Rivers EXCO Approves ₦1.8 Trillion 2026 Budget Proposal
The Rivers State Executive Council has approved a ₦1.8 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. The decision was taken at the council’s meeting held on Friday evening.
The Special Adviser to Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Economic Matters and Social Development, Prof. Peter Medee, said the budget is aimed at completing ongoing projects and advancing new ones across critical sectors of the state economy.
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Wike Says No Second Chance for Fubara Over Leadership Failings
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will not be given a second chance, accusing him of poor leadership.
Wike argued that any leader unable to maintain functional relationships with local government chairmen, lawmakers and key stakeholders lacks the capacity to govern effectively.
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Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang Defects from PDP to APC
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
He was formally received into the APC on Friday in Jos, where the state chairman of the party, Rufus Bature, presented him with his membership card.
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Anthony Joshua Accident: Lexus SUV Driver Arraigned in Ogun
The driver involved in the Lexus SUV accident linked to boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before Chief Magistrate O.M. Somefun on four counts, including reckless driving and failure to produce a valid driver’s licence.
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Court Grants ₦500m Bail to Bauchi Finance Commissioner, Others
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others facing terrorism financing charges.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties in like amount.
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Malami to Remain in Custody as Court Defers Bail Ruling
The immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, will remain in custody until Wednesday when his bail application will be ruled upon.
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after hearing arguments for and against the application at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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INEC Dismisses Claims of 2027 Election Timetable Release
The Independent National Electoral Commission has dismissed reports claiming it has released the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
INEC described the information as false and misleading, noting that any document outside the statutory framework cannot emanate from the commission.
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NAF Confirms Recovery Actions After UAV Loses Link
The Nigerian Air Force says it has successfully coordinated response and recovery actions after one of its unmanned aerial vehicles lost communication during a routine mission.
NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
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Naira Appreciates to ₦1,430.84 at Official Market
The Naira opened the 2026 trading year on a positive note, appreciating against the U.S. dollar at the official market.
Central Bank of Nigeria data showed the currency gained ₦4.90 to trade at ₦1,430.84 per dollar, a 0.34 per cent increase.
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Court Suspends Kano NNPP Chairman Pending Suit
A Kano State High Court has suspended Hashimu Suleiman-Dungurawa as chairman of the New Nigerian People’s Party in the state.
Justice Zuwaira Yusuf issued the interim order following an ex parte application by ward members from Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area.
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INEC Reiterates No Dates Fixed for 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission has again denied fixing dates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections.
In a statement, the commission said any timetable in circulation is fake and assured Nigerians that official information would be released through verified channels.
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NASS to Release Certified Copies of Signed Tax Acts
The National Assembly has announced plans to release Certified True Copies of recently signed tax bills.
According to its Director of Information, the move is to address public concerns over alleged discrepancies in the gazetted versions of the Acts.
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ADC Unveils Timetable for 2026 Congresses and Convention
The African Democratic Congress has released guidelines and a timetable for its 2025/2026 congresses and national convention.
The party said the process would begin with membership registration in January and conclude with its national convention in February 2026.
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APC Inches Toward PDP’s 2003 Record After Fresh Defections
The All Progressives Congress is nearing control of about 30 states following recent defections from opposition parties.
The ruling party’s growing dominance has raised concerns over power concentration and the possibility of one-party dominance.
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ISWAP Reportedly Razing Christian Village in Adamawa
The Islamic State of West Africa Province has reportedly attacked a Christian village in Adamawa State.
A security expert said the group released footage showing the settlement in flames, alongside threats against Christians in Nigeria.
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Israel to Support Persecuted Christians in Nigeria – Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged support for persecuted Christian communities in Nigeria and elsewhere.
He made the remarks during a meeting with evangelical leaders, saying Israel remains committed to defending Christian minorities globally.
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Utomi Calls for Age Limits for Presidential, Governorship Aspirants
Political economist Pat Utomi has called for a review of age limits for public office holders in Nigeria.
He argued that Nigerians should not tolerate a presidency that requires constant medical attention due to age-related issues.
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Ibadan Explosion: Fayose Demands Return of ₦30bn Fund
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has asked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to return ₦30 billion intervention funds.
Fayose said the money, meant for victims of the Bodija explosion, had remained unspent and should be refunded with accrued interest.
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Doris Ogala Rejects Pastor’s Apology Over Brother’s Death
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has rejected an apology from Pastor Chris Okafor, saying it does not address her concerns.
She insisted that the pastor must explain the circumstances surrounding her brother’s death and vowed to present evidence.
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NFF Clears Eric Chelle’s Pay Ahead of AFCON Knockout Stage
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has been paid all his financial entitlements ahead of the AFCON 2025 round of 16.
Sources said the payment has boosted morale in the camp as Nigeria prepares to face Mozambique in the knockout stage.