Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of reneging on an agreement mediated by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the political crisis in the state. Wike made the allegation on Wednesday during a visit to Tai Local Government Area, promising to soon disclose the details of the deal reached before the President. The agreement followed a closed-door meeting at the State House in Abuja in June 2025, convened by Tinubu to address a prolonged power struggle in Rivers State that led to a state of emergency and the…

By Atoyebi Nike Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has praised Nigeria’s performance following their 3-1 win over Uganda in the final Group C match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday. Nigeria completed a perfect group-stage campaign in Morocco, with goals from Paul Onuachu and a brace from midfielder Raphael Onyedika securing maximum points from three matches. Head coach Eric Chelle rotated the squad for the match, giving Onuachu a starting role ahead of Akor Adams. Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute, finishing from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s pass, shortly after Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango…

By Atoyebi Nike Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has accused the Federal Government of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other state institutions to harass and intimidate opposition figures across the country. The governor made the allegation on Wednesday in Bauchi while reacting emotionally after receiving a Safety Ambassador Award from the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria. Mohammed alleged that the APC led Federal Government was abusing institutions such as the courts and anti-graft agencies to target Nigerians who are not members of the ruling party. He warned that continued political persecution could destabilize the country, insisting…

By Atoyebi Nike The Kano State Police Command has announced a total ban on the use of fireworks and knockouts, popularly known as bangers, as part of heightened security measures for the 2026 New Year celebrations. The directive was issued in a statement on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, following a security meeting chaired by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori. According to the command, the ban is aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing panic during the festive period. The police said adequate security arrangements have been deployed across the state,…

By Atoyebi Nike The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress, alongside several prominent political leaders from the South East geopolitical zone. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Enugu, where the leaders declared their collective decision following months of consultations. They said the move was part of a broader effort to build a united opposition platform capable of collaborating with like minded leaders across the country to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress. Prominent figures present at the event included former Deputy Speaker of the House…

By Atoyebi Nike The Adamawa State Government has cancelled the December 31 Cross Over Night activities scheduled to hold at the Unity Flyover in Jimeta, Yola. The announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Humwashi Wonosikou. According to the statement, the decision was taken in the interest of public safety and security, with the government stressing its commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the state. The government urged residents, particularly those in Yola North and Yola South local government areas, to remain vigilant, avoid crowded places and report any…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited recorded a profit after tax of N502bn in November 2025, sustaining its profitability despite continued challenges in crude oil and condensate production. According to the NNPCL Monthly Financial and Operations Report released on Wednesday, the company generated N4.36tn in revenue during the month, slightly higher than October, driven by improved gas output, full pipeline availability and stable domestic fuel supply. Crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.36 million barrels per day in November, up from 1.30 million barrels per day in October, marking the first rebound after three consecutive months of…

By Atoyebi Nike The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws were introduced to worsen economic hardship for citizens. In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Bamidele said the new tax regime is a people centred reform designed to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system and improve living standards, particularly for low-income earners. He said public criticism of the legislation is based on misrepresentation, stressing that the National Assembly worked closely with other arms of government while maintaining its constitutional independence. Bamidele described the 2025 Tax Reforms Act as the most significant…

By Atoyebi Nike Nigerian banks will begin deducting a ₦50 stamp duty on electronic transfers of ₦10,000 and above from January 1, 2026, following the commencement of provisions in the newly enacted Tax Act. Several commercial banks have already notified customers ahead of the policy’s rollout. Under the new framework, the charge formerly known as the Electronic Money Transfer Levy now operates officially as stamp duty and applies as a one-time fee on qualifying transfers. In a notice issued on Tuesday, United Bank for Africa (UBA) said the Tax Act would take effect nationwide from January 1 and that all…

By Atoyebi Nike Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has sponsored 200 students to India under the newly launched Mutfwang Legacy Scholarship Scheme, one of the largest foreign education initiatives ever undertaken by the state. The beneficiaries, who will study Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technology, departed on Tuesday after a formal send-off ceremony in Jos. They will pursue their degree programmes at Sanskaram University in India. Governor Mutfwang described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital, stressing that the selection process followed strict merit and transparency standards. “There was no manipulation or political influence. Everyone selected…