31.3 C
Lagos
Saturday, March 7, 2026

Bobrisky Sparks Outrage With Threat Over Peller’s Relationship Breakdown

0

(DDM) – Controversial Nigerian social media personality Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has ignited widespread reactions online after issuing a strongly worded warning to TikTok influencer Peller following reports of an attempted suicide and a car crash allegedly linked to a breakup with fellow content creator Jarvis.

The incident, which has dominated social media discussions, came after news circulated that Peller was involved in a car crash amid emotional distress connected to his troubled relationship with Jarvis. While details surrounding the crash and the alleged suicide attempt remain sketchy, the story quickly attracted attention from celebrities and online commentators.

Reacting via a post on his Instagram page, Bobrisky condemned Peller’s actions, describing them as reckless, unnecessary, and dangerous. The crossdresser questioned why relationship problems should drive anyone to take actions capable of destroying their life, health, or property.

Bobrisky expressed disbelief that Peller would reportedly damage a newly acquired car due to emotional distress over a romantic relationship. He argued that material progress and personal safety should never be sacrificed for love-related issues, especially in a situation involving a breakup.

In his message, Bobrisky claimed to know someone he believed was more suitable for Peller and suggested that the influencer should not risk his future over emotional pain tied to a failed relationship. He urged Peller to reassess his priorities and stop allowing romantic matters to dictate his actions.

The internet personality went further by offering unsolicited advice to young people, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and emotional intelligence in relationships. According to Bobrisky, while love is natural, it should never come at the expense of self-respect, mental health, or personal safety.

He warned that once a relationship becomes unhealthy, individuals should have the courage to walk away rather than remain trapped in emotional dependence. Bobrisky stressed that preserving one’s life and future should always outweigh the desire to please a romantic partner.

In a strongly worded and controversial statement written partly in street slang, Bobrisky threatened to confront Peller physically, saying he would “slap” him for attempting to harm himself over a breakup. The remark has since drawn mixed reactions, with some social media users condemning the tone as insensitive, while others defended it as tough love.

DDM observed that the post has reopened conversations around mental health, emotional pressure among young influencers, and the responsibility of public figures when addressing sensitive issues such as suicide and depression.

Critics have argued that while Bobrisky’s message about self-love may be valid, the aggressive language used could trivialize serious mental health struggles. Mental health advocates online have urged influencers to handle such topics with empathy and caution, noting that public statements can have far-reaching effects on vulnerable audiences.

Supporters, however, believe Bobrisky’s comments reflect frustration with a culture that glorifies emotional dependency and self-destructive behavior in relationships. They argue that his blunt approach was intended to shock Peller into recognizing the value of his life and career.

The controversy has once again highlighted the pressures faced by young social media personalities, whose personal relationships often play out in the public eye, sometimes with damaging consequences.

As reactions continue to pour in, the incident serves as a reminder of the growing need for mental health awareness, responsible communication, and emotional resilience in Nigeria’s fast-paced digital culture.

Manchester City Face Intense Schedule In Upcoming Five Matches

DDM News

0

(DDM) – Manchester City are preparing for a demanding sequence of fixtures across all competitions, with crucial games in both the Premier League and the EFL Cup.

According to Sky Sports, Pep Guardiola’s squad will face a significant test of depth, rotation, and consistency as they aim to maintain competitiveness on multiple fronts.

The first challenge comes in the EFL Cup quarter-final at home against Brentford. City will look to control possession while managing squad rotation, aware that Brentford’s disciplined and organised approach can frustrate stronger opponents and make the match unpredictable.

Following the cup clash, Manchester City will return to Premier League action with a home game against West Ham United. The Hammers are expected to provide a physical test, particularly in set-piece situations and aerial duels. City will aim to dominate possession, dictate the tempo, and minimise errors to protect their title ambitions.

Next on the schedule is an away trip to Nottingham Forest, presenting another tough league test. Forest are renowned for their high-energy home performances and aggressive pressing style. Guardiola’s men must assert control in midfield early to prevent the match from becoming a chaotic encounter.

City then travel to Sunderland for another league fixture. Evening games often bring additional intensity, with hosts motivated to challenge top-tier opponents. Guardiola will rely on his squad’s composure, experience, and tactical discipline to navigate the match successfully. Squad rotation and mental focus will be key factors in maintaining performance levels during this demanding run.

The sequence concludes with a high-profile Premier League clash at home against Chelsea. Both clubs are expected to compete intensely as they seek to make statements in the title race. City will aim to leverage home advantage and secure three points to finish the challenging period on a positive note.

DDM notes that this schedule will test Manchester City’s squad depth and adaptability, highlighting the importance of maintaining fitness, managing player workloads, and avoiding injuries. Guardiola’s rotation strategy will be crucial, as he seeks to balance league, cup, and potential European commitments.

Experts predict that City’s ability to sustain high pressing, fluid attacking play, and tactical organisation will determine their success over this five-game stretch. Key players in midfield and attack will need to perform consistently, while defensive stability will be essential against physically robust and motivated opponents.

With five consecutive fixtures that demand strategic planning, resilience, and focus, Manchester City’s upcoming schedule is not only a test of skill but also of managerial acumen and squad unity.

Chelsea Travel To Cardiff For Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Clash

DDM News

0

Chelsea will travel to Cardiff on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, for the Carabao Cup quarter-final, aiming to secure a place in the last four, DDM reports.

The Blues enter the match following a 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, a result that helped them recover from a recent slump which included draws against Arsenal and Bournemouth, as well as defeats to Leeds and Atalanta.

Cardiff City, currently top of League One by four points, will host Chelsea with a full squad available. However, the Bluebirds’ confidence may have been dented by a 5-1 home loss to AFC Wimbledon in their previous Vertu Trophy fixture. Despite that setback, the team is expected to be motivated against high-caliber Premier League opposition.

Chelsea face several injury concerns ahead of the tie. Cole Palmer continues to manage a groin problem and may not feature fully, while Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Romeo Lavia remain sidelined. Defender Levi Colwill is out for the long term, limiting options at the back.

The quality gap between the sides makes Chelsea strong favourites to advance to the semi-finals. Analysts and pundits predict a 3-1 victory for the Blues, although domestic cup competitions are notorious for surprising results.

Historically, the teams have met 45 times, with Chelsea winning 20 matches, Cardiff claiming 15 victories, and 10 encounters ending in draws. This record suggests a competitive matchup despite the difference in league tiers.

Chelsea will be aiming to maintain momentum in both league and cup competitions, balancing knockout commitments with their ongoing Premier League campaign.

The Carabao Cup remains an opportunity for squad rotation while targeting silverware, and Thomas Tuchel’s side will be looking to continue their positive form.

For Cardiff, hosting a Premier League opponent represents a significant challenge but also a chance to showcase their talent on a bigger stage. A strong performance, even in defeat, could boost morale and confidence for the remainder of their League One campaign.

DDM notes that the match will kick off at 7:45 p.m. local time, with live coverage expected on major sports networks and streaming platforms.

Fans will be watching closely to see if Chelsea can overcome injury setbacks and secure the expected result, while Cardiff will aim to produce one of the surprises that domestic cups are known for.

The outcome of this quarter-final tie is likely to influence Chelsea’s rotation strategy for upcoming fixtures, with the team needing to balance recovery, squad depth, and competitive intensity in the weeks ahead.

Dangote Appoints Former CBN Director Dr Mahmud Hassan Chief Economist

0

(DDM) – Dangote Group has appointed renowned economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, Dr Mahmud Hassan, as its Group Chief Economist.

The appointment comes at a critical time, as global and domestic markets face heightened volatility due to inflationary pressures, fluctuating commodity prices, and shifting foreign investment patterns. Dangote Group’s decision underscores its strategic intent to rely on deep economic insight and policy intelligence in navigating these challenges.

In his new role, Dr Hassan will serve as the Group’s top adviser on economic strategy, market trends, and policy implications. He will report directly to the Group President, Aliko Dangote, and will be tasked with providing guidance on investment decisions, financial risk management, and the assessment of macroeconomic trends impacting Dangote Industries Limited’s diverse operations across Africa and beyond.

Dr Hassan brings over 30 years of experience in economic policy formulation, financial sector regulation, and central banking. During his distinguished tenure at the CBN, he held several senior positions, including Director of the Trade and Exchange Department and Director of the Monetary Policy Department. He also served as Secretary to the Monetary Policy Committee and as Special Assistant on Economic Policy and Research to the CBN Governor, where he played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s monetary policy frameworks.

Beyond Nigeria, Dr Hassan has contributed significantly to regional economic integration. He has worked as a lead consultant to the African Union Commission on trade integration initiatives and played a pivotal role in efforts toward establishing the African Monetary Fund, reflecting his expertise in cross-border economic collaboration and policy harmonization.

Academically, Dr Hassan holds a PhD in Economics and an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom. He also earned a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School. He holds professional certifications as a Bank Examiner and AML CFT Analyst, highlighting his deep technical competence in finance and compliance.

Dr Hassan is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Statistical Association, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and the Compliance Institute of Nigeria. He is also a prolific researcher, with numerous publications covering macroeconomics, monetary policy, energy economics, and financial engineering.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Dr Hassan continues to serve as a visiting professor at several Nigerian universities. He is also the President of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics, further demonstrating his commitment to knowledge transfer and capacity building within the country.

DDM observes that Dr Hassan’s appointment reflects Dangote Group’s strategic focus on leveraging expert economic guidance to mitigate risks, optimize investment, and maintain leadership in industrial and commercial sectors across Nigeria, Africa, and globally.

As one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, Dangote Group operates across multiple industries, including cement, sugar, salt, flour, and petrochemicals. Having an experienced economist of Dr Hassan’s caliber is expected to enhance the Group’s decision-making processes amid challenging market dynamics.

With Dr Hassan at the helm of economic advisory, Dangote Group aims to strengthen its resilience, support sustainable growth, and remain adaptive in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.

9 Ways Mentorship Shapes Success And Personal Growth

DDM News

0

(DDM) – Success in life is rarely achieved alone, regardless of talent or effort.

Experts say that surrounding yourself with the right people is critical for personal and professional growth, providing support, guidance, and constructive challenges along the way.

Among these essential relationships, mentorship stands out as particularly valuable.

A mentor is someone who has already navigated the path you aim to follow and can help you avoid common mistakes.

Mentors share practical wisdom and experience, offering advice that accelerates learning and decision-making.

They also help clarify goals, provide emotional support, and introduce strategies that may not be obvious to someone navigating the journey alone.

Having a mentor can make the difference between trial-and-error struggle and guided progress, ensuring a clearer sense of direction in complex situations.

Research shows that individuals with mentors often achieve higher levels of career success, develop confidence, and gain access to professional networks that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Mentorship is not limited to formal programs; it can emerge through professional networks, community involvement, or even informal relationships with experienced peers.

Experts emphasize that finding the right mentor requires patience, mutual respect, and shared values, ensuring the relationship is genuinely beneficial.

In addition to mentors, surrounding oneself with supportive peers and critical thinkers creates an environment conducive to growth and resilience.

This network of guidance, challenge, and encouragement can provide the tools needed to navigate setbacks, seize opportunities, and maintain long-term motivation.

DDM notes that while hard work and talent are vital, the influence of mentors and a strong support system often determines whether ambition translates into lasting success.

For those striving to excel, investing in relationships that foster guidance and challenge is as important as skill development and personal discipline.

Corporate Comfort Failed Me, Acting Fulfilled My Destiny — Peter Ijagbemi

0

(DDM) – Popular Nollywood actor and film producer Peter Ijagbemi has opened up on his unconventional journey into the Nigerian film industry, revealing that economic hardship, personal regret, and a search for fulfillment shaped his transition from the corporate world to acting.

Ijagbemi made the revelation during an interview aired on Doyin Kokuyi TV on Saturday, December 13, 2025, where he addressed long-standing questions about why a trained theatre arts graduate initially pursued careers in banking and insurance rather than film and stage performance.

According to the actor, his decision to abandon theatre immediately after graduation was not driven by a lack of passion, but by harsh economic realities that made survival difficult for young creatives at the time.

He explained that financial pressure forced him to accept a job in the banking sector, despite having invested years studying theatre arts and nurturing dreams of performing on stage and screen.

Ijagbemi disclosed that the banking job did not bring lasting relief, as he continued to struggle financially, prompting him to later move into the insurance industry in search of better income and stability.

He stated that the shift from banking to insurance was motivated purely by the need to survive, stressing that passion had little space in his decision-making during that period of his life.

The actor further revealed that his corporate journey eventually took a dramatic turn when he secured employment with a foreign firm, which he described as an American-owned company operating in Nigeria.

In that role, Ijagbemi said he experienced a level of financial comfort he had never known before, earning a high salary and enjoying numerous benefits that included access to an official car and other work-related privileges.

He admitted that, on the surface, he appeared successful by societal standards, as he had achieved job security and material comfort many Nigerians aspire to.

However, beneath the outward success, Ijagbemi confessed that he was deeply unfulfilled and emotionally disconnected from his true purpose.

He explained that the turning point came when he began seeing former colleagues and friends he once auditioned with becoming visible faces on television and in Nollywood productions.

According to him, watching others live out the dreams he had postponed stirred feelings of regret and forced him into deep self-reflection about the direction of his life.

Ijagbemi said the realization that he had abandoned his passion for comfort became unbearable, pushing him to confront the cost of staying in a career that did not align with his identity.

In a bold and sudden decision, he resigned from his well-paying corporate job, choosing uncertainty in the creative industry over guaranteed comfort in the corporate world.

DDM gathered that the actor described the move as risky but necessary, noting that personal fulfillment mattered more to him than financial security.

Since embracing acting fully, Ijagbemi has gone on to build a successful career in Nollywood as both an actor and producer, earning recognition for his performances and creative contributions.

His story has sparked conversations online about the sacrifices many Nigerians make due to economic pressure and the difficult balance between survival and personal fulfillment.

Ijagbemi’s account highlights broader challenges facing creatives in Nigeria, where limited opportunities and financial instability often force talents into unrelated professions.

The actor’s journey has also reignited debate about whether passion should be sacrificed for economic survival, or whether fulfillment ultimately outweighs material comfort.

For Ijagbemi, the answer appears clear, as he concluded that returning to acting restored a sense of purpose that no corporate benefit could replace.

NAF Airstrikes In Borno Spark Outrage Over Civilian Deaths

0

(DDM) – Nigerian Air Force airstrikes targeting suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State have reportedly resulted in the deaths of several civilians, raising fresh concerns over the conduct of counterinsurgency operations.

Security sources disclosed that the airstrikes were carried out between early morning and late afternoon in the Mararaba area of Kukawa Local Government Area, a region close to Lake Chad that has witnessed repeated clashes between insurgents and security forces.

According to accounts given to journalists, the operation was intended to neutralize ISWAP elements believed to be operating around key routes linking Kukawa to Marte Local Government Area.

However, the strikes allegedly hit an area where fishermen and commercial transport operators had gathered, leading to civilian casualties and destruction of property.

The affected civilians were reportedly fishermen returning from fishing activities and commercial drivers waiting at a terminus to transport fish products and passengers to surrounding communities.

Sources said the gathering point was located along a junction connecting the road to Daban Masara in Kukawa and Badeiri in Marte LGA, a known transit corridor for local trade.

A security source confirmed that while the exact number of civilians killed remains unclear, casualties were significant enough to cause panic and grief within nearby communities.

The same source disclosed that at least three civilian deaths had been confirmed, with more feared dead, while no fewer than ten vehicles were destroyed in the incident.

Some of the injured were reportedly rushed to the General Hospital in Monguno for emergency medical treatment as local residents struggled to respond to the aftermath of the strikes.

The incident reportedly occurred only hours after the Nigerian Air Force publicly reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilian lives during ongoing military operations, particularly those supported by international partners such as the United States.

This timing has further fueled public concern and criticism, especially among residents of conflict-affected communities who have repeatedly complained about civilian harm during air operations.

A serving Nigerian Air Force pilot also confirmed knowledge of the incident, stating that it was discussed during a military briefing held the same day in a North-Western state.

Despite these confirmations, the Nigerian Air Force has yet to issue an official statement addressing the reports, the number of casualties, or the circumstances surrounding the strike.

The silence has sparked renewed debate over transparency, accountability, and intelligence gathering in Nigeria’s long-running war against Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction.

Borno State has been the epicenter of insurgency for over a decade, with airstrikes forming a critical component of the military’s strategy to degrade terrorist camps and supply routes.

While such operations have led to the killing of many insurgents over the years, they have also been marred by repeated allegations of accidental civilian casualties.

Human rights groups and civil society organizations have consistently called for thorough investigations into such incidents and for improved safeguards to prevent harm to non-combatants.

DDM observed that incidents like this continue to strain trust between local communities and the military, even as residents rely heavily on security forces for protection against insurgent violence.

As pressure mounts for official clarification, families of the victims and community leaders are demanding accountability, compensation, and assurances that similar tragedies will not recur.

The reported airstrike has once again highlighted the difficult balance between aggressive counterterrorism operations and the protection of civilian lives in Nigeria’s protracted conflict in the North-East.

Tinubu Praises Buhari’s Legacy Amid Lingering National Controversies Debates

DDM News

0

DDM – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader who genuinely loved Nigeria and left behind what he called an admirable legacy of discipline, integrity, and public service.

Tinubu made the remarks at the public presentation of Buhari’s official biography, an event attended by top political figures, former government officials, diplomats, scholars, and members of Buhari’s immediate and extended family.

Speaking at the gathering, the president said Buhari’s life represented a deep sense of national duty, personal sacrifice, and commitment to public service, stressing that his leadership was guided by strong moral convictions.

Tinubu noted that Buhari’s personal discipline and modest lifestyle shaped his approach to governance, both as a military head of state in the mid-1980s and later as a democratically elected president between 2015 and 2023.

According to him, Buhari consistently believed that public office was a trust bestowed by the people, not a pathway to personal enrichment or political luxury.

The president acknowledged that Buhari’s time in office generated intense debate across the country, but argued that leadership in Nigeria must always be evaluated within the context of complex national challenges.

Buhari first came to national prominence as a military officer before leading a coup in 1983 that removed a civilian government, an era remembered for strict discipline and the controversial War Against Indiscipline programme.

Following his removal from power in 1985, Buhari spent decades in public life, later transitioning into democratic politics and contesting several presidential elections before finally winning in 2015.

His victory marked a historic moment in Nigeria’s democracy, as it was the first time an incumbent president was defeated at the polls.

During his eight years in office, Buhari’s administration focused heavily on anti-corruption campaigns, security operations against insurgency and banditry, and economic reforms that often divided public opinion.

Supporters frequently praised his personal integrity, frugality, and perceived sincerity, presenting him as a sharp contrast to Nigeria’s long history of political excess and corruption.

Critics, however, have continued to point to economic hardship, rising unemployment, currency instability, fuel subsidy controversies, and worsening insecurity in parts of the country under his leadership.

There were also persistent concerns raised by human rights groups regarding the conduct of security agencies during counter-insurgency operations.

These contrasting views have continued to shape national conversations about Buhari’s legacy, making Tinubu’s tribute both symbolic and controversial.

DDM observed that the biography launch has reopened public debate about leadership standards, accountability, and how history should judge political leaders after leaving office.

Tinubu urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to look beyond partisan arguments and study Buhari’s life through a broader historical lens.

He described the biography as an important national record that documents Buhari’s journey from a young military officer to one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s post-independence history.

As Nigeria continues to face economic reforms, political realignments, and social pressures, Buhari’s record remains a subject of intense national scrutiny.

Whether viewed as a disciplined patriot or a leader whose policies fell short of expectations, Buhari’s impact on Nigeria’s political history remains significant and enduring.

FBI Foils New Year’s Eve Pipe Bomb Plot, Arrests Four in California

0

The United States Department of Justice has announced the arrest of four individuals accused of plotting to detonate pipe bombs across Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve.

The suspects Audrey Ilene Carroll, Dante Garfield, Zachary Aaron Page, and Tina Lai were arrested in the Los Angeles area and are alleged members of an extremist group known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF).

According to a federal court complaint, the group planned to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed in backpacks and placed at multiple locations across the city. Prosecutors said the devices were described as complex pipe bombs.

The Justice Department said the suspects took extensive security precautions while planning the attack, including the use of burner phones, encrypted messaging platforms, and creating false alibis by streaming movies at home during the planned operation.

Investigators also alleged that the group compiled step-by-step instructions for constructing pipe bombs.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the suspects identified themselves as part of a radical offshoot of TILF, an extremist organisation motivated by anti-government, anti-law-enforcement, and pro-Palestinian ideology. Authorities said the suspects planned to target five separate locations in Los Angeles.

Investigators alleged that the group coordinated through the encrypted messaging app Signal, using a group chat titled “Order of the Black Lotus.” Court documents state that Carroll provided a detailed list of chemicals, tools, and components needed to build the explosive devices.

On December 12, the suspects allegedly travelled to the Mojave Desert, where they attempted to construct and test the devices.

An FBI bomb technician later determined that materials recovered from the campsite could be readily assembled into both improvised explosive devices and Molotov cocktails.

The case remains under investigation, and prosecutors said additional details may emerge as court proceedings continue.

Coalition Plot Exposed As Obi Threatens Nigeria’s Old Order

DDM News

0

(DDM) – A senior political commentator, Hon. Ogbobe Chidera Stanley, has delivered a scathing critique of the emerging political coalition around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that it represents a continuation of Nigeria’s old political order rather than a genuine reform movement.

In a widely circulated political intervention, Stanley argued that the ADC-led coalition’s rejection of zoning is not driven by national unity or equity, but by strategic calculations tied to entrenched political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to him, the coalition is structured primarily to advance the long-standing presidential aspiration of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while leveraging financial influence to dominate internal processes and candidate selection.

Stanley maintained that the coalition’s inclusive posture masks a deeper objective, which he described as an attempt to draw Peter Obi into the arrangement in order to benefit from his credibility, nationwide appeal, and reformist image.

He insisted that the zoning debate cannot be dismissed lightly, stressing that Nigeria’s fragile political balance depends on fairness and power rotation between regions.

Against this background, Stanley argued that the South is morally and politically positioned to produce Nigeria’s next president, following years of northern leadership and deepening national discontent.

He emphasized that the argument is not rooted in ethnicity or sentiment, but in the principles of equity, stability, and national cohesion that have historically guided Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangements.

Stanley recalled that during early coalition discussions, Peter Obi proposed a single four-year presidential term, after which power would return to the North, a move he described as a rare demonstration of statesmanship.

He noted that the proposal distinguished Obi from career politicians who view political power as a personal entitlement rather than a temporary responsibility to citizens.

Providing broader context, Stanley referenced the 2023 general election, where Peter Obi, running on the Labour Party platform, galvanized millions of young Nigerians and first-time voters under the “Obidient” movement.

Within a short period, the movement disrupted traditional political calculations, challenged money-driven politics, and exposed public hunger for accountability, transparency, and prudent economic management.

Stanley argued that if Nigeria’s constitution permitted independent candidacy, Obi would already be the most formidable contender for 2027, unencumbered by party infighting, financial gatekeeping, or internal sabotage.

He further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fearing a direct electoral contest with Obi, citing worsening insecurity, rising cost of living, subsidy removal shocks, and expanding tax burdens under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, ongoing crises within opposition parties are not accidental, but reflect deliberate efforts to weaken platforms associated with Obi’s political rise.

He pointed to the leadership crisis in the Labour Party and persistent divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as evidence of calculated political interference.

Stanley warned that Nigeria has reached a defining moment, where the 2027 election will determine whether the country breaks free from cycles of elite domination or remains trapped in economic hardship and governance failure.

He urged supporters of reform to remain patient, united, and focused, recalling that the 2023 momentum was built on collective belief rather than elite sponsorship.

In his conclusion, Stanley framed the political struggle as a contest between continuity and change, asserting that Nigeria’s future now hinges on whether reformist forces can withstand pressure from entrenched interests.

He described Peter Obi as a symbol of that challenge, arguing that the resistance against him reflects fear of accountability and the collapse of long-standing patronage networks.

For Stanley, the coming years will not merely test political parties, but will define Nigeria’s direction as a nation seeking either renewal or regression.

Two Killed as Armed Militants Loot Banks in Pakistan

0

Heavily armed militants on Monday looted several banks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province before clashing with security forces, leaving one police officer and a civilian dead, officials have said.

Authorities said the attackers carried out a coordinated operation in Panjgur district, looting at least three banks and making away with about 150 million Pakistani rupees (approximately $530,000).

A police official told AFP that the militants attempted to raid two additional banks before security forces engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee the area.

“At least one officer was killed and two others injured during the clash, while a shopkeeper died after being caught in the crossfire,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A senior district administration official confirmed the incident, stating that between 50 and 60 militants arrived on 12 motorcycles and four vehicles. The official identified the attackers as members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

No group has formally claimed responsibility for the attack, but Balochistan has witnessed a surge in violence by ethnic Baloch separatist groups targeting security forces and infrastructure in recent years.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, remains its poorest and most unstable region.

The BLA, designated a terrorist organisation by Pakistan, the United States and several other countries, has intensified attacks on security forces and foreign-linked interests.

In March, the group seized a passenger train carrying more than 450 people, triggering a two-day siege that left dozens dead.

 

2027: Kogi Community Endorse Ododo, Tinubu for Second Term

0
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Afemai community in Lokoja has endorsed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to mobilise 50,000 votes in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement was announced on Sunday by the Onogie of Afemai in Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Zakaria Dangana, during the second edition of the community’s annual end-of-year celebration held in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Chief Dangana said the Afemai people had resolved to support Governor Ododo in recognition of his inclusive governance and pragmatic policies towards non-indigenes, from which the community has benefited significantly.

He noted that the Afemai, also known as the Etsako people of Edo State, with six local government areas, have lived in Kogi State for over a century and have contributed to its socio-economic development.

Describing the Afemai as peace-loving and industrious, Dangana said the community had consistently undertaken projects that positively impact host communities.

He appealed to the state government to recognise, grade and gazette his traditional stool in line with other ethnic nationalities in Kogi State.

The traditional ruler also called for increased civil service employment, political appointments and empowerment opportunities for qualified Afemai indigenes, stressing that members of the community have demonstrated integrity, competence and commitment to the development of the state.

Responding on behalf of the governor, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engineer Yahaya Farouk, assured the community that their requests would be considered.

He advised the Afemai people to organise themselves into strong associations to effectively engage relevant government platforms.

Farouk acknowledged the critical role the Afemai community has played in the growth and development of Lokoja and Kogi State, noting that Afemai sons and daughters have been active participants in national political activities in the state since the Second Republic.

Governor Ododo, in a message delivered through the commissioner, urged the community to remain politically active to enable them benefit fully from the dividends of democracy.

Also speaking, the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Gambo Maikarfi V, praised the Afemai community for their developmental contributions, saying the growth of areas such as Adankolo and Lokongoma would be incomplete without the involvement of Etsako people.

In a related remark, the Kogi State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Sani Gambo, commended Governor Ododo’s stance against banditry and kidnapping, noting that security remains a collective responsibility regardless of political affiliation.

Gambo pledged to mobilise PDP members to support government security initiatives and programmes that directly impact the people, while also commending the organisers of the end-of-year celebration.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Afemai Progressive Union, Abu Michael, said the gathering was aimed at reflection and repositioning the Afemai people for socio-economic development ahead of the 2027 elections.

He called on the state government to support Afemai indigenes through employment, appointments and empowerment programmes, stressing that the community, having resided in Lokoja for over a century, should be regarded as indigenes contributing to the state’s development.

Russia Rejects EU Plan to Use Frozen Assets to Fund Ukraine Loan

0
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy versus Russian President, Vladimir Putin
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine versus President Vladimir Putin of Russian

Russia has strongly opposed a proposal by the European Union (EU) to use about €210 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets as backing for loans to support Ukraine, describing the move as illegal and a violation of international law.

The proposal, which EU leaders are expected to deliberate on at a summit later this month, would allow the bloc to indefinitely freeze Russian sovereign assets and use them as collateral to finance Ukraine’s defence and civil needs in 2026 and 2027.

In response, the Russian Central Bank on Friday filed a lawsuit in a Moscow court against Euroclear, the Belgium-based financial depository holding most of the frozen funds.

The bank is seeking damages over its inability to manage or access the assets.

Russia also warned it would challenge any use of the funds in both national and international courts.

According to Reuters, the EU plans to remove the requirement for all 27 member states to unanimously renew sanctions every six months, a move that would clear procedural hurdles to keep the assets frozen indefinitely.

European officials estimate that Ukraine faces a €135.7 billion financing gap over the next two years, necessitating predictable and long-term funding mechanisms.

Under the proposal, the frozen Russian assets would serve as collateral for what some officials describe as a “reparations loan,” to be repaid only if Russia compensates Ukraine for war-related damages.

In an official statement, the Russian central bank said any direct or indirect use of its assets violates international law and the principle of sovereign immunity.

“Any unauthorised use of the assets of the Bank of Russia is illegal and contrary to international law,” the statement said.

Russian officials and analysts have gone further, describing the plan as “theft” and warning of possible retaliatory measures if the EU proceeds.

Despite Russia’s objections, EU ambassadors and finance ministers are expected to finalise procedural steps ahead of a December 18 summit in Brussels, where the loan proposal will be formally debated.

European leaders have indicated they remain determined to push ahead, viewing the plan as essential to sustaining Ukraine amid the ongoing war.

Failed opposition engaging in subterfuge — Presidency

0
Director of the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayo Onanuga
Director of the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayo Onanuga

The Presidency has denied allegations that Nigeria’s multi-party system is under threat, stating that politicians are joining the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) voluntarily and in accordance with the 1999 constitution.

The rebuttal is coming after the opposition figures accused the ruling party —APC of attempting to suffocate democracy.

According to a statement issued by the spokesman of the president, Chief Bayo Onanuga, he dismissed the opposition’s claims as a desperate attempt to confuse the polity and gain cheap political gains.

He emphasized that the constitution guarantees freedom of association, allowing citizens to change their political affiliations at any time.

The statement also addressed allegations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) being weaponized for political purposes, insisting that the agency is independent and empowered to investigate and prosecute financial crimes without interference.

The anti-graft agency has begun investigating politicians with unexplained wealth, and the Presidency believes those with clean records should defend themselves.

The statement reads: “Nigeria’s so-called opposition politicians, comprising some of those left in a dying political party and a sprinkling of some failed political office aspirants regrouping in a platform struggling to find its bearings, are amusing lots.

“They blow hot air, seek scapegoats for their failure and move to confuse the polity in a desperate search for cheap political gains.

“On Sunday, a group of opposition figures gathered to sing their familiar tune, hoping their cheerleaders would see their action as a blistering attack from a seemingly virile opposition group.

“They alleged a threat to multi-party democracy because many top politicians are joining the governing All Progressives Congress of their own free will. Our constitution guarantees freedom of association and affords our people the right to change their political leanings at any time of their choosing.

“None of the people who joined the governing APC was pressured to do so. They all did so of their own free will. They are being motivated by the noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.

“We may ask: when politicians were moving in droves to the now-dying Peoples Democratic Party between 2000 and 2015, was Nigeria’s democracy imperilled?

“Also, investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have begun exposing those with some explanation to give regarding their stewardship in office and management of public funds entrusted to them. These politicians now accuse President Tinubu of weaponising the EFCC for political purposes.

“While the Presidency does not speak for the EFCC and believes the agency can speak for itself, we must reiterate that the EFCC is an independent institution established by law and empowered to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference or favour.

“The agency’s mandate is to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, irrespective of the personalities involved, their political affiliations, or their positions in society. We find it curious that the same people who claimed they want to rescue Nigeria are now the ones waging a war of attrition against accountability and probity. Those who have cases to answer before EFCC should be bold and brave enough to defend themselves if they are clean.

“President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.

“President Tinubu has significant state issues to address rather than engage in political targeting.

“The prosecution is conducted by the court, not by any sleight of hand, and those found not guilty will receive a clean bill of health.

“Allegations of “weaponisation” are distractions from these politicians, who are running short of campaign issues to challenge President Tinubu and the APC’s success in less than three years in office.

“No one is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, both in and out of the office. Political affiliation should not be a shield against EFCC statutory work, which recently led to Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list.

“We have taken cognisance of the signatories to the statement. It is instructive that some of them were previously investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC even before President Tinubu took office in 2023.

“Some of these politicians have also been indicted in international financial probes for money laundering, with some of their accomplices jailed in foreign lands.

“Are they now signing statements because their chickens are coming home to roost?

“We advise those politicians not to undermine the integrity of our nation’s institutions and the collective resolve to fight corruption by weaponising politics to escape accountability and encourage impunity.

“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and should not be trivialised by baseless allegations, jaundiced or politicised narratives”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supreme Court Upholds President’s Power to Declare State of Emergency

0

The Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutional power of the President to declare a state of emergency in any state of the federation to prevent a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos.

In a split decision of six to one, the apex court held that the President may, during a state of emergency, suspend elected state officials, provided such suspension is for a limited and clearly defined period.

Delivering the lead majority judgment, Justice Mohammed Idris ruled that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy where emergency rule is declared.

Justice Idris noted that the Constitution does not expressly define the scope of such extraordinary measures, thereby granting the President discretion on the actions required to stabilise the affected state.

The ruling followed a suit filed by Adamawa State and 10 other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled states, which challenged the legality of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

The emergency declaration led to the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and other elected officials.

Earlier in the judgment, Justice Idris upheld preliminary objections raised by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the National Assembly, ruling that the plaintiffs failed to establish a cause of action capable of invoking the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction.

He consequently struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction, but proceeded to also consider the substantive issues and dismissed the case on its merits.

However, Justice Obande Ogbuinya dissented, holding that while the President possesses the constitutional authority to declare a state of emergency, such power does not extend to the suspension of elected governors, deputy governors, or members of a State House of Assembly.

The judgment has significant implications for the interpretation of executive powers under emergency rule and the balance between federal authority and democratic governance at the state level

FIRS Denies Granting France Access to Nigerian Taxpayer Data

0

Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed claims that a tax cooperation agreement with France grants foreign authorities access to Nigerian taxpayer data or digital tax systems.

In a statement issued on Saturday, FIRS clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) does not permit access to taxpayer records, databases, or any component of Nigeria’s tax administration infrastructure.

The agency stressed that all Nigerian laws governing data protection, cybersecurity, and national sovereignty remain fully applicable and strictly enforced.

According to FIRS, the agreement is a standard international cooperation framework designed to promote technical knowledge exchange, institutional development, and capacity building, similar to arrangements used by tax authorities in other jurisdictions.

“The MoU does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer data, digital systems, or any element of our operational infrastructure,” the statement said.

FIRS further explained that the agreement does not involve the provision of technical services, adding that its scope is limited to knowledge sharing, workforce development, policy support, institutional strengthening, and best-practice guidance.

Addressing concerns over potential displacement of local technology providers, the agency assured that the MoU does not undermine Nigerian firms.

It reaffirmed continued collaboration with domestic payment and technology companies, including NIBSS, Interswitch, Paystack, and Flutterwave.

The clarification follows public commentary and speculation surrounding the agreement, with FIRS reiterating its commitment to safeguarding taxpayer data and maintaining full control over Nigeria’s tax systems.

 

FRSC to Prosecute TikToker Peller Over Viral Livestream Car Crash

0

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to prosecute popular TikToker Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, over a road crash that occurred while he was livestreaming on Sunday.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide.

Mohammed described the incident as illegal and dangerous, warning that the act could have resulted in loss of lives.

The crash, which was captured live on social media, sparked widespread reactions online and renewed concerns about unsafe driving practices among celebrities and content creators.

According to the FRSC boss, engaging in livestreaming, recording, or any form of content creation while driving constitutes a direct violation of traffic regulations and poses serious risks to both drivers and other road users.

“Fame does not confer immunity from the law, nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads,” Mohammed said.

He stressed that distracted driving undermines national efforts to reduce road crashes and traffic-related deaths across the country.

Following the incident, the Corps Marshal directed the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC to commence prosecution of the TikToker.

The charges, he said, will include reckless driving, use of a mobile phone while driving, and distracted driving, in line with existing traffic laws.

Beyond enforcement, Mohammed urged professional bodies in the entertainment and digital content space to take responsibility for promoting safe road use among their members.

He noted that celebrities and influencers wield significant influence, particularly among young Nigerians, and must serve as role models for responsible behaviour.

“Celebrities must be ambassadors of safety, not symbols of recklessness,” he warned.

The FRSC also cautioned that it would apply the full weight of the law against anyone celebrity or otherwise found violating traffic regulations.

“No social media trend or momentary clout is worth a human life,” Mohammed said, adding that public roads are not studios or streaming platforms.

The agency encouraged members of the public to report dangerous driving and reaffirmed its commitment to safer highways nationwide.

Bandits abduct 7 in Kano community

0
Banditry: Sokoto approves road construction to boost security
Banditry: Sokoto approves road construction to boost security

Gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked Lakwaya town in Kano State’s Gwarzo Local Government Area on Sunday night, abducting seven people from Zurin Mahauta village.

The village head, Murtala Mai Unguwa, confirmed the incident and said security operatives responded quickly and are tracking the kidnappers.

However, Army 3 Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, stated that five people were abducted, and troops are working to rescue them.

The state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had visited affected communities to assure residents of government support.

 

 

U3 Media Ambassadors Congratulate Comrade Johnbull A. Kenairu on His Appointment to Delta PDP Caretaker Committee

0

On behalf of the entire leadership of the PDP U3 Forum, the U3 Media Ambassadors, the media wing of the Peoples Democratic Party for Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency, have extended heartfelt congratulations to one of their own, the amiable Chairman of Udu PDP, Comrade J. A. Kenairu, on his new role as a member of the Delta State PDP Caretaker Committee.

The U3 leaders, alongside stakeholders, elders, youths and women, expressed great pleasure that a capable and sagacious leader from their ranks has been entrusted with a state‑level assignment. Since joining the PDP family, Comrade Kenairu has consistently demonstrated passion, compassion, capacity and unwavering commitment to the party’s progress.

His active presence in Abuja, where he has been involved in the National Working Committee’s activities, underscores his determination to steer the PDP toward a more progressive future.

The U3 family is proud to see you represent our Federal Constituency at the state level, and we are confident that you will continue to represent us admirably. We stand ready to support you in every way.

Comrade Kenairu, an open‑minded and forward‑thinking PDP leader, your appointment comes as no surprise to any of us. Once again, congratulations!

Signed,

Prt. Sir J. K. Adafan

Deputy Chairman, U3MA & Media Coordinator, Ughelli South.

Farouk Ahmed and his 5 million dollars tuition for his children

0
Engineer Farouk Ahmed
Engineer Farouk Ahmed

By Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, PhD.

President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has accused the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Engineer Farouk Ahmed of economic sabotage and living way above his verifiable and legitimate earnings.

Dangote who made the allegations during a press conference at the corporate headquarters of his Dangote Refinery in Lagos expressed frustration with the activities of supposed industry regulators who, instead of implementing policies and ideas that would benefit ordinary Nigerians, rather work to protect their personal interests without regard to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

He accused the NMDPRA boss of paying approximately 7.5 Billion Naira in years tuition fees for four of his children studying in Switzerland, wondering if his earnings at NMDPRA or any other legitimate income of his could afford such exorbitant and unnecessary school expenses for his children in Secondary, arguing that his (Dangote) own children went to secondary schools in Nigeria, even though he could comfortably afford to send them to any school in the world from his legitimate earnings.

The NMDPRA and other petroleum industry regulators are accused of trying to frustrate the effective stabilisation of Nigeria’s local refining capacity by continuing to grant import licences to marketers to bring in “low quality blended PMS into Nigeria”, at exorbitant prices, thereby making it difficult for local refiners to break even in their business operations.

I do not have any doubts that Alhaji Aliko Dangote got his facts right, before coming to the public with these hefty allegations of traitorous behaviour by the NMDPRA helmsman, even as the richest man in Africa had challenged the man at the centre of the storm to disprove his allegations, as well declaring his readiness to publish the details of these fees payment and also exploiting legal options to compel the schools in Switzerland to disclose these payments to the world.

Beyond the obvious economic sabotage in the actions of Engineer Farouk Ahmed and his cohorts in the dangerous mafia trying to frustrate Nigeria’s economic stability, one Dan also the animalistic wickedness of many in Nigeria’s ruling class; they do not only frustrate Nigeria’s economic and social development, they also make desperate efforts to shield their children from the damage they wrought on the country. Individuals like Farouk Ahmed do not believe in Nigeria and would auction the country to any willing buyer, if they have the opportunity, and as long as they are guaranteed of their children’s immunity from the consequences of such evil trade.

Many of these traitors are those who have always had an easy life. They are the spoilt brats of Nigeria who don’t know the value of work and the slightest decency, but would steal everything that comes their way, in the selfish drive to continue to be powerful and to prepare their children for a life of ease and comfort, even if it means that the rest of Nigeria perishes.

Listening to Dangote speak about this ongoing sabotage in the petroleum sector and how it impacts the ordinary Nigerian, you would not help but recognise and appreciate his unmistakable patriotism and empathy – more than you can see in any or most Nigerian politicians. Dangote, if he wanted to be selfish, would not care about Nigerians, because he does not have or doesn’t seem to be interested in seeking the votes of Nigerians for anything, but he cares and works harder than those who have our votes for the interest of ordinary Nigerians.

An individual like Engineer Farouk Ahmed should not have any business continuing in his position as the Chief Regulating Authority in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The expositions against him by Dangote, should be enough, not only to drag him out of that office in handcuffs, but also to ensure that he does not see the skies for a very long time, or until he is able to prove himself innocent of these heavy allegations against him. His alleged actions are at direct variance to the President’s stated vision for Nigeria’s petroleum industry, and it would make no sense to condone him for a day longer after these allegations have been made.

May Nigeria Prevail!

Aburime, CP Orutugu, Njelita, others receive SWAN honours in Anambra

0
Aburime, CP Orutugu, Njelita, others receive SWAN honours in Anambra

 

Mr Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Gov Chukwuma Soludo and CP Ikioye Orutugu, Commissioner of Police, Anambra Command have been honoured by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for their positive contributions to the society.

The awards of recognition were conferred on the recipients during the SWAN Anambra Chapter End of Year Lectures and Recognition ceremony on Awka Saturday night.

The event marked the end of the two-day 2025 edition of SWAN Week by the Anambra Chapter of the association which started with Medical Outreach for journalists where no fewer than 50 benefited.

Aburime was honoured for his contributions to the media and support for sports journalism in Anambra while Ikioye was recognised for his community policing strategy which had stability to Anambra security environment.

Other honourees at the event were Chief Tony Oli Pioneer Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission for vision and impact on sports as well as Dr Chukwudi Njelita, Chief Medical Director of Rick Foundation Hospital for Public Health Advocacy crusade.

Chief Obinna Ezema, Managing Director CEO Cosmila Suites and Hotel for promoting sports in the hospitality sector while Barr Chukwudi Oli for his intervention in sports infrastructure in his community, Nri Anaocha Local Government Area.

Delivering a lecture entitled “Sudden Death Phenomenon: Why Fitness Alone is not Enough” Njelita called on members of the public to go for regular checks of their vitals such as blood pressure, sugar levels, pulse and oxygen level.

Njelita said irregular or abnormal rates if these indicators could lead to medical emergencies such as syncope, diabetes and stroke.

He said blood pressure could only be managed but not cured and encouraged patients with high or low blood pressure to be religious in taking their management medicines while urging anybody above 40 years to take vasoprin daily to prevent stroke.

The medical expert said while it was important for people to engage in physical exercise in a bid to keep fit, they should avoid strenuous workouts that could drain them and trigger unhealthy changes in their blood pressure or heartbeat.

On his part, Dr Henry Duru, a lecturer in the Mass Communications Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to prioritise sports as a key economic sector.

Duru said sports had become both a major industry and external image strategy for advanced countries but regretted that
Anambra had not shown readiness to harness the opportunities in the sports economy.

He said that the transformative success in sports hinged on two foundational pillars: strategic Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and purpose driven infrastructure development.

He said the scale of investment required for a modern sports ecosystem far exceeded the capacity of government budgets alone.

According to him, the role of government must evolve from being the sole funder and operator to becoming a strategic facilitator and regulator.

“There is also the need for modern, multi-purpose sports infrastructure which is the physical foundation necessary for talent discovery, athlete conditioning, and hosting commercially viable competitions.

“Infrastructure is the most visible sign of commitment to a sports economy, it ranges from community playgrounds and local sports halls to international standard stadiums.

“The challenge lies not just in policy formulation but in the consistent and transparent implementation of these plans.

“For Anambra to fully tap into the lucrative sports economy, the convergence of political will, private investment, and professional management will be essential,” he said.

Chief Paul Nwosu, Chairman of the occasion described the event as one of the most educating he attended in recent history and appreciated SWAN for providing the platform for such a robust conversation.

Nwosu who is the immediate past Commissioner for Information in Anambra urged the government to take the issues as constructive feedback from the public while urging participants to take their health seriously by adhering to the advice of the doctor.

Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of SWAN, Anambra Chapter congratulated the honourees and urged them to continue to contribute to the security and economy of the state by empowering youths through sports.

Anaso appreciated friends and partners of SWAN including Rock Foundation Hospital, Awka, Anambra Police Command, Department of State Services, Anambra Command, Anambra Beach Soccer Association for contributions to the success of the event.

Bandits Kill Ex–Zamfara LG Vice Chairman Despite ₦15m Ransom

0

Suspected bandits have killed a former Vice Chairman of Bukkuyyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Mu’azu Muhammad Gwashi, despite collecting a ₦15 million ransom from his family.

Gwashi was abducted about five months ago and held in captivity until he was reportedly murdered last weekend.

Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, a family member, Muhammad Lawal Gwashi, said the abductors initially demanded ₦30 million for his release.

He explained that the family’s inability to raise the amount immediately prolonged the victim’s detention.

According to him, the kidnappers later reduced the ransom to ₦15 million, which the family paid after the abductors brought Gwashi to an agreed location.

“They collected the ₦15 million but still insisted on the remaining ₦15 million, saying they would not release him until the balance was paid,” he said.

He added that the killing has heightened fear in the community, forcing many residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have foiled an armed robbery attack, rescued abducted travellers, and recovered weapons in separate operations across Taraba State.

The Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Brigade’s Acting Spokesperson, Lt. Umar Muhammad.

According to the statement, soldiers on December 6, 2025, responded to a distress call in Manya, Takum Local Government Area, where armed robbers had barricaded the Manya–Takum Road and were dispossessing travellers.

“The troops launched a rapid clearance operation, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon their weapons,” the statement said, adding that one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.

In a separate operation in Kufai Amadu, also in Takum, troops rescued two abducted travellers following reports that four men from Bauchi State were kidnapped while seeking directions to Baissa in Kurmi Local Government Area.

The Army said two of the victims escaped from captivity, while search operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining abductees and apprehend the perpetrators.

In another intelligence-led raid on December 6 in Iware, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, troops recovered arms and arrested two suspects in Garin Sambo, Tau Village.

Items recovered include two pump-action guns, 13 cartridges, two motorcycles, and four mobile phones. The suspects were identified as Baba Wura Sambo and Mallam Adamu Darda.

Commending the troops, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, reiterated the Army’s commitment to sustained operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Taraba State.

Shock as Hollywood Director Rob Reiner, Wife, Found Dead in Los Angeles Home

0

Legendary Hollywood filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, have been found dead in their Los Angeles home, authorities have confirmed.

Police and firefighters were called to the couple’s residence in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood on Sunday afternoon, where a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the scene.

While police have not formally identified the victims, California Governor Gavin Newsom and a family spokesperson confirmed the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner.

The Los Angeles Police Department said it has opened a homicide investigation, although no arrests have been made and no suspect or person of interest is currently being sought.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesperson said. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department said emergency services received a call for medical aid at about 3:38 pm local time. Robbery-homicide detectives later responded and confirmed both bodies remained inside the home several hours after authorities arrived.

Police declined to provide details on possible injuries, the cause of death, or whether a weapon was found, noting that the LA County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause of death.

Tributes Pour In

Governor Newsom described Reiner as a “big-hearted genius” whose work shaped generations of film lovers.

Former US President Barack Obama said he and former First Lady Michelle Obama were heartbroken by the news, praising Reiner’s lifelong commitment to social justice and belief in the goodness of people.

Tributes also poured in from across the entertainment industry. Actor and director Ben Stiller called Reiner “one of my favourite directors,” while Eric Idle, John Cusack, Elijah Wood, James Woods, and Josh Gad described the loss as devastating.

A Storied Career

Rob Reiner, the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, began his career in the 1960s and rose to fame playing Meathead in the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards.

He went on to direct some of Hollywood’s most iconic films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men, the latter earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. He also co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment.

Reiner remained active in film and television in recent years and reunited with the Spinal Tap cast for a sequel released in September.

Michele Reiner

Michele Reiner was an actress, photographer, and producer, and the owner of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company. The couple married in 1989 and had three children together.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described their deaths as a “devastating loss” for the city, praising the couple’s advocacy for children’s welfare, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ causes.

Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports Hit Record ₦9.2 Trillion in Nine Months

0

Nigeria’s non-oil exports surged to a record ₦9.2 trillion in the first nine months of 2025, representing a 48 per cent increase from the ₦6.2 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Data from the Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics shows that the sharp rise marks Nigeria’s strongest non-oil export performance since at least 2015, underscoring how the 2023 naira devaluation has reshaped the country’s external trade dynamics.

The weaker naira has improved the global price competitiveness of Nigerian non-oil products, significantly boosting export revenues in naira terms.

Total non-oil exports for the whole of 2023 stood at ₦3.1 trillion, meaning the first nine months of 2025 alone have already tripled that figure.

Monthly Exports Near ₦1 Trillion

In the third quarter of 2025, non-oil exports reached ₦2.996 trillion, up from ₦2.5 trillion in Q3 2024, ₦683 billion in Q3 2023, and ₦438 billion in Q3 2022.

A breakdown of monthly figures shows:

July 2025: ₦1.23 trillion

August 2025: ₦880 billion

September 2025: ₦890 billion

On average, Nigeria now earns close to ₦1 trillion monthly from non-oil exports a level previously unattainable under the former exchange rate regime.

However, analysts caution that NBS trade figures are reported in naira terms, meaning currency depreciation inflates export values even where export volumes may not have increased proportionately.

Oil Still Dominates Export Earnings

Despite the record performance, non-oil exports accounted for only about 12–14 per cent of Nigeria’s total exports on a monthly basis in Q3 2025.

Crude oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas continue to dominate foreign exchange inflows.

This dependence leaves Nigeria exposed to oil price volatility, indicating that while non-oil exports are growing, they have not yet fundamentally transformed the country’s balance of payments.

What’s Driving the Growth?

NBS data shows that non-oil export growth remains concentrated in capital-intensive and energy-linked sectors rather than broad-based manufacturing:

Chemical and allied products: ₦845 billion

Prepared food, beverages, spirits & tobacco: ₦692 billion

Vehicles, aircraft, vessels & parts: ₦550.8 billion

Vegetable products: ₦214.5 billion

By sector:

Agricultural exports: ₦786.6 billion

Raw materials: ₦1.0 trillion

Solid minerals: ₦100.8 billion

Manufactured goods exports reached ₦2.0 trillion in Q3 2025, while energy-related manufactured exports stood at about ₦91 billion.

Despite exporting ₦2 trillion worth of manufactured goods, Nigeria imported ₦4.75 trillion worth of manufactured products during the same period, highlighting continued reliance on foreign industrial output.

Most manufactured exports remain concentrated in fertilisers, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, and heavy industrial goods, with limited penetration in light manufacturing and consumer products.

The surge in non-oil exports confirms that Nigerian exporters are responding to improved price incentives following the naira adjustment.

The data also shows Nigeria’s capacity to generate trillion-naira monthly export receipts outside oil under favourable conditions.

However, analysts note that sustained diversification will require deeper industrialisation, improved manufacturing capacity, and reduced dependence on imported goods to achieve long-term economic transformation.

Labour Party Crisis Deepens as BoT, NEC Sack Nenadi Usman–Led Faction

0
Ondo: LP Youth Leader – Dem offer me ₦100 Million make I collapse my party structure go PDP

A fresh leadership crisis has erupted in the Labour Party (LP), further widening divisions within the camp associated with former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, following the dissolution of the Senator Nenadi Usman–led interim National Working Committee (iNWC).

The sack of the iNWC was announced by the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) in conjunction with a quorum of the statutory National Executive Council (NEC), according to a leaked statement dated December 2, 2025. The statement was jointly signed by the BoT Chairman, S.O. Ejiofor, and Secretary, Salisu Mohammed.

Ejiofor said the decision followed months of what he described as “gross incompetence,” failure to conduct congresses, and actions capable of plunging the party into “irreparable oblivion” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As part of the leadership shake-up, the party reappointed Prince Tony Akeni as acting National Publicity Secretary and Nwauwa Nnawuihie as acting National Secretary, pending the constitution of a new interim National Working Committee in line with the party’s constitution.

“The Board of Trustees and statutory National Executive Council quorum of the Labour Party of Nigeria stand by the dissolution of the Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha-led interim National Working Committee of the party as officially communicated to the dissolved committee in the party’s letter of December 3, 2025,” Ejiofor said.

The statement traced the crisis to the appointment of the Nenadi-led committee on September 4, 2024, in Umuahia, Abia State, with a 90-day mandate to organise nationwide state congresses and a national convention in line with a 2018 consent judgment and an INEC-brokered settlement.

According to the BoT, the committee failed to meet the deadline and also failed to deliver after a further 90-day extension granted on July 18, 2025, which expired on October 17, 2025, “without even a single ward congress conducted nationwide.”

The dissolved committee was also accused of presiding over a period in which the Labour Party was excluded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from local government elections, by-elections, and other upcoming polls, resulting in mass defections and organisational paralysis.

“During the same period under the sleepwalking leadership of the Usman-led committee, LP was brazenly excluded by INEC from participating in all local council elections, state and National Assembly by-elections throughout Nigeria during the outgoing year 2025,” the statement added.

However, the Nenadi faction has rejected the dissolution, setting the stage for renewed legal and political confrontation.

Reacting, Nenadi Usman’s media aide, Ken Asogwa, dismissed the action as unconstitutional and legally untenable, insisting that the BoT lacks the authority to dissolve a National Working Committee.

“Dissolved by who? The BoT or the NLC? Have you seen where a BoT dissolved a constituted National Working Committee of a political party before?” Asogwa asked.

He argued that only the NEC and a National Convention have the constitutional powers to dissolve an NWC.

“The only two organs of a political party, including the Labour Party, that have the capacity to dissolve a National Working Committee are the NEC and the National Convention,” he said.

Asogwa also questioned the authenticity of the letters announcing and retracting the dissolution, citing contradictions, and maintained that Nenadi Usman remains the party’s legitimate national chairman by virtue of NEC appointment and a Supreme Court judgment.

Similarly, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, dismissed claims of factionalism and challenged the legitimacy of the BoT behind the dissolution.

“You can’t place something on nothing. In truth, we don’t have any faction,” Ifoh said, adding that the BoT cited in the statement “has not been constituted” by the party.

According to him, the body acting as the BoT belongs to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which he accused of interfering in party affairs.

“What you see playing out is the BoT that belongs to the Nigeria Labour Congress. The NLC has become a government organisation that now appoints a BoT for a political party,” he said.

Ifoh dismissed allegations that loyalists of Julius Abure had infiltrated the party to fuel the crisis, insisting that the Labour Party remains united under a single leadership.

“These guys are just distractions. They are amusing themselves and bastardising what democracy stands for,” he added.

The latest development underscores the deepening internal crisis within the Labour Party, raising fresh concerns about its organisational stability and electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks