The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Police invite Itsekiri chiefs over ‘killing’

    Police invite Itsekiri chiefs over ‘killing’

    The Nigeria Police have invited some prominent Itsekiri chiefs and leaders for questioning following renewed tension in Ugborodo community over the killing of an indigene, Emiko Onuwaje, on December 20, last year.

    The invitations by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Benin City, Salman Dogo Garba, are linked to investigations into alleged conspiracy, murder, arson and incitement of communal violence arising from a festering youth leadership tussle in Ogidigben, a nearby riverine community.

    Among those invited for the 10 am meeting today are Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom; Chief Eugene Ikomi, Secretary, Warri Traditional Council; and Chief John Okpeyor Daje, alongside 13 others.

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    In separate invitations, Chief Eyewuoma and Chief Ikomi were requested to appear for questioning over alleged threats to life and actions likely to breach public peace, while Chief Daje, a recently installed chief in Warri Kingdom, was invited over allegations of conspiracy, murder, arson and incitement of communal conflict.

    Chief Daje was also directed to present 13 other persons, including Sheriff Erewa, Jonathan Omatseye, Bubemi Kuku, Dere Touyo, Toju Shaba, Humphry Iyonsi, Ogbe Kuku, Ernest Makun, Elvis Iyonsi, Harriman Madamedon, Kelvin Makun (Kimini), Jolomi Eyinoloma and Weyemi Mawe, for interrogation.

    The police action comes amid heightened tension in Itsekiri following the killing of Onuwaje at Ogidigben, an incident that has sparked outrage within the Ugborodo community.

    Only Saturday, leaders of the Ugborodo community held a press conference demanding the arrest and prosecution of suspects linked to the murder, warning that failure to ensure justice could further inflame the fragile peace in the area.

  • Kwara Customs seized N1.2b contraband goods in one month

    Kwara Customs seized N1.2b contraband goods in one month

    Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband goods worth over N1.2 billion in less than one month.

    The command’s Acting Area Controller Najeem Oguneyi, told reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital that the items include 389 bales of fairly used clothes; and 108 sacks of used bags  seized on the Ogbomosho-Eiyenkorin Expressway.  

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      Others are 6,500 litres of PMS; 450 bags of foreign parboiled 50kg rice at Okuta; three new Toyota Landcruiser VX 2025 model and new Lexus jeep LX 600, 2025 model) at Bode Saadu; Mercedez Benz GLE350 2016 Model iat Okuta and 170 pieces of used tires intercepted on Lagos/Jeba Express way.

    The Total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for the above seizures is put at N1.21 billion.

    He warned smugglers to stay away from the illegal trade or be dealt with.

    Comptroller Ogundeyi urged stakeholders and the public to continue to support the Nigeria Customs Service by providing it with credible information.

    “Customs is not an enemy of the people; rather, we are partners in progress, working to secure our borders and strengthen the economy,’’ he added.

  • ‘How to overcome insecurity’

    ‘How to overcome insecurity’

    The Emeritus Supreme Head of C&S Unification Church Worldwide, Dr. Solomon Alao, has revealed how to overcome insecurity.

    He said for the country to tackle insecurity, government needs to put in place state and local police to curb influx of unknown and undetected elements.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a news conference to herald the 96th Annual General Conference of the church, the cleric said commissioners of Police and divisional police officers should be indigenes of the states because they would not want to compromise the safety of their states.

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    He called for enforcement of anti-open grazing law to ensure safety of farmers and boost food security, in order to prevent famine.

    Alao said Nigerians must stop ‘god-fatherism’, to ensure good governance, adding that there should also be restructuring of the federation by converting the six geopolitical zones into states and states into provinces, to reduce cost of governance.

  • APC calls for ‘undiluted’ candidate

    APC calls for ‘undiluted’ candidate

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Ayinde, has called on the party leadership in Oyo State to field what he described as an “undiluted” candidate in the next governorship election, warning that a continuation of past strategies could result in another electoral defeat.

    In a statement, Ayinde said the APC could only return to power in the state if it moved away from political compromises and internal arrangements which, according to him, have weakened the party in previous elections.

    He stressed the need for ideological clarity, competence and loyalty in the selection of the party’s flag bearer.

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    Ayinde specifically endorsed Mr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, describing him as a credible and uncompromised aspirant, who represents the progressive ideals of the APC.

    He said Gbadegesin’s election would address lingering challenges in the party, including internal disunity and uninspiring campaigns.

    He said: “APC in Oyo State has paid dearly for rewarding political opportunism under the guise of electability.

     “The result has been predictable—disunity, weak mobilisation, and electoral losses. The party needs a candidate with conviction, discipline, and a clear reform agenda.”

    He noted that voters in Oyo State, particularly young people, are demanding accountability, competence and fresh leadership, adding familiar political figures without new ideas no longer appeal to them. electorate.

    Ayinde further argued that presenting Gbadegesin as the party’s governorship candidate would energise party members, restore confidence among supporters and provide residents with a viable alternative to the current administration.

  • Nigeria’s enemies shall be exposed, disgraced

    Nigeria’s enemies shall be exposed, disgraced

    Former Chief Magistrate and Bishop-elect, Apostle Moses Kassim. has said the country’s enemies will be exposed and disgraced.

    He noted that the country would be peaceful in 2026.

    This was contained in his new year messages: “2026 Year Message from The Throne of Grace”.

    He said in the first message showed to him by God is adequate reward to the righteous, citing Isaiah 3.10: “Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with him”.

    “This year shall be a peaceful year, while enemies of Nigeria will be exposed and disgraced, in nemesis.

    “This year shall be a year of multiple increase, Divine Help and Comfort for many. Many uncompleted projects will be completed miraculously.

    “Many hospitals and pharmacies will close down due to positive revolution and discoveries in herbal medicine. There is still a challenge in bone  disease,” he said.

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    On business and commercial environment, he said, there will be a boom, with a warning that unhealthy competition shall not be encouraged as it will be counter-productive.

    “The banking sector and oil and gas companies should be careful. God is not happy with some of them. I see too much money in circulation,” he said.

    On economy and security, Kassim said prices of goods, especially food items, will come down, while security agencies will be the highest employer of labour with pressure on government for people to own arms.

    He also said the year will witness mass movement up and down of angels from heaven to earth with messages of favour to the beloved of Christ.

    “On the international scene, United States and its allies shall continue to influence many world policies with major interferences here and there. There will be a major drama of balance of power.

    “China may spring a surprise; there will be a  peaceful world but threats of war will not be unnoticed.

    “I hear of collaboration not competition in Nigeria as the world, especially other African countries, will ask for  our Nigerian products.

    “There is a need for National Prayer Day (Wednesday or Friday) in a month to pray for mercy and prosperity,” he added.

  • Fayose urges Fubara to reconcile with Wike

    Fayose urges Fubara to reconcile with Wike

    • Ex-Ekiti governor: Rivers crisis a ‘sad narrative’

    Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has advised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to stop confronting Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

    He said the governor should instead pursue an honest reconciliation to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Lagos, Fayose described the feud between Fubara and Wike as a sad development.

    The former governor insisted that Fubara should exercise restraint and manage the situation, instead of engaging in open confrontation with the minister.

    He advised Fubara to stop contesting issues of political leadership with Wike, noting that the realities of power were well known to all the parties involved.

    “There’s a difference between the office and 001. What brought about the 001? Who gave you the platform to call yourself the 001? It is a sad narrative for Governor Fubara to be struggling,” Fayose said. “Rather, he should manage the situation. Even if Wike is saying he is the leader, it is not for Fubara to be contesting that.”

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    The ex-governor appealed directly to Fubara to make peace, urging him to take steps towards reconciliation. “I want to advise Governor Fubara again. Please, go and make amends and be at peace,” he said.

    Responding to claims that Fubara had apologised several times to the FCT minister, Fayose warned that not all apologies could be considered genuine.

    According to him, political allies encouraging confrontation will abandon the governor should the crisis escalate.

    Drawing from his personal experience, Fayose said many among those who urged him to “fight back” during his political battles disappeared when he became isolated.

    The ex-governor also argued that the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State last year worked in Fubara’s favour.

    He stated that impeachment would have ended the governor’s political career, if the lingering crisis had continued.

    Fayose said the situation should serve as a lesson about the limits of power and the importance of political wisdom.

    “The emergency rule was all-winning for Governor Fubara. By now, he would have been history because the moment you are impeached, you’re out of the way,” he said.

    Fayose stressed that the Rivers governor must learn from past political experiences, including those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He also urged Fubara to respect constitutional authority and political realities.

    Fayose advised the governor to “climb down from his high horse,” seek peace with Wike, and prioritise stability in Rivers State.

  • Platform faults Obi’s criticism of tax reforms

    Platform faults Obi’s criticism of tax reforms

    The Alternative Platform (TAP) has faulted former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms.

    A statement by the platform’s convener, Femi Odere, noted that Obi’s criticism of the tax reforms demonstrated his inability to understand the dynamics of statecraft.

    Odere wondered why Obi chose Enugu instead of Awka, the Anambra State capital, where he hails from, for his African Democratic Congress (ADC) defection ceremony.

    The TAP convener said real and popular politicians, when making transitions of such magnitude, do so in their traditional political strongholds and not anywhere else.

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    He said Obi’s posturing and talks about the unity of Nigeria in his defection speech amounted to grandstanding and lip service, adding that the ex-governor’s choice of Enugu spoke louder than his incoherent appeal for unity.

    Odere stressed that despite Obi’s resort to religion and ethnicity as his campaign strategy, he came third at the polls in his last outing in 2023.

    “Visiting authors in Rwanda and Indonesia with the hope of drawing inspiration and enlightenment to address Nigeria’s situation is not only laughable but a show of incompetence.

    “That probably explains his lacklustre performance in Anambra State, where all he achieved was to put the people’s money into his private account and the establishment of a brewery.

    “His speech was full of rhetoric about a failed state but failed to provide a single insight as to how things can be improved,” he said.

  • Release Sowore’s passport now, Hashim urges Tinubu

    Release Sowore’s passport now, Hashim urges Tinubu

    • ‘Nigeria worth fighting for’

    Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the release of the international passport of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

    He described the continued seizure of Sowore’s passport as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic freedoms.

    Hashim spoke yesterday in Abuja while hosting Sowore during a meeting with PDP’s Chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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    The meeting was also attended by Hashim’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, and the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat.

    Hashim recalled his shared pro-democracy struggles with Sowore, which dated back to 1989, when Sowore was one of his protégés.

    The PDP chieftain said the meeting was not a nostalgic exercise, but a reminder of the sacrifices that secured Nigeria’s democratic space.

    According to him, Sowore’s courage, consistency, and refusal to bow to intimidation have made him a symbol of principled resistance and a rallying point for young Nigerians demanding a new political order.

    “Nigeria is worth fighting for, and meaningful change is possible, no matter how difficult,” Hashim said.

    He condemned what he called the sustained persecution of Sowore for speaking truth to power, saying the continued seizure of his passport has effectively punished him without conviction and denied him the basic right to family life.

    Hashim warned that democracies collapse when dissent is criminalised, stressing that the protection of opposing voices is a non-negotiable pillar of democratic governance.

    The PDP chieftain urged President Tinubu to order the immediate release of Sowore’s passport in the interest of justice, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.

    During the meeting, Sowore reconnected with longtime comrades, as participants reflected on defining moments that shaped their lifelong commitment to democracy, civic courage, and accountable leadership.

  • Natasha condemns arrest, detention of 52 Edo varsity students over alleged protest

    Natasha condemns arrest, detention of 52 Edo varsity students over alleged protest

    Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has condemned the arrest and detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, over alleged violent protest against insecurity.

    She described the action as a dangerous suppression of youths’ voices and democratic expression.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for the immediate release of the detained students, insisting that protest and civic engagement must never be criminalised in a democratic society.

    “Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress,” she said. “Our youths must not be criminalised for speaking up and protesting about issues that affect their environment, welfare, and future.”

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    The lawmaker faulted the handling of the situation by authorities in Edo State, urging the government to redirect its attention towards the escalating insecurity, including kidnappings and related crimes, confronting the residents.

    “The government of Edo State must focus on addressing the concerns of kidnappings and other forms of insecurity rather than suppressing discerning and courageous voices,” she stated.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and a vital tool for accountability, especially for young people whose futures are directly impacted by governance failures.

    “Silencing students through arrests only deepens mistrust and widens the gap between the government and the governed. Engagements and honest dialogue are the responsible responses,” the senator added.

    She reaffirmed her solidarity with the detained students and their families, stressing that her advocacy aligns with her broader commitment to justice and youth empowerment.

  • Kwankwaso: Yusuf’s defection would ease tension in NNPP

    Kwankwaso: Yusuf’s defection would ease tension in NNPP

    New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso yesterday said the defection of Governor Abba Yusuf, some commissioners and House of members  would douse the tension in the party.

    He chided them for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that they succumbed to pressure.

    Kwankwaso, a former two-term governor of Kano State, claimed that the lawmakers, council chairmen, councillors and other political appointees were being compelled to choose between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the Gandujiyya Movement,  which is associated with former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

    He stated on his Facebook page that since the tension began, he had received distress calls from the affected officials about the undue pressure.

    Kwankwaso said: “Today, 13th January, 2026, I returned back to town and received some good news and others were unpleasant, especially how the government came up with a decision that chairmen, councillors, secretaries and other political appointees should decide whether they support Kwankwasiyya or Gandujiyya. It is something unpleasant.”

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    The NNPP leader alleged that some of those affected had suffered serious emotional and health challenges.

    He said:“Several chairmen have called me, some councillors and political appointees, including state lawmakers, have spoken to me about their predicament. Some had sleepless nights, while some were even placed on drip in hospitals.”

    Kwankwaso said following wide consultations, he advised those allegedly coerced to comply with government directives to ease tension in the state.

    He stressed: “We thought those who were compelled to append their signatures should go ahead and do so. This will ease the pressure they faced. The battle for 2027 is still ahead.”

    Kwankwaso thanked party supporters and caucus members who were wooed with promises and the governor for acknowledging the achievements of the NNPP-led administration.

    Party sources hinted that the governor may conclude plans to join the APC before the end of the week.

    The sources disclosed that Yusuf is expected to travel to Abuja and may return to Kano alongside a former national chairman of the APC, Ganduje, for the flag-off of the party’s electronic registration .in the state.