The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Peller to return to school over inability to speak fluent English

    Peller to return to school over inability to speak fluent English

    TikToker Peller has expressed regret over his inability to speak fluent English, acknowledging it as a barrier to confident communication.

    The social media personality, who is ready to pursue education, made the admission during a recent live-stream session with fellow content creator Enzo.

    When asked to formally introduce himself in English, Peller declined, stating, “In English? E no go go.”

    The conversation took a light-hearted turn when Enzo teased Peller about an impending meeting with popular internet personality, Speed, prompting Peller to reiterate his concerns about his English skills.

    “So you’re telling me that if Speed comes, you are not going to talk to him? Because he just called me now that he’s coming tomorrow,” Enzo said.

    Read Also: I’m focusing on myself in 2026, no more girls – Peller vows 

    “I no go even see am. My English is very bad, but I dey go university soon to study Arts,” Peller replied.

    Peller’s revelation has sparked widespread discussion online, with many praising his decision to pursue higher education despite his success as a social media influencer.

    The 20-year-old’s decision to return to school comes on the heels of his reported breakup with his girlfriend, Jarvis, and has been seen as a step towards personal growth and self-improvement.

  • Wike to APC national secretary: steer clear of Rivers politics

    Wike to APC national secretary: steer clear of Rivers politics

    …says they should stay off Rivers

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, to steer clear of political affairs in Rivers State.

    Wike’s warning followed comments attributed to Basiru, who had cautioned the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, against what he described as disrespect towards Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, allegedly to curry favour with Wike.

    Basiru’s remarks came after the minister’s recent “thank you” visit to Gokana Local Government Area.

    Reacting while addressing residents of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike advised Basiru and other politicians to desist from actions capable of igniting tension in the state.

    He stated that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were now working towards a common objective of ensuring the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

    The minister also expressed displeasure over what he described as attempts by politicians to position themselves to benefit from the N600 billion Rivers fund, warning against politicising resources meant for the development of the state.

    Read Also: Foundation hails Wike over fresh push to tackle waste crisis

    Wike said, “Let me warn those who came to Rivers State, because you have heard that we have N600 billion. You come here, you collect, and you open your mouth to talk anyhow.

    “I say it here, take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have done it before. Don’t take our support for Mr. President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make.

    “Today, you are enjoying in Osun, you don’t know those who did the work. You are opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it.

    “Go and ask other people what has happened to them before. If your hand burns, it’s not me. This state is a no-go area. Take the one you have taken, stop making unnecessary comments.”

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Former Abia governor Theodore Orji dumps PDP for APC

    JUST IN: Former Abia governor Theodore Orji dumps PDP for APC

    The third democratically elected governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senator Orji, who represented Abia Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 to 2023, had announced his retirement from active politics a few months ago but did not formally renounce his membership of the PDP at the time.

    The Nation recalls that his son, a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji had earlier dumped the PDP amid the internal crisis rocking the party, once regarded as the largest political party in Africa. Political observers had widely interpreted the younger Orji’s move to the APC as a possible signal of his father’s eventual defection.

    Read Also: BREAKING: EFCC arraigns ex-governor Theodore Orji, son, two others for alleged N60.85bn fraud

    As speculated, the former Abia Central senator, who has largely maintained a low public profile since his retirement, has now formally left the PDP for the APC, a decision many analysts say had long been anticipated.

    Observers note that Senator Orji’s defection has further weakened the PDP in Abia State, given his influence and reputation as one of the party’s key rallying points and financiers in the state.

    Confirming the development, the former governor’s media aide, Mr. Ifeanyi Umere, told our correspondent that the defection was a personal decision. He added that there was no official reason provided for the move.

    While some stakeholders have welcomed the continued growth of the APC and what they describe as the strengthening of opposition politics in the state, others have expressed concern that the defection could deal a significant blow to the PDP’s structure and its prospects of regaining political dominance in Abia State.

  • Tinubu nominates Abe, Adeniji to chair NUPRC, NMDPRA boards, seeks Senate confirmation

    Tinubu nominates Abe, Adeniji to chair NUPRC, NMDPRA boards, seeks Senate confirmation

    …submits 21 nominees for oil and gas regulators

    …urges expeditious approval following CEOs’ confirmation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Senator Magnus Abe and energy expert, Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji, as board chairmen of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), respectively, and has asked the Senate to confirm their appointments.

    According to a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President, in two separate letters to the Senate, sought confirmation of 21 nominees to serve on the boards of the two key petroleum-sector regulators established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    For the NUPRC, President Tinubu nominated Abe, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District for two terms, as board chairman.

    Abe is a former board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and currently chairs the National Agency for the Great Green Wall.

    Other nominees for the NUPRC board as non-executive commissioners are Engineer Paul Yaro Jezhi, a former chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Kaduna State, and Mr Sunday Adebayo Babalola, a former deputy director of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

    The President also nominated seven executive commissioners for the NUPRC.

    They are Muhammed Sabo Lamido (Finance); Edu Inyang (Exploration and Acreage); Justin Ezeala (Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning); Henry Darlington Oki (Development and Production); Indabawa Bashari Alka (Corporate Services and Administration); Mahmood Tijani (Health, Safety and Environment); and Ms Olayemi Adeboyejo as Secretary and Legal Adviser.

    While Lamido and Adeboyejo were first appointed in 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, and Alka in 2023 by President Tinubu, Inyang, Ezeala, Tijani, Babalola, and Jezhi are new nominees.

    In the second letter, the President nominated Adeniji, a lawyer with over 30 years’ experience in energy and natural resources, as chairman of the NMDPRA board.

    Adeniji previously served as special technical adviser to the Minister of State for Petroleum on upstream and gas issues and was part of the World Bank Oil and Gas Policy team that advised Nigeria on petroleum-sector reforms.

    Read Also: Photo of Tinubu–Kagame Paris meeting is authentic – Presidency

    He is currently the managing partner at ENR Advisory.

    Also nominated as non-executive members of the NMDPRA board are Chief Kenneth Kobani, a former Minister of State for Trade and ex–Secretary to the Rivers State Government, and Mrs Asabe Ahmed.

    Other nominees include Abiodun Adeniji (Executive Director, Finance); Francis Ogaree (Executive Director, Hydrocarbon); Oluwole Adama (Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure); and Dr Mustapha Lamorde (Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration).

    Additional proposed members are Yahaya Nasamu Yinusa (Executive Director, Distribution Systems); Adeyemi Murtala Aminu (Executive Director, Corporate Services); Ms Modie Ogechukwu (Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning); and Barrister Olawale Dawodu as Board Secretary and Legal Adviser.

    President Tinubu urged the Senate to consider and approve the nominations expeditiously, noting that the requests followed the recent confirmation of the chief executive officers of the two agencies.

    The Senate had earlier confirmed Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as CEO of the NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of the NMDPRA.

    According to the statement, the President charged all appointees and nominees “to discharge their duties and responsibilities professionally as regulators of the oil and gas sectors.”

  • Akwashiki’s death a devastating loss to Nigeria – Adebayo

    Akwashiki’s death a devastating loss to Nigeria – Adebayo

    …leaders across party lines paid tributes to the late senator

    The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a devastating loss to Nigeria, Nasarawa State, and the opposition.

    Adebayo made the remark on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while receiving the remains of the late lawmaker alongside party leaders across political divides and members of the Akwashiki family.

    Senator Akwashiki, 52, represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at a hospital in India.

    Speaking at the solemn reception, the former SDP standard bearer said the senator’s death was not only a setback for the party but also a serious loss to the quality of legislation and political discourse in the country. He described Akwashiki as one of the strongest voices within both the SDP and the National Assembly.

    Adebayo noted that the presence of leaders across party lines, including former governors and senior legislators, reflected the late senator’s influence beyond partisan politics. He prayed for the repose of Akwashiki’s soul and asked God to grant his family, the Eggon Nation, Nasarawa State, and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Also speaking, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau described the senator’s death as a great loss to the state and the nation, noting that his contributions to good governance and development were outstanding.

    Jatau recalled serving with Akwashiki in the state legislature between 2011 and 2015, adding that the late lawmaker later returned to the House as Deputy Speaker.

    He also noted that Akwashiki made history as the first person from the Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone to be elected twice to the Senate, describing him as a dedicated and performing legislator.

    According to the Speaker, the loss was particularly painful for young people who looked up to the late senator as a mentor and leader.

    Eulogising Akwashiki, the Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, said the senator’s death had created an irreparable loss for the party, Nasarawa State, and the nation. He described the late lawmaker as a committed party man and a strong pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.

    Gombe added that the presence of political leaders from different parties at the ceremony underscored the senator’s cross-party appeal, stressing that his death was a national loss.

    Prominent figures at the event included the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi-Gaza, federal and state lawmakers, SDP leaders, as well as community and traditional leaders from the Eggon Nation.

    The remains of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki were later deposited at the National Hospital, Abuja.

  • Harvesters church to pay N50,000 monthly to unemployed workers for three months

    Harvesters church to pay N50,000 monthly to unemployed workers for three months

    The Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Church, Bolaji Idowu, has announced plans to provide financial assistance to its unemployed workers who serve in the church.

    Idowu, while speaking to his congregation, revealed that the church will pay N50,000 monthly for three months to help affected workers stabilise while searching for new jobs.

    He said, “All those who serve in church who are in between jobs, watch what I said. You know, they’re in between jobs. You used to have a job, but you lost a job. For the next three months, we’ll be giving you N50,000 every month to help them till they get their next job.”

    Read Also: Harvesters Church pastors, police officers risk jail over land takeover

    The initiative targets leaders serving in various church capacities who have lost their jobs.

    “So all of those leaders that serve in the church that I just mentioned, you know, we’re giving N50,000 just to help them stabilise. One of the things the church should do is to be there for one another, hallelujah, to help them stabilise,” he added.

    To access the support, eligible workers are required to register with the church administration.

    Pastor Idowu assured that extensive interviews would not be necessary due to the trust established through their service.

    He said, “If you’re that kind of person, in that category, you want to see your pastor and your church administration and register. We’re not going to do so many interviews because for you to serve, we trust the fact that you’re honest.”

    The announcement was met with applause from the congregation.

  • 55-year-old man arrested for allegedly impregnating teenager in Ondo

    55-year-old man arrested for allegedly impregnating teenager in Ondo

    A 55-year-old man, identified as Ademola Joshua, has been arrested for allegedly engaging in incest and sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl, resulting in pregnancy, in Ondo State.

    Joshua was reportedly apprehended by local vigilantes at Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, before being handed over to the police.

    Confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect was arrested over an alleged case of incest and sexual abuse involving the teenager.

    Abayomi said the incident was reported to the Command on January 4, 2025, by one Adewale, who disclosed that the suspect had been engaging in unlawful sexual activities with the minor.

    “The complainant (Adewale) said the crime was uncovered during investigations into the cause of the teenager’s pregnancy.

    “Upon receipt of this disturbing report, the case was immediately referred to the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Unit of the Command for discreet and thorough investigation,” the statement read.

    He added that the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    Read Also: Speaker Abbas laments Niger attack, Yobe boat mishap, condoles victims’ families

    However, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has reaffirmed the commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and children, stressing that perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence would face the full weight of the law.

    CP Lawal noted that the arrest aligns with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, which prioritises gender-sensitive policing and accountability.

    While commending members of the public for their timely and courageous reporting, the police boss urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to aid swift intervention and enhance community safety.

  • JUST IN: Rivers deputy governor, SSG dump PDP for APC

    JUST IN: Rivers deputy governor, SSG dump PDP for APC

    Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Benibo Anabraba, have formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Odu officially registered as a member of the APC in her ward at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

    She completed her e-registration at Akabuka, Ward 8, Unit 11, on Sunday and later toured the six zones of ONELGA to sensitise the people on the ongoing APC e-registration exercise.

    She urged residents to demonstrate their support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara through massive registration in the party.

    She said the registration exercise came after the governor declared for the APC and was intended to further consolidate political support for both the President and Fubara at the grassroots.

    The deputy governor said six zonal meetings had already been held to ensure effective mobilisation and smooth implementation of the registration process across the local government area.

    “Today, I came to sensitise the people, and everywhere we went, there were large crowds who came out to receive us. They said wherever I go, they will go with me, and wherever Governor Fubara and President Tinubu go, they will go,” she said.

    Odu noted that the tour covered all six zones of the local government area, such as Egi, Omoku, Osomini, Igburu, Egbema, and Ndoni, adding that the enthusiasm and turnout reflected growing acceptance of the APC in the area.

    Read Also: 2027: ‘Rivers APC will only take instructions from Wike’

    The deputy governor also received members of the Labour Party (LP) who defected to the APC in Ndoni.

    She described the development as a boost to the party’s strength in ONELGA and a sign of increasing grassroots alignment with the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Fubara.

    The SSG, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, resigned his membership of the PDP in a letter dated January 5, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of Ward 1, PDP, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. 

    The letter was submitted through the party’s ward office at Bob-Manuel’s Compound, Abonnema.

    In the letter, Dr. Anabraba said that his decision to withdraw from the PDP was purely personal, stressing that the move was taken after careful personal consideration. 

    Anabraba expressed gratitude to the PDP for the political leverage and opportunities he enjoyed during his period of membership. 

  • Jimoh Ibrahim hails Armed Forces as Nigeria ranks 31st in global military strength

    Jimoh Ibrahim hails Armed Forces as Nigeria ranks 31st in global military strength

    Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, resilience and sustained contributions to national security.

    The commendation followed Nigeria’s ranking as the 31st strongest military in the world in the 2025 Global Firepower Report.

    In a statement yesterday, Ibrahim, who is also Nigeria’s ambassador-designate and founder of the Institute for Security and Modern War Studies at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, said the Armed Forces had continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment despite evolving security challenges.

    “The Nigerian Armed Forces have remained steadfast in their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding over 250 million Nigerians, even as security threats grow more dynamic and sophisticated,” he said.

    The lawmaker noted that with an estimated personnel strength of about 230,000 and an annual defence budget of roughly $2 billion, representing about one per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, the military had recorded notable progress in counter-terrorism and internal security operations.

    He said, “The successes recorded in counter-terrorism and internal security efforts are critical to preserving Nigeria’s sovereignty, internal cohesion and territorial integrity.”

    Ibrahim also highlighted Nigeria’s role beyond its borders, pointing to peacekeeping and stabilisation missions under the Economic Community of West African States in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as operations in Sudan, Mali, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

    “These interventions have consistently reinforced Nigeria’s standing as a stabilising force and a responsible security leader on the African continent,” he added.

    He further cited the 2025 Global Firepower Report, which ranked Nigeria 31st globally and third in Africa, describing the ranking as evidence of the Armed Forces’ increasing strategic relevance.

    Ibrahim attributed recent improvements in operational capacity and morale to the commitment of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in troop welfare and institutional support.

    “As Nigeria approaches 2026, Nigerians must continue to stand firmly with the Armed Forces, whose sacrifices remain central to our peace, unity and stability, not only within our borders but across the African region,” he said.

  • EPL: Wolves get first win of season after beating West Ham

    EPL: Wolves get first win of season after beating West Ham

    Wolves finally secured a first Premier League win of the season at the 20th attempt as they made light work of fellow strugglers West Ham at Molineux.

    This was Rob Edwards’ first win as Wolves head coach and the team’s first league victory since beating Leicester City on April 26, 2025.

    At a stroke, the league’s bottom side doubled their points tally for the season to six, thanks to first-half goals from Jhon Arias, Hwang Hee-chan and Mateus Mane.

    A sorry West Ham side failed to muster a response after the break and remain 18th with 14 points – four fewer than Nottingham Forest above them.

    With two of the league’s worst defences in action, goals were always likely and it only took the hosts four minutes to make a breakthrough.

    Hwang darted into the box and glided past Konstantinos Mavropanos before cutting back for an unmarked Arias to tap home from six yards – the Colombian’s first goal in a Wolves shirt.

    The early breakthrough injected belief into the home side, who were awarded a penalty when Mane was clattered by the high boot of Soungoutou Magassa.

    Hwang sent the spot-kick straight down the middle to make it 2-0 in the 31st minute before Mane added a third 10 minutes later.

    With no Hammers defender closing him down, the 18-year-old Mane sent a powerful low drive from outside the box that beat Alphonse Areola at the near post, giving the youngster a first goal of his senior career.

    The second half was more evenly contested but the early damage was beyond repair for West Ham, whose winless run has now reached nine matches.