The Nation Newspaper

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  • National Assembly backs Tinubu on local government financial autonomy — Karimi

    National Assembly backs Tinubu on local government financial autonomy — Karimi

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services and Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Steve Karimi, has said the National Assembly fully supports President Bola Tinubu’s position on the implementation of practical and unfettered financial autonomy for local governments.

    Karimi stated that the legislature would enact the necessary laws to ensure strict compliance with the Supreme Court judgment granting fiscal autonomy to the third tier of government.

    Speaking while hosting his constituents to mark the New Year, the senator recalled the landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court on July 25, 2024, which ordered the direct disbursement of federal allocations to the country’s 774 local government councils.

    He noted that the apex court declared state governors’ control of local government funds unconstitutional and invalidated the use of caretaker committees, describing them as illegal.

    According to Karimi, the ruling was intended to strengthen grassroots democracy and governance by ensuring that statutory allocations are paid directly to democratically elected local government officials, free from state interference. 

    He added that the judgment was also designed to improve service delivery at the local government level, which he described as the foundation of the country’s governance structure.

    Despite what he described as a clear, explicit and unambiguous pronouncement by the Supreme Court, Karimi lamented that some states have continued to disregard and undermine the ruling.

     According to Karimi, “cognisant of the errant conduct of some state governors on the issue, President Tinubu warned at the recent National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) a fortnight ago, that he may be compelled to issue an Executive Order to whip defaulting governors into line.” 

    The President, Senator Karimi observed, had exercised restraint for so long with non-conformists, despite the fact that he has the powers to impose on them to do what is right.

    Said Karimi, “The National Assembly will prioritise the matter of the non-adherence of certain governors across the broad spectrum, to the subsisting Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy. We will back the President with relevant laws which will be retroactively effective. The laws will track the kleptomania and squandermania of governors who have been looting the commonwealth of the people of Nigeria. They will be prosecuted, compelled to make returns and punished for undermining the wellbeing of the generality of the people, by wilfully stealing what rightly belongs to them.”

    Speaking further, Karimi said that trillions of naira had been pilfered from the resources of Nigerians by gluttonous governors. 

    Read Also: US airstrikes: Thousands of lives, trillions of naira would have been saved before now – Senator Karimi

    His words, “There is general consensus that no administration in contemporary history has made as much resources available to states and local government areas as the Tinubu government, but the people are barely feeling the impact in many places. During the screening of service chiefs recently, the chief of Defence staff noted that not allowing LGAs to function has contributed to insecurity in the country, creating lots of ungoverned space in the country. Some governors, their godfathers and members of their cabals, put a knife on local government funds every month, as their own “dessert” after meals.”

    This, the Kogi West Senator noted, “is why the local government system is dysfunctional and incapable of rendering the most basic services to their constituents. It is the reason many parts of the country have become dangerous ungoverned spaces and operational bases for terrorists. Governors who have been wilfully denying the people the resources for development, their aiders and abetters, and their rabid defenders in the media will meet their comeuppance when the parliament enables the appropriate legislations.”

    According to Senator Karimi, in some states of the federation, what is being done is outright stealing of LGAs allocation. 

    While local government funds are transferred to the LGAs bank accounts, the state then operates voucher racketeering schemes, where documents are processed for fictitious jobs that are never executed, while the relevant supervisory councillors and chairmen are compelled to sign and approve such fraudulent vouchers which run into billions of naira monthly. No jobs are carried out, while funds are looted steadily and regularly. Chairmen dare not complain for the fear of their lives because the ruling gangs in some states are deadly.This type of fraud shouldn’t be happening in the 21st century in Nigeria.”

  • 2027: Rivers Ijaw congress dumps Fubara, backs Wike, pledges loyalty to Tinubu

    2027: Rivers Ijaw congress dumps Fubara, backs Wike, pledges loyalty to Tinubu

    The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress on Saturday publicly withdrew its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declared allegiance to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    The decision was announced by the chairman of the congress, Senator George Sekibo, during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    Sekibo described the ongoing rift between Fubara and Wike as unfortunate but stressed that the Ijaw people remain appreciative of political support and goodwill.

    He recalled Wike’s role in facilitating Fubara’s emergence as governor, noting that the then-candidate enjoyed widespread backing across the state, including from the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

    “Ijaw people are very grateful people. Please do not look at him and think we are all ungrateful,” Sekibo said. “That is why we have abandoned him and decided to follow you. You have done so much for the Ijaw people in Rivers State. Whatever you say we should do is what we will do.”

    He assured Wike of the full support of the Ijaw people and pledged their loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the minister as a dependable ally who has consistently stood by the ethnic group.

    “We will not leave you because you have been there for us,” he added.

    Read Also: Rivers: No second chance for Fubara – Wike

    Earlier, the chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Akuro Tobin, described Wike as his political godfather, crediting him with supporting several indigenes of the area to secure elective positions and political appointments.

    Tobin assured the minister that the men, women and youths of Okrika Local Government Area remained firmly behind him and President Tinubu.

    Speaking on behalf of Okrika women, Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly, representing Okrika Constituency, Mrs Linda Stewart, also said Wike’s support to women was unprecedented, and prayed for him to succeed in all his endeavours.

    Wike, while addressing the Okrika people applauded them for their support and for standing firm with Tinubu.

    He described Tinubu as a man who keeps fulfills ‘agreement’, and urged the people of Okrika to continue to support people with good and trusted character.

  • CHRICED urges Tinubu to implement Oronsaye report

    CHRICED urges Tinubu to implement Oronsaye report

    The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has tasked President Bola Tinubu on the implementation of the Oronsaye report to reduce the cost of governance.

    The Oronsaye Report recommended the scrapping of some government agencies with similar operations to reduce the cost of governance.

    Speaking at a new year media briefing in Abuja on Saturday, Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, lamented the continued neglect of the Oronsaye report, saying its failure to be implemented reflected a lack of political will to reduce the cost of governance.

    Zikirullahi stated, “The Oronsaye Report — a long-standing blueprint for reducing the cost of governance — remained buried under political convenience. Instead of streamlining government, new agencies, committees, and appointments multiplied, consuming scarce resources that should have been directed toward lifting citizens out of poverty.

    “This contradiction is not just irresponsible — it is immoral. A government that asks the poor to endure hardship while expanding its own privileges is a government that has lost its moral compass. Nigeria cannot continue to bleed resources into a system designed to enrich the few at the expense of the many. The people deserve leadership that sacrifices first, spends wisely, and governs with conscience.”

    Speaking on democracy, Zikirullahi said off-cycle elections in 2025 exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s electoral system, citing allegations of voter suppression, violence and manipulation.

    According to the CHRICED boss, many local government elections were reduced to “coronations” for ruling parties, undermining public trust.

    Zikirullahi expressed concern over what he described as an accelerated drift toward a one-party state, pointing to mass defections of opposition lawmakers and governors to the ruling party.

    According to him, the trend has weakened accountability, endangered judicial independence and fuelled public disillusionment.

    “This is not speculative; it is observable and dangerous,” he said, warning that Nigeria risks becoming a democracy only in form, not substance.

    On insecurity, Zikirullahi said Nigerians remained under siege despite huge budgetary allocations to defence, with kidnappings, banditry and violent crime persisting across the country.

    He said communities had been displaced, farms abandoned and businesses shut down, adding that security must go beyond slogans to tangible action.

    The CHRICED boss decried what he described as a shrinking civic space, alleging that peaceful protesters, journalists and activists faced harassment and intimidation in 2025.

    Read Also: Bello seeks support for Tinubu as Kogi APC kicks off e-registration

    “A democracy without dissent is a democracy in name only,” he said, insisting that civic freedoms were non-negotiable and central to accountability.

    Zikirullahi said Nigeria now faced defining choices in 2026, urging leaders to show courage by reducing the cost of governance, reforming key institutions, strengthening the electoral process and protecting civic rights.

    He also called on citizens to transform resilience into action by holding leaders accountable and refusing to surrender their democratic power.

    “The message of 2025 is clear,” he said. “The people are suffering, the system is failing, and silence is no longer an option.”

    He, however, maintained that hope was not lost, saying Nigerians had survived the worst and could still build a just and dignified society if collective resolve replaced apathy.

  • Military uncovers mastermind of recent suicide attacks in North East

    Military uncovers mastermind of recent suicide attacks in North East

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has identified Shariff Umar as the ringleader behind the recent suicide bombings and attempted attacks in the North East.

    According to reports, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive inside a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on December 24, 2025, killing five people and injuring 35 others during evening prayers.

    Although no group claimed responsibility for the attack amid growing security concerns in the North East, the military arrested some suspects linked to the incident. 

    Boko Haram and its splinter groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have waged a 15-year campaign of violence targeting civilians, military bases, mosques, and markets.

    Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), which oversees military operations in the North East, said on Saturday that 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested during cordon-and-search operations in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31.

    Uba said that following the arrests, detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell.

    He said: “During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar (also known as “Yusuf”) as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network. According to consistent and corroborated statements, Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.

    Read Also: Niger Delta ex-agitators back U.S. military operations against terrorists

    “Investigations further revealed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025, during which his accomplice, Adamu (now deceased), detonated a suicide vest. He was also identified as the coordinator of the foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, personally handing over IED components to the suicide bomber in Maiduguri.

    “Additional links within the network were established, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and the confirmation by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspect bomber within their residence. These findings significantly strengthened the investigative trail and exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods employed by terrorist facilitators.”

    The military spokesperson said all suspects remain “firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network,” identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.

    Uba urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to security agencies. 

    “Cooperation and trust between troops of OPHK and local communities are essential to completely rooting out terrorism and restoring lasting peace across the region,” he said. 

  • No investment in education is a gamble — Shettima

    No investment in education is a gamble — Shettima

    …as Kashim Ibrahim University graduates 2,294 students

    … Ooni of Ife installed as Chancellor, Zulum announces jobs, scholarships

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday said no investment in education is ever a gamble, describing the sector as a deliberate commitment to securing a better and more prosperous future for Nigeria.

    Speaking at the combined convocation ceremonies of Kashim Ibrahim University in Maiduguri, Borno State, where 2,294 students graduated across the 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions, the Vice President said education remains the most powerful tool for development, economic empowerment and societal liberation.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “no investment in education is ever a gamble. It is a conscious plan for a better, more secure future”.

    He urged the graduating students to see themselves as ambassadors of integrity, service and excellence, stressing that their conduct would define the reputation of the young institution.

    “Wherever life takes you, you carry the name and values of Kashim Ibrahim University. You must shun ethical shortcuts and moral compromise,” he admonished.

    Reflecting on the North-East’s painful history, the Vice President noted that Borno State understands the consequences of neglecting education, having endured years of disruption caused by insurgency.

    “Borno has paid a heavy price for the years education was disrupted. Yet, the people chose resilience over despair and learning over loss,” he said.

    Describing the graduands as pioneers, Shettima said history has placed a special responsibility on them.

    “You are the first torchbearers of this institution. History will judge this university by what you become and how you conduct yourselves,” he added.

    The Vice President commended the academic and administrative leadership of the university, including its pioneer Vice-Chancellor, current management and staff, for laying “a solid foundation for learning in the heart of the North-East.”

    He also praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, describing him as “a leader whose vision turned an idea into an enduring institution”.

    “This convocation is proof that true leadership measures power by the number of lives it enlightens,” Shettima said.

    Shettima further applauded the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Muhammadu Indimi, for his commitment to the state, especially during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, noting that “his wealth has consistently been deployed for the good of society”.

    In a symbolic gesture, the Vice President announced the donation of two electric vehicles to support the university’s shuttle services, saying “these vehicles are a modest contribution to ease mobility within the campus and support the learning environment”.

    Read Also: Marital unions are pillars of long-term national development, says Shettima

    Earlier, Governor Zulum announced automatic employment for 81 best graduating students of the university, alongside immediate postgraduate sponsorships within and outside Nigeria.

    “Excellence must be rewarded. These young men and women have earned the confidence of the Borno State Government,” the governor said.

    The Chancellor of the university, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, pledged to work for the accelerated growth of the institution.

    “I accept this responsibility with humility and commitment. I will work tirelessly to advance the development of Kashim Ibrahim University,” the monarch said.

    Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babagana Gutti disclosed that the university’s ultra-modern teaching hospital, nearing completion, would be the largest and most equipped in the country.

    “When completed, our teaching hospital will stand as a national reference point for medical training and service delivery,” he said.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the installation of the Ooni of Ife as Chancellor, the conferment of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees on him and Alhaji Indimi, as well as the award of MSc and PhD scholarships to best graduating students by the Vice President.

  • Okowa, Otuaro meet, pray for Delta’s peace, unity and sustained devt

    Okowa, Otuaro meet, pray for Delta’s peace, unity and sustained devt

    In a political climate often defined by shifting loyalties and post-office rivalries, former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley B. Otuaro, has once again sent a powerful message of loyalty and political maturity with a Christmas and New Year courtesy visit to the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

    Far beyond a seasonal gesture, the visit has been widely interpreted by political observers as a reaffirmation of enduring alliance, respect for leadership, and continuity within Delta State’s political family. 

    At a time when former officeholders frequently distance themselves from past administrations, Otuaro’s action stood out as a deliberate statement of gratitude, humility, and unwavering political identity.

    The visit, now a consistent tradition since both men left office, reflected a relationship that has remained intact well beyond the corridors of power. 

    Otuaro served as deputy governor under Okowa from 2015 to 2023, a defining era in Delta State politics marked by major infrastructural expansion, policy reforms, and strategic political stability.

    Their partnership was widely regarded as one of the most cohesive executive teams in the state’s recent history.

    Sources close to the meeting asserted that discussions went beyond pleasantries, touching on governance, leadership succession, and the future trajectory of Delta State.

    Both leaders reportedly reflected on the challenges of leadership, lessons learnt in office, and the need for unity and responsible politics in the post-Okowa era.

    Read Also: Strong, functional opposition remains vital to survival of Nigeria’s democracy —Delta PDP

    A wonderful moment of the visit was a joint prayer session, during which both men committed their families and the future of Delta State into God’s hands. 

    They prayed for peace, unity, and sustained development—an act that underscored the moral and spiritual foundation of their long-standing political relationship.

    Political analysts viewed the visit as symbolic, reinforcing Okowa’s continued relevance as a political leader and mentor, while positioning Otuaro as a figure of discipline, loyalty, and statesmanship—qualities increasingly rare in contemporary politics. 

    The meeting has also sparked conversations about the role both men may yet play in shaping Delta State’s political direction in the years ahead.

    Ultimately, the visit served as a quiet but potent reminder that true leadership transcends office, and that respect for mentorship and shared legacy remains a powerful currency in Delta State politics.

  • APC presents membership card to Senator Katung in Southern Kaduna

    APC presents membership card to Senator Katung in Southern Kaduna

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally presented its membership card to Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, the lawmaker representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The presentation was carried out by the APC Chairman of Madakiya Ward in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Mr. Alfred Diriya, who welcomed the senator into the ruling party.

    Speaking at the event, Senator Katung said his decision to join the APC was aimed at re-energising the party and strengthening its electoral fortunes in Southern Kaduna.

    “Our intention is to add value and ensure we win all forthcoming elections for the party,” Katung said, describing the APC as an inclusive party that has come to stay.

    Read Also: Kaduna South Senator Katung dumps PDP for APC

    He said his defection was influenced by the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly policies and interventions he said had positively impacted Kaduna South Senatorial District.

    Katung called on residents of Southern Kaduna to join the APC and work collectively toward the development of the area, stressing the need for unity and collaboration to move the region forward.

  • Prolonged financial burden on wives may strain marriages, says clergyman

    Prolonged financial burden on wives may strain marriages, says clergyman

    A clergyman, Lawrence Onochie, has cautioned men against allowing their wives to bear the financial burden of the household for too long, stating that it can silently undermine marriages.

    Onochie, while speaking to his congregation, said that women, despite their support and love, are not designed to shoulder the primary financial responsibility of a household in the long term.

    He noted that this strain often manifests emotionally before being openly expressed.

    According to Onochie, men facing financial difficulties already experience intense internal pressure, while women often lack the emotional intelligence or communication skills to effectively convey their own stress, further straining marital relationships.

    The clergyman stressed that men must intentionally rebuild their finances and reclaim their role as providers, describing it as a personal and moral obligation.

    He cautioned that prolonged failure to provide for one’s household can jeopardise family stability and marital harmony, referencing scripture that condemns men who fail to provide for their families as worse than unbelievers.

    He said, “I I don’t care how supportive your wife is. If she carries the burden, the financial burden of the house for too long, it will take its toll on your marriage. I don’t care how supportive, how godly she is.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze reports President’s aide Onochie to Delta monarchs, others

    “I don’t care how much she loves you. Why? She’s not built for it, and unfortunately, most women don’t have the wisdom required in that phase of their relationship.

    “They are feeling genuine stress, but they don’t know how to communicate it well so that their communication can build, not destroy. Because at that phase of the life of a man, he’s more sensitive than ever. Anything you say will be held against you at the court of law.

    “Anything you say will be remembered at that time because it’s an extremely sensitive period and phase of their lives. So as a man, you have to be intentional about building your finances. Whether you like it or not, you have to provide.

    “God has put you in that space. In fact, scripture says a man who cannot provide for his family is worse than an infidel and has denied the faith.”

  • Wike to Ateke Tom: stay out of Rivers politics 

    Wike to Ateke Tom: stay out of Rivers politics 

    … I will not allow myself to be buried politically – minister

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Saturday advised the traditional ruler and the first Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom to stay out of Rivers politics. 

    Wike gave the advice when he visited the king’s palace as part of his ‘thank you visit’ to Okrika Local Government Area. 

    The minister, who has been moving round the LGAs, informed the monarch that political activities will soon commence in the state, adding that he wanted the traditional ruler to keep his kingdom peaceful. 

    Wike said decisions have already been taken on what to do concerning the burning issues in the state. 

    He emphasised that he visited the traditional ruler due to his personal relation with the monarch as his friend. 

    While also addressing the the people of Okrika, Wike said disturbed with the current political situation in the state vowed to resist any attempt to be buried politically. 

    Read Also: Rivers: No second chance for Fubara, says Wike

    Wike said, “Why we came is to thank our people who have supported us all this while. The people of Okrika, the people of the Ijaw nation have supported us very very well and so I felt that it will be good to thank them for their support, we don’t take their support for granted, we are very grateful people. 

    “We will soon start politics, I didn’t say you should be involved, don’t be involved. Allow us to play our politics, stay as a traditional ruler. I don’t want anybody to say tomorrow you are putting your hand, don’t put your hands. 

    “But that does not mean that you don’t have anybody you support in your heart, but allow us to play our game. If there’s any problem, you call us, we will settle, but I want to tell you that it will not be business as usual again. 

    “All of us have taken a decision on what to do, I believe those of them who are your children will tell you the decision we have taken, just for your ears, not for you to participate. You are my friend.”

  • Former PDP House candidate Gujungu defects to APC in Jigawa

    Former PDP House candidate Gujungu defects to APC in Jigawa

    A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the House of Representatives in Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency, Jigawa State, Hon. Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Gujungu announced his defection at a well-attended ceremony in his hometown of Gujungu, Taura Local Government Area.

    Receiving him on behalf of the Jigawa State Government, Governor Malam Umar Namadi, through the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing people-oriented policies under the APC-led administration. 

    He noted that the policies were translating into economic growth and improved welfare for Nigerians, stressing that Jigawa State was aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda to accelerate development.

    The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, who represented the governor, formally welcomed Gujungu into the APC fold, describing the defection as a significant boost to the party’s strength in Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency. 

    He recalled that Gujungu had been a key figure in the PDP, contesting the House of Representatives seat in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

    Speaking at the event, Gujungu said his decision to join the APC was motivated by a desire to contribute to and benefit from the developmental strides being achieved by APC-led governments at both state and federal levels. 

    He cited the leadership style and development-focused policies of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi as key inspirations for his return to the party in the interest of his constituents.

    The defection ceremony drew top government officials, party leaders, local government chairmen, and other prominent stakeholders from across Jigawa State.