Television Nigerian

Together with civil society organizations (CSOs), organized labor unions operating under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) platform have criticized the federal government for widespread insecurity, pointing out that “the fundamental rights of all Nigerians are sacrosanct.”

Organized labor and CSOs lamented the government’s terrible failure to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 revised constitution.

Amid concerns over insecurity, the unions held a nonviolent protest in Jos on Wednesday. They carried banners and placards with various inscriptions and threatened to shut down the nation without warning if the Federal Government did nothing.

According to the Daily Champion, the demonstrators gathered as early as 8:00 a.m. and then went to the Plateau State House of Assembly and Government House Little Rayfield, where they delivered a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that he might take the appropriate action.

They claimed that “many communities were ransacked and taken over by the terrorists” and demanded that internally displaced people (IDPs) be immediately returned to their ancestral homes in order to prevent further attacks in the towns.

“Today we are here to register and express our displeasure to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, from the state to the local government and to the three tiers of government of this country,” stated Comrade Eugene Manji, the NLC chairman of the Plateau State Chapter.

We have all seen the problem of insecurity.

Manji, who provided an explanation of the protest’s motivation, stated that it is a follow-up to their May Day (Workers’ Day 2025) event, in which they voiced their disapproval of Nigeria’s insecurity problem.

At the National Executive Council meeting of the NLC last week in Lagos, it was decided that all 36 of the federation’s states should take action at the same time.

“It is very relevant that you live in a nation where people are being killed like animals, and you are unaware of this until another nation, like the United States of America, reminds you that you are a country of particular concern.”

Take a look at our Plateau schools today. Due of insecurity, students have been absent from class for over a month.

Since Boko Haram claims that Western education is prohibited, we are encouraging these people by closing schools.

They have already succeeded in severely impairing education by the time we close schools.

A nation devoid of education is already doomed. That a nation of more than 250 million people might become ignorant is quite regrettable.

Imagine the amount of insecurity that will result from this.

Today, that’s where we are. About 300 pupils were selected from schools in Niger State, and no one was able to contest them. There are perhaps 100 out there, but where are the others?

That indicates the extent of the issue. It occurs daily at mosques, churches, Zamfara, and other locations.

We are arguing that regardless of your beliefs—Christian, Muslim, or free-thinking—you are either directly or indirectly impacted.

You are affected, or your person is affected.

“To ensure proper coordination to combat the threat of insecurity, we are urging the Office of the National Security Adviser to be more proactive and to work in robust synergy with all security agencies,” comrade Manji said.

Steve Aluko, Coordinator of Civil Liberty Organizations, voiced concern that the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ability to quickly use fighter jets and other equipment to thwart a planned coup in the Benin Republic would be a grave indictment of the government’s incapacity to defend Nigerians.

“The situation continues to worsen despite the enormous resources devoted to combating insecurity.

Does the Nigerian government have any control over the issues we face, such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping?

Aluko said, “We want to see more practical action from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches rather than just rhetoric. The problem is not beyond the government.”

Additionally, the Borno state chapter of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) joined its national counterparts on Wednesday in a nonviolent demonstration against the nation’s insecurity.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) procession, which took place in Maiduguri today, December 17, 2025, was successfully organized and adequately secured by the Borno State Police Command.

The calm and well-planned parade began at NUJ Junction and finished at Today’s Store along Gidan Madara Road in Maiduguri.

In order to prevent a breakdown of law and order, Nigerian police officers and men were present.

Due in large part to the great degree of collaboration, understanding, and support from the NLC’s leadership and members, no undesired incidents were reported during the exercise.

Movements of cars and pedestrians were efficiently controlled, guaranteeing unrestricted traffic flow without interfering with citizens’ legal activities.

In a statement released by its spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the Borno State Police Command claimed that the peaceful procession, which started at NUJ Junction and ended at Today’s Store off Gidan Madara Road Maiduguri, was made possible by the deployment of sufficient security.

The statement read, “CP Naziru Abdulmajid psc, Commissioner of Police Borno State Command, commends all participants’ conduct and reassures the public of the Command’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, public safety, and the protection of constitutional rights within the state.”

Plateau: NLC and CSOs denounce widespread insecurity and declare that every Nigerian’s fundamental human rights are inviolable.

Additionally, on Wednesday, the Enugu state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) started a protest against the country’s growing insecurity.

As the demonstrators marched across the city in support of the nationwide protest over the country’s growing insecurity, the protest brought Enugu’s metropolis to a halt for hours.

Deep concern over the widespread threat to lives and property across the country was evident at the protest organized by NLC Chairman Comrade Fabian Nwigbo.

Chanting slogans like “another challenge! another challenge!” and carrying signs that read “Nigeria is bleeding,” “End terrorism, banditry and kidnapping now,” “End insecurity now,” and “Poverty fuels insecurity—create jobs, support local industries,” protesters marched through Enugu’s main thoroughfares.

Other signs urged the government to act decisively rather than rhetorically, calling for the security of citizens and schools.

“Nobody is safe anymore in the country, not even the security personnel,” Nwigbo said to the demonstrators, expressing deep regret that cows are safer than people in Nigeria.

He bemoaned the fact that everyone is impacted by insecurity, including workers, teachers, students, farmers, tourists, and even political leaders, underscoring the frightening level of disorder in the nation.

He underlined that protecting the lives and property of its residents is the government’s first priority.

He revealed that the purpose of the protest is to draw attention to the pressing need for government action to reestablish security and peace throughout Nigeria.

“The country is bleeding,” he said, adding that during its most recent NEC meeting, the NLC took a strong stance to draw attention to the deteriorating circumstances.

Nwigbo criticized the security inadequacies that have resulted in a spike in kidnappings and attacks, pointing out the paradox that cows are better protected than humans.

He questioned the reasoning behind a recent event in which a security commander in the North pulled his troops from guarding a school, only to have the school attacked and students kidnapped.

He explained that the demonstration also serves as a declaration that the NLC is a group advocating for Nigerians’ safety and dignity rather than being a part of any plot fueling the country’s insecurity situation.

Critics voicing concerns about the tax rules have been criticized by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy.

He denied requests for the delay in an interview with Punch, stating that the law was “unstoppable” and would go into force on January 1, 2026.

Onanuga dismissed calls for suspension as being at odds with “right-thinking Nigerians,” calling the reforms “revolutionary” and claiming that the new system will increase tax collection for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The National Assembly has passed the law,” he stated. The President has given it his approval. Additionally, some people are only now realizing that they ought to have voiced their complaints long ago.

“The law cannot be stopped.” By God’s grace, the implementation will start on January 1st, 2026. There’s nothing to be afraid of. The majority of our various taxes will be harmonized by this development, and low-income workers will not be subject to taxes.

However, some argue that it ought to be put into practice. It is evident that they do not have the same views as conservative Nigerians.

It is a ground-breaking law that will benefit all Nigerians by increasing tax income. It’s too late to voice an objection if they say we shouldn’t implement. The current legal system is inexorable.

“Anyway, it’s already being implemented.”

The administration claims that President Tinubu’s recent signing of four substantial tax reform bills into law represents the biggest change of Nigeria’s tax structure in decades.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act are among the laws that are administered by the Nigeria Revenue Service.

The legislation will go into force on January 1, 2026, after a six-month transition period for system alignment and public education.

Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, has called for an end to what he called the politicization of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy after a book on his life and tenure was recently released.

The book, Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, has rekindled tensions among his former inner circle and spurred new discussion about the late president’s record.

El-Rufai expressed concern in a statement issued on Wednesday that the book launch event mirrored the same divisions that existed during Buhari’s lifetime. He observed that while other allies who were just as close to the late president were noticeably absent from the book event, one camp was heavily represented.

He warned that some of the attendees at the book launch were longtime opponents of Buhari who now occupy powerful positions in the government and gave flattering but phony praises.

El-Rufai argued that many who previously held his administration accountable for almost all of Nigeria’s problems now seem willing to rewrite history, possibly in order to avoid taking accountability for the country’s current shortcomings.

He continued by saying that certain people who were honoring Buhari’s passing did not have his regard or trust during his lifetime.

The statement said, “A careful look at those who dominated the book launch revealed the same factional lines that existed during Buhari’s lifetime.” It also said that the venue selection and selective participation raised concerns about whether the former president’s legacy is being shaped to serve special interests rather than historical truth.

The former governor expressed worry that many of the admissions ascribed to the late president appear one-sided and unfair, especially because Buhari is no longer living to answer. He acknowledged that he has not yet read the book and that some media accounts may lack context.

He cautioned against “distorting, rather than preserving, a complex leader’s legacy by using selective anecdotes to explain his thoughts and motivations.”

El-Rufai went on to say that although Buhari was not flawless, a significant portion of his administration’s flaws were caused by the deeds and shortcomings of a strong inner circle, which included officials, advisors, and relatives who did not always share the president’s dedication to honesty and public service.

According to the statement, “Buhari himself remained, to the end, a man of deep faith, personal discipline, and unquestioned patriotism,” and “those now invoking his name for self-justification should reflect on whether they can claim the same standards.”

El-Rufai, a former minister, advised Nigerians to let history judge Buhari impartially, free from opportunism or revisionism, and warned against selectively narrating his life and times.

He concluded with a prayer: “May Allah grant him eternal rest.” He said, “The truest way to honor him is not through selective storytelling or trying to exhibit new-found love, but by upholding the values he embodied: simplicity, integrity, humility, and service to Nigeria with all he had.”

In response to recent remarks about the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that were ascribed to the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), the Concerned Northern Elders have distanced themselves, denouncing the position as unrepresentative of the goals and interests of the North.

The group said it felt obligated to address the country in the interest of truth and accountability in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Dr. Nasir Manguno. It warned that staying silent in the face of what it called intentional misrepresentation would amount to endorsement.

The elders contended that the NEF’s stated opposition to the FIRS, its Executive Chairman, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform initiatives does not align with the common ideals and aspirations of Northern stakeholders.

They said that the NEF had lost its moral stature and had strayed from its original purpose as a council of wisdom to become a platform for political dissatisfaction and opposition narratives that were shaped by outside forces. The group contends that genuine elder statesmanship must be based on integrity, vision, and the welfare of the country rather than entitlement-driven privileges or adherence to antiquated systems.

The statement praised the FIRS Executive Chairman’s leadership, pointing out that the agency has continuously surpassed income targets, increased non-oil revenue production, and implemented technology-based, data-driven strategies to eliminate long-standing revenue leakages. It further stated that the period in which influence ensured exemption from tax duties has ended due to a renewed dedication to equity and accountability.

These improvements, according to the Concerned Northern Elders, are quantifiable and show Nigeria’s potential when professionalism replaces inertia. They assert that opposition to such reforms frequently originates from people who are uneasy about efficiency and transparency.

Regarding President Tinubu’s larger economic goal, the group claimed that the administration took over an economy that was weakened by reliance on fuel subsidies, opacity, and inconsistent compliance. It described the President’s adoption of challenging but necessary measures as crucial milestones toward a long-term economic recovery.

The elders emphasized that revenue reform should not be seen as punitive but rather as a fundamental component of national development, pointing out that no country advances by shielding elites from civic duty or placing the burden of governance on the poor.

Additionally, they affirmed their support for the Memorandum of Understanding carried out by the FIRS leadership to strengthen interagency collaboration, integrate data platforms, and eliminate duplication. They contended that frameworks that foster institutional strength and transparency ultimately benefit the North as well as the nation at large.

The organization addressed what they called “acts of political sabotage,” noting that fresh attacks on the FIRS seem to correspond with political realignments by opposition groups looking to capitalize on discontent in the region. The North will not be mobilized for partisan purposes, they cautioned.

The statement claims that rather than recycled narratives and inherited excuses for poor performance, the region’s true goals continue to be the creation of jobs, infrastructural development, educational advancement, and accountability. According to the elders, accomplishing these objectives calls for strong institutions, equitable taxation, and fearless leadership.

The group emphasized that history ultimately rewards reformers, not obstructionists, and reaffirmed its support for the FIRS Executive Chairman, President Tinubu’s economic reforms, and public officials dedicated to the national interest above the comfort of the privileged.

“The North is not against reform. The statement said, “It rejects failure and will not be dragged backward by voices financed to fear progress.”

Nine days after being detained, 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members were ultimately freed from Burkina Faso thanks to high-level diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the source, the announcement was made soon after a Nigerian delegation headed by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrapped off discussions with President Ibrahim Traoré and other Burkinabè officials in Ouagadougou.

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the NAF Headquarters made up the delegation, which was tasked with using conversation to find a constructive and peaceful solution to the issue.

The engagement was intended to promote mutual understanding, defuse tensions, and secure the release of the detained NAF personnel while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols, a senior official familiar with the mission told Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency reporter in Lake Chad.

Nigeria prefers diplomacy and neighborly involvement, according to the delegation. According to the source, the visit was intended to boost confidence and reinforce shared responsibility in tackling the intricate security issues facing the Sahel.

The official noted the long history of cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and said that the Nigerian delegation also communicated Abuja’s unwavering commitment to regional security cooperation, communication, and respect for international norms.

Nigeria and Burkina Faso have long worked together on security training, intelligence sharing, and regional stabilization initiatives, especially in the battle against violent extremism and terrorism throughout West Africa.

The smooth resolution of the incident, according to officials, will strengthen bilateral understanding and support regional efforts to advance peace, stability, and security.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a message of sympathy and brotherhood to President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso through Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

According to reports, both nations were looking into methods to improve regional and bilateral cooperation.

Tuggar delivered the message on Wednesday at a meeting with President Traoré in Ouagadougou, where talks centered on collaboration in a number of areas, including security and counterterrorism.

Following the discussion, the minister stated that Burkina Faso and Nigeria had long-standing relationships and shared security concerns, adding that the goal of the engagement was to strengthen neighborly relations and mutual understanding.

We discussed cooperation in a number of areas. Tuggar added, “We also talked about the Nigerian plane that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.

He expressed Nigeria’s remorse for the event and admitted procedural flaws in the authorization process for the aircraft’s entry into Burkina Faso’s airspace. He also emphasized Abuja’s respect for international aviation standards and Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.

Additionally, the minister disassociated the Federal Government from statements made by a Nigerian political party representative who claimed that Nigerian military soldiers were mistreated in Burkina Faso.

“We express our sincere regrets to the Burkina Faso government and clearly dissociate ourselves from those comments,” Tuggar stated.

Tuggar praised President Traoré and his administration for their fraternal spirit and the way they treated the passengers when they were in Burkina Faso.

He added that discussions included more extensive regional initiatives to combat violent extremism and terrorism, pointing out that Burkina Faso has achieved significant accomplishments in counterterrorism measures.

In order to address common security issues, the minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to ongoing communication, regional solidarity, and improved cooperation with Burkina Faso and other nations in the subregion.

Aliko Dangote, the chairman of Dangote Group, has filed a suit against Ahmed Farouk, the managing director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

According to reports, Dangote charged Farouk with financial irregularities and wrongdoing.

In the December 16 petition, Dangote called for Ahmed to be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted for allegedly living above his means while working for the government.

The ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), received the petition.

Dangote accused the NMDPRA MD of paying more over $7 million up front for his four children’s education in several Swiss institutions over a six-year period without providing proof of a legitimate source of income.

In order to support his claims and have the anti-graft agency verify them, Dangote listed the four children and their Swiss schools along with the amount spent for each.

He said that Farouk Ahmed was exploiting the NMDPRA’s power to embezzle and redirect public funds for personal benefit and the pursuit of private interests at the expense of the Nigerian people, causing recent unrest and protests from various organizations.

Dangote further asserted that Farouk Ahmed worked in Nigeria’s public sector throughout his adult life and that the sum of his earnings over the years was not even close to $7 million, allegedly taken from the public coffers to pay for his teenage children’s education overseas.

“There is no question that the aforementioned facts regarding abuse of office, violation of the public officer code of conduct, corrupt enrichment, and embezzlement are egregious acts of corrupt practices for which your Commission (ICPC) is statutorily empowered under section 19, of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute,” stated Dangote.

“A person who is successfully prosecuted under section 19 of the ICPC Act faces a five-year prison sentence without the possibility of a fine.” We boldly declare that the ICPC is strategically positioned alongside the sister agencies to prosecute financial crimes and other offenses related to corruption, and that the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders upon proving a prima facie case.

In light of the aforementioned, we urge the Commission, led by you, to look into the allegations of corruption and abuse of authority against Engineer Farouk Ahmed and to prosecute him if necessary.

“We have no reservations that the Commission will act decisively to ensure that justice is done and the good image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is protected, as this is a matter that is in the public domain.”