If Nigeria Fails, The Black Race Has Failed – VP Shettima Warns At NIPSS Graduation

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has warned that Nigeria’s failure would amount to the failure of the entire Black race, stressing the country’s role as a global pacesetter. Speaking at the NIPSS Senior Executive Course 47 graduation in Plateau State, he said Nigeria’s diversity, confidence and global influence must be harnessed for national success.

Tanzanian Lecturer Arrested Over Classroom Remarks as Academics Accuse Suluhu Government of Repression

A senior lecturer at the University of Dodoma has been arrested by Tanzanian police over comments made during a classroom lecture, sparking outrage among academics and human rights advocates. The University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association (UDOMASA) said the lecturer’s remarks were secretly recorded by an informer and forwarded to authorities, leading to a late-night raid on his home. Though later released on bail, the incident has heightened concerns about shrinking academic freedom, state surveillance, and repression under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.


#Tanzania

#AcademicFreedom

#SuluhuAdministration

PDP Chairman Turaki Meets Obasanjo, Declares Party Battle-Ready For Ekiti, Osun Ahead Of 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has signaled its readiness to reclaim power starting with off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections. National Chairman Taminu Turaki, leading a delegation of party leaders, met former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta for strategic consultations. Turaki emphasized the importance of party unity and learning from past leadership experience. The PDP aims to demonstrate its resurgence by winning Ekiti and Osun, positioning itself as a credible alternative to the ruling APC.

#PDP

#EkitiElections

#OsunElections

Judicial Power to Quash Presidential Pardon Explained by Femi Falana SAN

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, argues that presidential or gubernatorial pardons cannot override ongoing judicial processes, especially where trials or appeals are still pending. Citing several Nigerian and foreign court decisions, Falana explains that the prerogative of mercy is only valid after a conviction and exhaustion of appeals, warning that misuse of pardon powers undermines the rule of law. The article references the Maryam Sanda case to reaffirm that courts retain authority to nullify improperly granted pardons.


#PresidentialPardon
#RuleOfLaw
#FemiFalana

Bola Oyebamiji Emerges APC Consensus Candidate for 2026 Osun Governorship Election

Former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election. He was affirmed through a voice vote at the party’s primary in Osogbo after all aspirants agreed to a consensus arrangement, reportedly following consultations with President Bola Tinubu. The primary was attended by top APC leaders, underscoring strong party backing for Oyebamiji’s candidacy.

#OsunElection
#APC
#BolaOyebamiji

Peter Obi Calls for Probe as US Seizes Nigerian Supertanker Over Alleged Oil Theft

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged Nigerian authorities to launch a thorough investigation after United States officials seized a Nigerian-owned supertanker over alleged crude oil theft and illicit activities. Describing the incident as a wake-up call, Obi warned that large-scale oil theft could only be carried out by powerful networks, not ordinary citizens, and stressed the need for stronger institutions, accountability, maritime security reforms, and transparent tracking of Nigeria’s oil resources to restore the nation’s economy and global image.


#PeterObi

#OilTheft

Bola Oyebamiji Emerges APC Consensus Candidate for 2026 Osun Governorship Election

The immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election. He was affirmed through a voice vote at the party’s primary in Osogbo after all aspirants agreed to a consensus arrangement reportedly endorsed by President Bola Tinubu. The primary was attended by top APC leaders and conducted by affirmation rather than a competitive ballot.

#BolaOyebamiji
#OsunElection
#APC

Ewhrudjakpo Was A Friend, Not My Subordinate, Says Gov Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a friend with whom he had an outstanding relationship and was never seen or treated as a subordinate.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted Senator Diri as stating this on Friday night when he led a delegation comprising state legislators and top government officials on a visit to Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo and his late deputy’s family at the official residence in Government House, Yenagoa.

The Bayelsa governor expressed shock at the sudden passing of his deputy on December 11, saying he had a long and cordial working relationship with him while they served in the immediate past administration in the state.

According to him, "we came a long way from the leadership of the government of my predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson. We worked together for eight years and now in our own government, we have been together for almost six years.

"You know what it means when you have a deputy governor who works with you loyally. He was dependable, workaholic and very resourceful.

“We came together as friends and brothers. Our working relationship was not that of a boss and subordinate but it was that of a brother and friend yet recognising that l was his principal.

"Ewhrudjakpo was a man of many parts. He wore the cap of a lawyer and a public health official, who took charge of the committee on primary healthcare. Coincidentally, today (Friday), the state government received a primary healthcare award in Abuja.

"God called him when the ovation was loudest. We believed that we were going to serve together for eight years and we were almost there. Now, how do l celebrate our sixth anniversary in office without Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo?"

Describing his deputy as an upright man who stood for justice and always insisted on doing what was right, Diri said his death was not only painful but a great loss to the state, and urged the Ewhrudjakpo family and the Ofoni community to submit to the will of God, taking solace in the fact that he attained remarkable achievements during his short but impactful lifetime.

The governor assured that government would support the family and take over sponsorship of the children's education to any level as well as ensure that his staff remained part of government.

He equally assured the Ofoni community that their illustrious son, who died in active service, would be given a befitting state burial.

Responding on behalf of the family, one-time member of the state assembly and a former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Oyovwhi Osusu, expressed gratitude to the governor for identifying with the Ewhrudjakpo family and the Ofoni community over the death of the deputy governor.

Dr. Osusu, who said the family and the community were in deep shock over the tragic incident, however attributed it to God's will and thanked the state government for its support.

The governor was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, the Deputy Speaker, Michael Ogbere, House Leader, Monday Obolo-Bubou, and other state legislators.

Also on the entourage were the immediate past deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Peter Akpe, Deputy Chief of Staff, Irorodamie Komonibo, members of the state executive council, President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba, and chairman of the state Peoples Democratic Party, Solomon Agwana, among others.

BENIN has spoken, even if the coup failed, the message did not

Congratulations to the courageous sons of Benin, Lt. Colonel Pascal Tigri, Captain Ousmane Samary, Captain-Major Sambieni Castro, and others.

Whether the coup succeeded or not is not the point. The point is that you dared to confront a system that has silenced, ignored and oppressed the very people it claims to govern.

Your actions exposed the truth the world tries to hide: Bad governance is crippling Benin. President Talon's leadership is choking the nation. Favoritism within the military is destroying morale. Soldiers who die in the line of duty are forgotten and their families abandoned. Northern Benin bleeds from insecurity while leaders pretend all is well. Corruption eats its roots. France exploit and control the nation. Leaders play puppet masters.

These are the grievances of a nation betrayed.

You have reminded Africa that resistance is not dead. You have reminded the continent that neocolonial puppetry can and must be challenged. You have reminded oppressed people everywhere that silence is not the only option.

The people of Benin and many Africans across the continent are proud of your courage, not because of the weapons you carried, but because of the truth you exposed.

Revolutions are not always won in a day.
Sometimes they begin with a spark, and that spark becomes a fire the people carry forward.

History will remember you as men who stood for a wounded nation.

Obasanjo Attends Aso Rock Christmas Carols as Tinubu Skips Event Amid Rising Insecurity

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo attended the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at Aso Rock, hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, marking his first visit to the Presidential Villa since President Bola Tinubu assumed office. Obasanjo read a biblical passage during the service, while President Tinubu was absent, reportedly due to the religious nature of the event. The former president has recently criticized the Tinubu administration over escalating insecurity, including killings, kidnappings, and the government’s reliance on negotiations instead of decisive action against terrorists, highlighting Nigeria’s advanced drone capabilities.

#Obasanjo

#Tinubu

#NigeriaSecurity

Akwa Ibom Community Leader Alleges Police Backing Land Grabbers, Appeals to Tinubu, IGP for Intervention

A community leader from Akwa Ibom State, Udeme Eyosukwa, has accused powerful village heads and compromised police officers of orchestrating widespread land grabbing, intimidation, extortion, and violent attacks against residents. He claims thousands have been displaced through fabricated criminal charges and forced sales of ancestral land, leaving many unable to return to their community. Eyosukwa has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, and security agencies to urgently intervene and establish an independent investigation panel.


#LandGrabbing

#PoliceAbuse

#AkwaIbom

Police Escort Withdrawal: DSS Officers Lobby for VIP Protection Roles

Following President Bola Tinubu’s withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs, some officers of the Department of State Services have started lobbying influential Nigerians to take them on as personal security details

BREAKING NEWS: The Federal Government will effectively give up about N1.4 trillion in revenue in 2026 by reducing the corporate income tax (CIT) rate from 30% to 25%, as part of its newly consolidated tax reform framework.

~ Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed

Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the death sentence passed on Maryam Sanda for the killing of her husband, Bilyamin Bello, in a split 4–1 judgment. The apex court dismissed her appeal, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the Court of Appeal was right to uphold the trial court’s verdict.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Moore Adumein, the court ruled that all issues raised by Sanda lacked merit and affirmed the sentence of death by hanging earlier imposed by an Abuja High Court on January 27, 2020, for the 2017 stabbing incident at their Abuja residence.

The Supreme Court also faulted the exercise of executive powers by President Bola Tinubu to reduce her sentence to 12 years while an appeal was still pending, stressing that such intervention was improper in a culpable homicide case under active judicial consideration.

Despite having spent about six years and eight months at Suleja Prison, Sanda was included in a recent presidential pardon on compassionate grounds. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the clemency considered the best interests of her children, citing her good conduct, remorse, and positive influence while in custody.

#SupremeCourt #MaryamSanda #NigeriaJustice #BreakingNews

Tinubu Dismisses Claims of Christian or Muslim Genocide, Says Nigeria’s Crisis Is Criminality-Driven

President Bola Tinubu has refuted allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting the country’s insecurity stems from criminality and extremism rather than Christian–Muslim conflict. Speaking at NASFAT’s Biennial Conference in Abuja, he emphasized that both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorism and urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security reforms, economic stability, and collaboration with faith-based organisations to promote unity and resilience.

#NigeriaSecurity
#Tinubu
#ReligiousUnity

Death Toll in Adamawa Shooting Rises to 11 as Community Demands Probe From Tinubu, Defence Chiefs

The Pene Da Bwate Development Association (PDBDA) has announced that the death toll from the military shooting of women protesters in Lamurde LGA, Adamawa State, has risen to 11, including an 11-year-old girl. The group is demanding an immediate, independent investigation by President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s defence leadership, describing the killings as reckless and targeted. PDBDA linked the violence to longstanding tensions from a land dispute and referenced earlier alleged military air raids in 2017 that reportedly killed over 100 people. While the Adamawa State government praised security agencies for “swift intervention,” the community insists the shooting of unarmed women must not be ignored and is calling for justice, accountability, and an end to recurring violence.

Police Escort Withdrawal: Pres. Tinubu Should Be Held Responsible If Anything Happens to A Lawmaker — Rep. Jimbo Says

House of Representatives member Clement Jimbo has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s directive ordering the withdrawal of police security from VIPs, warning it exposes lawmakers and politicians to greater d+nger.

Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief, the Akwa Ibom lawmaker said the order puts legislators—especially those from the North—at heightened risk. “You are further exposing them to insecurity, and their lives could be in d+nger,” he said.

Jimbo, an APC member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, argued that the government’s primary duty is the security and welfare of citizens, citing Sections 12 and 14 of the Constitution. “If the federal government is failing in this constitutional provision and anything happens to a lawmaker as a result of this directive, Mr President should be held accountable,” he said.

He urged President Tinubu to reverse the order immediately and instead formalise the security arrangement to generate national revenue. Jimbo suggested recruiting at least 15,000 youths into the police or creating a private security unit dedicated to VIP protection. “Those of us that have this security personnel around us are not free. We pay for it,” he added, arguing that Nigeria could earn “a minimum of N20 trillion annually” from regulated VIP security services.

Jimbo also rejected the idea that only politicians are VIPs. “Every single Nigerian is a VIP,” he said, insisting that anyone who needs protection should have the right to hire security personnel. President Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of police from VIPs on 23 November. The Special Protection Unit has begun implementation after an audit revealed 11,566 officers assigned to VIP duty.

Although the Senate has appealed for an exemption, Tinubu maintained that the redeployment is “not negotiable,” directing the NSA, Minister of Police Affairs, and IGP to enforce compliance. He stressed that police officers must serve the general public, particularly the most vulnerable—not a select group of VIPs.

In Russia, the prosecutor of the ICC who issued the arrest warrant for Putin has been sentenced in absentia

Karim Khan was sentenced to 15 years in a penal colony, while the other judges, including ICC President Peter Hofmansky, were sentenced to terms ranging from 3.5 to 15 years.

These sentences are related to the issuance of the arrest warrant for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Children's Ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova, who are charged with the war crime of the illegal deportation of children from occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia.

BREAKING: The United States congressional delegation, led by Congressman Riley Moore has concluded its fact-finding mission to Nigeria over alleged genocide and is expected to brief President Donald Trump before the end of the month.

Tax Reforms: Bank Accounts May Be Restricted for Nigerians Without Tax ID from 2026 — Oyedele

According to Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, financial institutions will be required to verify Tax Identification Numbers for all taxable Nigerians as part of the new tax system President Bola Tinubu is implementing from January 1, 2026.

“Any taxable entity without a tax ID may have difficulty running their bank account in the near future,” Mr Oyedele warned during an interview.