TIB Delta to Protest ‘Unlawful’ Prosecution of Activist Aghogho Amid AGF Authorization Dispute

The Take It Back Movement (TIB), Delta State chapter, plans a peaceful protest at the Federal High Court in Warri on December 15 over the alleged unlawful prosecution of activist Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho. The group says Delta State initiated federal charges without the Attorney-General of the Federation’s consent, despite conflicting positions presented before the ECOWAS Court. Aghogho is challenging the case as unconstitutional and seeking its dismissal along with ₦500 billion in compensation. TIB argues that the AGF’s filings expose inconsistencies, calling for judicial accountability as tensions rise ahead of the next court hearing.

House of Reps Summons CBN Governor Cardoso Over Alleged N16 Trillion Unremitted Funds

The House of Representatives has summoned Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso over allegations that the apex bank failed to remit more than ₦16 trillion in operating surplus and revenue to the government. The decision followed a motion by Public Accounts Committee Chairman Bamidele Salam, citing findings from the 2022 Auditor-General’s report, which highlighted financial irregularities linked to the Remita revenue collection system from 2015–2016. Despite disagreements among lawmakers on how to proceed, the House mandated the Public Accounts Committee to continue the investigation. Rights group SERAP had earlier demanded accountability from the CBN over missing public funds flagged in the same report.


#CBN
#HouseOfReps
#PublicFunds

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity

West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026.

The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel.

For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries.

The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter.

The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty.

To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market.

The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

NAHCON Commissioner Defies VP Shettima’s Order, Retains Retired Staff Amid Nepotism Allegations


The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is facing fresh controversy as insiders accuse Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, of ignoring Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s directive by retaining a retired officer, Mr. Gaffar, who left the commission in 2023. The retired officer reportedly attends official meetings, travels with the commissioner, and maintains offices in Abuja and Saudi Arabia — actions seen as violations of Public Service Rules. Elegushi is also accused of keeping a former NYSC corps member allegedly related to him, granting her full staff privileges despite her service ending months ago. These actions allegedly defy a written directive from VP Shettima rejecting NAHCON’s request to re-engage retired staff and ordering all such appointments reversed. Staff fear retaliation, with claims that Elegushi is consolidating power ahead of a possible bid for the NAHCON chairmanship. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.

PRP Rejects Rumoured Defection of Bauchi Governor Bala Muhammad, Says He Is Not Welcome

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State has dismissed reports suggesting Governor Bala Muhammad plans to defect to the party following the alleged collapse of the PDP. In a statement, PRP State Secretary Wada Abdullahi stated that the party has “set clear boundaries” and would not accept the governor, citing his alleged poor performance, disorderly conduct, and policies considered detrimental to the state. The party vowed to investigate his administration if it wins power in 2027 and reverse controversial decisions, including the creation of a First Class Emirate and the appointment of his brother as Emir. While rejecting Bala Muhammad, the PRP stressed that it remains open to individuals who have positively contributed to Bauchi’s development.

Accord Party Clears Governor Ademola Adeleke as Sole Candidate for Osun Governorship Primary

Governor Ademola Adeleke has been officially cleared as the sole aspirant for the Accord Party’s governorship primary scheduled to hold in Osogbo. The party’s screening committee confirmed that Adeleke met all requirements and completed all necessary documentation, presenting him with a certificate of clearance. Adeleke expressed gratitude and affirmed his readiness for both the primary and the general election. His clearance follows his recent resignation from the PDP over internal leadership crises and subsequent announcement of his defection to the Accord Party.

The Basest of Men”: Understanding God’s Sovereignty in Leadership and National Governance

In this reflective opinion piece, Leonard Karshima Shilgba explores the tension between divine sovereignty and human governance through the lens of Daniel 4:13–17. The article examines the biblical phrase “the basest of men,” explaining its Aramaic roots and how it describes leaders of low character or unlikely backgrounds whom God allows or appoints for His purposes. Shilgba highlights biblical and historical examples of such rulers and argues that even when unworthy leaders rise to power, Christians are still called to pray, advocate for righteousness, and engage governance responsibly. He encourages believers not to lose heart, emphasizing that God’s sovereignty does not excuse apathy but empowers courage, accountability, and moral witness. The author concludes that burdens for good governance are divine callings, and that God both raises leaders and strengthens the righteous to shine even under flawed rule.

Human Rights Day: RULAAC Urges Nigerian Government to End Widespread Citizens’ Rights Violations

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Nigerian government to treat human rights as essential daily needs rather than abstract promises. In a statement marking Human Rights Day 2025, Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma highlighted the year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” stressing the importance of access to clean water, healthcare, education, justice, housing, and freedom of expression. RULAAC lamented widespread rights violations caused by corruption, insecurity, poor governance, police brutality, and collapsing social services. The group urged the Tinubu administration to move beyond rhetoric by improving basic services, guaranteeing civic freedoms, reforming law enforcement, protecting vulnerable groups, and addressing insecurity through rights-respecting approaches. It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring abuses and advocating for a Nigeria where human dignity is upheld daily.

Charcoal Pot Fire Kills Woman, Injures Two in Ibadan as Fire Service Warns Against Unsafe Heat Use

A late-night fire caused by an unattended charcoal cooking pot has killed a woman and injured two men at a residential building on Agbaakin Street, Iwo Road, Ibadan. According to Oyo State Fire Service Chairman Maroof Akinwande, the blaze erupted after the lit charcoal ignited nearby combustible materials, gutting two rooms before firefighters contained it. A joint operation with the Federal Fire Service rescued two victims alive and saved property worth millions. In a separate incident, another fire at the Agric Business Development Agency was traced to electrical sparks from a solar inverter. Authorities urged residents to prioritise safety and avoid unsafe indoor charcoal use and faulty electrical installations.

Australia Becomes First Country to Ban Social Media for Under-16s as Platforms Lock Out Millions

Australia has enacted a historic law banning all children under 16 from using major social media platforms, making it the first country in the world to implement such a sweeping restriction. Beginning at midnight, platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and X were forced to block underage users or face penalties of up to A$49.5 million. The crackdown—described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as one of the most significant cultural shifts in Australia’s history—has already resulted in hundreds of thousands of accounts being disabled. While the government argues the ban will protect young people’s mental health, critics warn that mandatory age-verification technology amounts to invasive surveillance. Meanwhile, teenagers flooded social media with emotional farewell posts as their accounts went offline.

BREAKING: Nine Adamawa Women Killed in Alleged Army Shooting Laid to Rest in Mass Burial

Nine women allegedly shot dead by Nigerian soldiers in Lamurde, Adamawa State, have been given a mass burial that drew thousands of grieving residents. Community leaders released the identities of the victims and accused the Nigerian Army of opening fire on unarmed women, a claim the Bwate Youth Wing strongly reiterated. However, the Chobo Youth Forum countered the narrative, alleging their own communities were attacked by a Bachama militia. As both sides exchange accusations, public pressure mounts on the military to explain the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation and why innocent women became casualties.

Nigeria is stepping into a new era and this time, it’s our entire revenue system getting a major upgrade.

In what is easily the biggest shake-up since the TSA era, the federal government has rolled out a unified digital platform that finally puts every revenue stream under one transparent umbrella. No more scattered systems, no more blind spots, everything now speaks to one powerful engine.

Backed by fresh directives from the Accountant General’s office, all federal payments will move fully electronic from January 1, 2026, and the Federal Treasury e-Receipt becomes the only official proof of payment. Physical cash receipts are out.

Those unapproved payment apps some agencies use? Gone. Every Naira collected must go straight into the TSA, clean, clear and accountable.

This is big good news for Nigeria.
For the first time, the government will have real-time visibility of what MDAs collect, remit and account for. Leakages that cost the nation billions every year now face their toughest fight yet.

With the new Revenue Optimisation Platform overseeing billing, reconciliation and performance tracking, corruption loopholes will shrink dramatically.

And for citizens and businesses, it gets even better: no more guesswork, no more shady receipts, no more paying into the wrong hands. Payments become straightforward, secure and easy to verify.

This reform isn’t just another policy, it’s a signal that Nigeria is serious about modernising public finance and tightening the system where it matters most.

A cleaner, smarter, more transparent revenue process is finally here and a big win for everyone.

JUST IN: The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Yohanna, has suggested that the abduction of schoolchildren in Niger State was primarily motivated by ransom rather than religious reasons.

JUST IN: Guinea Bissau Coup Leader Barred From Running For President, Says Junta

Remi Tinubu Breaks Silence, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Amplify ‘Minor Missteps’ After Clash With Gov Adeleke

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has responded to public backlash over her confrontation with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke during the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary. In a viral moment, she approached the governor on stage and warned him to stop singing or she would turn off his microphone. Facing widespread criticism, Remi Tinubu posted a photo with Adeleke on Facebook, urging Nigerians not to amplify “minor missteps” or create unnecessary controversy. Social media users, however, continue to condemn her actions as disrespectful and a national embarrassment. The Osun State government has not yet commented on the incident.

NPHCDA Confirms Use of Soldiers to Escort Vaccination Teams in Insecurity-Hit Northern Communities

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has confirmed that soldiers are now escorting vaccination teams into communities heavily affected by insurgency and banditry across northern Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja, Director of Disease and Immunisation Rufai Ahmed revealed that military support is being used in “real difficult areas” to ensure child immunisation continues despite insecurity. He noted that over 202,000 children in Kebbi and Bayelsa have received the R21 malaria vaccine since December 2024, while Nigeria still has about 2.1 million zero-dose children, mostly in conflict-hit northern states. The agency says it has tracked and vaccinated more than 500,000 previously unreached children and recruited thousands of frontline workers, many serving in militarised zones. Officials insist they will continue pushing vaccination into remote and dangerous communities, even if it requires military escorts, to prevent children from dying of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Taliban have detained four young Afghans for dressing in a Peaky Blinders–inspired style

The men tried to explain that they were simply inspired by the series. But they were accused of “promoting a foreign culture.”

Taliban officials said such behavior “does not align with Islamic values and Afghan culture,” and arrested them.

“We saved this country from the spread of a corrupt culture at great sacrifice, and now we will protect it,” Taliban representative Khaybar said.

In the end, the stylish youngsters were forced to apologize on national television. The morality police said the detainees had “repented.”

Gov Adeleke’s Wife Reacts to Remi Tinubu After Public Clash, Sparks “Power Play” Debate

Osun First Lady Titilola Adeleke has addressed Remi Tinubu in an open message hours after a viral clash between the Nigerian First Lady and Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary. Despite online outrage over Remi Tinubu’s confrontation with her husband—where she threatened to switch off his microphone—Mrs Adeleke congratulated the First Lady on her new title as Yeye Oodua, calling her “Mummy” and praising her virtues. The message triggered mixed reactions, with many Nigerians accusing her of showing respect to someone they believe disrespected the governor, while others described it as a strategic act of maturity and “power play.” The incident has continued to fuel debates over protocol, respect, and the First Lady’s conduct at public events.

Read more in comments section
#fintter
At fintter.com

Peter Obi Laments Rising Violence, Says Nigeria Now “A Nation of Unending Tragedy”

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, describing the country as “a nation of unending tragedy” following renewed killings in Adamawa, Anambra, and Sokoto states. In a statement shared on X, Obi mourned the deaths of worshippers, seven women protesters in Adamawa, and victims of fresh bandit attacks in Sokoto. He warned that no country seeking development can normalise such persistent violence, stressing that insecurity undermines education, agriculture, business, and public trust. Obi called for leadership that values human life, strengthens justice, and tackles root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and weak institutions. He urged Nigerians to demand accountability and work toward a safer and more united nation while offering condolences to the bereaved families.

Burkina Faso Releases 11 Nigerian Officers After ‘Unauthorized’ Air Force Landing Sparks Diplomatic Tension

Burkina Faso has freed 11 Nigerian military officers detained after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made what the junta described as an “unauthorised” landing in Bobo-Dioulasso. While Nigeria maintained that the stop was a technical emergency en route to Portugal, Burkina Faso insisted the aircraft violated its airspace without clearance, prompting a rapid security response. The Alliance of Sahel States—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—condemned the incident as an “unfriendly act” and placed their air forces on maximum alert. Despite the fiery rhetoric, Burkinabè officials later questioned and cleared the officers, who have since returned home. The episode adds to rising tensions between Nigeria and the Sahel juntas amid widening regional security and political rifts.