Rivers Lawmakers Reject Fubara’s Claims of Frustrated Meeting Efforts
Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule on Thursday faulted Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s allegation that some elders were blocking a planned meeting with lawmakers. Speaking in Port Harcourt, he described the governor’s remarks as disparaging, adding that the claim that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike failed to facilitate the meeting was inaccurate.
Amaewhule said lawmakers remained open to dialogue but rejected any narrative suggesting they were unwilling to engage. He maintained that the Assembly had acted responsibly throughout the political tension in the state.
Bayelsa in Shock as Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo Reportedly Dies After Collapse
Tension gripped Creek Haven on Thursday after Bayelsa Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead. He was said to have collapsed in his office earlier in the afternoon.
Security operatives were deployed to the hospital as top government officials paid their respects. Ewhrudjakpo, 60, was widely regarded as a hardworking public servant known for keeping a demanding schedule.
Emir Sanusi Accuses Nigerian Elite of Treating Public Office as Family Enterprise
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has criticised Nigeria’s political class, accusing the elite of undermining national progress by treating public office as a personal and familial asset. He spoke during the 15th anniversary of Enough is Enough Nigeria in Lagos.
Sanusi warned that the country cannot develop if leadership continues to prioritise private gain over public interest, urging citizens to demand accountability from those in power.
US Coast Guard, Navy Intercept Nigerian-Owned Tanker Over Crude Theft Allegations
A Nigerian-owned supertanker, Skipper, has been intercepted by the United States Coast Guard in collaboration with the US Navy over alleged crude oil theft, piracy and other transnational crimes. The Very Large Crude Carrier, reportedly managed by Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd., is registered to Triton Navigation Corp. in the Marshall Islands.
US authorities said investigations were ongoing, noting that the vessel had triggered security concerns linked to organised maritime crime.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA Graduates 60 Soldiers After Intensive Battle Course
The 8 Division and Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has boosted its operational strength with the graduation of 60 soldiers from its Fourth Quarter Basic Battle Course. The nine-week training aimed at building a warrior mindset and improving combat readiness.
Commanders at the ceremony praised the troops for their resilience, saying the programme was designed to prepare soldiers for modern security challenges in the North West.
US Delegation Concludes Nigeria Genocide Inquiry, To Brief Trump This Month
A United States congressional delegation led by Congressman Riley Moore has concluded a fact-finding mission to Nigeria over allegations of genocide. Moore disclosed on his official X handle that the team would brief President Donald Trump before month-end.
He said the delegation met with several stakeholders during the visit and would present its findings to relevant US authorities.
Man Killed After Dispute Over Parking Space in Lekki Estate
A 36-year-old realtor, Yinka Agboola, has died after being knocked down by a yet-to-be-identified driver during a dispute over a parking space at Royal Pine Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki. A resident on X said the driver had earlier been given an alternative parking spot after his vehicle was found obstructing the road.
The suspect reportedly fled after the incident as residents raised an alarm and called for justice.
FCCPC Seals Ikeja Electric HQ Over 30-Month Power Cut to 19 Units
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on Thursday sealed the corporate headquarters of Ikeja Electric for allegedly denying power supply to 19 residential units for about 30 months. The commission said the property owner fulfilled all payments and obligations but the units remained disconnected.
FCCPC said the enforcement followed repeated complaints and its findings that Ikeja Electric failed to provide justifiable reasons for the service denial.
Police Arrest 13 Over Assault on Officer in Oshodi
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects linked to the assault of a police officer in Oshodi. A viral video surfaced on Thursday showing the officer injured and surrounded by an angry crowd.
Police said investigations were ongoing and vowed to prosecute all those involved in the attack.
Nigeria’s Petrol Import Bill Drops by N6.07tn in Nine Months
Nigeria’s petrol import bill fell to N5.42tn between January and September 2025, down from N11.50tn in the same period last year, according to National Bureau of Statistics trade data. The sharp decline reflects reduced import volumes and changing market conditions.
Analysts say the drop may ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange demand if the trend continues.
Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for 2026–2028 MTEF, Fiscal Strategy Paper
President Bola Tinubu has requested National Assembly approval for the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. His letter was read by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during Thursday’s plenary.
Tinubu said the 2026 budget will be based on the fiscal assumptions in the approved MTEF and FSP. The documents were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for review.
Senate Confirms Yakubu, Ugwuanyi, Ikpeazu, Fani-Kayode, Others as Ambassadors
The Senate on Thursday screened and confirmed former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu as ambassadors. Others cleared include Femi Fani-Kayode, Abdulrahman Dambazau, Reno Omokri, Ita Enang and Grace Bent.
The confirmations followed a series of appearances before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Obi Faults Government Over Unpaid Contractors Despite Revenue Claims
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the Federal Government over reports that contractors remain unpaid despite claims of surpassing revenue targets. In a statement on X, Obi said many affected contractors are small businesses that depend on timely payments.
He warned that delayed payments could lead to job losses, business closures and wider economic hardship.
Atiku Accuses EFCC of Political Bias After Malami’s Arrest
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the EFCC of becoming a political tool following the arrest of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. In a statement issued Thursday, Atiku alleged that the agency became unusually aggressive after the African Democratic Congress emerged as an opposition force.
He urged anti-graft agencies to remove partisan influences to regain public trust.
Fusengbuwa Royal Family Disowns KWAM 1, Says He Is Not Eligible for Awujale Stool
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has disowned Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, rejecting his claim to be a member of the royal family. KWAM 1 had written to express interest in succeeding the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The family said the musician belongs to the Fidipote lineage, citing a letter from the late monarch, and argued he cannot contest a stool reserved for Fusengbuwa descendants.
Klint Da Drunk Says 2Baba’s Performance Made Him Quit Music for Comedy
Comedian Klint Da Drunk has revealed that he abandoned his music ambitions after watching singer 2Baba perform during his days at IMT Enugu. Speaking in an interview, he said the experience convinced him to pursue comedy instead.
He noted that he has no regrets about choosing comedy, saying it brought him fulfillment.
Davido Says Adeleke Family May Return to Business If Osun Election Is Lost
Singer Davido has suggested that his family may shift focus to their business empire if Governor Ademola Adeleke loses the Osun governorship election. He made the comment while responding to online discussions about the governor’s political future.
Davido said the family’s multi-billion-dollar ventures remain an option regardless of political outcomes.
Chelle Names Final 28-Man Squad for AFCON; Okoye Dropped, Uzoho Returns
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a 28-man squad for AFCON 2025, excluding goalkeeper Maduka Okoye while recalling Francis Uzoho. Key players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi made the list.
Nigeria will face Egypt in a friendly on December 16 before heading to Morocco, where they play all Group C matches.
NPFL Approves Uninterrupted Season Despite AFCON Clash
The Nigeria Premier Football League has confirmed that the 2025–2026 season will continue without a break during AFCON 2025. The decision differs from countries like South Africa, which will pause league matches due to player commitments.
NPFL officials said the schedule would hold, though reactions among coaches and players have been mixed.