a strong position due to the combined electoral might of both leaders.

Recall that former vice president Atiku Abubakar announced his candidacy for the ADC a few weeks ago. The figures don’t lie now that we have Peter Obi,” he said.

Salihu pointed out that the total number of votes Obi and Atiku received in the 2023 presidential election demonstrated the party’s increasing power.

When combined, the two received almost 63% of the total votes cast in the most recent presidential election in 2023. We are now in the lead, with one leg already in the Presidential Villa, if you take that calculus and put it on the table,” he stated.

2027: Orji Kalu Vows to Give His All to Secure APC Victory in Abia

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2027: Orji Kalu Vows to Give His All to Secure APC Victory in Abia

Orji Uzor Kalu, the senator for Abia North, has pledged to use every political tool at his disposal to guarantee that the All Progressives Congress (APC) wins Abia State in the general elections of 2027.

According to reports, Kalu made the statement on Thursday during his yearly New Year’s visit to Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the chairman of the APC in Ebonyi State, in Ekoli in Edda Local Government Area.

The former governor of Abia State stated that the APC must overthrow the state’s ruling Labour Party and emphasized that he will stop at nothing to secure a landslide victory for the party.

“In the upcoming elections, I would back both President Bola Tinubu and the APC candidate for governor.

“I’ll give it everything I’ve got to make sure the APC wins the election in Abia.

“I am friends with the current governor, Dr. Alex Otti, but I am not talking about friendship here. “What I am referring to is the APC’s complete electoral victory,” he continued.

Additionally, Kalu urged state governors across to assume full accountability for protecting people and property in their areas instead of depending entirely on the President.

The senator recalled his tenure as governor and stated that strong leadership might greatly reduce insecurity.

“I made sure that all people and property were completely secure when I was governor of Abia.

“At a time when other states were dealing with increased insecurity, there were no cases of kidnapping and other crimes in Abia,” he stated.

He commended Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State, for keeping the state peaceful and advised governors to follow in his footsteps.

“Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, who has ensured adequate peace and security in the state, should be emulated by the governors,” Kalu said.

Kalu explained that Okoro-Emegha’s steadfast commitment throughout the years was the reason for his annual New Year’s visit to the Ebonyi APC chairman.

“You can trust him with your life and he is the epitome of loyalty,” Kalu remarked.

“He was one of the success stories I documented as a governor, and I raised him as a child, even when his father was still alive.”

Kalu added that he personally counseled Senator David Umahi, the current Minister of Works and former governor of Ebonyi State, to maintain his resolve when Okoro-Emegha was turned over to him.

“I asked previous Governor David Umahi to give his principal 100% loyalty when I sent him over to him.

He continued, “He has carried that same virtue forward and transferred it to the current governor, Francis Nwifuru.”

2027:Opposition Leaders Not in ADC Are Boosting TinubuOutside ADC Are Working for Tinubu

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2027:Opposition Leaders Not in ADC Are Boosting TinubuOutside ADC Are Working for Tinubu

In order to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election, veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has characterized the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the alternative political vehicle.

He claims that every politician in the ADC is a Democrat who is dedicated to maintaining democracy.

He argued that the ADC has enormous support in the southeast and that any opposition leader who has not joined the group is working with Tinubu.

Okonkwo reportedly made the submission on Friday while giving a speech on Channels Television.

“There is only one requirement for anyone to be admitted into the ADC: they must be a true democrat. Internal democracy and upholding democratic principles are two things ADC will not compromise on.

“We want to maintain discipline, thus no leader or opposition leader was permitted to set conditions before joining. We want that foundation to be strong, which is why everyone came to ADC at their own pace.

As I mentioned, the South East has now gone to ADC. He declared, “Any other politician who is not in the ADC and wishes to work for any other party is working for Tinubu.”

Speaking about Peter Obi’s recent defection from the Labour Party to the ADC, Okonkwo called it a positive development.

Okonkwo pledged to collaborate with the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 election, despite pointing out that the organization has not yet selected a presidential candidate or zoned its ticket.

“Obi is a member of the ADC. We collaborate with each member of the ADC.

You can be sure that I will support the ADC presidential candidate. “I have no personal animosity toward anyone,” Okonkwo declared.

Patients Should Become Members of ADC
During the conversation, Okonkwo also called on Peter Obi’s supporters to formally join the ADC before the general elections in 2027.

Obidients who had not yet joined the ADC, according to Okonkwo, were “disObidients.”

“Telling your fans they can join any political party was a tactical error when I was in the Labour Party, and I’m very happy that my brother, Peter Obi, reversed the technique.

“If you listen to his interview on X Space, he stated that all of the obidients should go and sign up to become ADC members. Therefore, you are a disobedient if you are an obidient and you are not in the ADC, he said.

PDP Stakeholders Urge Makinde, Mohammed to Reconcile With National Leader Wike

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PDP Stakeholders Urge Makinde, Mohammed to Reconcile With National Leader Wike

Borno State PDP stakeholders have urged Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, and Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, to sheathe their swords, embrace party unity, and realign their allegiance with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The stakeholders made the request on Thursday while speaking to reporters in the capital of Borno State, Maiduguri.

Grema Kyari, the stakeholders’ chairman, praised Wike on behalf of the organization for his “unwavering commitment to discipline, constitutionalism, and institutional integrity within the party.”

A member of the PDP National Working Caretaker Committee, Kyari commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for rejecting the results of the Ibadan convention, which resulted in Barrister Kabiru Turaki becoming the party’s national chairman.

He claimed that INEC’s decision was legal and contributed to the PDP’s internal democracy.

According to reports, the stakeholders also praised the National Working Caretaker Committee, chaired by Abdulrahman Mohammed, for sanctioning the formation of a Borno State PDP Working Caretaker Committee and dissolving the Borno State PDP Executive Committee.

They noted that the ruling had given party members throughout the state new hope and characterized it as audacious, timely, and legal.

According to the group, the action represented the long-standing desires of PDP supporters in Borno State, who had been longing for internal democracy, justice, and fairness within the party.

Kyari claimed that the FCT minister’s contribution to the party’s stabilization could not be emphasized, particularly in light of what he called persistent pressure from certain party leaders.

“Wike’s unwavering dedication to discipline, constitutionalism, and institutional integrity remains unprecedented, particularly in the face of persistent pressure and actions from governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, who are backed by Barrister Kabiru Turaki, which have deepened our party’s internal crisis,” he stated.

The stakeholders asked all resentful leaders to prioritize unity above future political involvement and to put the party’s interests ahead of their own aspirations.

The group declared, “In light of these indisputable facts, we hereby call on Barrister Kabiru Turaki, Governor Bala Mohammed, former Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to sheath their swords, embrace party unity, and realign their loyalty with our National Leader, His Excellency, Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, whose role in strengthening and repositioning the PDP is well known.”

They expressed hope that the PDP might be repositioned for national electoral victory through sincere reconciliation and adherence to party norms.

NASS to Release Certified Copies of Signed Tax Bills

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NASS to Release Certified Copies of Signed Tax Bills

The National Assembly has promised to provide Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the bills signed by President Bola Tinubu in order to allay public worries over purported inconsistencies in recently passed Tax Acts.

Bullah Bi-Allah, the National Assembly’s Director of Information, said in a statement on Thursday that the Clerk to the National Assembly has been instructed to make the signed tax bills—including the certificate pages—available for public inspection.

According to Bi-Allah, the decision was made in response to public demands for transparency following reports that claimed there were discrepancies between the Tax Acts that were eventually gazetted and those that were recorded in the legislature’s votes and proceedings.

“The management had observed the purported differences between the gazetted versions of passed tax acts and the National Assembly’s votes and proceedings,” he stated.

Only a small number of people have formally sought the CTCs of the harmonized bills, he continued, despite the general curiosity.

Bi-Allah stated, “All such requests have been processed.”

The Clerk is collaborating with the Federal Government Printing Press to guarantee that the properly certified and assented Acts are published in accordance with legal requirements, the Director of Information further revealed.

“The Federal Government Printing Press is legally responsible for printing and publication, but the Clerk is responsible for starting the gazetting process,” he clarified.

According to him, the gazettes should be available by Thursday.

The National Assembly has decided to examine the protocols governing the transmission and publication of bills in order to improve institutional operations.

From now on, presidential liaison officers will handle all laws intended for presidential assent.

“Unless the Clerk to the National Assembly or his authorized representative initiates the request, the printing press will not consider gazetting an act of the National Assembly,” Bi-Allah declared.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to openness, responsibility, and professionalism while praising Nigerians for their active participation in the legislative process.

Reactions Trail Regina Daniels’ Outing With Mystery Man as Fans Anticipate Epa’s Response

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Reactions Trail Regina Daniels’ Outing With Mystery Man as Fans Anticipate Epa’s Response

After pictures of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels hanging out with an unidentified man at the New Year’s celebration appeared online, the actress has generated new internet discussion.

Regina, who is presently in London, was reportedly seen with the man during a public trip in the widely shared pictures.

Fans and followers reacted widely and speculated that the movie star had found love again, despite the fact that the man’s identity was kept a secret. The couple looked content and at ease.


Check out how many people responded to the pictures.

“Take seven years to move on if you reach your turn,” Juxkhalme wrote.

“She is supposed to be in rehab low-key getting herself back, but she doesn’t jump into another arms and I’m sure she never cleaned up from drugs,” Sopie.salman1 stated. For the sake of her children, she needs to pull herself together.

“Normally na who she suppose hangout with be this,” eniahgrace wrote.

“Expect a thunderous press release from EPA,” stated jo.ands_world.

I’mhappywilliams wrote: “God keeps Regina safe.” Keep her out of the wrong hands.

“This one is better Biko,” wrote dr_alwaysrosy. He is a UK citizen and appears to be responsible and considerate.

“Ehya so she lied about liking older men,” wrote Figwen. I am glad for her.

“We don’t heal because nobody dies here,” Manivalue wrote. Enjoy your life, sister lady, and don’t allow pressure put you in a bad situation. If things don’t work out, which is something we don’t pray for, keep moving forward.

Rivers Political Heavyweights Back Fubara, Tinubu as Rift with Wike Deepens

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Rivers Political Heavyweights Back Fubara, Tinubu as Rift with Wike Deepens

Some prominent figures in the state have supported Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the continuing spat between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and his estranged political son.

Former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman Uche Secondus, former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Austin Opara, former Transportation Minister Abiye Sekibo, and former Rivers State Governor Celestine Omehia are among those who support Fubara.

Speaking at the 2026 New Year State Banquet at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Fubara revealed their support.

The governor claimed that the political leaders’ attendance at the function was an obvious indication of their support.

He acknowledged the political personalities’ attendance at the event and emphasized that their choices had refuted accusations and threats that he was siding with people who opposed the president’s interests.

“The distinguished leaders who joined us today express their unwavering support for both President Bola Tinubu and this administration,” Fubara stated.

Only those who lacked comprehension would turn to “barking” when they were unable to decipher what was happening, Fubara continued.

“There is no way people will be talking about us when we leave office,” the governor declared. Indeed, novels about our government, our struggles, and our survival will be written.

“Those who place their faith in God can never be ashamed; the truth is obvious and the key to our survival is only one thing. Additionally, the goal of governance for this beloved State will be accomplished since they are unable to humiliate us.

“This evening, I am pleased to see some of the most illustrious personalities in our beloved state seated at the high table. We are merely informing the world that these esteemed individuals, including Prince Uche Secondus, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Sir Celestine Omehia, and Alabo Abiye Sekibo, have joined us at this New Year’s banquet to demonstrate our support for Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

“You are boldly sitting with us so that people would know that you are standing with Fubara and are not involved in corner-to-corner commerce. Additionally, you are supporting Mr. President since you are standing with Fubara.

You have no idea what you have done, therefore I want to thank you this evening. Because of your political activities—and not just because of politics, but also because of your names—we were being blackmailed in multiple locations.

However, I am glad that you informed me this evening that you would join us for a seat so that everyone would be aware of your presence.

“That you are completely unrelated to any other organization that opposes Mr. President. You chose to stand with us to defend Rivers State, not because of me.

“Let’s not let whatever is going on deceive us. According to one of Caeser’s comments, the dog only barks when it doesn’t understand.

We understand, therefore we’re not barking. We know where we’re heading and have everything we need to make the trip go smoothly.

As we celebrate the year of our Lord, a year of peace, and a year that will bring about total emancipation, let me thank everyone for coming to this great evening and making time to sit with us.

“A year that, looking back, we will say to God, “Yes, what happened is because of what you have and have planned for us in the years ahead.”

“I want to reassure you that governance will persist in its entirety.” We will keep doing what we have set out to do for our state.

“We’ll make sure that by the time we’re done, everyone who supported us will be honored, proud, and able to walk down Port Harcourt’s streets knowing that they made the right choice at the time.”

The Wike-Fubara Rift Gets Wider
Months after Bola Tinubu mediated a reconciliation between Wike and Fubara, their relationship deteriorated once more.

The outgoing governor has recently claimed that his successor broke the terms of the peace deal that was achieved through presidential intervention.

Wike has always maintained that “agreement is agreement,” a position that is commonly seen as an attempt to prevent Fubara from running for reelection in the upcoming elections.

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