The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • APC Forum backs Wike

    APC Forum backs Wike

    • …rejects resignation, redeployment calls

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has rejected calls for the resignation or removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, warning that such demands could derail ongoing development in Abuja and undermine the gains recorded under the Bola Tinubu administration.

    The Forum also cautioned against pressure on President Tinubu to sack or redeploy the Minister, describing the agitation as politically motivated and detrimental to the interests of the North-Central zone.

    Calls for Wike’s resignation intensified following comments by the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who recently asked the FCT minister to resign and focus on the politics of Rivers State.

    Basiru’s remarks followed Wike’s warning to him to stay out of Rivers State affairs, while some groups have urged President Tinubu to redeploy Wike to the Ministry of the Niger Delta.

    Reacting in a statement on Monday, the Chairman of the Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said the Minister should be allowed to continue his work in the FCT, which he described as an integral part of the North-Central region.

    “The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum rejects calls for the resignation of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

    “The Minister is performing well in the FCT under an APC administration, and we frown at such calls, especially as it concerns the development of the FCT, which is part of the North-Central,” the Forum stressed.

    It pointed out that the pace of infrastructural development in the FCT had improved significantly since Wike assumed office, arguing that calls for his resignation or removal amount to an attempt to reverse those gains.

    “Some people stayed eight years as FCT minister without anything to show for it, but under two years, Wike has turned the FCT around.

    “Yet some people who we believe are serving their selfish interests are calling for his resignation. This is highly condemnable, and we will not allow it, even if the calls are coming from leaders of the party,” the Forum said.

    The group stressed that it had no interest in the political crisis in Rivers State, insisting that its sole concern was the development of the FCT and, by extension, the North-Central zone.

    Read Also: Wike: No one can push us out of Rivers politics

    “It is wrong for anybody who is considered a party leader to be calling for Wike’s resignation on the grounds that he is not a member of the APC.

    “We don’t want to join issues with the persons that are making these calls, but we advise them to back off,” the Forum added.

    It also warned that continued agitation against the FCT Minister could trigger mass protests in Abuja, urging those behind the calls to desist, adding, “We believe that those making this call, as well as others calling for Wike’s sack, do not mean well for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “They also do not want the development of this country.”

    Zazzaga disclosed that the Forum had formally commended Wike for his infrastructural strides in the FCT, noting that the projects had positively impacted the North-Central.

    “Last year we sent a commendation letter to the FCT minister for his developmental strides in the FCT,” the statement said.

    While arguing that Wike played a critical role in the emergence of the Tinubu administration during the 2023 presidential election, the Forum added, “None of them calling for his resignation contributed as much as Wike to the coming of this administration, even though he is not a member of the party.”

    The group urged the Minister to ignore the calls and remain focused on his mandate, “We urge the minister to ignore these calls, no matter where they are coming from, and continue developing the FCT,” the statement added.

  • How grace sustained my journey through 2025, by Actor Olarotimi Fakunle

    How grace sustained my journey through 2025, by Actor Olarotimi Fakunle

    Actor Olarotimi Fakunle has reflected on the past year, describing it as a period defined by rigorous work and significant personal and professional growth.

    In a message shared on Instagram, Fakunle noted that the year was filled with rehearsals, time on set, and continuous movement. Despite the demanding schedule, he expressed gratitude for God’s grace and the steady support he received from colleagues, friends, family, and even strangers.

    He wrote, “Last year unfolded for me in a blur of rehearsals, sets, call times, and constant movement, days stacked tightly upon nights, schedules colliding and stretching the limits of my strength and focus. Yet, through the weight of the work and the demands of the craft, grace remained the quiet force carrying me forward, ordering my steps where plans fell short and sustaining me where exhaustion threatened my resolve.

    “In the midst of the busyness, I witnessed something deeply humbling: the steady support of people within the industry and beyond it, colleagues, mentors, friends, family, and even strangers who showed up with encouragement, trust, and goodwill. For all I achieved and all I survived, gratitude stands at the centre of my heart, for opportunities, for lessons, and for every hand that held space for me along the journey.”

    Fakunle also paid tribute to those who passed away, acknowledging the fragility of life and the importance of purpose.

    He added, “With sober reflection, I also remember and honor those we lost along the way, whose absence reminds me of life’s fragility and the urgency of purpose.”

    As he entered a new year, the actor said he is focusing on fresh beginnings, renewed faith, and positive energy.

    He wrote, “Now, standing at the threshold of a new year, this reflection becomes my clarion call: to begin again with pure intentions, renewed faith, and positive energy, choosing purpose over noise, sincerity over haste, and light in all that is yet to come.”

  • Court orders remand of social media critic over alleged defamation of Ebonyi SSG

    Court orders remand of social media critic over alleged defamation of Ebonyi SSG

    A Magistrate Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Monday ordered the remand of a social media critic, Polycap Obinna Alegu, over allegations of defamation and cyberbullying against the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike.

    Alegu, 36, was arraigned before Magistrate Court 1, presided over by Chief Magistrate Sandra Ifeanyi-Onyibe, on a two-count charge bordering on criminal defamation and cybercrime.

    According to the charge marked MAB/7c/2026, he allegedly made a false and malicious publication against the SSG on December 16, 2025.

    In Count One, the prosecution alleged that he published defamatory content against Prof. Umezurike, an offence contrary to Section 375(A) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Count Two accused him of intentionally publishing false and defamatory material on Facebook, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act.

    Defence counsel, Sunday Ununu, objected to the reading of the charges, arguing that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) lacked authority to initiate criminal proceedings on behalf of the Federal Government.

    He insisted that only the Attorney General of the Federation could institute such cases.

    The court overruled the objection, with the Chief Magistrate holding that the Constitution empowers the NSCDC to file criminal matters on behalf of the AGF.

    Read Also: Court dismisses N1b copyright infringement suit against MTN

    She also dismissed claims that the agency lacked the standing to seek a remand order.

    Alegu, when asked to respond, told the court that his social media accounts had been hacked and that he was not responsible for the posts. He claimed that other comments issued from his account on different platforms were also the work of hackers.

    Following his plea, defence counsel applied for bail, stating that the defendant had credible sureties. However, NSCDC counsel, Linda Akam, opposed the application because the Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the substantive matter.

    In her ruling, Magistrate Ifeanyi-Onyibe held that there was a prima facie case against the defendant.

    She declined to rule on bail, stating that the issue should be handled by a court with the appropriate jurisdiction.

    The court ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution in the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice for legal advice and adjourned the matter to January 26, 2026, for compliance.

  • Jane Mena grateful as son escapes indoor mishap

    Jane Mena grateful as son escapes indoor mishap

    Popular dancer Jane Mena has expressed deep gratitude after her one-year-old and ten-month-old son narrowly avoided a serious fall at their home on December 24, 2025.

    She explained that the toddler managed to open a room door and climb a staircase, but was fortunately caught before he slipped.

    Mena, who is currently nursing a broken leg, said she rushed out of the bathroom—where she was preparing his bath—to rescue him.

    Sharing the incident on social media, she thanked God for protecting her son.

    “I don’t know how God held up my son till he cried out. Bobo has never climbed this ever, ever. This was very shocking. Plus, I’m never far away from my kids unless someone trusted is there with them,” she wrote.

    “See these two cocofelons I locked inside the room, left them playing and building with their Cubes, went to the bathroom to get their bath water ready, little did I know, our very own papa can now open our Room door with so much ease.

    “One minute the kids are here, the next they are not. Thank you lord Jesus. May your name be praised through the roof and high up to the heavens? Ever since that day, Bobo has always calling me to help him go down the stairs.

    “So glad I can laugh about this. It wasn’t funny when I was running to catch him, not minding my own broken leg that’s still healing. I’m so grateful, so grateful. When Daddy came back, I pleaded with him to help me get this footage because this is my testimony today. Praise Thy lord.”

  • 2027: Wamakko rallies support for Tinubu

    2027: Wamakko rallies support for Tinubu

    Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has intensified calls in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Wamakko, who spoke at the official flag-off of mobilisation fund disbursement for the reconstruction of the burnt section of the Sokoto Central Market—awarded to indigenous contractors—praised the President’s people-focused policies and reaffirmed the commitment of Sokoto stakeholders to the administration’s agenda. He urged citizens to remain steadfast and supportive.

    He highlighted Tinubu’s consistent support for state governments, particularly through the prompt release of statutory allocations, describing it as essential for effective governance and development at the sub-national level.

    Wamakko also noted that the Tinubu administration has made several federal appointments benefiting Sokoto State, stressing that such representation is unprecedented in the state’s political history.

    He said these gestures reflect the President’s dedication to fairness, inclusiveness, and national unity.

    Reiterating Sokoto’s loyalty, Wamakko assured the President of the unwavering backing of stakeholders across the state.

    He also commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for ongoing development projects, especially in infrastructure and economic revitalisation, encouraging him to sustain the pace.

  • Heritage Bank: NDIC declares ₦24.3bn second liquidation dividend for uninsured depositors

    Heritage Bank: NDIC declares ₦24.3bn second liquidation dividend for uninsured depositors

    The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has declared a ₦24.3 billion second liquidation dividend for depositors of Heritage Bank Limited whose account balances exceeded the statutory insured limit of ₦5 million at the time of the bank’s closure.

    The Corporation stated that the ₦24.3 billion payment represents only the second liquidation dividend, emphasizing that additional payments will follow as more assets are realized and outstanding debts are recovered.

    The Nation reports that in April 2025, NDIC disbursed N46.6 billion as the first tranche of liquidation dividends to depositors of the defunct Heritage Bank, with funds exceeding the insured limit of N5 million.

    The declaration follows the revocation of Heritage Bank’s operating licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on June 3, 2024, after which the NDIC was appointed liquidator in line with Section 12(2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and Sections 55(1 and 2) of the NDIC Act 2023.

    In a statement on Sunday by the Head of the NDIC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department, Hawwau Gambo, the Corporation said it had since commenced the disposal of physical assets, recovery of debts, and realisation of investments belonging to the defunct bank.

    “As a result of these efforts, the NDIC declared a first liquidation dividend of ₦46.6 billion in April 2025, at a rate of 9.2 kobo per ₦1.00,” the corporation stressed, adding that the amount was paid on a pro-rata basis to depositors whose balances were above the ₦5 million insured limit at the date of closure.

    Gambo explained that the newly declared second liquidation dividend of ₦24.3 billion was generated from debt recovery, sale of physical assets, and realisation of investments.

    The payment will be applied to outstanding uninsured balances at a rate of 5.2 kobo per ₦1.00, in accordance with Section 72 of the NDIC Act 2023.

    “This brings the cumulative liquidation dividend declared to date to 14.4 kobo per ₦1.00,” the statement noted.

    According to the NDIC, payments will be made using depositors’ existing details already captured in its records. Eligible depositors who have previously received their insured deposits and the first tranche of liquidation dividends will have their alternative bank accounts automatically credited using their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN).

    Depositors were advised to check their accounts for confirmation, while those without alternative bank accounts, BVNs, or who are yet to claim their insured sum of up to ₦5 million or the first liquidation dividend, were urged to visit the nearest NDIC office or complete the e-claim form on the Corporation’s website for prompt processing.

    The NDIC clarified that a liquidation dividend refers to payments made to depositors of a closed bank whose balances exceed the insured limit, using proceeds from asset sales, debt recovery, and investment realisation.

    It added that only after all depositors have been fully reimbursed would payments be made to other creditors and, subsequently, shareholders, subject to the availability of funds.

  • Northern Senators laud Lawan at 67, hail his legislative legacy

    Northern Senators laud Lawan at 67, hail his legislative legacy

    The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has congratulated former Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, on his 67th birthday, praising his decade-long contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development and national security.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the forum described Lawan as a seasoned legislator whose experience and leadership have helped stabilise Nigeria’s democratic culture.

    The NSF noted that Lawan has spent 26 uninterrupted years in the National Assembly, serving on several committees and rising to become President of the 9th Senate, where he played a central role in shaping legislation and strengthening democratic institutions.

    “Through consistent, constructive leadership and national service, Senator Lawan has attained the status of a statesman,” the forum said, commending his record of lawmaking and public service.

    The forum also highlighted his role in the 10th Senate as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, saying he has provided steady and responsive leadership in strengthening legislative oversight of the security sector.

    Read Also: Why Nigeria’s healthcare system needs regulation – Toyin Lawani

    According to the statement, Lawan has fostered constructive engagement between the legislature, the Armed Forces and other security agencies, while guiding budget scrutiny and policy initiatives aimed at bolstering national security, accountability and the welfare of service personnel.

    The forum prayed for continued good health and long life for the Yobe State lawmaker. “May Almighty Allah grant you good health and many more years of service to the people of Yobe State and Nigeria at large,” the statement added.

    Senator Lawan, who represents Yobe North, remains one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the country and a key figure in the National Assembly’s leadership over the years.

  • DisCos collected N210b revenue in October 2025

    DisCos collected N210b revenue in October 2025

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Monday said the Distribution Companies 12 DisCos collected N210 billion revenue in October 2025.

    This was contained in its document titled: “Commercial Performance of Distribution Companies (DisCos).”

    In the period under review, NERC’s Fact sheet for October listed 12 DisCos, which include: Aba, Abuja, Benin, Enugu, Eko, Ibadan, Ikeja, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Yola.

    The DisCos, said NERC, could not collect N45.19billion revenue out of the N255.19bills they issued.

    The total energy that was sent to the DisCos cost N303.85 billion, according to the factsheet, which also noted that the average tariff per kwh was N116.25, while only N95.89 kwh was actually collected.

    This is an indication of N20.36kwh subsidy.

    Of the 303.85billion energy sent to the DisCos, N48.66billion was not billed, being the subsidy.

    In the month under review, the Federal Government absorbed electricity of N48.66 billion.

    NERC also disclosed that in October 2025, the Discos recorded 83.99 per cent billing efficiency, 82.66 per cent collection efficiency, and 82.49 per cent recovery efficiency.

  • Nigerian business leader Ozoka promotes pan-African investment, others in Uganda

    Nigerian business leader Ozoka promotes pan-African investment, others in Uganda

    A Nigerian entrepreneur based in the United States, Dr. Odera Ozoka, has stepped up efforts to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and East Africa, championing Pan-African investment and women-focused development initiatives in Uganda.

    Dr. Ozoka recently joined Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, on the campaign trail in Northern Uganda, a move seen as reinforcing growing Nigerian–East African economic cooperation.

    He has been appointed by Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to help attract international investors to the country.

    His engagement centres on directing investment opportunities toward women-owned businesses, in line with broader Pan-African development goals and Nigeria’s long-standing advocacy for African economic integration.

    Speaking from Oyam in Northern Uganda, Dr. Ozoka highlighted the impact of women-focused initiatives in the region.

    “The world is watching and taking note of the superb work being delivered for women in Uganda,” he said.

    “I’ve been to several businesses owned by women here in Lira, and the enthusiasm is very commendable and exciting.”

    Through his collaboration with Minister Amongi, access has been facilitated to programmes supported by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the World Bank, providing seed financing, grants, and loan schemes for women entrepreneurs across Northern Uganda.

    Minister Amongi, who is campaigning for the Lira City Woman Parliamentary seat, commended Dr. Ozoka’s role and Pan-African outlook.

    “I have been impressed by him,” she said. “He has represented Nigeria and the United States well and is living in the spirit and mantra of Pan-Africanism.

    “He has brought investment commitment to Uganda, and many of our women will benefit greatly from it.”

    Experts noted that Dr. Ozoka’s activities reflect a growing trend of Nigerian diaspora professionals leveraging global networks to unlock development opportunities across Africa.

    His work in Uganda is already yielding tangible results through women-focused financing programmes, which analysts say could serve as models for similar initiatives in Nigeria.

    For Nigerian investors, the development highlights emerging opportunities in East African markets, particularly in women-led enterprises, and underscores the potential of Pan-African business partnerships supported by institutions such as the NSSF and the World Bank.

    Dr. Ozoka’s recognition by Ugandan leaders as “a true African son” further underscores Nigeria’s influence on the continent, as African nations increasingly pursue intra-African collaboration to drive sustainable development.

  • ‘Why Yusuf, Kwankwaso parted ways’

    ‘Why Yusuf, Kwankwaso parted ways’

    Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso parted ways because of a rift over the 2027 governorship poll.

    A source said that the governor defected from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to realise his re-election bid.

    According to the source, a major crisis had earlier broken out between the governor and the party leader because he was not prepared to back him for a second term.

    He also explained that although Yusuf is Kwakwanso’s father-in-law, the governor has always alleged overhandiness.

    The source said Yusuf decided to leave for APC, where he will automatically become the Kano APC leader and has a bright chance of flying the ticket in 2027.

    He added, “The governor of Kano made up his mind to leave NNPP because his career would be sealed there in 2027. The deputy governor has been asked to prepare.

    “The supporters of Yusuf believe that he has performed well to earn a second term ticket, which was being blocked. Kwakwanso and his successor, Abdullahi Ganduje, spent eight years. The governor has the support of the House of Assembly.”

    The source added, “Governor Yusuf is also joining the party in power to combine strength with the federal might to retain Kano. It is a major blow to the NNPP and its leader.”