The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Three to die in Kwara for rape, kidnapping

Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin yesterday convicted three persons of kidnapping, armed robbery and rape.

The court also sentenced the convicts to death by hanging.

The offences were committed against one Mr Olubunmi Komolafe and his wife, Mrs Adeola Morenikeji at their farm, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The trial judge, Justice Funsho Lawal while handing down the verdict, said the convicts: Patrick Afedia Adams, Tijani Usman and Ahmed Muhammad were sentenced on four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, rape, armed robbery and kidnapping.

The judge said on June 15,, last year at Kanjile village, near Kulende, Ilorin, the convicts armed with cutlasses and axes robbed the complainants of their valuables and also kidnapped them.

“Having being charged with the offence of conspiracy, they will suffer the same punishments for other count charge as armed robber and kidnapping except for Usman Tijani who bagged 20 years jail term in addition to the offence of rape,” the judge ruled.

For the armed robbery, the court sentenced them to live imprisonment, death by hanging for kidnapping and additional 20 years’ imprisonment for the offence of rape on Usman Tijani.

Read Also: ‘Appeal Court did not overturn Nestoil – FBN Quest ruling’

According to the judge, the convicts while holding their victims hostage during the operation, demanded payment of five million as ransom and ordered that it should be transferred into the wife’s account in which it was done.

The judgment further said they demanded the wife’s account details to withdraw the money and only N4,000 was withdrawn as at the time of their arrest.

The court heard how the convicts tied up the complainants with ropes, and Usman raped the wife, Mrs Morenikeji.

Justice Lawal said the prosecution proved the case of rape beyond reasonable doubt against the convict with medical reports and other ingredients that collaborate the convict’s confession that he penetrated into Mrs Adeola’s.

Justice Lawal however informed the convicts that they have right of appeal within the stipulated time by law.

January 28, 2026
Baby factory uncovered in Ekiti community

The Ekiti State Police Command has uncovered an illegal baby factory in Ikere-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Council Area of Ekiti State arresting five suspects and rescuing six children.

The Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, stated this during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, where he highlighted breakthroughs recorded by the police across the state.

Eribo said the baby factory was uncovered on January 24, this year, following a credible tip-off that a 43-year-old woman, identified as Oluwadare Onyechi, was running an illegal facility on Ise-Ekiti Road.

The Police boss said the operatives stormed the premises and arrested Onyechi alongside four accomplices: Onuoha Gloria (28), Victoria Linus (25), Ihegbogu Mercy (21), and an expectant woman, Emmanuel Esther (23).

Read Also: 10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

Eribo added that six children between two and nine years, suspected to be held under bondage, were rescued from the premises.

He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other accomplices connected to the illegal operation.

The police commissioner also said the command arrested five suspects for armed robbery, 17 suspects for cattle rustling, and several others for burglary and related offences.

He said a total of 558 rustled cattle, seven stolen vehicles, 10 fabricated master keys, different vehicle plate numbers and other items were recovered during various operations.

January 28, 2026
World Bank gives condition for states to access loans

For states to access World Bank-assisted Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE-GOV) funds, they must make details of their education and primary health care contracts public.

The condition, said the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is to ensure transparency in the disbursement of the funds by all beneficiaries.

The disbursement details must be posted on their websites every three months and published 30 days after the end of each quarter.

Besides, independent checkers will visit the state websites to see if the public can track how disbursed funds are spent.

National Coordinator of the HOPE-GOV programme, Assad Hassan, explained in a statement yesterday that the requirements are to ensure that every kobo is spent openly to help Nigerians.

“The information to be published includes the project name, the office giving the contract, the date, the contractor’s name, and the amount,” Hassan said.

For states using manual systems, checkers will review big contracts. For those using computers, every step of the process must be recorded online for the public to see.

States must also publish a simple “Citizen’s Budget” by February 28, 2026. The budget must show where money comes from and exactly how much goes to local schools and health centres.

Hassan said people should be able to see “a breakdown of spending and a list of big projects with their locations.”

Read Also: 2026 World Bank outlook: NESG puts Nigeria’s growth at 9.9 percent

To stem “ghost workers syndrome, ‘’states must register the fingerprints and BVN of at least 80 per cent of their teachers and health workers.’’

“This will help to identify ghost workers and take them off the payroll so that money goes to real workers,” Hassan added.

States are also required to publish audit reports for education and health after presenting them to their Houses of Assembly.

Hassan added that the government is helping states prepare so the programme can achieve the best results for all Nigerians.

All the states agreed with the World Bank to implement the programme as the verification starts in the first quarter of the year.

Once any state meets the requirements, it gets incentivised with funds by the World Bank.

January 28, 2026
‘How Alison-Madueke enjoyed ‘luxury’ life in London’

British prosecutors told jurors at London’s Southwark Crown Court yesterday how Diezani Alison-Madueke ‘’enjoyed a life of luxury in London “ when she served as the former Petroleum Resources minister.

One of the prosecutors, Alexandra Healy, said the former took bribes, including luxury goods and high-end properties from industry figures interested in lucrative oil and gas contracts in Nigeria.

Alison-Madueke was minister between 2010 and 2015 under then-president Goodluck Jonathan and was also briefly president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC), the first woman to hold either role.

The 65-year-old is one of the most high-profile former energy officials to stand trial for alleged graft, having been charged in 2023 with five counts of accepting bribes and a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.

The former minister denies the charges.

Prosecutor Healy said Alison-Madueke was given the use of high-end properties and vast quantities of luxury goods by people who “clearly believed she would use her influence to favour them.”.

There was no evidence that the former minister awarded contracts to someone who should not have had one, but the prosecutors believe it was improper for her to have accepted benefits from those doing business with government-owned entities.

Alison-Madueke sat in the dock alongside oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, who is charged with one count of bribery relating to Alison-Madueke and a separate count of bribery of a foreign public official.

Read Also: EFCC confirms moves to extradite Alison-Madueke

Alison-Madueke’s brother, 69-year-old Doye Agama, is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery relating to his church. Agama listened to the trial by video link due to medical reasons.

Ayinde and Agama also deny the charges against them.

Alison-Madueke is accused of accepting various financial benefits from individuals in the Nigerian oil industry between 2011 and 2015. They include the use of a chauffeur-driven car and a private jet.

She is also alleged to have had her son’s school fees paid by Nigerian businessman Benedict Peters, who is named on the indictment but is not facing trial.

Kolawole Aluko, another Nigerian businessman who is named in one charge but is not standing trial, spent more than 2 million pounds ($2.75 million) on items for Alison-Madueke at Harrods alone, Healy told the court.

Alison-Madueke frequently stayed with her family in a mansion outside London provided for her by Aluko, who had bought the property through a company for 3.25 million pounds and paid for bills, staff and refurbishments, Healy added.

Ayinde is charged with bribing Alison-Madueke between 2012 and 2014 and also bribing the then-managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, who is also not on trial, in 2015.

Healy said that, after Jonathan was replaced as president by Muhammadu Buhari(late) in 2015, Ayinde paid a “substantial bribe” to Kachikwu to ensure her friend continued to work in the NNPC.

She also told the jury that, while it might seem unusual for allegations of bribing Nigerian officials to be heard in London, it reflected the links to Britain the three defendants had.

She said corruption “undermines the proper functioning of the global market” and it was important to stop conduct in Britain which could further corruption elsewhere.

January 28, 2026
Oloka killing: Seven bandits in police net

Security agencies have arrested no fewer than seven suspected bandits, including a notorious ringleader, in connection with the deadly attack on the Nigerian Park Service (NPS) facility at Oloka Village, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, which claimed the lives of five forest rangers.

The suspects were tracked and apprehended in different parts of the country, including Niger, Benue and Kwara states, following an intensive manhunt launched after the attack.

About 10 armed men assaulted the NPS officers in what is believed to be a carefully planned retaliatory mission.

Police spokesperson in Oyo, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the arrests.

He said investigations were still ongoing.

It was learnt that the attackers were angered by the arrest of some illegal miners operating within the forest reserves.

The miners had earlier been apprehended by NPS officials for alleged involvement in unlawful mining activities.

According to a source, five suspects were arrested by NPS operatives, who allegedly demanded the sum of N200,000 each for their release.

Read Also: Police inaugurate RRT to enhance operations in Jigawa

“Unknown to the officers, those who came to plead and facilitate the release of the detained illegal miners were themselves deeply involved in the illegal mining business,” the source said.

Unable to secure the release of their colleagues through negotiation, the attackers were said to have regrouped after conducting surveillance on the NPS office before launching the deadly attack, with the sole aim of freeing those in custody.

During the assault, the detained suspects were successfully rescued, but five officers of the Nigerian Park Service were killed in the process.

The source alleged that some traditional rulers in the area were deeply involved in illegal mining activities within the forest reserves, adding that the attackers were mobilised from different parts of the country.

The suspected gunmen attacked the NPS facility on January 6, killing five forest rangers in one of the deadliest assaults on forestry officials in the state in recent times.

January 28, 2026
Re: Setting the records straight on the disqualification of Nestoil’s lawyers

The public is now awash with false narratives about the ongoing disputes between FBNQUEST Merchant Bank Limited and First Trustees Limited against Nestoil Limited, Neconde Energy Limited, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi and it has now become imperative to clarify the issues.

It is stale news that following the Supreme Court’s directive to all parties to return to the Court of Appeal to resolve the contentious issue of legal representation before reporting back on 26th January 2026, the Court of Appeal in a ruling delivered on Friday, 23 January 2026, upheld the authority of the Receiver/Manager to, among others, appoint Counsel for Nestoil and Neconde thus disqualifying lawyers Wole Olanipekun & Co and Muiz Banire & Co from representing the oil and gas firms.

Hitherto, the duo of Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, Dr. Muiz Banire SAN together with lawyers appearing with them sought to represent Neconde and Nestoil respectively and their authority was challenged by counsel appointed by the Receiver/Manager namely Ayo Olorunfemi SAN leading Ame Ogie for Neconde, and Ayoola Ajayi SAN leading MB Ganiyu for Nestoil.

Additional appearances included Chinonye Obiagwu SAN for Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, and Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN, Tunde Afe-Babalola SAN, Ademola Abimbola SAN, and Chikasolu Ojukwu SAN for Nnenna Obiejesi, First Trustees and FBNQuest Merchant Bank represented by Babajide Koku SAN, Victor Ogude SAN, and Omosanya Popoola SAN, alongside Toheeb Ipaye, Kamaal Fagbemi, Kehinde Wilkey, and Buchi Ofulue.

The background to this dispute stems from the humongous debts amounting to over $1.01 billion and N430 billion of depositors’ funds as of September 30, 2025 that has been outstanding for over 10 years despite numerous restructurings by lenders at the instance of the debtor companies. As a result of the consistent default in meeting their repayment obligations, the Central Bank of Nigeria has since classified the debts as non-performing. Sadly, the amount owed by Nestoil and Neconde is equivalent to the minimum capital requirement of four banks with international licenses. Beyond these sums are other debts personally guaranteed by Azudialu-Obiejesi, including N366.8 billion, $61.2 million, $152 million, and N10.4 billion owed to Lenders.

Read Also: ‘Appeal Court did not overturn Nestoil – FBN Quest ruling’

Rather than meet their repayment obligations, Nestoil and Neconde at the behest of Ernest Obiejesi have embarked on filing multiple applications and suits in different Courts within Lagos and Abuja with the aim of diverting attention from their indebtedness and evading their repayment obligations.

The Lenders’ Appeal against the discharge of the ex parte orders of the Federal High Court on 20th November 2025 was a legitimate step taken by Lenders in exercising their Constitutional right of Appeal. The Notice of Appeal was legitimately filed on 26th November 2025, about 6 days after the ex parte order of the Federal High Court was discharged in unusual circumstances. The ex parte orders of the Court of Appeal issued on 27th November 2025 were preservative orders granted on the basis of the Affidavit of Extreme Urgency filed by Lenders indicating that Nestoil, Neconde and its guarantors had actively begun to divert and dissipate assets to frustrate the ability of Lenders to recover the humongous debt.

The ex parte preservative orders made by the Court of Appeal were of an interim nature and made to last until the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction which was fixed for hearing for the 4th of December 2025.

Rather than respond to the motion on notice, Nestoil and Neconde opted to Appeal against the ex parte orders to the Supreme Court to further delay proceedings and frustrate the efforts of Lenders to recover the humongous debt and have embarked on media campaign designed to whip up sentiments, distracting from the main issue – repayment of their debts.

Indisputable is the fact that Nestoil signed several All Assets Debentures and Neconde signed a Deed of Charge, undertaking in writing to repay the facilities in line with the terms of the debenture and upon default giving the Lender the right to appoint a Receiver over its assets and undertaking and the Receiver in turn is entitled to appoint Solicitors, accountants, etc. for the Companies under Receivership.

Contrary to misleading narratives put out in the public space by Nestoil Limited/Neconde Energy Limited management, the action taken by Lenders is backed by law to the extent that the rights of the Board of Directors of a company under Receivership is suspended and the Receiver/Manager appointed over the Assets under Receivership assumes the role of a Sole-Administrator until his Appointment has been discharged.

Sadly, Nestoil and Neconde deployed a scheme designed to frustrate the efforts of Lenders to recover the humongous debt by appointing Solicitors to resist the rights of creditors to enforce their rights against debtor companies.

Consequently, the delays and resulting losses (if any) are self-inflicted losses brought about by the antics of Nestoil and Neconde who have resorted to cheap blackmail rather than face the consequences of their indebtedness.

As matters stand, the Supreme Court on the 26th day of January 2026, has now adjourned pending Appeals before the Court to early May to abide the Appeal against the Ruling of the Court of Appeal on legal representation disqualifying Chief Olanipekun SAN, Muiz Banire SAN and lawyers appearing with them.

For the record, Lenders are leading banks and financial institutions of high repute and allegations of engaging and sponsoring an “avalanche of malicious and false stories” on online media is untrue and merely a figment of overactive imaginations.

January 28, 2026
Nigeria, Turkiye target $5b trade, pact against insurgency
- Nine bilateral agreements signed
- Joint Economy and Trade Committee established
In a renewed push to deepen economic and strategic ties, Türkiye and Nigeria have set their sights on a $5 billion bilateral trade volume.

The two countries have also expressed commitment to a joint battle against insurgency in Nigeria and the Sahel region.

Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Ankara yesterday to recalibrate relations between the two influential emerging economies.

President Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the ambitious trade target during a joint press briefing with President Tinubu, who is on a state visit.

He said discussions toward achieving the goal had already begun and would be driven by new institutional frameworks agreed by both sides.

The Turkish leader said the planned establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee would unlock fresh opportunities to expand and support Turkish investments in Nigeria, describing the mechanism as critical to attaining the $5 billion benchmark.

Erdogan also praised President Tinubu’s investment-friendly posture, noting that the presence of several Nigerian ministers and senior officials in Ankara underscored Nigeria’s seriousness about economic engagement.

Last week, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SDPC) acknowledging the President’s reforms and investment-friendly Administration, pledged to invest $20billion.

A statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on the joint news conference by both leaders quoted Erdogan as saying: “Today (yesterday), we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations with the esteemed president and his delegation in the fields of trade, investments, energy, education and defence industry.

“Firstly, we see that we have significant potential in the fields of trade and investment. In today’s meetings, our commitment is to the target of a $5 billion trade volume, and we discussed the steps that need to be taken.

“We also discussed opportunities to support our investments in Nigeria. We believe that the Joint Economy and Trade Committee, which we agreed to establish today, will be instrumental in this regard.”

The Turkish President further commended President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector, which he said had contributed to economic restructuring.

Read Also: Nigerians in UK to converge on London for property wealth creation session

He expressed optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian counterparts would deliver tangible results.

On security, Erdogan pledged Türkiye’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region.

“Terrorist organisations emerging, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, unfortunately, pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent.

“We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu,” he said.

He added that both leaders explored avenues for closer cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing, noting Türkiye’s readiness to share its experience in counter-terrorism.

Turkey had been battling insurgency for more than four decades.

The country fought against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which led to the death of over 40,000 people.

The PKK eventually surrendered after intensified military pressure, drone strikes, and a call from its leader, Abdullah Öcalan, to end the 41-year conflict.

“In fact, today, we addressed opportunities for closer cooperation in the fields of military training and intelligence.

“We stated that we are ready to share our country’s significant experience in the fight against terrorism.

“Also, I believe that we will soon see positive outcomes from the meetings that Nigerian officials will hold with our leading defence industry companies during this visit,” Erdogan said.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Türkiye for its openness and willingness to collaborate in promoting global freedom, stability and prosperity.

He stressed the importance of building an inclusive economy that caters for vulnerable groups.

He praised President Erdogan for being “willing to collaborate, willing to help, willing to work together to promote freedom, stability and shared prosperity across the world.”

“What is very important to the countries being discussed: trade, business, no restrictions, giving opportunity to those who are ready to learn, work and prosper.

“How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform and get vulnerable people involved in the economy? How do we ensure peace in the world?” President Tinubu asked.

The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa despite regional instability, noting that both leaders discussed joint efforts to counter terrorism.

“We discussed efforts against terrorism. We discussed how to defeat agents of destabilisation,” he said.

President Tinubu also commended Erdogan’s role in advancing global peace, particularly his interventions in Somalia.

At the conclusion of the bilateral meeting, officials of both countries exchanged nine agreements.

These included agreements on cooperation in diaspora policy and defence cooperation; a joint declaration establishing the economy and trade joint committee, and an agreement on halal quality infrastructure.

Others were agreements on cooperation in higher education, media and communication, education, cooperation between the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomacy academy, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign service academy; and cooperation between Türkiye’s Ministry of Social Services and Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The trade volume between the two nations is about $2 billion.

While Türkiye exports aircraft, machinery, iron and steel and chemical products, Nigeria exports crude oil and agricultural products to the country.

‘Tinubu’s Türkiye visit strategic, not routine’

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, described President Tinubu’s state visit to Türkiye as strategic and highly consequential, dismissing claims that it is a routine foreign trip.

Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the visit, Bwala said the trip was undertaken at the invitation of the Turkish government, a gesture he said underscored Nigeria’s growing diplomatic influence under President Tinubu.

He noted that President Tinubu’s stature as a former Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, as well as Nigeria’s strategic importance on the continent, shaped the level of reception accorded him.

“The President of Nigeria is a person of influence in Africa, and Nigeria itself plays a strong role on the continent.

“With the breakthroughs we are recording in the economy, security and governance, this visit carries significant weight,” Bwala said.

He explained that the state visit formally commenced on Tuesday with a series of engagements aimed at exploring areas of mutual interest, particularly defence, security and economic cooperation.

Bwala explained that key ministers accompanying the President are scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with their Turkish counterparts to deepen collaboration across critical sectors.

He also highlighted President Tinubu’s growing international standing, saying his leadership has helped to reinvigorate Nigeria’s diplomatic relations globally, including renewed engagement with major partners such as the United States.

Citing recent diplomatic engagements with the United Arab Emirates, Bwala said the Türkiye visit builds on Nigeria’s renewed momentum on the global stage.

He emphasised Türkiye’s strength in defence and security manufacturing, noting its relevance to Nigeria’s security needs, while pointing out areas where Nigeria has also supported Türkiye over the years.

Describing the engagement as “a meeting of shared interests,” Bwala said both countries stand to benefit from the visit, assuring that details of specific agreements and outcomes would be made public at its conclusion.

Presidency dismisses stumble as minor incident

The Presidency described President Tinubu’s stumble during a reception in Ankara as a minor and inconsequential incident.

Onanuga said: “The President stepped on a metal on the floor, which made him lose his balance. This is not a big deal, except for those who want to make mischief out of the fleeting incident.”

He stressed that the incident was neither serious nor disruptive, adding that the President remained unharmed and continued with his official schedule.

“It was a mere stumble, thank God, not a fall,” he added.
January 28, 2026
12 outstanding teachers get N355m cash award

The Federal Government has taken a giant stride to boost teachers’ morale.

Twelve teachers identified for their diligence after rigorous screening have been rewarded with N355million.

Two were selected each from the six geo-political zones.

Each of them got N25 million. They also shared N5 million donated by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.

Idris is a former President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).

The overall best among the 12, Solanke Francis Taiwo from Ogun State, got additional N50 million cash, a two-bedroom flat pledged by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and a car donated by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who announced the cash award, unveiled the EduRevamp portal.

“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected,” he said.

Read Also: Dare announces cash awards for medalists in Kenya

Alausa announced that after a rigorous, merit-based process, 12 finalists have been selected nationwide.

“This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria,” Alausa said.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who gave the keynote address at this year’s National Teachers’ Summit at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, said: “Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope. I understand firsthand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies.

“I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘Edu Revamp portal,’ an initiative that will ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. The framework of this initiative will no doubt improve learning outcomes across the country. I say, well done”.

The First Lady reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education, adding: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, education remains an essential pillar of national development… The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.”

First Lady, who was a classroom teacher, said: “To my fellow teachers, I thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. I charge you to continue to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity as you shape the next generation of leaders.”

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGE), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, described teachers as “nation builders, character shapers, and custodians of our collective future”.

He added: “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, professionalism, and welfare of its teachers.”

The NGF chairman noted that teachers serve more than 70 million learners across urban, rural, conflict, riverine, and nomadic communities.

He said governors were making concrete efforts to strengthen the education sector in many areas.

The efforts, the governor said, include mass recruitment, professional development in literacy, numeracy, STEM and inclusive education, improved wages, rural incentives, promotion reforms, and performance rewards.

“These efforts reflect a shared understanding that meaningful education reform begins with placing qualified and motivated teachers in our classrooms,” AbdulRazaq said.

The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, pledged to “restore pride in the teaching profession”.

She urged educators to seize new opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

January 28, 2026
Akpabio to Senators: final stretch begins, we must finish strong
- House will prioritise Electoral Act, Constitution Review, says Deputy Speaker Kalu
- Senate President lauds Nigeria, U.S. military collaboration
- Plenary adjourned in honour of Senator Akwashiki
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged members of the 10th National Assembly to approach the remaining months of their tenure with urgency, discipline, and a strong sense of legacy.

He said the Senate has entered the “final stretch” of its legislative journey.

On resumption of plenary from its Christmas and New Year break, the Senate yesterday observed a minute silence and adjourned session in honour of its late member, Godiya Akwashiki (SDP, Nasarawa North) who passed on December 31, last year. The senator has been buried.

Akpabio said this in his welcome address at the first plenary sitting of the Senate for this year.

In the House of Representatives, which also resumed yesterday from its Christmas and New Year break, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu told fellow lawmakers that the Green Chamber will prioritise work on the Electoral Act, Constitution amendment, among other vital legislations, this year

Welcoming senators back to the Red Chamber, Akpabio urged them to translate feedback from their constituencies during the recess into laws and oversight actions that directly respond to the needs of Nigerians.

The Senate President noted that while lawmakers were away, the country continued to grapple with economic pressures, security challenges, and social demands.

He stressed that the Senate must respond with renewed commitment and focus.

Akpabio said the joy of resumption was tempered by the death of Senator Akwashiki, describing the late lawmaker as a diligent and humble public servant.

The Senate President said Akwashiki’s contributions would be deeply missed by the Senate and the nation.

He led the senators in observing a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and extended condolences to his family, constituents, and the people of Nasarawa State.

Putting his attention national security, Akpabio lauded the ongoing military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, stating that such partnerships were critical to restoring peace and stability.

The Senate President also sympathised with the families affected by insecurity across the country, describing security as a matter of lives, homes, and the future.

The Senate President expressed concern over a recent United Nations (UN) warning that up to 35 million Nigerians could face hunger this year.

He described the figure as alarming and unacceptable.

According to him, the development calls for urgent legislative action, stronger oversight and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to boost food security and protect vulnerable citizens.

As political activities gradually build up nationwide, Akpabio appealed to political parties and actors to conduct themselves with civility, conscience, and patriotism.

The Senate President warned that Nigeria’s unity and stability must not be sacrificed on the altar of ambition.

He also urged Nigerians not to forget citizens still held in captivity by criminal groups, describing their continued detention as a national wound that must be healed.

Encouraging continued support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope programme, Akpabio said perseverance, cooperation, and shared sacrifice remained key to achieving a more secure and productive Nigeria.

Turning to the work the Senate must do this year, Akpabio said with less than one year and five months left in the current legislative cycle, the Red Chamber had moved beyond settling in and must now focus on delivery.

“This is the final stretch of the marathon,” he said. “It is the phase that separates participation from performance.”

Akpabio added that the period must be reform-driven, with priority given to Bills and motions that promote economic growth, strengthen institutions, secure lives and property, and restore confidence in governance.

The Senate President cautioned against legislative clutter, insisting that history would judge the Senate not by the volume of laws passed but by their impact and value to Nigerians.

He said the Senate would also focus on completing pending legislative work and leaving behind a functional, principled, and orderly institution.

Read Also: Shettima to launch learning, empowerment fund

Giving his take on this year’s budget, the Senate President said the chamber would give it rigorous scrutiny to ensure responsible passage and faithful implementation.

He added that cooperation with the Executive, guided by mutual respect and constitutional responsibility, would remain central to national progress.

“We are here for Nigerians,” Akpabio stated. “We are their ears to hear their cries, their eyes to see their realities, and their legislative voice to protect their rights.”

He urged senators to rise to the moment, saying the nation and history were watching.

“Let it be said that when the 10th Senate reached the final stretch, it did not slow down or leave the work unfinished,” he said.

Akpabio urged fellow senators to “finish strong” for the sake of Nigeria.

In the Green Chamber, Kalu said the House would dedicate its attention to the passage of the Electoral Act and the new constitution this year.

In his brief remarks at the resumption of plenary after the Christmas and New Year break, the Deputy Speaker expressed confidence that the Senate would speed up the process of the consideration of the Electoral Act, which has already been considered by the House.

The House yesterday considered and approved alterations to the 2022 Electoral Act before embarking on the break, but the Senate has yet to consider the legislation, even though the joint Committee of the National Assembly submitted a harmonised copy.

The Electoral Act is expected to provide the guidelines for the conduct of the 2027 general election.

Kalu said the House would prioritise certain provisions of the constitution for consideration, expressing the hope that members would do diligence to the document, which was before them, as well as this year’s budget.

The House also adjourned plenary till today in honour of the late Senator Akwashiki.
January 28, 2026
Mutfwang’s defection reaffirms APC as truly national party, says Shettima
- President okays work on Akwanga/Jos Road, hiring of 1,000 forest guards
The defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang into the All Progressives Congress (APC) is another evidence that the ruling party is a truly national party, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared yesterday.

Shettima, spoke during the reception organised at the Jos Pollo Ground to formally receive the Plateau governor into the ruling party.

Also defecting were Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, Senator Pam Nwadkou Dachungyang (Plateau North), PDP members in the House of Assembly, other federal lawmakers, local government chairmen and local opposition leaders.

The event, which makes Mutfwang, the 29th governor of the party, was witnessed by key leaders of the party, including National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, who presented him with the party’s flag and the broom symbol.

Leaders of the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, governors of the party led by Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) Hope Uzodimma of Imo State were on hand to receive Mutfwang.

Read Also: Shettima to launch learning, empowerment fund

Party supporters from across the 17 local governments showed solidarity at the rally.

Yilwatda, who recalled that Mutfwang was his senior in secondary school, pledged total support for his re-election, adding that all key political leaders, including candidates of Labour Party (LP), New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, in his home state, had dumped their parties for the APC platform.

He urged him to use the broom to sweep the remnants of opposition away if they would not join the ruling party.

Speaker after speaker at the rally affirmed that Mutfwang’s defection has put all six states in the Northcentral in APC bag as in the Southsouth where all the states are controlled by the APC.

Twenty-four hours before the Plateau State governor was received, Kano State Govenror Abba Kabir Yusuf was welcomed into the ruling party by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and former National Chairman Umar Ganduje after he registered for the party.

Shettima, whose speech capped yesterday’s rally, said: “Plateau is a reminder that what powers every nation is unity, not unity rooted in sameness, but unity anchored on shared purpose.

“To have Plateau in the All Progressives Congress is to show the world that we are indeed prepared to be the party for all Nigerians.”

He relived Plateau State’s historic role in Nigeria’s survival and cohesion, paying tribute to former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, John Wash Pam, Solomon Lar, Joshua Dariye, Lalong, Tallen, and other eminent sons and daughters who sacrificed for the nation’s survival.

Shettima said “Plateau gave Nigeria a leader whose strength lay in reconciliation. Nations survive not by conquest but by healing”.

The vice president conveyed assurances from President Tinubu that Mutfwang would enjoy full standing and recognition within the APC, stressing that good governance is an asset to any political movement committed to national progress.

He described the governor as a unifying leader whose administration has begun to reposition Plateau from conflict and stagnation towards peace and transformation.

He alluded to Mutfwang’s initiatives in peace building, renewable energy deployment for primary healthcare centres, agricultural expansion, transport infrastructure revitalisation, and people-focused budgets in education, healthcare and youth empowerment, urging him to sustain the tempo.

The APC is wooing more opposition leaders to the ruling party, Yilwatda said.

He said the membership drive embarked upon by the party has offered opportunity to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to jump out of the sinking platform to safety.

He said: “APC now has 29 states. We will be expecting more. We are not tired of getting everyone. Our intention, our motive is that everyone becomes members of APC.”

He added: “PDP is drowning. Come to the party that will give you life; come and take the broom that will give you the life jacket.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is away in Turkey, was represented by Shettima.

1,000 forest guards in Plateau

Shettima said the president has ordered the construction of the Akwanga/Jos Road and recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Plateau to complement the push for security in the state.

Akpabio, who led his colleagues, including Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Simon Lalong, Rochas Okorocha and Adams Oshiomhole, said Northcentral has now become another APC stronghold.

He said it is now evident that President Tinubu will win the next poll and Mutfwang will secure a second term.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abba, who hailed Mutfwang’s courage, urged him to embark on reconciliation in the state to foster cohesion and harmony.

At the rally were PGF chairman Uzodimma; governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State), Ahmad,Aliyu (Sokoto), Dikko Raddah (Katsina), Monday Okphebolo (Edo), Abdullahi Sule(Nasarawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Agbu Kwfas (Taraba), and Francis Nwifuru (Akwa Ibom).

Other dignitaries included Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume; former Plateau Deputy Governor Pauline Tallen; former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Idris Wase; Prof David Yakubu; APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru and other National Working Committee (NWC) members – Saliu Muazu, Duro Meseko, Chinedu Ogah, Senator Lawrence Adudu, Abdulkarim Kana, Garuba Datti, Mustapha Saliu and Sulemain Argungu.

‘Mutfwang will get second term ticket’

Yilwatda, who was Mutfwang’s rival during the 2023 poll, assured that he will get the second term ticket and win in next year’s election.

He said there is no vacancy in the Plateau Government House because APC is waxing stronger, having collapsed into one big family.

The APC chair expressed excitment that the governor, who was his senior in secondary school and opponent, would team with APC during the general election.

Yilwatda said: “My joy knows no bound. The candidates of APC, PDP, LP and other parties are now in APC. All the structues are now in APC, which is more powerful, more united, more intimidating and more prepared to deliver victory to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are better, stronger and more united.”

The chairman added: “There will be justice. There will be no tribal sentiment. There will be peace in Plateau State. We will work together, not by words, but by action.

“That brotherhood that made us one, that brotherhood that makes us thick should expand. The time for unity, justice and peace is here.”

Turning to Mutfwang, the chairman said: “Our broom will give you strength to sweep all your supporters to APC. The broom will sweep away disunity. The broom will ensure that we are one.”

Yilwatda also said in 2027, both the President and the governor will win in Plateau overwhelmingly.

He added: “Anybody who dies not belong to the APC is a minority. All our federal and state lawmakers are APC. Our local government chairmen are APC. I urged those who are yet to join APC to come.”

Tinubu is most Christian-friendly leader, says Akpabio

Akpabio described President Tinubu-led administration as the most Christian friendly government since Nigeria came into existence.

He said: “Let me place on record that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is the most Christian-friendly administration since the creation of Nigeria. He has shown this through his actions and deeds. He treats both Christians and Muslims equally.”

The Senate President hailed Mutfwang for taking Plateau to the centre of Nigeria’s political gravity.

He said: “Mr. Governor, I congratulate you on this action of taking the people of Plateau to the centre of national politics. Let me assure you that insecurity will soon come to an end in the Plateau.

“We will support your government in all sectors inorder to better the lives of your people. We will not leave you alone. Today’s action has finally brought all the states in the North Central geo- political zone into the party. This is significant.

‘Government will do everything within its powers to protect Nigerians no matter their religious inclination and belief. We will support President Tinubu through approval of funds inorder to shut down all IDP camps in the state.”

Abbas: governor should reconcile tribes in Plateau

Abbas described the occasion as historic, noting that Plateau was the last state in the Northcentral to join the APC.

He urged Mutfwang to embrace reconciliation and provide inclusive leadership as the party leader in the state.

Abbas said: “As the state party leader, you should embrace reconciliation and promote brotherhood. Take members of APC and PDP as one indivisible family and give everyone a sense of belonging.”

APC will bring prosperity, says Uzodimma

Uzodimma said APC will nit renege on its promise of renewed hope, development and prosperity.

He described Mutfwang as one of the best and brightest, assuring that Plateau would reap the benefit of defection.

No formidable team like Tinubu/Shettima, says Sule

Sule said Northcentral is now a stronghold of APC, noting that the six ststes are under the leadership of the ruling party.

He said Plateau had chosen a path that would reposition it to fully support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

He praised the President’s passion for national unity and progress, urging Nigerians to work together to steady the nation.

The governor paid special tribute to Shettima, acknowledging his pivotal role in encouraging his defection to the ruling party.

I will unite Plateau, says Mutfwang

Mutfwang promised to unite the state and fortify the party to achieve victory in future polls.

He said: “Today’s movement is a landmark. It is statement that the people on the Plateau have made and they are here in their thousands to publicly declare their support for the APC and to return President Tinubu back to office in 2027.

“We are beginning a journey that our forefathers had long expected that we be united for peace and development.”

He thanked the president, Akpabio, Abbas and other party leaders for encouraging him to join the ruling party.

Stressing that “Plateau is a must-win state in future elections,” the governor, who hailed President Tinubu’s gestures, said: “it is better to follow a man that knows road.”

He added: “We have not come to take over. We have come to add value. All disunity and rivalries will now disappear. Plateau will be united. No more opposition in Plateau. We are not defecting. We are realigning. We are re-engineeribg. Plateau will be the joker in 2027.”

We can’t stop politicians from joining our party, says Morka

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the party cannot prevent politicians from defecting.

He described the wave of defections as a reflection of confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Morka spoke during an interview monitored a cable television, where he responded to concerns over the growing number of governors defecting into the APC, including Kano governor.

Morka said governors defecting to the ruling party were aligning themselves with what he described as a ‘resurging Nigeria’ under the Tinubu administration.

He said: “What you see is governors who have decided to join our party to identify with this resurging Nigeria that this President is clearly positioning Nigeria to be.”

The spokesman added that the APC welcomed new members and would not act as a barrier to politicians seeking to join the party.

“We are happy; we are excited about people who join our party. We cannot be gatekeepers to filter out people who want to join our camp. We don’t do that because it is undemocratic,” Morka said.

Dismissing fears that the defections could lead to a one-party state, Morka dismissed such concerns, arguing that Nigeria had experienced similar political dominance in the past without undermining democracy.

He said: “The PDP at some point in our history governed Nigeria with about the same number of governors. I was very active in the political world at that time and there was no spectre anywhere about a one-party state because the PDP had those numbers of governors.

“That’s not the case now, and I think we should not equate people joining our party with that mode.”
January 28, 2026