The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • JUST IN: AGF takes over Ozekhome’s alleged forgery case from ICPC

    JUST IN: AGF takes over Ozekhome’s alleged forgery case from ICPC

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has taken over the prosecution of the criminal case brought against Mike Ozekhome (SAN) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

    The development however, stalled Ozekhome’s planned arraignment on Monday before a HIgh Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the three-count charge filed against him by the ICPC and in which he is accused of among others, forgery.

    When the case was called, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) said he was representing the AGF and informed the court of the AGF’s decision to take over the case from the ICPC.

    Oyedepo said the AGF was acting under his powers as provided in Section 174 of the Constitution.

    ICPC’s lawyer, Osuebeni Akpomisingha (who filed the charge) did not object to the take over of the case by the AGF.

    Read Also: Ozekhome: The heart of the matter 

    Former AGF, Kanu Agabi (SAN) who led a team of lawyers (which comprised 15 SANs) for the defence, also did not object the take over of the case by Fagbemi.

    Upon an application for adjournment by Oyedepo, which was not opposed by Agabi, Jusice

    Peter Kekemeke adjourned till February 24 for arraignment.

    A count in the charge reads: That you Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN (M) ’68yrs’ of No. 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021 or thereabout at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, while being a legal practitioner and senior advocate of Nigeria did make a false document, to wit: Nigeria passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr Shani Tali with intent to use same to support claim of ownership of property known and described as 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX with intent to commit fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 363 and punishable under section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532 laws of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 2006.

    Details shortly…

  • FRSC caution motorists on hazy weather, poor visibility

    FRSC caution motorists on hazy weather, poor visibility

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cautioned motorists nationwide to exercise heightened patience following prevailing hazy weather conditions currently being experienced across several parts of the country.

    The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, gave the advice in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, made available on Monday in Abuja.

    Mohammed explained that the current weather condition had resulted in poor visibility and reduced clarity on major highways.

    He emphasised that the current dust haze, occasioned largely by seasonal atmospheric conditions, posed significant risks to road users, particularly drivers whose vision may be impaired while driving.

    He noted that reduced visibility under such conditions increase the likelihood of road traffic crashes.

    The FRSC boss however, emphasised the need for deliberate caution and strict compliance with traffic regulations.

    He said that hazy weather conditions and dust significantly reduced visibility and reaction time for drivers adding that, at such speeding becomes even more dangerous.

    He therefore appealed to all motorists to slow down, obey speed limits, and drive defensively to avoid preventable crashes.

    “In view of the prevailing reduced visibility conditions associated with the dust haze, we advise all motorists to strictly comply with traffic regulations and adopt safe driving practices at all times.

    “Drivers are specifically urged to reduce speed and comply with prescribed speed limits, especially on highways affected by hazy conditions.

    Read Also: FRSC rescues 17 children from suspected traffickers in Abuja

    “Maintain safe following distances to allow adequate reaction time; and ensure that headlights, tail lights, and brake lights are fully functional and used appropriately, even during daytime where visibility is impaired.

    “In addition to that, they are to avoid dangerous driving behaviours such as wrongful overtaking, over-speeding, and distracted driving; and ensure windscreens are clean and wipers are functional to enhance visibility,” he said.

    The corps marshal also appealed to drivers of commercial vehicles to prioritise passenger safety by avoiding unnecessary speed and ensuring full compliance with road safety regulations.

    The FRSC boss reiterated the corps commitment to safeguarding lives on Nigerian roads and assured the public that its patrol teams were on high alert to monitor traffic flow, enforce compliance, and provide prompt assistance where necessary.

    “Motorists are encouraged to cooperate with FRSC operatives and report emergencies through the corps’ toll-free emergency numbers, 122,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • FCT teachers join ongoing strike

    FCT teachers join ongoing strike

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, has directed all primary and secondary school teachers in the territory to join the ongoing strike action initiated by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).

    This strike action is expected to begin on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.

    This is contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the union’s State Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas; State Secretary, Margaret Jethro; and Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye, issued to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

    ​According to the communiqué, the decision to down tools follows a directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), instructing all affiliate unions within the FCT to escalate the industrial action.

    ​While the NUT noted initial reservations regarding the organisational approach of the JUAC-led strike, the union emphasised that the intervention of the NLC necessitated a unified front.

    ​‘’All teachers in FCT primary and secondary schools are to stay away from classrooms starting Monday.

    “Teachers within the city centre and surrounding areas are directed to converge at the National Industrial Court (NIC) on Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja by 7a.m .on Monday.

    “The gathering is intended to show solidarity during the hearing of a court case instituted against JUAC,” it says.

    According to the communiqué, the union reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating with authorities until all outstanding demands specifically affecting teachers are met.

    ​”In pursuit of justice and to demonstrate our collective resolve, we must stand together. A people united can never be defeated,” the communiqué said.

    ​The union urged its members to remain steadfast while promising to provide updates as the situation unfolds.

    Read Also: Wike moves to end FCT Teachers’ strike, approves revenue deduction to meet demands

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Jan. 19 began an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare concerns.

    The workers under JUAC have been appealing for urgent action to resolve the welfare issues affecting their morale and productivity.

    The president of the union, Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer, had earlier told journalists that some of the concerns raised included non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions and no payments or overheads.

    Others are unlawful restriction and centralisation of salary preparation and payment, and non-payment of officers of the Abuja Environment Protection Board and Social Development Secretariat engaged to enforce laws and policies.

    (NAN)

  • Sen. Gada dumps ADC for PDP

    Sen. Gada dumps ADC for PDP

    A leading All Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition stalwart in Sokoto state, Sen. Abubakar Gada, has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The former senator who made announcement at the end of a consultative meeting in Sokoto, said his decision was driven by the need to “reclaim and rebuild” the PDP in the state.

    Gada, who represented Sokoto East Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011 under the PDP, joined the ADC in 2025.

    ”I have played a leading and instrumental role in the conception, promotion, and stabilisation of the ADC coalition movement in Sokoto state.

    ”I also invested considerable time, energy, and political capital in building what was envisioned as a credible political alternative driven by the collective aspirations of the people.

    ” I leverage on modern communication tools and social media platforms to expand awareness and participation.

    ” It is in this spirit I brought the Northwest coalition representative Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i to Sokoto state to engage with diverse political stakeholders in the state,” Gada said

    Gada explained that events have unfolded, prevailing on political realities revealed significant structural and leadership challenges within the coalition.

    These, he said, included issues of weak cohesion, absence of strategic clarity, and a noticeable lack of commitment at critical leadership levels.

    Gada added that after extensive consultations with political allies, stakeholders and grassroots leaders, and after careful reflection, he decided withdraw from the ADC coalition membership.

    ” I formally align with the PDP, a platform I consider more structured, credible, and people-oriented for advancing the collective aspirations of Sokoto state.

    Read Also: 2019: Sokoto APC vows not to recognise Sen. Gada

    ”The development was as result of statewide town hall engagements, strategic grassroots consultations, and high-level political interactions aimed at strengthening unity, coordination, and public confidence in the PDP,” he added.

    Gada reassured the good people of Sokoto state of his steadfast commitment to inclusive leadership, grassroots empowerment, constructive political engagement, and the pursuit of good governance.

    He pledged a stable and dependable political platform and remain resolute in working collectively toward unity, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alhaji Hamza Gatawa, Hajiya Maryam Gade and Alhaji Tambari Tambuwal who spoke on behalf of participants praised Gada’s courage to strengthen the viable political movement toward rescueing Nigeria from all forms of challenges.

    (NAN)

  • First Lady tasks Nigerians on environmental protection

    First Lady tasks Nigerians on environmental protection

    The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to accept environmental protection and cleaning as a societal responsibility.

    Tinubu made the call in Abuja on Monday in her message to commemorate the International Day of Clean Energy 2026, with the theme: “Clean Energy for People and Planet”.

    She said that the day was a reminder to all Nigerians of the shared responsibility to protect and preserve their environment.

    “I urge us all to embrace renewable energy and sustainable technologies as an essential foundation for survival, healthy living, and environmental stewardship.

    “Let us work together to build a greener, healthier planet for all.,” she said.

    Read Also: First Lady urges investment in inclusive education

    She also wished all Nigerians a happy International Day of Clean Energy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of Clean Energy, annually marked on  Jan. 26, was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (resolution A/77/327).

    It is a call to raise awareness and mobilise action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.

    (NAN)

  • Omoni Oboli hails actors Michael Dappa, Ekama Etim

    Omoni Oboli hails actors Michael Dappa, Ekama Etim

    Filmmaker and actress Omoni Oboli has praised her actors, Michael Dappa and Ekama Etim Inyang, for their exceptional talent and character.

    In an Instagram post, Oboli expressed love and admiration for the duo, highlighting their growth and evolution as artists.

    She wrote: “Micheal and Ekama, this is from my heart @officialmichaeldappa @ekamaetiminyang. I love you both so deeply, so truly. Watching you grow, evolve, and step fully into who God has called you both to be is one of my greatest joys. Your talent is undeniable, but even more beautiful is your character, your loyalty, your humility, your work ethic, and the way you carry yourselves with grace and heart”.

    She commended Michael’s gift, depth, and heart, saying he brings truth to everything he does.

    “Micheal, you have a gift that speaks so loud without trying. You bring truth, depth, and heart into everything you do, and it shows. I am so proud of the man and artist you are becoming. You make me incredibly proud to call you mine”, she added.

    Oboli also praised Ekama’s gentle yet powerful presence, warmth, and sincerity, noting that she’s a joy to work with.

    “Ekama, your light is gentle but oh so powerful. You bring warmth, sincerity, and such a beautiful presence into every space you enter. You are a joy to work with, the crew adore you, you never complain even when conditions aren’t the best! You give of yourself wholeheartedly and you are an absolute blessing to me”, she wrote.

    Oboli thanked both actors for their commitment, excellence, and love, saying she’s grateful to walk this journey with them.

    “Thank you both for your commitment, your excellence, and the love you pour into the work. I see you. I appreciate you. I believe in you. I’m rooting for you and I am so grateful to walk this journey with you”, she concluded.

  • Constitution Review, Electoral Act, 2026 budget top Senate’s agenda on resumption

    Constitution Review, Electoral Act, 2026 budget top Senate’s agenda on resumption

    The Senate will, upon full resumption from its Yuletide recess, prioritise the consideration and passage of the Constitution Review Bills, amendments to the Electoral Act, and this year’s Appropriation Bill, The Nation has learnt.

    Although the Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, January 27, plenary proceedings are expected to be suspended in honour of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who passed on during the recess.

    Sources said the Red Chamber would adjourn sitting shortly after convergence, with substantive legislative business expected to start on the next legislative day.

    But ranking lawmakers stated that three major national issues would dominate the Senate’s agenda upon full resumption: the report of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, and the consideration and passage of this year’s budget.

    A senior lawmaker, who spoke in confidence with The Nation, confirmed that the Constitution Review report, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, is ready for presentation, consideration, and passage.

    According to the source, the report was initially scheduled for consideration before the Senate proceeded on recess but was deferred due to the presentation of the 2026 budget by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which the Senate has already passed for second reading.

    Read Also: Senate lauds police for swift arrest of Kano mother, six children’s killers

    “Yes, it was supposed to be presented and considered before the recess, but because of the budget presentation, it was stepped down,” the source said.

    “Now, one of the top items before the Senate on resumption will be the presentation and consideration of the Constitution Review report.

    “The Deputy Senate President, as Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, will lay the report before the Senate, after which the bills will be taken clause by clause and passed, subject to the required constitutional majority,” the source revealed.

    Also listed as a priority is the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act, which lawmakers said has become urgent ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The urgency is driven by the statutory requirement that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must issue its notice of election and election timetable at least 360 days before polling day.

    With timelines for political party primaries under the existing Electoral Act rapidly approaching, the Senate is under pressure to conclude work on the amendment bill without delay.

    The House of Representatives has already passed its version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had earlier assured Nigerians that all amendments to the Electoral Act would be concluded in good time for the 2027 elections.

    Speaking through his Special Adviser on Constitutional Matters, Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), Akpabio said the Senate would take up the Bill immediately after resumption.

    Ubani, responding to questions from the AdvoKC Foundation, a civil society organisation, expressed confidence that the legislative process would be concluded swiftly, with presidential assent expected by the first week of February.

    “The timeline is critical, considering the legal requirement for INEC to issue a notice of election at least one year before the polling day,” Ubani said.

    “With the House of Representatives having passed its version, the process is already at an advanced stage. Once the Senate resumes, it will certainly pass the Bill,” he added.

    In addition to electoral and constitutional reforms, lawmakers said the Senate would intensify work on the 2026 Appropriation Bill, including committee-level scrutiny, harmonisation of reports, and final passage to ensure timely implementation of the fiscal plan.

    Efforts to get comments from the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), were unsuccessful as he neither answered calls nor responded to messages as of the time of filing this report.

  • Ndi Igbo should join APC en masse, says ex-Finance Minister Idika Kalu

    Ndi Igbo should join APC en masse, says ex-Finance Minister Idika Kalu

    A former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, has urged the Igbo to take advantage of the ongoing membership registration to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) en masse.

    He said the party is where the Ndigbo should pitch their tent.

    “Ndi Igbo should be there,” Dr. Kalu said.

    The former minister shared his mind when he hosted House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and APC leaders who visited him in his home country in Ohafia, Abia State, over the weekend.

    The former minister emphasised the need for Igbo representation at all levels of the party.

    He said: “When they were gathering to set up the APC years ago, I talked to some of our people. Ndi Igbo should be there. They deserve to be there. They have earned their right to be there at the high table.”

    Dr. Kalu hailed the legislative strides of the Deputy Speaker and his commitment to national duty, saying he is making the Ndi Igbo proud.

    The former minister, who was a presidential aspirant in 2003, also promised to contribute more of his quota, especially from his wealth of experience, to the development of the state and the nation when needed, despite his age.

    “So, I must tell you without any equivocation that I’m so proud of you. Abia has to continue to move forward from where we have come. I’m sure that anytime I have an opportunity to contribute by way of advice, by way of presence, by way of walking towards the call for duty, regardless of age, I will. I’m still very strong. I thank the Almighty Father. I don’t feel any constraints up there.”

    Read Also: Enugu APC leaders endorse Tinubu, Mbah for re-election ahead of 2027

    Kalu eulogised the former minister for his contributions to national development, saying his name would continue to resonate around the world.

    “As a student in secondary school, when they asked who the Minister of Finance was, we would raise our hands up. If you wanted to get it correctly, you would have to say Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu.

    “You have maintained this dignity, pride, this integrity without spot for these donkey years. The man we are standing beside is about 87 years old. That is the man we are talking about, without spot, without blemish, a good example for some of us who are in national service.

    “When we remember that people like you walked this path, we’ll tend to bend down to learn from what sustained you, your impeccable results and transparency. You are a role model to all of us, and we pray that God will keep you alive so that we will keep coming close to you to learn from you, your wealth of knowledge, and your experience.

    “The man we are standing before is a man who aspired to be the President of this country in 2003. As I said, it’s not easy to remember all that constitutes his profile. We keep talking about him, we keep remembering the things he has done, projecting the Igbo race up there. Thank you for being the image of Ndi Igbo,” he said.

    The Deputy Speaker also presented a brochure detailing his legislative works as the Deputy Speaker for two years to the elder statesman, praying God to bless him with more years of fruitful living in good health.

  • ‘Nigeria opposition politicians incoherent, lack imagination, alternative vision’

    ‘Nigeria opposition politicians incoherent, lack imagination, alternative vision’

    The Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) and a member of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room on Elections, Ezenwa Nwagwu, has decried what he called the lack of quality opposition parties in the country.

    Nwagwu said even though the country has opposition figures, it lacks strong opposition parties.

    The PAACA executive director regretted that those who act as opposition figures in the country have been largely incoherent in their policy perspective.

    In a statement at the weekend in Abuja, he noted that while many of the opposition figures are not new actors, they lack imagination or an alternative vision on how the economy should be run.

    “What we see repeatedly is the same IMF-driven agenda of privatization,” he said.

    Nwagwu said Nigeria has “opposition figures, not opposition parties”.

    He added: “These figures are largely incoherent in their policy perspectives. Many of them are not new actors, yet there is no imagination or alternative vision on how the economy should be run.”

    What we see repeatedly is the same IMF-driven agenda of privatization.”

    The PAACA chief executive also urged fellow Nigerians to pay more attention to the activities of the political parties in the build-up to the 2027 general election.

    Nwagwu said the undemocratic activities of most political parties often have negative effects on the outcome of elections, for which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) often take the blame.

    Read Also: Nigeria emerges fastest-growing agritech market hub

    The PAACA boss said while Nigerians are fixated on the electoral umpire, there’s need to focus on the internal democracy of the political parties and how their confidence emerges from the primary elections

    “Nigerians underestimate the role political parties play in the outcome of secondary elections. If the primary elections are bad, the outcome will reflect in the main elections. Ninety percent of the challenges we have in our elections are due to lack of internal democracy – imposition of candidates, absence of genuine contest, and lack of competition within parties.

    “Stakeholders must pay keen attention to what the political parties are doing. We cannot be described as meddlesome interlopers in the affairs of people who recruit leaders for us.

    “The leader’s selection process is a sacred assignment that the political parties are involved in. They are the ones who present candidates. INEC does not present candidates. Sometimes they even present unqualified candidates, and the matter ends up in court,” Nwagwu added.

  • Ndume hails Tinubu, Zulum for resettling terror attack victims

    Ndume hails Tinubu, Zulum for resettling terror attack victims

    Former Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum over recent relocation and resettlement of victims of Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ attacks who were hitherto displaced and living in Cameroon.

    The Nation learnt that there is a tripartite agreement between the Borno State government, the Federal government, and its Cameroonian counterpart in conjunction with the United Nations Humanitarian High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to facilitate voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon, many of whom are from Borno State.

    The agreement, which was signed in Yaounde, the Cameroonian capital, dates back to 2017. The then Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (retd.), led a high-level Nigerian delegation, which included then Borno State governor and now Vice President Kashim Shettima to the neighbouring country.

    The agreement ensures the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Nigerian refugees who fled from terror attacks to Cameroon’s Minawao camp and other areas back to Nigeria.

    Read Also: Ndume explains role in ambassadorial screening, says Senate will brief Tinubu on gaps

    The Nation also learnt that Governor Zulum had, in partnership with the Federal Government and the UNHCR, sped up the repatriation process, especially for the thousands of Borno indigenes in Cameroon.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Ndume, who is representing Borno South, hailed the Tinubu administration and the Borno State government for keeping faith with the programme, which has enabled many indigenes of Borno State to be relocated back to the Northeast state.

    He said: “I want to commend the Federal Government because the tripartite agreement between it, the Borno State Government, the Government of Cameroon and the UNHCR has ensured the repatriation, resettlement and relocation of Nigerian refugees in Minawao in Cameroon back to Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “I commend the Federal Government for the initiative of resettling the people and the active participation of the Borno State government for the resettlement after over 10 years in Cameroon.

    “I also want to commend the resettling of the people of Wala village in Gwoza Local Government.”

    The former Senate Chief Whip also thanked Governor Zulum for fulfilling his promise to restore electricity to Gwoza Local Government Area, which he noted had been without power supply for over 10 years as a result of the destruction of power facilities by the Boko Haram terror group.

    “The effort of Governor Zulum in restoring electricity in Gwoza is commendable. We have been without light for over 10 years.

    “The Borno State governor made a promise last year during the installation of the Emir of Bama, and he has kept the promise.”