Author: The Nation
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Labour Party mocks Obi’s defection speech, says it was lacklustre
- …begs Nigerians for forgiveness for fielding an unfit presidential candidate in 2023
- …says Obi has clearly lost charm of 2023
The leadership of the Labour Party on Wednesday said it took notice of the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi and a few of his supporters to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The former Anambra State governor and some of his supporters, including serving federal lawmakers, officially joined the ADC on Wednesday at a ceremony in Enugu State.
In response to the defection, his former party mocked his speech at the occasion, describing it as “lacklustre.”
The Labour Party “wondered what new he intends to sell to Nigerians.”
According to the party, Obi has clearly lost the “charm that had endeared him to the people prior 2023.”
In a statement signed by the national publicity secretary of the Julius Abure faction, Obiora Ifoh, the Party asked Nigerians for forgiveness for fielding “unfitting presidential candidate in 2023.”
The party wondered why it took Obi and his supporters “this long to make the move
because we have since September 2024, parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly. We have patiently waited for this day.”
It added that the party was finally liberated by Obi’s defection, saying that as party leaders, they count it (Obi’s defection) as a blessing.
The statement said, “It will be on record that the leadership of the Labour Party had since urged Obi and his disgruntled followers to exit the party if they were unable to work with the leadership of the party. As a matter of fact, the party had suspended many of the lawmakers for anti party and was clearly going to meet the same treatment on the Presidential Candidate but for the intervention of some well meaning Nigerians.
“The crisis we had in the Labour Party was caused by Peter Obi and the Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti. It was them that sponsored the insurrection against the Julius Abure leadership. We had also expected Governor Otti to follow Obi out of the party. We are surprised that even though he has been suspended from the party, he is still loitering around. It is still not too late for him to follow his political leader.”
The party also said that the “charade which took place today in Enugu was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East.”
“All we saw were mere political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election today. This is clearly a danger signal that the Obi presidency (or Vice Presidency) is already a failed project from inception. He has clearly lost the charm that had endeared him to the people prior 2023,” the statement said.
The statement added, “He must be told that the South East lost out completely in the President Ahmed Tinubu’s government because they trusted and believed in him in 2023. While some states of the federation boast as much as five ministers, the entire states in the South East was given a paltry five ministerial slots. The marginalisation against the zone has continued even in infrastructure allocation and I wonder if the Southeast will repeat the same political harakiri again.
“Finally, we urge Nigerians to watch out for the Labour Party. We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians. We are already working out the best prospect that we hope will bring Nigeria back to its glorious days.”
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Uzodimma signs ₦1.44trn budget bill into law
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has signed into law the 2026 budget christened “Budget of Economic Breakthrough.
The governor who signed the ₦1.44 trillion budget Bill into law at the new Government Annex at Eziachi, Orlu, Wednesday, said all ongoing projects would be completed before the end of 2026.
Details shortly…
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ADC welcomes Obi’s defection from Labour Party
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing his formal declaration as a sign of the party’s expanding influence and determination to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi was officially unveiled in Enugu on Wednesday alongside prominent South East politicians, including Senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), and Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, House of Representatives member Afam Ogene, and former APC senatorial candidate in Enugu State, Princess Adaku Ogbu Aguocha, popularly known as Ada Ogbu.
The event was attended by party chieftains such as former Senate President David Mark, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and the National Chairman of the ADC.
The party had earlier granted Obi and other prominent politicians, who had aligned with the ADC but not yet formally registered, a waiver on the membership registration deadline to allow them complete disengagement from their former parties.
Commenting on the development, ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi told reporters via WhatsApp that Obi’s declaration is expected to pave the way for more high-profile politicians to join the party, further strengthening its national footprint.
Abdullahi said: “We are, of course, delighted. Mr. Obi has been with the coalition from the start. So, this is just formalisation and to also bring his associates and supporters on board.
“We are confident that not just the SE but Nigerians across the country will see this as further evidence that ADC is getting stronger. We expect more high-profile entrants in the coming days”
During the declaration ceremony, Obi called for urgent national unity, credible elections and transformational leadership as Nigeria prepares to enter 2026, warning that the country is facing an existential crisis driven by poor governance, weakened institutions and deliberate political sabotage.
He criticised what he described as a forged and exploitative tax regime, warning that taxing poverty cannot create wealth or unity, and accused the political class of governing through deception, corruption and impunity.
He warned that attempts to rig or manipulate the 2027 elections would be resisted through lawful means, insisting that credible elections are central to national renewal, while describing Nigeria as a nation rich in human and natural resources but looted into poverty by divisive and self-serving leadership.
Drawing lessons from Rwanda, Indonesia and other transformed economies, he argued that unity, honesty and competent leadership are decisive factors in development, contrasting Nigeria’s decline with countries that made deliberate policy choices to build consensus and productivity.
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Court declines request to stop January 1 new tax laws’ implementation
- ….asks Fed Govt to proceed as planned
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has declined the request by a group – the Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse of Public Trust – to restrain the federal government from proceeding with the planned implementation of the new tax laws effective from January 1, 2026.
Justice Bello Kawu, in a ruling held that the court lacked the power to stop the implementation of a law or laws already signed by the appropriate authority, without the plaintiff providing any concrete evidence of any wrong doing.
Justice Kawu, in the ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the group, found that there was no concrete and strong evidence presented before the court by the group to warrant the grant of the reliefs it sought.
He asked the federal government to proceed with its planned implementation of the said tax laws pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed by the plaintiff.
In th ruling delivered on December 23, a certified true copy (CTC) of which was seen in Abuja on Wednesday, the judge said: “I have considered the application together with the affidavit in support.
“I have also considered the submission of the learned counsel for the claimant/applicant together with the judicial authorities cited and I am of the strong view that the court lacks power to stop implementation of a law already signed by the appropriate authority without concrete evidence of any wrong doing.
“At this preliminary stage, it will be difficult if not impossible to prove any wrong doing because at this stage, the court should be careful not to touch on the main issue. It is my considered opinion that granting injunction at this preliminary stage will be touching the subject matter in the main suit.
“It should be noted that once an Act is signed into law, it can only be repealed by the lawmakers or any offending section set aside by the court of law; be that as it may, exparte application cannot be used to set aside the coming into force any Act already signed into law or gazetted.
“In view of the above, the implementation of the Tax Act 2025 and other related Acts will commence on January 1, 2026 and continue to be in force pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion before this court, ” the judge said.
He adjourned further hearing in the case till January 9, 2026.
The group is contending among others that in view of the controversy surrounding the laws, including allegations of alterations, it was proper for the court to stop the planned implementation until the issues are resolved.
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Listed as defendants in the suit are: the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.
The group had in its motion, marked: M/17240/2025 prayed for among others, an order of interim injunction restraining the Federal Government, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the National Assembly, or any of its agencies from implementing any of the provisions of the gazetted Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025) or the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act (2025) for any reasons pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
It equally sought for an order of interim injunction restraining the President, either by himself or through any agency of the Federal Government created under the gazette Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025) or the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025) from implementing the provisions of the Acts in any states of the federation where applicable, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The judge, who declined to grant the injunction reliefs however, granted the plaintiff’s request to be allowed to serve some of the defendants documents relating to the suit through substituted means.
Justice Kawu ordered that court documents meant for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the President be served on them through the office of the AGF.
The judge also ordered that court documents meant for the Senate President, the House of Reps Speaker and the N/Assembly should be served on them through the Clerk of the N/Assembly.
He said such substituted service shall be deemed proper service.
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I did not authorise manhandling of Obaseki, says Oba of Benin
The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has said that he never authorised the manhandling of a former Managing Director of Daar Communication, Dr. Pedro Obaseki.
Oba Ewuare II said he remained a father of all.
The former Daar Communication boss was, last Sunday, abducted where he was playing football by suspected thugs.
He was beaten, stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Benin City on allegation of being an ‘Oghionba’ (enemy of the Oba).
Obaseki was taken to the Oba’s Palace from where he was taken to the police station.
But the Benin monarch, who spoke in a statement signed by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, advised youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.
According to the statement, “The Benin Traditional Council use this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incidence in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorized by the Oba of Benin. And it cannot be authorized because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so. The Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.
“The Benin Traditional Council also wish to advice our youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation. They should always respect the laws of the land in all actions and utterances and allow appropriate Security Agencies handle all matters.
“Social media users should equally endeavour to cross-check information appropriately before posting.”
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NYCN names NNRA DG Ya’u Idris man of the year
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has named Dr. Ya’u Usman Idris, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) as its Man of the Year, following a resolution reached at the Council’s 2025 Annual Review and Strategic Planning Session.
The decision was taken during the Council’s annual meeting where members reviewed activities for 2025 and outlined programmes and advocacy priorities for 2026.
According to the NYCN, the honour was unanimously approved in recognition of Idris’s leadership in strengthening nuclear safety, radiation protection, and regulatory governance in Nigeria.
Confirming the decision, Amb. Benjamin Adekunle Onileowo, National Publicity Secretary of the NYCN, said the award was a reflection of the Council’s desire to recognise public officials whose work has had tangible impact on national safety and institutional credibility.
“The Council resolved at its annual review session to honour Dr. Ya’u Usman Idris for his outstanding leadership of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority. His work has strengthened Nigeria’s nuclear safety architecture, improved regulatory compliance, and enhanced engagement with local and international stakeholders,” Adekunle said.
He noted that Idris leads the NNRA, the statutory body responsible for nuclear safety and radiation protection in Nigeria, with oversight of activities involving ionising radiation in the medical, industrial, energy, and research sectors.
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Under Idris’s stewardship, the NNRA has reinforced its licensing and inspection regimes, improved emergency preparedness for radiological incidents, and aligned Nigeria’s nuclear regulatory framework with international best practices.
The agency has also expanded engagement with industry operators, labour unions, academic institutions, and international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Union.
Adekunle added that the NNRA’s progress under Dr. Idris has contributed to safer medical practices, stronger industrial regulation, and increased public confidence in the use of nuclear and radiological technologies.
According to the NYCN, the “Man of the Year” honour is reserved for individuals whose leadership demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and commitment to long-term national development, particularly in sectors critical to public safety.
The Council said the award will be formally presented to Dr. Idris at a later date to be announced.
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Power Oil spreads love, shares joy this Christmas
In the spirit of the season, Power Oil took its festive platform, Powering Love, Sharing Joy, beyond words and into action by visiting the Bethesda School of the Blind, following overwhelming consumer suggestions across social media.
What began as a digital call to nominate communities where love could be shared became a powerful moment of connection. With the highest engagement and mentions, Bethesda School of the Blind emerged as the clear choice, reinforcing Power Oil’s belief that community voices should shape meaningful impact.
The visit marked a Certified Christmas in line with the brand’s “Certified Healthy. Be Certified Fit” theme for the year.
At the heart of the day was the school’s end-of-year talent showcase, proudly sponsored by Power Oil. Students took the stage to sing, perform, and express joy through their talents, reminding everyone present that ability, not limitation, defines potential.
In a defining moment of the celebration, Power Oil awarded the winning talent a cash prize of one million naira, underscoring its commitment to empowerment, inclusion, and shared joy.
According to Roland Akpe, Marketing Manager, Oils and Fats Portfolio, Tolaram, more than a festive visit, the experience reflected what Power Oil has stood for over the years. Caring for wellbeing, celebrating life, and creating moments that keep people connected. From the meals Nigerians cook to the lives they touch, Power Oil continues to stand for love, joy, and healthier futures for all.
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LASWA, NIWA reiterate safety rules after Igbologun boat mishap
The Lagos State Waterways Authority and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Tuesday reiterated the importance of strict adherence to safety measures on inland waterways, particularly during the festive period, following a boat mishap near the Igbologun water channel in Lagos.
The incident, which occurred at about 8:35 pm along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun channel, involved a Savvy Marine passenger boat that was en route from Ilashe Beach House, according to the two waterways authorities.
In a joint statement, LASWA and NIWA said they immediately activated their search and rescue teams after receiving a distress alert. The rescue effort, carried out in collaboration with the Marine Police and other first responders, led to the rescue of four passengers, who were taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
The authorities confirmed that six other passengers were recovered dead at the scene, while search and rescue operations remained ongoing to account for all persons involved in the incident.
Preliminary findings indicated that the mishap may have resulted from a collision with a submerged object, though the authorities stressed that investigations were still ongoing to fully determine the cause of the accident.
While expressing condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, LASWA and NIWA used the incident to reiterate the need for heightened safety consciousness during the festive season, when water transport activities typically increase.
They urged boat operators and passengers to comply strictly with all safety regulations, including proper navigation practices and the no night travel rule, noting that many accidents on the waterways were preventable through compliance with established guidelines.
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2026: Our year of faith, renewed commitment to God— Akinadewo
The President of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria Region, and Prelate of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW), Baba Aladura Israel Akinadewo, has declared 2026 as “Our Year of Righteousness, Provoked New Name,” urging Nigerians to embrace the new year with renewed faith, hope, and commitment to godly living.
In his New Year message, Akinadewo anchored his exhortation on God’s unfailing mercy, citing Lamentations 3:22–23, which affirms that God’s mercies are renewed every morning.
He described the transition into 2026 as a divine opportunity for spiritual renewal, encouraging believers to release regrets and fears from the past.
“The turning of the calendar is a powerful symbol of God’s renewing grace,” he said. “The past year may have held both triumphs and trials, but each experience was under His sovereign care. We must enter the new year with intentional faith and hopeful expectation, anchored in God’s promises.”
Referencing Isaiah 43:19, the OAIC President emphasized that God is set to do a new thing in 2026, even in seemingly barren situations. He called on Nigerians to cultivate spiritual sensitivity and courage to perceive and actively participate in God’s divine move in the coming year.
“As we make our plans, we must commit them to the Lord, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, knowing that He will direct our paths,” Akinadewo added.
Speaking on the state of the nation, the cleric called on Nigerians to approach 2026 with increased faith, especially in the face of economic, security, and governance challenges. He noted that Nigeria, like many other nations, is grappling with global monetary and fiscal pressures, but emphasized the importance of collective responsibility.
“It is imperative for us as citizens to support our political leaders through prayers and other productive means,” he said. “While we face challenges in security and the economy, we must leverage our diversity as a strength to overcome them.”
Akinadewo expressed optimism that 2026 holds “lofty hopes” for Nigeria, assuring that perseverance and unity would lead to collective rejoicing at the end of the year.
In his concluding charge, the OAIC President urged Christians to make their faith visible through love, kindness, and forgiveness, drawing from Ephesians 4:32. He called on families, churches, and communities to become havens of compassion in a divided world.
“Let us move forward together as a covenant community, forgetting what lies behind and pressing toward what lies ahead,” he said, praying for God’s blessings and preservation for all throughout the new year.
He ended the message with a benediction of peace, declaring: “May the Lord bless you and keep you throughout this new year. Shalom.”