Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed as false reports alleging that he commented on which region should produce Nigeria’s president in 2027.
The viral claim, which circulated widely on social media, suggested that El-Rufai said it was the South’s turn to produce the next president and that he was backing Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Reacting on Monday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain described the report as fake and misleading, stressing that he never made such remarks.
“My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027. This claim is untrue, despite its virality,” El-Rufai said.
He clarified that he had not made any such statement in his speeches, media interviews, or on any of his official social media platforms, noting that his views are always expressed directly and publicly through verified channels.
El-Rufai also criticised the practice of attributing opinion articles written by others to him simply because he shared them online, describing it as wrong and improper.
“These clarifications are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for the spread of fake news,” he said.
The former governor warned that the spread of false information poses a serious threat to public discourse, urging journalists, editors and social media users to verify claims before publishing or sharing them.
“In this age of falsehood, the obligation to verify information before posting or publishing has become more important than ever,” he added, lamenting what he described as the failure of some media professionals to uphold basic journalistic standards.
El-Rufai concluded by urging the public to disregard any views attributed to him unless they are expressed through his official platforms or during interviews with reputable media organisations.
The Federal Government is still in talks with the Burkinabe government over the detention of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and 11 soldiers.
The aircraft was seized after making a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, due to technical faults while en route to Portugal for maintenance.
The Nigerian Air Force had explained that the landing was necessary due to technical issues, but Burkina Faso and the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) accused the crew of entering their airspace without clearance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the aircraft and personnel.
“We are engaging them, but they are yet to be released,” Ebienfa said.
Some speculate that Burkina Faso and other Sahel states might be using the situation as leverage, given their strained economic situation and past tensions with ECOWAS, which they feel are influenced by Nigeria.
Lagos — A tragic road accident on Ikorodu Road, Lagos, on Sunday morning claimed the lives of a woman and her eight-month-old baby, while 10 other passengers sustained injuries.
The crash involved a Tata commercial bus and a Volkswagen commercial bus travelling in opposite directions. Witnesses said the Tata bus lost control, veered off its lane, crossed the median and rammed into the Volkswagen bus.
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said preliminary investigations indicated that loss of control by the Tata bus caused the collision.
“The impact resulted in the instantaneous death of an adult female passenger aboard the Volkswagen bus, while an eight-month-old female infant later succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision,” Bakare-Oki said.
He described the incident as devastating, noting that the deaths had thrown the surrounding community into mourning.
LASTMA operatives, with assistance from members of the public, immediately carried out rescue and recovery operations. Ten victims, including the drivers of both vehicles, were rescued with varying degrees of injuries.
According to LASTMA, six injured passengers were evacuated from the Volkswagen bus, while four others were rescued from the Tata bus.
The accident occurred barely six days after another fatal crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of a man, his wife and their baby, raising fresh concerns over road safety in the state.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations and ensure proper vehicle maintenance to prevent further tragedies.
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has warned that he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won’t let recent defectors undermine the party.
While speaking at the 104th meeting of the party’s factional National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, Wike accused the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of weakening the party by ignoring court judgments and holding an “illegal” national convention.
Wike criticized the faction for disregarding two Federal High Court judgments and then seeking recognition from a state high court.
He questioned how they could disobey court orders and still claim leadership.
Wike also condemned their decision to conduct the convention without obeying judicial rulings and then seeking recognition from another court.
According to Wike, such actions could harm the PDP’s future, emphasizing that the party, established in 1998, shouldn’t be sacrificed for personal ambition.
He stressed that leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda, and that respecting the party’s laws is crucial to earning respect from Nigerians.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that it is the turn of the South to produce the country’s President in 2027.
As a result, the one-time Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate past Governor of Kaduna State has ruled himself out of the next presidential race, announcing that he will, instead, run in 2031.
“I refused to contest in 2027 because it is the turn of the South.
“You will see me in action come 2031,” El-Rufai was quoted as saying in a tweet by ADC News (@AdcNews_) made at exactly 2:54 PM yesterday, Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The tweet, which had recorded 57.3K views as at yesterday night, praised “Mallam” for his position, saying: “This man can keep to agreement. His strength.”
This comes at a time when the debate is raging about zoning by ADC.
The opposition behemoth so far has three known presidential aspirants, namely, Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; and 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Aspirant, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
While Atiku is from the North, Obi and Amaechi are from the South.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened to impose targeted sanctions on individuals or groups obstructing Guinea-Bissau’s return to civilian rule following last month’s military coup.
The warning was issued on Sunday by ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, at the end of the bloc’s 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja, Nigeria.
“The authorities shall impose targeted sanctions on individuals or groups of persons that obstruct the transition process,” Touray told reporters.
He also announced that the ECOWAS peacekeeping force deployed in Guinea-Bissau since 2022 has been authorised to protect political leaders and national institutions during the transition period.
The summit was dominated by discussions on recent threats to democratic rule in the region, including the successful coup in Guinea-Bissau and a failed coup attempt in Benin. ECOWAS condemned both incidents.
Following the attempted takeover in Benin, Nigeria deployed fighter jets and troops, alongside forces from Côte d’Ivoire, to support the civilian government. ECOWAS said additional troops from Ghana and Sierra Leone are expected to reinforce security.
Between 2020 and 2023, ECOWAS member states including Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger experienced a wave of coups, with all four countries currently under military rule.
Sahel Security, Elections Dominate Talks
Although the summit was scheduled before the recent coups, they featured prominently on the agenda, alongside preparations for Guinea’s December 28 elections.
Guinea’s junta leader, Mamady Doumbouya, is contesting the election despite an earlier pledge not to run, while opposition figure Cellou Dalein Diallo remains excluded from the process. Despite concerns, Touray described the elections as “significant progress” in the country’s transition.
“We hope that the elections will be credible, transparent and fair,” he said.
Regional security in the Sahel was also discussed, amid ongoing jihadist insurgencies in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The three countries have withdrawn from ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
“No border can insulate us from violence,” said Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, the current ECOWAS chairman.
Presidents of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, both suspended from ECOWAS following military takeovers, were absent from the summit. President Bola Tinubu was also not in attendance and was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
ECOWAS leaders reiterated their commitment to defending democracy in the region, warning that continued military interventions and democratic backsliding threaten West Africa’s stability.
Bandits have attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kogi State, killing one person and abducting several worshippers.
The victim, Jayjay, was reportedly killed during the attack. The number of abducted worshippers is still unknown as security agencies and local authorities assess the situation.
This is the second church attack in Okun land in recent weeks, raising concerns about growing insecurity.
Earlier, on November 30, 2025, armed men attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, abducting the cleric, Orlando, and several worshippers.
The attackers initially demanded ₦500 million, later reduced to ₦200 million, with a two-day ultimatum.
Residents recall a similar attack on a local school in Ayetoro Kiri three weeks ago, which was repelled by the community vigilante group.
The latest attack has sparked renewed calls for security agencies and the Kogi State Government to intervene and protect lives.
Every election cycle presents its own parade of familiar names, competing claims, recycled promises, and the steady noise of old structures fighting to retain control. Yet, once in a while, a different figure emerges, one who does not force himself onto the political stage but whose presence becomes impossible to dismiss once the facts are laid bare. In Bauchi’s 2027 contest, that figure is Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, a technocrat whose rating, an emphatic ninety-two out of a hundred, did not arise from sentiment, political favour, or local cheerleading but from a sober evaluation of competence, character, and the demands of the state at this critical moment.
Political assessments are often clouded by emotion or the comfort of old alliances. But when the lens is sharpened and the noise muted, leadership becomes an equation: capacity on one side, the realities of the state on the other. Wunti fits that equation with uncommon precision. His education was not assembled for decoration but for the kind of responsibility that alters institutions. His technocratic journey through the country’s most complex sector, upstream investments in NNPC, reveals a man who has not merely observed governance from a distance but has lived its pressures, reconciled competing interests, and delivered outcomes where rhetoric has no value and excuses carry no currency.
I read an article in a national daily days ago; it chronicled priority areas for urgent action and listed the competency needed in any aspiring governor in Bauchi State. The development concerns raised about Bauchi’s future – industrial revival, agricultural expansion, the resuscitation of state-owned factories, and a stronger, more productive economy – require a leader whose skills have been shaped by practical experience, not political rhetoric. These priorities demand the kind of technical depth, negotiation capacity, and investment management that have defined Wunti’s career. His background directly aligns with what Bauchi must pursue in 2027: turning potential into production, reviving dormant assets, and creating the conditions for sustainable growth.
Bauchi needs a governor who can interpret development not as a slogan but as a process anchored in competence, structure, and discipline. Wunti’s track record in building functional systems and coordinating large-scale operations places him in the unique position to deliver the economic transformation the state seeks. His strengths reflect exactly what Bauchi requires at this critical juncture: a leader capable of guiding the state toward industrialisation, food security, and economic stability with clarity and quiet efficiency.
The rating that placed him ahead of the field is not a flattering gesture. It is the product of a structure of measurement: competence, leadership depth, strategic thinking, partnership ability, cultural acceptance, emotional connection, geopolitical balance, and public perception. On each, he did not just pass; he set a standard others struggled to meet. Ten in technocratic competence. Ten in strategic judgment. Ten in partnership strength. Ten in cultural acceptability. Nine in leadership under pressure. Nine in emotional connection, simply because he has not spent years appearing on political stages to court applause. Yet even that nine reveals something important: his appeal grows faster than those who have traded visibility for substance.
Bauchi politics is layered. It demands a candidate who understands tradition without being trapped by it, who commands respect without theatrics, who can negotiate with elders in the morning and speak to restless youth in the afternoon without losing authenticity. Wunti moves through these spaces with a quiet firmness. The traditional institutions know him. The religious circles trust him. Professionals admire him. Students recognise in him the possibility that competence can still matter. In a state where religious courtesy and cultural discipline are not optional traits but fundamental expectations, he carries himself with the kind of restraint that calms crowded rooms.
What sets him apart from the typical political class is not silence but the meaning of his silence. It is the silence of a man who has done difficult work in places where cameras do not go. It is the silence of someone who does not rely on political noise to validate himself. In a landscape where many arrive with political baggage or unresolved quarrels with the public, he stands without the weight of scandal, factional history, or personal controversy. Leadership, when stripped of slogans, returns to credibility, and credibility is one of the few currencies he holds in abundance.
His emergence from Bauchi South is not a matter of geography alone; it is a matter of balance. The state has spent years negotiating zonal sensitivities, and 2027 must settle that question without igniting old grievances. A candidate who enters without the shadow of dominance and without resentment from the other blocs gives Bauchi a better chance at political healing. Wunti’s profile fits that calculus neatly. He is neither a threat nor a pawn; he is a bridge.
Bala Wunti stands out for his disciplined, purposeful approach. He builds consensus across Bauchi’s three zones through deliberate engagement. Elders, clerics, and kingmakers recognize his steady leadership, while youth see clarity and consistency in his vision. His measured presence inspires confidence and demonstrates his ability to turn competence into effective governance.
The opposition may attempt to merge strength, but a candidate who stands outside the traditional rivalries becomes harder to paint into old narratives. That is his unique advantage. He is not burdened by decades of political quarrels. He is not tied to elite monopolies that divide communities. He is not associated with the old political theatre of dominance and retaliation. This neutrality is not weakness; it is rare political capital.
Bauchi, at this junction, needs a leader who can steady the state while lifting it. A leader whose background strengthens institutions rather than weakens them. A leader whose ambition is driven by service, not entitlement. When the state looks across the field, past familiar names, past comfortable alliances, past recycled ambitions, it finds one profile that captures competence without arrogance, reform without chaos, and unity without pretense.
It is no exaggeration to say that the state cannot afford a gamble in 2027. The stakes are too high, the divisions too deep, and the opportunities too fragile. What Bauchi needs is a new order built on discipline, balance, and quiet authority. A leadership that does not provoke the past but prepares the future. In Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, that possibility stands fully formed.
If the state chooses wisely, it will not merely elect a governor; it will choose a direction. And in that choice lies the difference between repeating old cycles and beginning a new era of seriousness, moderation, and progress. The facts have spoken already. The rating only confirmed what careful observers long suspected: among those seeking to lead Bauchi in 2027, one man towers above the field, not by volume but by value.
(DDM) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday met with leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja to deliberate on the reported coup attempt in the Republic of Benin and escalating security challenges across the sub-region.
The emergency ECOWAS summit, held on December 15, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, brought together heads of state, foreign ministers, defence chiefs, and regional security experts amid growing fears that unconstitutional changes of government could further destabilise West Africa.
The meeting was convened following intelligence and preliminary reports indicating an attempted overthrow of the Beninese government, an incident that has raised alarm within ECOWAS due to Benin’s long-standing reputation as one of the region’s most stable democracies.
President Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, stressed that the bloc could not afford another democratic setback, especially as several member states continue to grapple with military rule, insurgency, and political unrest.
According to officials briefed on the closed-door discussions, leaders reviewed security intelligence, diplomatic responses, and possible collective measures to deter future coups and protect constitutional governance.
Background to the crisis shows that West Africa has witnessed a troubling wave of military takeovers in recent years, with Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger experiencing coups that strained ECOWAS unity and tested its enforcement mechanisms.
These developments have weakened regional cooperation, disrupted economic integration, and complicated counter-terrorism efforts across the Sahel and coastal states.
Benin, which shares borders with Niger, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria, has increasingly faced spillover threats from jihadist violence, cross-border arms trafficking, and political pressure linked to regional instability.
Security analysts say the attempted coup underscores how fragile democratic institutions have become, even in countries previously considered resilient.
At the Abuja summit, ECOWAS leaders reportedly discussed strengthening early-warning systems, intelligence sharing, and joint military cooperation to prevent unconstitutional power grabs.
Diplomatic sources said emphasis was also placed on dialogue, sanctions frameworks, and the role of regional mediation in resolving political crises before they escalate.
President Tinubu urged member states to recommit to democratic norms, warning that continued instability could further erode investor confidence, worsen humanitarian conditions, and deepen poverty across the region.
He reportedly reminded leaders that ECOWAS was founded on the principles of collective security, economic cooperation, and respect for constitutional order.
Beyond the Benin situation, the summit also addressed broader issues, including terrorism, economic recovery, energy security, youth unemployment, and the future direction of ECOWAS following recent withdrawals and suspensions.
Observers note that the Abuja meeting comes at a critical moment for the regional bloc, which has faced criticism over its handling of recent coups and its ability to enforce decisions.
Civil society groups have called on ECOWAS to balance firm action with inclusive political engagement to avoid further alienating citizens in affected countries.
As the summit concluded, officials indicated that a formal communiqué outlining decisions and possible actions would be released after consultations with Beninese authorities and regional stakeholders.
The outcome of the Abuja talks is expected to shape ECOWAS’ next steps in defending democracy and restoring confidence in regional leadership at a time of unprecedented challenges.
The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, on Sunday.
According to the ministry, the policy is part of broader efforts to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.
“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools,” the statement said.
The ministry explained that the decision followed growing concerns over rising examination irregularities, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations.
Under the new policy, admissions and transfers will be permitted only into SS1 and SS2, while movement into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstances.
Officials said the measure is intended to discourage last-minute transfers made for examination advantages, ensure effective academic monitoring, and promote continuity in teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals and administrators nationwide have been directed to strictly comply with the directive.
The ministry warned that any school found violating the policy would face sanctions in accordance with existing education laws and guidelines.
Reaffirming government’s resolve, the statement added that the Federal Government remains committed to upholding academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring integrity to public examinations across the country.
Caucasian man with a mask holding a gun in hand and aiming
A devastating shooting occurred at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, targeting a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, leaving 12 people dead and 29 injured.
The attack, which took place on December 14, 2025, was carried out by two gunmen, one of whom has been identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram from Pakistan.
The shooting happened around 6:30pm local time during a Chanukah by the Sea event, which drew hundreds of people to the beach.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with people fleeing and emergency services attending to multiple victims.
Police responded quickly, and one of the attackers was fatally shot, while the second suspect was taken into custody in critical condition.
Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack, citing the deliberate targeting of a Jewish community event.
Police have raided Akram’s home in Bonnyrigg, Sydney, and found improvised explosive devices in a car linked to the suspect.
Meanwhile, the Australian government has condemned the attack, and international leaders have expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
The attack has been met with widespread condemnation, with many leaders and community figures paying tribute to the victims and calling for unity and support.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and follow police instructions.
(DDM) – Senator Ali Ndume has explained his decision to participate in the screening of ambassadorial nominees despite openly raising concerns about alleged violations of the federal character principle in the composition of the list forwarded to the Senate.
The lawmaker, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the clarification in Abuja on Tuesday, December 12, 2025, at the National Assembly complex, following growing public debate over his stance during the plenary session of the Senate.
Ndume, a former Senate Majority Leader, said his participation in the screening process should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of what he described as an imbalanced and controversial nominee list.
He explained that as a ranking senator and member of the legislative institution, his presence at the screening was guided by constitutional responsibility and parliamentary procedure rather than political convenience.
According to him, boycotting the screening outright would not have addressed the core issues surrounding federal character compliance, nor would it have allowed him to place his objections on official legislative records.
The senator stressed that the principle of federal character is enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and national cohesion, especially in federal appointments.
He argued that ignoring perceived breaches of this principle could deepen feelings of marginalisation among certain regions and ethnic groups.
Ndume revealed that his concerns were formally raised during Senate deliberations, where he questioned the apparent concentration of nominees from specific geopolitical zones at the expense of others.
He maintained that participation in the screening gave him the opportunity to interrogate nominees directly and highlight perceived imbalances before both the Senate and the Nigerian public.
The senator further explained that legislative engagement does not always imply agreement, noting that dissent within democratic institutions often takes the form of debate, questioning, and voting rather than absence.
Background checks show that the ambassadorial nominees were forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to fill long-vacant diplomatic postings across Nigeria’s foreign missions.
Nigeria has operated for months without substantive ambassadors in several countries, relying largely on chargés d’affaires to manage diplomatic relations.
Foreign policy analysts have argued that the delay in appointing ambassadors has weakened Nigeria’s diplomatic influence, trade negotiations, and diaspora engagement.
However, the release of the nominee list sparked controversy after civil society groups and some lawmakers alleged that it failed to reflect Nigeria’s diversity as required by law.
Ndume’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of federal appointments under the current administration, with critics accusing the government of favouring certain regions.
Supporters of the government, on the other hand, argue that competence and experience should sometimes take precedence, provided constitutional safeguards are not deliberately ignored.
The Borno senator acknowledged that balancing competence with federal character remains a persistent challenge in Nigerian governance.
He warned that failure to manage this balance carefully could fuel political tensions and undermine trust in public institutions.
Ndume also disclosed that the Senate retains the power to reject or step down nominees if compelling evidence of constitutional violations is established.
He urged Nigerians to pay close attention to the outcome of the screening rather than focusing solely on the process.
Political observers note that Ndume’s position reflects a broader debate within Nigeria’s legislature on how lawmakers should respond to policies they oppose while still fulfilling their institutional duties.
The ambassadorial screening exercise is expected to continue in Abuja, with final confirmations subject to Senate approval in the coming days.
As discussions persist, the controversy has once again brought the issue of federal character to the forefront of Nigeria’s political discourse.
An aircraft operated by Flybird Aviation caused anxiety on Sunday after making an unusual and unexpected landing at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, following a flight from Abuja.
DDM gathered that the aircraft, carrying 11 passengers and three crew members, encountered an unspecified situation mid-flight that necessitated the unscheduled landing in Kano.
According to aviation sources, the pilot reportedly declared an abnormal situation while approaching Kano airspace, prompting emergency response teams at the airport to activate safety protocols.
Airport authorities confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew were immediately evacuated without any injuries recorded.
Eyewitnesses at the airport described moments of tension as fire and rescue services surrounded the aircraft shortly after it came to a stop on the runway.
Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria later reassured the public that standard emergency procedures were followed strictly and professionally.
They emphasized that passenger safety remained the highest priority throughout the operation.
While Flybird Aviation has yet to release a detailed technical explanation, preliminary indications suggest the landing was precautionary rather than the result of a crash or runway incident.
Industry insiders note that precautionary landings are common when pilots detect irregular instrument readings, cabin alerts, or minor mechanical concerns.
Nigeria’s aviation sector has witnessed increased public scrutiny in recent years due to recurring reports of emergency landings and flight disruptions.
Although many of these incidents end safely, they often reignite public fear and debate about aircraft maintenance standards and regulatory oversight.
Kano airport, one of Nigeria’s oldest and busiest international gateways, has a long history of handling emergency and unscheduled landings.
The airport’s strategic location makes it a frequent diversion point for flights operating within northern Nigeria.
Aviation experts explain that pilots are trained to divert or land immediately when any abnormal condition arises, even if it later turns out to be minor.
They stress that such decisions often reflect professionalism rather than failure.
Background records show that Nigeria’s aviation industry has made significant improvements in safety over the past decade, particularly in pilot training and air traffic control systems.
However, challenges such as ageing aircraft fleets, foreign exchange constraints, and high maintenance costs continue to affect some operators.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has repeatedly warned airlines to adhere strictly to maintenance schedules and safety regulations.
In recent months, the agency has grounded several aircraft deemed unfit for operation.
Public reaction to the Kano incident has been mixed, with some Nigerians praising the crew for prioritizing safety, while others expressed concern over what they see as frequent “near misses” in domestic aviation.
Passengers on the affected flight reportedly commended the calm handling of the situation by the flight crew.
Several described the evacuation process as orderly and swift.
Aviation analysts say transparency from airline operators is crucial to maintaining public confidence after such incidents.
They argue that timely disclosure of facts helps prevent speculation and misinformation.
As investigations continue, aviation authorities are expected to examine flight data, crew reports, and aircraft maintenance records.
The outcome may determine whether further regulatory action is required.
For now, the safe evacuation of all onboard has been highlighted as a positive outcome in an incident that could have ended differently.
The Kano landing once again underscores the delicate balance between public anxiety and professional safety decisions in Nigeria’s evolving aviation sector.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant increase in the budget of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), raising its allocation from about ₦3 billion to nearly ₦20 billion.
The Chairman of the CCB, Dr Abubakar Bello, disclosed this on Sunday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He said the budgetary boost is aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s outdated asset declaration system and strengthening verification and enforcement mechanisms.
According to Bello, the increased funding will support major technological upgrades, improve the bureau’s working environment, enhance verification processes, and boost enforcement capacity.
He explained that upon assuming office, he discovered that asset declaration at the CCB was still largely manual, relying on paper forms that were costly to print, difficult to store, and challenging to analyse or verify.
“Public servants across ministries, departments and agencies constantly request tens of thousands of asset declaration forms, which the bureau has been unable to supply,” Bello said.
He added that the situation was compounded by the 2025 budget provision of only ₦70 million for printing forms, an amount capable of producing just 50,000 to 60,000 forms for over 4.5 million public servants nationwide.
To mitigate the challenge, Bello said the bureau adopted a temporary solution inspired by Kenya by uploading asset declaration forms on its website for download.
However, he noted that this only addressed availability and not the fundamental problem of a manual system.
Bello revealed that the CCB is now at an advanced stage of developing a fully digital asset declaration platform, following extensive stakeholder consultations. The platform is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2026.
He said the system will allow public servants to declare assets from anywhere in the world and will be directly linked to key databases, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank Verification Number (BVN) system, land registries and other government records to enable instant verification.
According to him, artificial intelligence will also be deployed to analyse asset declarations, compare net worth at the beginning and end of public service, and flag unexplained wealth or potential breaches of the Code of Conduct for further review.
Bello described the platform as a “game changer” in the fight against corruption.
As part of ongoing reforms, he said the bureau has begun inviting ministers, permanent secretaries and other senior officials for asset verification, stressing that “verification is not investigation.”
He disclosed that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, personally appeared for asset verification, describing the move as a strong example of leadership by example.
The CCB chairman added that verification exercises have already led to interim forfeiture orders in cases where public servants failed to declare assets or could not explain their sources, including properties within and outside Nigeria.
Some recovered funds, he said, have been transferred to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Bello warned that failure to declare assets or refusal to honour verification invitations could result in investigations and possible prosecution before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
He urged public servants to comply with the bureau’s guiding principle: “Declare or Forfeit.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly begun strategic political calculations aimed at securing overwhelming bloc votes from the South and North-Central regions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
DDM gathered that emerging plans within the ruling All Progressives Congress indicate a renewed focus on regional power balancing, alliance-building, and voter consolidation as preparations quietly intensify.
Sources familiar with the strategy say the President’s camp believes the South and North-Central remain critical battlegrounds capable of determining the outcome of the next general election.
Political insiders note that Tinubu’s victory in 2023 relied heavily on complex regional permutations rather than outright national dominance.
The President won the election with strong backing from the South-West, divided support in the South-South and South-East, and mixed results across the North.
Analysts argue that lessons from the 2023 contest are shaping current thinking within the Presidency.
The North-Central, often described as Nigeria’s political swing zone, has historically played a decisive role in close presidential races.
States such as Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, and Plateau have frequently shifted allegiance depending on prevailing political sentiments.
In 2023, voter discontent in parts of the North-Central over insecurity and farmer-herder violence affected turnout and voting patterns.
Observers believe Tinubu’s new calculations are designed to address those grievances directly.
Similarly, the broader Southern region remains fragmented along ethnic, political, and ideological lines.
Despite producing the President, the South has not always voted as a single bloc.
The South-East continues to agitate for greater political inclusion at the federal level.
The South-South has expressed concerns over resource control, economic marginalisation, and environmental degradation.
Political strategists say Tinubu’s outreach is expected to involve policy concessions, strategic appointments, and infrastructural commitments.
There are indications that increased federal presence and targeted development projects may be used to rebuild trust in sceptical regions.
Party sources also suggest renewed engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and influential political stakeholders.
The ruling APC is reportedly reviewing its internal structures in the North-Central to resolve factional disputes that weakened the party in past elections.
Reconciliation efforts are said to be underway to bring aggrieved party leaders back into the fold.
Background checks show that Nigerian presidential elections are rarely won without strong regional coalitions.
Since 1999, every successful presidential candidate has relied on a careful mix of regional alliances.
The principle of zoning, though informal, continues to influence voter expectations and elite negotiations.
Tinubu’s camp is believed to be sensitive to growing debates about equity, rotation of power, and national unity.
Opposition parties are also closely watching these developments.
The Peoples Democratic Party and emerging third-force movements are expected to counter Tinubu’s strategy with their own regional mobilisation plans.
Critics argue that excessive focus on bloc politics risks deepening ethnic and regional divisions.
Supporters, however, insist that bloc voting reflects Nigeria’s political reality and cannot be ignored.
As 2027 approaches, political temperature across the country is expected to rise steadily.
What is unfolding now, analysts say, is an early battle for loyalty, perception, and regional confidence.
For President Tinubu, securing the South and North-Central may not just be a strategy, but a necessity for political survival in 2027.
(DDM) — More than 20,000 young Nigerians have gathered across designated centres nationwide to sit for the Nigerian Air Force Recruitment 2025 Zonal General Aptitude Test, underscoring the intense competition for military employment amid rising economic hardship and insecurity.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the aptitude test is part of the ongoing recruitment process for the Basic Military Training Course 46, a key entry pathway into the Nigerian Air Force.
The large turnout reflects growing youth interest in military careers as a source of stable income, national service, and social mobility.
Officials of the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that applicants were screened from thousands who initially registered online during the recruitment window.
The zonal aptitude test was conducted simultaneously across multiple centres to ensure fairness, transparency, and regional balance.
Candidates were tested on basic numerical reasoning, verbal aptitude, general knowledge, and logical reasoning.
NAF officials stated that the examination is designed to assess mental alertness, discipline, and suitability for military training.
Security personnel were deployed around the centres to maintain order and prevent examination malpractice.
Background checks reveal that Nigeria has witnessed a surge in applications into security agencies over the past decade.
Rising unemployment, inflation, and limited private sector opportunities have pushed many youths toward paramilitary and military careers.
The Nigerian Air Force, established in 1964, plays a critical role in national defence, counterinsurgency operations, and internal security missions.
In recent years, the force has been heavily involved in combating insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West.
It has also supported internal security operations through air surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision strikes.
The demand for new recruits has increased due to personnel expansion and operational pressures.
NAF authorities say recruitment exercises are structured to strengthen professionalism and operational effectiveness.
They insist that merit, physical fitness, and mental capability remain the key criteria for selection.
Applicants who pass the aptitude test will proceed to medical screening, physical fitness assessment, and final documentation.
Only candidates who meet all requirements will be admitted into the Basic Military Training Course.
The exercise comes at a time when insecurity continues to affect many parts of the country.
Analysts note that the surge in applications reflects both patriotism and desperation among Nigerian youths.
Some observers argue that the military is becoming an alternative employer of last resort.
Others believe the interest shows continued public trust in the armed forces as an institution.
Human rights groups have called on the military to maintain transparency throughout the recruitment process.
They have also urged authorities to address youth unemployment beyond security sector absorption.
NAF officials reiterated their commitment to equal opportunity and warned applicants against fraudsters.
They advised candidates to rely only on official communication channels for information.
The aptitude test is expected to conclude with shortlisted candidates announced in the coming weeks.
As thousands await results, the recruitment exercise highlights the intersection of youth aspiration, national security, and Nigeria’s economic realities.
For many applicants, passing the test represents not just a career opportunity but a chance at stability and national relevance.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied allegations by former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami that his bail was revoked for political reasons.
Malami claimed he was re-arrested due to attending a political gathering in Kebbi state, but the EFCC says he failed to meet the five conditions of his administrative bail.
The EFCC stated that Malami was granted provisional bail on November 28, 2025, with specific requirements, but he hasn’t met any of them.
Malami had requested an adjournment due to ill health, which the EFCC granted, but he didn’t provide a medical report or credible evidence to support his claim.
The anti-graft agency insists it’s apolitical, citing the recent arraignment of a former governor and ruling party member for alleged contract fraud.
The EFCC advises Malami to focus on meeting his bail conditions and cooperating with investigators instead of making false claims.
Two people were killed and eight others critically injured on Saturday afternoon after a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Rhode Island, authorities have confirmed.
Rhode Island Mayor Brett Smiley told reporters at an evening press briefing that the shooting occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. local time at the Barus & Holley Engineering Building, where students were reportedly writing final examinations.
The injured victims were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital and are in critical but stable condition, according to the mayor.
“These are the only casualties we are aware of at this time, but the situation is still developing,” Smiley said.
Authorities said no suspect has been arrested. Providence Deputy Police Chief Tim O’Hara disclosed that no weapon has been recovered and that the suspect, described as a male dressed in black, fled the building via the Hope Street side. It remains unclear how the suspect gained access to the facility.
Law enforcement officers cleared the building but were unable to locate the suspect.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the Brown University area, with residents urged to remain indoors.
“If you live on or near Brown’s campus, please stay home and stay inside,” Smiley advised.
The university issued emergency alerts instructing students to lock doors, silence phones and remain hidden until further notice.
University officials later clarified that an earlier report claiming a suspect was in custody was incorrect.
“There was an individual initially believed to be involved, but that person was later found to have no connection to the incident,” the mayor said.
United States President Donald Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the shooting.
In a post on Truth Social, he expressed condolences to the victims and their families, later clarifying that the suspect remained at large.
Federal agencies have joined the investigation. The FBI said it is providing support to local law enforcement, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed it has deployed agents to the campus.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee described the incident as tragic, saying, “The unthinkable has happened.”
Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue the manhunt for the suspect.
Riley Moore, head of the US delegation investigating Christian persecution in Nigeria, says the US is nearing a strategic security agreement with Nigeria to tackle terrorism and violence.
Moore shared this on Fox News, describing his visit to Nigeria as “heartbreaking” after meeting victims, including a woman who lost five children and another who lost her husband, daughters, and unborn child.
The proposed framework aims to address Boko Haram and ISIS threats in the Northeast and alleged genocide against Christians by Fulani Muslims in the Middle Belt.
Moore will present a report to President Donald Trump outlining ways to collaborate with Nigeria to end the violence.
Some 60 private jets to be grounded over issues involving unpaid import duties
A Flybird private jet made an emergency landing at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Sunday morning, around 9:30 a.m.
The aircraft, carrying 11 passengers, including three crew members, was en route from Abuja when it crash-landed. Fortunately, all passengers were safely evacuated, according to an eyewitness.
(DDM) — Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called for a nationwide ban on social media use by children under the age of 16, igniting widespread debate across Nigeria over digital freedom, child protection, and parental responsibility.
Falana made the call while speaking on the growing global concern about the psychological, moral, and social impact of unrestricted social media access on minors.
He argued that Nigeria cannot continue to ignore mounting evidence linking excessive social media exposure among children to mental health disorders, cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and declining academic performance.
According to Falana, social media platforms have increasingly become unsafe spaces for children, exposing them to harmful content beyond the control of parents, schools, or regulators.
He noted that several countries are already taking firm legislative steps to protect minors from digital harm.
Falana cited examples from Europe, Australia, and parts of North America, where governments are introducing age-verification laws and strict limitations on minors’ access to social networking platforms.
He stressed that Nigeria must not lag behind in safeguarding its young population, which represents one of the largest youth demographics in the world.
The senior lawyer explained that while social media has benefits, its unregulated use by children has created serious social problems.
He warned that early exposure to violent content, pornography, misinformation, and online predators could have long-term consequences for national development.
Falana maintained that the proposed restriction is not an attack on freedom of expression but a child-protection measure rooted in global best practices.
He emphasized that children require structured environments for growth and learning, not algorithm-driven platforms designed primarily for profit.
Background checks show that concerns about children’s safety online have intensified globally over the past decade.
Studies by international health and education bodies have linked excessive screen time to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sleep disorders among minors.
In Nigeria, child rights advocates have repeatedly raised alarms over online sexual abuse, cyber fraud recruitment, and radicalisation involving minors.
The rapid spread of smartphones and cheap internet access has made social media available to children with little or no supervision.
Experts say this digital exposure has outpaced Nigeria’s regulatory framework and parental awareness.
Falana argued that Nigeria’s Child Rights Act provides sufficient legal backing to justify protective restrictions in the best interest of the child.
He called on lawmakers to begin consultations toward drafting clear legislation that would compel social media companies to enforce age limits.
He also urged parents and schools to take greater responsibility in monitoring children’s digital activities.
However, the call has triggered mixed reactions nationwide.
Some civil society groups argue that a blanket ban could be difficult to enforce and may push children toward underground or unsafe online spaces.
Technology advocates insist that digital literacy and parental controls would be more effective than outright prohibition.
Others fear that enforcement could lead to privacy violations and abuse by authorities.
Supporters of Falana’s position counter that strong regulation is necessary in a society where parental supervision is often limited by economic pressures.
They argue that without firm laws, social media companies will continue to prioritise profit over child safety.
Nigeria currently lacks comprehensive digital child protection laws specifically tailored to social media usage.
Regulators have mostly focused on broadcasting and traditional media, leaving online platforms largely self-regulated.
Falana warned that continued inaction could expose Nigeria to a generation of digitally harmed youths.
He called for urgent national dialogue involving lawmakers, educators, parents, tech companies, and child rights organisations.
As the debate gathers momentum, Nigerians remain divided between protecting children and preserving digital freedoms.
What remains clear is that Falana’s call has reopened a critical conversation about childhood, technology, and the future of Nigeria’s digital society.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, aimed at boosting the army’s manpower and operational capacity.
The depot will complement existing training institutions, ensuring a steady supply of well-trained personnel for national deployment.
According to security analyst Zagozola Makama, the initiative aligns with the Nigerian Army’s strategic plan to enhance national security and produce combat-ready soldiers capable of tackling security challenges, including terrorism and insurgency.
The Abakaliki depot will provide specialist training in marksmanship, fieldcraft, and operational readiness, while prioritizing recruit welfare and wellbeing.
This move is part of the federal government’s efforts to strengthen the Nigerian military’s manpower capacity.
(DDM) — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have announced a renewed joint offensive to curb the diversion of petroleum products, as concerns grow over fuel smuggling and threats to national energy security.
The development was disclosed on Monday, December 15, 2025, in Abuja, during a high-level inter-agency meeting involving senior officials of both organisations, aimed at strengthening enforcement, intelligence sharing, and regulatory compliance across Nigeria’s fuel supply chain.
Officials said the collaboration is designed to tackle persistent fuel diversion, which has continued to undermine government reforms in the downstream petroleum sector.
Fuel diversion, often linked to smuggling across Nigeria’s borders, has remained a major challenge despite the removal of fuel subsidies and ongoing sector reforms.
According to officials, smuggling syndicates exploit price differentials between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, diverting petrol and other petroleum products meant for domestic consumption.
The Nigeria Customs Service stated that fuel diversion not only drains national resources but also contributes to artificial scarcity, long queues, and price instability across the country.
Customs authorities revealed that several seizures of illegally diverted petroleum products have been recorded in border communities over the past months.
The NMDPRA, which regulates Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum operations, said closer cooperation with Customs would improve monitoring from depots to retail outlets.
Officials explained that the partnership will focus on tracking product movement, strengthening border surveillance, and enforcing penalties against offenders.
Background records show that fuel diversion has long plagued Nigeria’s energy sector, even before subsidy removal, costing the country billions of naira annually.
Analysts note that smuggling thrived under the subsidy regime, but diversion has persisted due to weak enforcement and organised criminal networks.
The NMDPRA said new digital tracking systems and improved data sharing will be deployed to monitor fuel distribution nationwide.
Customs officers will also receive updated intelligence support to identify illegal routes and storage facilities used by smugglers.
The agencies emphasized that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic and energy reform agenda.
They stressed that safeguarding petroleum products is essential to stabilising the economy, protecting consumers, and ensuring fair market pricing.
Officials warned marketers, transporters, and depot operators against engaging in sharp practices, stating that violators will face prosecution.
They added that joint task forces will be deployed to key border corridors and high-risk zones across the country.
The agencies also pledged to work closely with security forces and state governments to dismantle fuel diversion networks.
Energy experts have welcomed the move, describing inter-agency cooperation as critical to solving long-standing structural problems in the sector.
However, they cautioned that success will depend on sustained political will, transparency, and accountability within enforcement agencies.
Civil society groups have also called for public reporting mechanisms to enable citizens report suspicious fuel movements.
The Customs Service assured Nigerians that the renewed collaboration would be continuous, not symbolic.
The NMDPRA said protecting Nigeria’s energy supply is a shared responsibility that requires coordination across institutions.
As fuel remains central to transportation, industry, and household survival, authorities insist that curbing diversion is no longer optional.
With the joint strategy now activated, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the alliance delivers lasting relief from fuel-related disruptions.
(DDM) — Senior judges in Nigeria have issued a strong warning to legal practitioners, urging them to urgently embrace technology and uphold strict judicial ethics or risk rendering the nation’s legal system obsolete in a rapidly evolving global environment.
The warning was delivered on Monday, December 15, 2025, at a legal conference and judicial engagement forum held in Abuja, where judges, senior advocates, and members of the Nigerian Bar Association gathered to discuss the future of legal practice in Nigeria.
The judges stressed that technology has become an unavoidable pillar of modern justice systems worldwide, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind if it hopes to maintain credibility and efficiency.
They noted that courts across advanced jurisdictions now rely heavily on digital filing systems, virtual hearings, electronic evidence management, and artificial intelligence-assisted legal research.
According to the judges, Nigerian lawyers who resist technological adaptation risk becoming irrelevant, inefficient, and disconnected from global legal standards.
They emphasized that embracing technology must go hand in hand with strict adherence to professional ethics, warning that innovation without integrity would further damage public trust in the judiciary.
The judges expressed concern over rising reports of unethical conduct among some legal practitioners, including forum shopping, delay tactics, abuse of court processes, and improper interactions with litigants.
They warned that such practices weaken the justice system and erode confidence in the rule of law, which is critical to national stability and economic development.
Background discussions at the event highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing challenges within the justice sector, including case backlogs, slow adjudication processes, and limited access to justice for ordinary citizens.
Experts noted that technology offers practical solutions to many of these problems by reducing delays, increasing transparency, and improving record-keeping across courts.
The judges urged the Nigerian Bar Association to intensify continuous legal education programmes focused on digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, and ethical compliance.
They also called on law faculties to update curricula to reflect emerging global trends such as legal technology, data protection law, and artificial intelligence regulation.
Several speakers warned that Nigeria’s legal profession must evolve alongside changes in commerce, governance, and international relations, or risk losing relevance in cross-border legal engagements.
The forum also addressed the need for judicial officers themselves to lead by example by embracing digital tools while maintaining independence and impartiality.
Judges stressed that ethical discipline remains the backbone of justice, regardless of technological advancement.
They warned that corruption, bias, or compromise within the judiciary would negate any gains achieved through digital reforms.
Participants were reminded that lawyers play a critical role in shaping societal values, defending democratic institutions, and protecting citizens’ rights.
The judges argued that a technologically competent and ethically grounded legal profession is essential for attracting foreign investment and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Reactions from younger lawyers at the event showed strong support for the call, with many describing technology adoption as long overdue.
However, some senior practitioners expressed concern about infrastructure gaps and training costs, urging government support to ensure a smooth transition.
As Nigeria faces increasing legal complexity in a digital age, the judges’ message was clear: adapt, uphold ethics, or risk pushing the legal profession into irrelevance.
(DDM) — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a nationwide protest to demand urgent government intervention over worsening insecurity affecting Nigerian workers and citizens across the country.
The declaration was made on Monday, December 15, 2025, in Abuja, following an emergency meeting of the NLC National Executive Council, where labour leaders expressed deep concern over escalating violence and economic hardship.
According to the NLC, the protest is a response to persistent insecurity that has continued to endanger lives, disrupt livelihoods, and cripple productivity in both urban and rural areas.
The labour union stated that workers across sectors are increasingly exposed to kidnappings, armed attacks, banditry, and communal violence while commuting to workplaces or carrying out official duties.
NLC leaders noted that insecurity has become a direct threat to national stability, as fear and uncertainty now dominate daily life for millions of Nigerians.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Congress accused the government of failing to provide adequate protection for citizens despite repeated assurances and policy declarations.
The union stressed that insecurity has also worsened the economic burden on workers, with many forced to spend more on transportation, relocation, and private security arrangements.
Labour leaders warned that without immediate and decisive action, the situation could further erode confidence in governance and deepen public frustration.
The NLC said the planned protest would involve workers across federal, state, and private institutions, emphasizing that it would be peaceful but firm in its demands.
The Congress called on the Federal Government to deploy more effective security strategies, improve intelligence coordination, and address the root causes of violence, including unemployment and poverty.
It also urged state governments to take responsibility for local security challenges rather than relying solely on federal agencies.
Historically, the Nigeria Labour Congress has played a central role in national advocacy beyond wage negotiations, often mobilising mass action on issues of governance, fuel pricing, and social justice.
Past nationwide protests led by the NLC have drawn significant public participation and forced policy reconsiderations by successive governments.
Security experts have warned that persistent attacks on highways, farms, and workplaces are discouraging investment and weakening Nigeria’s already fragile economy.
The NLC argued that no meaningful economic growth can occur in an atmosphere of fear, where workers are afraid to report to duty or travel for legitimate business.
Civil society groups have expressed support for the protest, describing it as a necessary step to compel government accountability.
However, some government officials have cautioned against actions that could disrupt economic activities, urging dialogue instead.
The NLC maintained that dialogue has been exhausted, insisting that concrete action, not promises, is now required.
As the protest date approaches, security agencies have been placed on alert, while labour unions across states are mobilising members.
The planned demonstration is expected to test the government’s response to mounting public pressure over insecurity.
For many Nigerians, the NLC’s action reflects growing desperation and a collective demand for safety, stability, and dignity in everyday life.
