Peter Obi: The Man Who Taxed Poverty in Anambra

Dear Peter Obi,

Thank you for your thoughts on the Tax Reform Act, which came into force yesterday, which was New Year's Day. However, it seems you have forgotten the following historical facts.

While you were the Governor of Anambra, poverty increased in the state, yet you imposed new and heavy taxes on the people of Anambra.

Please fact-check me: The poverty rate in Anambra was 41.4% in 2003, before you, Obi took office, and rose to 53.7% by 2009, during your governorship, a 29.7% increase.

Yet, despite the rise in poverty under your watch as Governor, on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, you imposed new and heavy taxes on Anambra markets, prompting traders in the state to protest.

And again, please fact-check me.

When 600 traders from Eke Awka Market protested and filed an appeal against you, you insisted that they must pay your new, heavy taxes.

At that, they led another protest to the Anambra State House of Assembly, barricaded it, and prevented legislative business from proceeding.

And all this was happening while you, Peter, dishonestly hid your own money in tax havens, as shown in the Pandora Papers of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Therefore, I find it strange that you, who increased poverty in Anambra and also simultaneously increased taxes, are now accusing the Tinubu administration, which has added $57 billion to our economy, of taxing the poor.

And just so you know, your allegations show that you haven't read the new tax laws, because in those legislations, Nigerians earning less than ₦800,000 will not be taxed.

Meaning that under President Tinubu, those petty traders in Anambra that you taxed to near death would have a tax holiday.

So, please, Peter, reread your post, and direct it at yourself, because it is all about you, the man who taxed poverty in Anambra!

You were taxing poverty as Anambra Governor, but President Tinubu is tackling poverty as Nigeria's President.

~ Reno Omokri

Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. #1Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.

After a ₦16 million ransom was paid, seven victims from ECWA Church were released: Four alive with 3 dead bodies. Some elderly women didn’t make it out alive

Ogun Court Arraigns Anthony Joshua’s Driver Over Fatal Lexus Accident, Trial Adjourned To January 20

The Ogun State Police Command arraigned Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the accident that injured British boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two foreign nationals, before a Sagamu Magistrate’s Court. He faces a four-count charge including dangerous driving, reckless driving, negligence, and driving without a valid license under the Federal Highway Act. Chief Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted Kayode bail of ₦5 million with two sureties, pending the fulfillment of bail conditions. The trial was adjourned to January 20, 2026. The accident occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Sagamu.

BREAKING: Nigerian Military Combat Drone Crashes In Kontagora Forest, Niger State, As Authorities Remain Silent On Cause

A Nigerian military combat drone has crashed in the Kontagora forest area of Niger State under circumstances that remain unclear. SaharaReporters obtained a photograph showing the unmanned aerial vehicle wrecked in the forest, though it reportedly did not explode. As of the time of reporting, neither the Nigerian military nor the Niger State government has issued an official statement on the incident or confirmed where the drone was launched from. The crash has raised fresh concerns about aerial military operations in Nigeria’s North-Central region, coming amid heightened scrutiny of recent military activities, including controversies surrounding foreign airstrikes and unexploded ordnance in parts of the country.

Alleged Attempted Murder: Ekiti Court Remands Man Who Challenged Governor Oyebanji’s Candidature Over Armed Robbery, Conspiracy, And Weapons Charges

An Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Akogun Abayomi Olumide, also known as “Lustay,” in correctional custody over allegations of conspiracy to commit robbery, armed robbery, attempted murder, unlawful possession of offensive weapons, and malicious damage. The remand followed a police application pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Olumide’s arrest comes weeks after he filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the candidature of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji. Police allege that investigations linked him to violent attacks on several individuals, claims Olumide has strongly denied, insisting he is not a robber and had no involvement in political violence. The court granted the police request, ordering his detention at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre while investigations and legal review continue.

GOVERNOR MUTFWANG OF PLATEAU STATE FORMALLY JOINS APC

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has formally picked the APC membership card following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party.
He was formally received by the state executive Council of the All Progressives Congress at the APC secretariat in Jos.

With the conclusion of all formalities, Governor Mutfwang said before the formal defection, he has made consultations far and wide and his dream is that of one United Plateau.

He therefore calls for unity among all the people stressing that he will continue to support President Tinubu whom he says is determined to put the country on the path of development.

Chairman of the All progressives congress, Plateau state,Rufus Bature who welcomed the governor and his team said the APC is a party that accommodates all without discrimination.

Secretary to government of Plateau state, Samuel Jatau says it is time to put aside differences but think and act Plateau.
The governor thereafter went into a closed door meeting with APC state leaders.

Gombe Government Gives ₦14 Million to Families of Seven Journalists Killed in Tragic Road Crash After Wedding Trip

The Gombe State Government has disbursed a total of ₦14 million to the families of seven journalists who lost their lives in a fatal road accident while returning from a colleague’s wedding in Kaltungo Local Government Area of the state. The presentation, made on Friday on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Abubakar Njodi, saw each bereaved family receive ₦2 million as financial support to help cover burial expenses.

Njodi described the gesture as a token of sympathy, stressing that the government was deeply saddened by the tragic loss, particularly because of the number of journalists involved in a single incident. He noted that the deceased media practitioners had contributed significantly to public communication and governance in the state, adding that no amount of money could compensate for the lives lost.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, thanked the Gombe State Government for standing with the families, while also highlighting the recurring dangers journalists face in the line of duty. He called for improved welfare and insurance coverage for media professionals, revealing plans by the NUJ to launch a new insurance scheme by March to enhance journalists’ safety and wellbeing nationwide.

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition of GNI Building and Nearby Houses After Deadly Lagos Island Fire Kills Eight, Triggers Safety Concerns

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building and some surrounding structures following the devastating fire outbreak that occurred on December 24 in the Balogun area of Lagos Island. The inferno claimed the lives of eight people—five of whom have been identified—while three victims remain unidentified, and at least thirteen people have been rescued so far.

Speaking during an on-site assessment, the governor declared the area unsafe, directing that all commercial and unauthorized activities around the GNI building must cease immediately. He explained that emergency responders are still carefully combing through the rubble to ensure no one remains trapped, particularly at the rear section of the collapsed structure.

Sanwo-Olu said a comprehensive structural assessment showed that the building was no longer stable, making demolition unavoidable, with some neighbouring buildings also marked for removal in the interest of public safety. He stressed that while the decision is difficult, protecting lives remains the government’s top priority.

The governor assured affected residents and business owners that the Lagos State Government would manage the recovery process responsibly and provide necessary support to families impacted by the tragedy. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the fire—which engulfed several floors of the 22-storey commercial building used largely for warehousing—are ongoing, as public concern continues over safety standards in densely populated commercial districts of Lagos Island.

POLICE ARRAIGNS DRIVER OF ANTHONY JOSHUA VEHICLE IN COURT ON FOUR COUNT CHARGES, CASE ADJOURNED TILL JANUARY 20

The Ogun State Police Command has arraigned the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the Anthony Joshua accident case, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode (male), aged 45, before a Magistrate Court sitting in Sagamu area of Ogun State

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer Ogun State Command DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi explained that the defendant was arraigned on four counts charge before Chief Magistrate O.M Somefun of the Sagamu Magisterial division.

The charges include that the defendant drove the said SUV Vehicle in a manner dangerous to members of the public resulting in a fatal accident causing the untimely death of two persons which is punishable under section 5(1) of the Federal Highway Act cap F 135 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2002 applicable in Ogun State.

The defendant was also docked for reckless driving, negligence and being at a speed without care and attention and reasonable consideration of other road users which caused injuries to the British Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and that the suspect drove without a National Driver's License and thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 10(1) of the Federal Highway Act cap F 135 Law of the Federation of Nigeria as applicable in Ogun State.

The Chief Magistrate Somefun however granted the defendant a five million naira bail with two sureties and remanded the defendant pending when he met his bail condition.
The case has been adjourned the case to 20 January 2026 for trial.

Nigerian Troops Kill Three Bandits in Fierce Gun Battle in Katsina Community, Arrest One Suspect and Recover Weapons, Motorcycles

Nigerian security forces have killed three suspected bandits during a gun battle in Karaduwa village, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, as part of ongoing operations to combat banditry in the North-West. According to reports shared on social media, troops engaged criminal elements operating in the community, resulting in the deaths of three bandits, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

During the operation, security operatives arrested one suspect alive and recovered weapons from the scene, along with eight motorcycles believed to have been used by the bandits for attacks and mobility. The encounter underscores continued efforts by the military and other security agencies to dismantle bandit networks, curb violent attacks, and restore peace in Katsina State, which has faced persistent security challenges in recent years.

Gombe Government Disburses N14 Million to Families of 7 Deceased Journalists

The Gombe State Government has disbursed a total of N14 million to the families of seven journalists who lost their lives in a tragic motor accident along the Billiri-Kumo Road.

The fatal crash occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, as the journalists were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo Local Government Area.

Each bereaved family received N2 million from Gombe State Government as financial support to augment burial and related expenses.

The intervention is part of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to cushioning the impact of the painful loss on the affected families.

Presiding over the disbursement exercise on behalf of the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, disclosed that an initial token of support had earlier been provided to the families of the injured victims immediately after the incident.

He added that the Governor has also assumed full responsibility for the medical treatment and hospital bills of those who sustained injuries and are currently receiving care.

Professor Njodi reiterated the commitment of the present administration to the welfare of journalists, expressing deep sorrow over the monumental loss to the state and the media profession.

“Our hearts have been restless since this tragic incident. While we cannot bring back the departed or fully compensate for the loss, His Excellency has approved this support to assist with burial expenses, just as the government has taken full responsibility for the medical bills of those who survived,” he said.

He stressed that the funds were not compensation, but a gesture of compassion aimed at supporting the families during this difficult period.

Professor Njodi further conveyed the Governor’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the management of the National Television Authority (NTA) and the entire media community, urging the bereaved families to take solace in the will of Allah.

Speaking during the event, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, expressed profound appreciation to the Gombe State Government for what he described as a swift, compassionate and unprecedented intervention.

He noted that the NUJ members nationwide were deeply grateful for the support extended to both the families of the deceased and journalists currently receiving medical treatment.

Comrade Alhassan Yahaya also called on the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of life and health insurance schemes for journalists, urging state governments, including Gombe, to key in once the policy is implemented.

The General Manager of NTA Gombe, Abubakar Adamu, conveyed the appreciation of the Director-General of the NTA, Salihu Dembos to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his generousity and compassion stating that the entire NTA family across the country holds the Gombe State Government in high esteem for the gesture.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Barrister Abubakar Ahmed praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the gesture, describing the intervention as the first of its kind in the history of the state.

“This support of N2 million to each family will go a long way in addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of the dependants. We truly lack words to express our gratitude. May Allah reward the Governor and his administration abundantly,” he said.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk Warns Israel Against Death Penalty Bills Targeting Palestinians, Says Proposed Laws Violate International Law

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on Israeli authorities to abandon proposed legislation that would introduce mandatory death sentences, warning that the bills violate international law and fundamental human rights standards. The proposed laws, currently before the Israeli Knesset, seek to lower the threshold for imposing capital punishment and would apply almost exclusively to Palestinians, particularly those tried under military law in the occupied West Bank.

Türk said the bills raise serious concerns about discrimination, due process violations, and breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law, stressing that the United Nations opposes the death penalty under all circumstances. He warned that mandatory death sentences, which remove judicial discretion, violate the right to life enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and carry an unacceptable risk of executing innocent people.

According to the UN, the legislation would require military courts to impose death sentences for intentional killing and amend Israel’s Penal Law to introduce capital punishment for acts defined as terrorism involving the killing of Israelis. Türk noted that the proposals appear explicitly discriminatory, citing language in the bills and public statements suggesting they are intended to apply only to Palestinians, many of whom are convicted after what the UN describes as unfair trials.

The High Commissioner also warned that parts of the legislation could be applied retroactively to cases linked to the October 7, 2023 attacks, violating the principle of legality, and criticised vague definitions that could allow arbitrary use of the death penalty. He further cautioned that denying Palestinians in occupied territories fair trial guarantees under the Fourth Geneva Convention could amount to war crimes. The UN human rights office has urged Israeli lawmakers to halt the legislative process and ensure that any criminal justice measures uphold equality, due process, and the protection of life under international law.

Ghanaian Self-Styled Prophet Ebo Noah Remanded in Custody, Court Orders Psychiatric Evaluation Over Doomsday Flood Prophecy That Sparked Nationwide Panic

A Ghanaian self-styled prophet, Ebo Noah, born Evans Eshun, has been remanded in custody by the Adenta District Court and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation following his arrest over a controversial doomsday prophecy. Eshun was arrested on December 31, 2025, by operatives of the Ghana Police Service Special Cyber Vetting Team for false communication and causing fear and panic after he predicted that the world would be submerged by a global flood on December 25, 2025.

The prophecy, widely circulated on social media, triggered widespread anxiety, with hundreds of people—some from neighbouring countries—reportedly abandoning their homes and travelling with luggage to Eshun’s premises, where he claimed an “ark” he built would save humanity. When the predicted flood failed to occur, Eshun released a video claiming that prayers and fasting had convinced God to postpone the destruction, rather than admitting the prophecy was false.

Public outrage intensified after he appeared at rapper Sarkodie’s Rapperholic 2025 concert, telling attendees to celebrate because the alleged doom had been delayed. The court has adjourned the case to January 15, 2026, pending the outcome of the psychiatric assessment. The incident has reignited national debate in Ghana over religious extremism, misinformation, public safety, and the limits of free expression, as authorities move to hold the self-proclaimed prophet accountable for the social disruption caused by his claims.

LAGOS STATE GOV. PROMISES TOUGH MEASURES TO PREVENT FIRE OR BUILDING COLLAPSE

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu says he will take tough but necessary decisions to prevent the rising cases of Fire and building collapse in the state.

The Governor stated this while inspecting the Great Nigeria House 22 storey building that was gutted by Fire and collpsed ten days ago.

He said the integrity of the portion of the building which is still standing cannot be guaranteed, resulting in the delay in the commencement of excavation to clear the debris.

He instructed the Lagos Building Control Agency to as a matter of urgency clamp down on substandard buildings responsible for the continuous building collapse and Fire disasters.

While commiserating with the families of the victims, the Governor solicited the cooperation of Federal agencies and other multi national companies for technical expertise in bringing down the building for immediate commencement of excavation.

So far, eight bodies have been recovered.

Abductors Demand ₦450million Ransom for Kwara Monarch, NYSC Son and Eight Residents as Kidnappings Escalate in Ifelodun LGA

Kidnappers who abducted the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, his son and eight other residents in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have demanded a total ransom of ₦450 million for their release. The criminals are asking for ₦150 million for the monarch and his son, Olaolu, a serving NYSC member, while ₦300 million has been demanded for eight residents abducted from Adanla-Irese, near Igbaja. Family sources and the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network confirmed that the abductors made contact with the victims’ families following the New Year’s Eve attack on the monarch’s palace, during which his wife was shot and injured. The twin abductions have intensified fears over worsening insecurity across Kwara South, with residents urging urgent government intervention, even as police say they are unaware of any ransom demands and insist security agencies are working to rescue the victims.

NNPP Dissolves Kano Party Structures as Governor Abba Yusuf Set to Defect to APC, Signals Major Political Realignment

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dissolved all its party structures in Kano State, including state, local government, and ward executives, ahead of Governor Abba Yusuf’s anticipated defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision, announced by NNPP National Publicity Secretary Oladipo Johnson, follows an emergency meeting of the party’s National Working Committee, which resolved to set up caretaker committees to manage party affairs in the interim. The move comes amid a deepening rift between NNPP national leader and former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf, who is reportedly poised to join the APC within days. The Kano APC has confirmed expectations of Yusuf’s defection, a development analysts say could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

Niger State Orders Private Schools to Postpone Resumption, Warns of Closure for Defaulters

The Niger State government has directed all private schools not to resume classes on January 5, 2026, until an official date is announced. The order, issued through the Niger State Private Schools Board, warns that schools reopening without approval risk immediate closure. This follows the November 21, 2025, abduction of 230 pupils and staff at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara LGA, which sparked nationwide concerns over school safety. Authorities confirmed that all abducted students and staff have been safely reunited with their families. Governor Umaru Bago and the state government stress the directive ensures uniform compliance with educational and security regulations, calling on school proprietors to strictly adhere to the resumption suspension.

Tiwa Savage Claps Back at Fan Criticising Her for Riding Pickup Truck: "I Get Money Pass Your Papa"

Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage sparked online reactions after responding sharply to a fan who criticised her for riding in the back of a pickup truck during a public parade. The fan suggested she had “downgraded” herself, prompting Tiwa to reply, “I get money pass your papa,” highlighting her wealth and dismissing the judgment. The incident follows a viral video of her waving to crowds in elegant attire from the truck. Netizens praised her confidence, while some highlighted her authenticity and ability to live life on her own terms. The episode further cemented Tiwa Savage’s reputation as a bold and unapologetic figure in the Nigerian entertainment scene.

NSCDC Arrests Four Suspects Over Killing of Volunteer in Kano

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano State has arrested four suspects linked to the killing of volunteer Abdurrauf Sheriff, who was attacked while performing his official duties near Gyadi Gyadi Court Road. The suspects were found with weapons, including a hacksaw, a Danbida, and drugs, and are currently in custody assisting with investigations. NSCDC Commandant Mohammed Hassan Agalama condemned the act, extended condolences to the victim’s family, and assured the public that the suspects would be handed over to the Nigerian Police for legal action. Residents were urged to support security agencies with timely information to help combat criminal activities in the state.