The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • 20 illegal refineries destroyed, 32 oil thieves arrested in two weeks, says DHQ

    20 illegal refineries destroyed, 32 oil thieves arrested in two weeks, says DHQ

    Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), a military offensive against oil theft and economic saboteurs in the Southsouth, destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 32 oil thieves and other criminals, during operations conducted between January 1 and 15.

    Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen Michael Onoja, made this known while giving an update on the military’s successes against terrorists and other non-state actors over the past week.

    He said the troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition.

    The military high command stated that troops of Operation Udo in the Southeast, rescued eight Cameroon nationals earlier kidnapped by sea pirates at Ikang waterways in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    It said three criminals were arrested in Ogburu Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    “Similarly, about 80 militants presented themselves to troops with their arms and ammunition for amnesty at Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    “The militants were reported to belong to two camps headed by Thankgod Ebikontei (aka Ayibanuagha) Camp and John Isaac (aka Akpokolo) militant fighters camp,” the DHQ added.

    The troops killed scores of terrorists and arrested 67 criminals.

    According to Gen. Onoja, troops, in synergy with other security agencies, have continued to carry out operations against terrorists and other non-state actors. Despite the insecurity, the troops have remained resolute and resilient, recording notable successes through precision strikes, clearance operations, and sustained patrols.

    The troops also rescued 21 kidpa-victims.

    In the Northeast under Operation Hadin Kai, the Defence spokesperson said troops killed scores of terrorists, arrested seven others, and rescued four kidnap victims during their operations in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states between January 19 and 23.

    In the Northwest zone, he said Operation Fansan Yamma troops killed many terrorists, arrested 10 others, and rescued seven kidnap victims during operations in Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara states between January 19 and 23.

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    Some of the operations were conducted in Maru, Anka, Kaura Namoda, Bungudu, Tsafe, Talata Mafara and Birnin Magaji local government areas of Zamfara State; Batsari and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State; Tangaza and Wurno local government areas of Sokoto State; Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas of Kaduna State.

    Gen Onoja said troops of Operation Endurance Peace and Operation Whirl Stroke, in the Northcentral also achieved feats in the past week.

    According to him, troops of Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau State killed many terrorists during firefights in Bokkos, Bassa, Jos North, Jos South, Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Wase local governments of Plateau State, between January 19 to 23.

    He said the troops also arrested 39 criminals and rescued four kidnap victims, while recovering a large cache of illicit weapons and $4,500 from a suspect, believed to be proceeds from the sale of rustled cattle.

    The Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six victims, adding that arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and other items were also recovered from the suspects.

    He said the operations were conducted between January 19 and 23, in Donga, Takum, Wukari, Sardauna and Kurmi local governments of Taraba State as well as Guma, Otukpo, Katsina Ala, Ukum and Apa local governments of Benue State.

    “Similarly, they responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Yagba West, Lokoja and Kabba Bunu local governments of Kogi State as well as Ifelodun and Ekiti local governments of Kwara State. Others are Obi and Doma local governments of Nasarawa State as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT,” he said.

  • Soludo shuts Onitsha main market over sit-at-home

    Soludo shuts Onitsha main market over sit-at-home

    The popular Onitsha Main market in Anambra State has been closed for one week by the state government for obeying the sit-at-home.

    The shutdown could extend to one month by next Monday, if the traders and market leaders continue such a practice.

    The decisive move is to enforce compliance with the state government’s directive against the controversial Monday sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2021.

    This was announced yesterday by Governor, Prof.  Chukwuma Soludo in Awka

    Two days ago, the government ordered that workers in the state who failed to resume work yesterday would lose 20 per cent of their pay.

    As a result, a register has been provided in every ministry for attendance of workers.

    The state government had repeatedly warned workers and traders to ignore the sit-at-home order imposed by non-state actors.

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    This order, has disrupted economic and social activities across the Southeast for years, but the fear of being killed by the non state actors had prevented the residents from following the government’s directive

    According to Soludo,”if they don’t open at the expiration of the shut down, the market will be shut down for one month and so on and so forth.

    “The closure is a necessary step to protect law-abiding citizens and reinforce the authority of the state, the government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy” he said

    Security personnel, including the police, and Army, have been deployed to seal the market gates and ensure compliance.

  • Malami & Mohammed: Haunted by their past

    Malami & Mohammed: Haunted by their past

    The late president, Muhammadu Buhari rode to power in 2015 with goodwill of Nigerians, defeating a sitting president for the first time in our nation’s history. Nigerians saw in him the answer to the overarching problems of the country viz indiscipline, corruption and the threat of Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast and banditry and immigrant Fulani terrorism in the north-central and northeast.

    Despite his anti-democratic credentials as former military head of state and perceived religious fanaticism, Nigerians saw in Buhari, a leader who loved and had faith in a country whose unity and indivisibility he fought for as a foot soldier marching from Makurdi to Port Harcourt; and on whose behalf he suffered the indignity of being removed from power and dumped in detention for standing with Nigerians that roundly rejected IMF and its ‘conditionalities’ including turning Nigeria into a dumping ground for foreign goods. 

    Unfortunately, by 2023, with the near-collapse of the economy due to massive corruption and incompetence, social dislocations and division as a result of terrorist onslaught that set ethnic nationalities against each other, Buhari had frittered away the goodwill of Nigerians that heralded him to power in 2015.

    The failure of Buhari Presidency stemmed from his incompetence. Those he romantically described as his ‘loyal gatekeepers’ who did not share his pan-Nigeria world view but decided to hide within his government to serve self or other tendencies soon hijacked his government despite repeated warning by his wife.

    In this regard, we can start by identifying Buhari’s ‘friends’ that turned out to be his nemesis beginning with Abubakar Malami, his Attorney General and Minister of Justice who, to many, defined Buhari’s presidency; Bala Mohammed, a non-Fulani who decided to fight the Fulani war like a slave, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, former aviation minister dragged before Justice S.C Orji’s FCT High Court in October 2025 over alleged N2.7billion theft; Godwin  Emefiele who on December 2, 2025 forfeited total assets of about N12.18 billion, including 753 Abuja duplexes, plus another $4, 7 million and N830 million.

    Now let us take a journey through memory to examine some of the excesses of Malami who in power forgot that power is transient and became indifferent to the verdict of history.

    The first evidence of Malami’s acquisitive tendencies came to light with petitions over MTN fine of N780 billion by NCC. When Malami and Adebayo, the Minister of Communication were interrogated by the Senate Committee on Communication, it was discovered that the NCC which was duly authorized to collect all revenues was circumvented as the N50 billion part payment was “curiously paid into CBN Recovery Account specifically designated for the recovered looted funds”.

    This was followed by Malami’s 2017 secret trip to Dubai for a meeting with a fugitive offender, Abdulrasheed Maina, chairman of Presidential Pension Review Committee, indicted by Senate probe panel for N2billion fraud. And upon his return, but for the protest of the then Head of Civil Service, Malami would have succeeded in integrating Maina back into the bureaucracy through the back door.

    It is also on record that the central issue between Malami and Ibrahim Magu, the EFCC chairman he falsely accused of corruption, and replaced with an unqualified candidate from his (Malami) state, was over how seized assets were distributed. He had accused Magu of selling the assets to his cronies while Magu accused him of ignorance as the statute setting up the EFCC did not give the body such powers. Magu was later found innocent and rehabilitated following Buhari’s Justice Salami Investigative panel that exposed Malami’s vindictiveness.

    In 2021, it was said that UAE passed to Nigeria, a list of 38 individuals and 15 entities including six Nigerians viz Abdurrahaman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad, allegedly involved in terrorist financing. As a follow up, it was also said that Nigeria Sanctions Committee met on March 18, 2024, and recommended the sanctioning of some individuals including Gumi’s ally, Tukur Manu, accused of participating “in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransom payments over the sum of $200,000 in support of ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.”

    But Malami, the Minister of Justice appeared to have been swayed by Gumi’s argument that “No Nigerian will put his money into terrorism”; insisting terrorists “are financing themselves by taking our children for ransom”. Malami chose to do nothing despite the ravaging of the north by terrorists forcing northern leaders to call for Buhari’s resignation over his failure to protect lives and properties of the people of the north.

    With his December 2025 detention by EFCC over alleged theft of about N8.7bn, and last week DSS grilling allegedly over his handling of the list of Nigerian terror financiers released by the United Arab Emirates, many believe it is the past coming to haunt Malami.

    Many also believe Bauchi’s Bala Mohammed, whose commissioners are currently facing EFCC charges of terrorism financing share the same fate with Malami. He who sows the wind must necessarily reap the whirlwind.

    Bala Mohammed started nursing a presidential ambition as soon as he was elected governor in 2019. And since one only gets integrated into the northern ruling class through marriage, business or political endorsement, he first declared he was Fulani maternally, before choosing to fight the Fulani battle like a slave. For instance, long after full blooded Fulani like’s Nasir El Rufai, Kastina’s Aminu Masari and Kano’s Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had disowned and called for the total elimination criminal Fulani herdsmen engaged in killing of innocent Nigerians with banned AK 47 riffles, Mohammed embarked on his ill-advised campaign to justify continued bearing of AK 47 rifles that have become weapon of terror against Nigerians by immigrant Fulani herdsmen.

    He did not just stop at that  but went on to insist immigrant herdsmen should be conferred with Nigerian citizenship and integrated into the then government planned National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) being championed by the federal government.

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    Then he picked up battle with Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State who but for the fact he was fleet-footed would have been eliminated by armed criminal Fulani herdsmen who chased him out of his farm. His only offence was his decision to faithfully implement anti-grazing law passed by his state of assembly. Malami then took the battle to Ondo State where he confronted the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu over his resolve to rid his reserve forest of illegal criminal herdsmen.

    With all the victories Malami secured in his self-appointed crusade against opponents of criminal Ak-47 wielding immigrant Fulani herdsmen, Malami should feel fulfilled with the title of ‘a sympathiser’ of this anti-Nigeria group; that he is belatedly getting his flowers from no less a body as the DSS should be cause for double celebration.

    Mohammed who alleged his refusal to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had attracted intimidation and harassment, fingered Nyesom Wike as the man behind his current travail. “Somebody said he is going to put fire in my state. That person is the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike”, he stated after threatening “to escalate the matter to the international community”.

    But if Mohammed is not trying to be economical with the truth, he should admit that he and Wike were once intimate friends. Former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, not too long ago publicly scolded Bala for his act ingratitude to Wike who generously deployed Rivers State resources to wage his 2019 gubernatorial battle in Bauchi.  Bala more than anyone else knows that Wike, his estranged friend fights with his eyes closed when seeking vengeance. He can therefore not feign ignorance by attempting to divert attention from EFCC that is currently holding some of his Ministry of Finance officials.

    The good news is that Abubakar Malami is deemed innocent until the court returns a guilty verdict while Bala Mohammed is protected by the constitution. The shortest route to freedom for the former who, one Bala Usman,  claimed was until 2015 ‘a charge and bail’ lawyer is to defend the sources of his stupendous wealth including 53 mansions currently under temporary forfeiture to government. As for the latter who is not EFCC’s target, his obligation is to secure freedom for his finance commissioner, Adamu, arraigned by the EFCC, alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed on December 31, 2025 on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing to the tune of $9.7million

    And this can be easily achieved by providing evidence to invalidate DSS claim that the total sum of $17 million and N75.2 mil¬lion shared on February 7, 2024, was for terrorism financing.

  • What Ndidi did

    What Ndidi did

    By Ray Ekpu

    The Nigerian football team, Super Eagles was gunning for a fourth AFCON title at the just concluded tournament in Morocco. It did not reach that goal. It got a bronze medal which was a consolation for many Nigerians because the team played very well. President Bola Tinubu said that the bronze was almost as good as gold. He probably said that as a way of commending the boys for their outstanding performance in the matches they played and the discipline that they displayed on and off the pitch.

    But something nearly went awfully wrong when Nigeria was to face Algeria in the quarter final in Marrakesh, a distance of five hours from the team’s residence in Fez. Our players and officials said they would boycott the trip and training sessions because their bonuses for all the four matches played were not paid. This ugly scenario has happened too many times with the Super eagles and Super Falcons.

    In November 2024, the Super Eagles boycotted training during the African World Cup playoff over a backlog of allowance issues. A few days later, the disgruntled team lost to an inferior Democratic Republic of Congo team and Nigeria’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup became just that: a dream. In 2022 Nigeria’s flag did not fly at Qatar. In this year’s World Cup, we will also be marked absent.

    But this piece is not about our failure to appear at the two World Cups. It is about our incompetence in managing our football. This incompetence has led to boycotts, threats of boycotts, protests and sit-ins by either the Super Eagles or Super Falcons. If we managed these conflicts better, our football would have achieved a lot considering the abundance of talents we have on the pitch.

    In 2004, the Super Falcons won the African Women’s Cup of Nations in South Africa. They refused to vacate their hotels because their bonuses were not paid. When the Super Falcons clinched their 8th African title by defending Cameroon, there was also money wahala. During the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, the Super Falcons staged a sit-in protest and refused to vacate their hotel except their bonuses and allowances were paid. The girls carried their protests during Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure to the Aso Villa and to the National Assembly. The men had also brought shame to our country in several episodes of boycotts in the past. I do not want to enumerate such shameful incidents again on this page.

    There is an African proverb that states that the “war that has a take-off date never kills the lame.” Why? Because the lame can always crawl out of the war zone before the guns begin to boom. But in Nigeria that war has killed the lame very many times, an indication that we are never ready for what we should be ready for. All competitions, continental or world, have scheduled take-off dates but in Nigeria we are never ready for them. Most other countries, big, medium and small, go through these competitions without disgraceful stories from their football managing authorities. Our stories of shame in this matter occur regularly like a recurring decimal.

    This year at Morocco, we nearly got disgraced but for one man: Ndidi. Our country was saved from shame by a 29-year old footballer called Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi. When the players and officials threatened to boycott the trip to Marrakesh except their bonuses were paid, it was Ndidi who stood in the middle and led from the front. He was neither the chairman of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) nor the chairman of the National Sports Commission nor the minister responsible for sports. He did what those three officials failed to do. He told the players and officials that he was ready to pay their bonuses from his pocket so that the team’s spirit and unity would remain intact. This young man solved a problem that would have brought disgrace to this big country. This would have given more ammunition to those who talk derisively about our big-for-nothingness.

    Every country has its merits and its imperfections. Nigeria has them but I do not think that Nigeria is a big-for-nothing country. No. It is not. It is a country in transition, a country in search of its dream, its destiny. And the fact that we have a 29-year old man who stood up for Nigeria when it mattered most means that Nigeria has the potential to be great. It is the duty of our leaders to take the country to that mountain.

    Ndidi was born in Lagos. He went to Command Children’s School and later Nath Academy where he went to learn the nuts and bolts of footballing. While he was keeping his eyes on opportunities in football, he was hawking all sorts of things in the busy Lagos traffic where gridlock provides a market for sellers and buyers. In 2015, the opportunity came and he signed to play in Belgium for a club called Genk. That was a dream come true. He later joined Leicester City Club where he played as a defensive midfielder. Even though he was making tons of money as a footballer, he knew that money alone was not enough. He wanted to improve his education, something that Nigeria did not offer him at a higher level. After his training on the football pitch, he decided to go for a different type of training in a classroom. In May 2019, he started studying for a degree in Business and Management at De Montfort University in London. He decided to do something for kids in Nigeria who would like to play football as well as go to school.

    He said some years ago: “Back home, many kids aren’t able to go to school because their parents can’t afford it. I want to set up a football resort where people can stay and play football while getting an education at the same time.”  He was only 22 when he conceived of this giving-back idea. This resort will take kids off the streets, off crime, off cultism, off cocaine, off conflicts that arise from idleness. He is buying an umbrella for the kids so that when the rains come, they will be sheltered. He is not only buying a future for himself, he is also buying a future for young people he does not even know so that they do not become the dregs of our society.

    It is obvious, very obvious, that Ndidi has a good heart, a heart of compassion. There are many people who make plenty money in their chosen professions but do not care about helping the helpless. Instead, they engage in the illusions of grandeur as a means of taking themselves into the upper crust of society. Ndidi is not one of them.

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     He has obviously made tons of money in football. There is no one who plays in any of the big leagues abroad that is not super rich. Instead of allowing the Super Eagles to boycott training and the trip to Marrakesh, Ndidi offered to spend his money on the team so that there will be harmony. He did not care whether the money would be refunded to him if he paid the players and officials. He was just taking a personal decision that would help the team to progress in the competition, a decision that would also save the country from disgrace. That is the spelling of leadership. Is that also the spelling of Good Samaritanism?

    It was the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who said “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he only had good intentions, he had money as well.” Yes. Ndidi had good intentions as well as money, with which to execute his good intentions. The other point is that the accumulated bonuses must have amounted to a huge sum of money and yet it was not a source of worry to Ndidi. He did not worry whether the payment, if made to the players, would become a debt whose repayment period was unknown. He did not also worry that the money, if paid to the players and officials, would create for him a powerful enemy that he could not harass for the refund of his money quickly.

    There is ample hypnotism about football. That is why the stadiums are always full whether there is sunshine or rainfall. And that is why a football player and lover called Ndidi decided to take the risk of pledging to drop millions of dollars on the accounts of the players and officials so that the game goes on.

     Can Nigeria manage football differently, efficiently? That is a question that we have not been able to answer satisfactorily for decades.       

  • Tinubu arrives Ankara for State visit to Türkiye

    Tinubu arrives Ankara for State visit to Türkiye

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday night arrived in Ankara, Türkiye, for a State visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Eurasian nation.

    The President touched down at the Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 9:05 p.m. local time, marking the commencement of official engagements scheduled for the visit.

    He was received on arrival by a Turkish government delegation led by the Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, with other senior officials.

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    Tinubu’s visit is expected to focus on deepening diplomatic, political and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye, building on the longstanding cordial relations between both countries.

    The state visit will feature high-level meetings with Turkish officials, discussions on shared interests in trade, investment, security, education, innovation and aviation, as well as engagements designed to expand business and investment ties between Nigerian and Turkish investors.

    The President is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.

  • Rumoured planned replacement of Shettima baseless – APC

    Rumoured planned replacement of Shettima baseless – APC

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed as baseless the rumour making round about the possibility of replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. 

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said the rumours and name speculations were purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless. 

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to growing media frenzy about possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu under the platform of our great Party ahead of the 2027 General Elections. 

    “While these stories have been mostly subtle, they recently assumed a new dimension when names of specific individuals were touted as possible replacement for Vice President Shettima. 

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    “Our party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue, and utterly baseless.”

    The party also urged media organisations to refrain from lending their platforms to rumour-peddlers and mischievous “news sources” of questionable provenance whose only intention is to promote discord and confusion in the polity. 

    Reiterating the laws and electoral regulations banning political activities remain in force, the party maintained  that “at this time, our party remains focused on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and entrenching its bold reforms that are now steadily transforming the economy, building prosperity, and uplifting the living conditions of our people.”

    The party also called on our ministers, senior government and officials to avoid wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations, advising them “to focus on their primary duty of diligent service to government and our Party, and bolster the success and achievements of President Tinubu, our inimitable and visionary leader. “

  • Senate to pass ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget, Electoral, Constitution Reforms in final 16 months

    Senate to pass ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget, Electoral, Constitution Reforms in final 16 months

    With just 16 months left in the life of the 10th National Assembly, the Senate has outlined an ambitious legislative agenda anchored on the passage of the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, far-reaching electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, and the conclusion of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

    Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central) disclosed this ahead of resumption of plenary on  Tuesday, stressing that the Assembly remains committed to defending the trust reposed in it by Nigerians while responding swiftly to domestic and global challenges.

    Bamidele noted that of the 48 months constitutionally allotted to the Assembly, only 16 months remain, a reality that underscores the urgency for decisive, people-centred legislation capable of strengthening governance, stabilising the economy and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

    “The burden of trust our constituents repose in us is one we struggle daily to defend and treasure never to breach,” he said, adding that the National Assembly would continue to prioritise reforms that promote national cohesion, economic diversification and institutional resilience.

    According to him, the last 32 months of the 10th Assembly have been devoted to reforms across critical sectors aimed at repositioning Nigeria from an extraction-dependent economy to a diversified, productivity-driven and globally competitive state.

    He said the next phase of legislative work would focus on consolidating these gains while concluding landmark initiatives on electoral governance, fiscal sustainability and constitutional restructuring.

    Top on the agenda is the scrutiny and passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, estimated at ₦58.47 trillion, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presented to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, 2025.

    Bamidele disclosed that committees in both chambers are already examining the revenue and expenditure projections, describing the budget as critical to macro-economic stability, job creation, rising incomes and improved quality of life across the federation.

    He added that the Assembly is determined to restore and sustain a January-to-December budget cycle, noting that recent fiscal reforms, particularly the enactment of the 2025 Tax Reform Act, have recalibrated Nigeria’s fiscal space to reflect socio-economic realities.

    The new fiscal regime, he explained, eases the tax burden on low-income earners while placing greater responsibility on high-income earners, a move expected to improve revenue generation, shrink budget deficits and ensure sustainable funding of government programmes.

    Beyond the budget, the Senate has prioritised the review of the Electoral Act, 2022, with a view to delivering a more credible, transparent and accountable electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Bamidele said the proposed Electoral Bill, 2025 contains no fewer than 20 defining provisions designed to strengthen the credibility of elections, enhance the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and guarantee the security of votes.

    Among the innovations in the Bill are the recognition of voting rights for eligible prisoners, mandatory release of election funds to INEC at least one year before polls, electronically generated voter identification with QR-coded downloadable voter cards, and compulsory electronic transmission of polling unit results.

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    According to him, the Bill also standardises delegates for indirect primaries, tightens voter registration requirements, extends publication periods for candidates’ details, strengthens regulation of party conventions, raises campaign spending limits and imposes stiffer penalties for electoral offences.

    On vote buying and related malpractices, the proposed law prescribes fines of up to ₦5 million, mandatory jail terms, and a 10-year ban from contesting elections, a move lawmakers say will end impunity and entrench a culture of consequence in the electoral system.

    Bamidele expressed confidence that, if passed, the reforms would significantly improve the credibility of elections starting from 2027, adding that reports from the Committees on INEC in both chambers would soon be presented for clause-by-clause consideration.

    He said the Senate is also at an advanced stage in the review of the 1999 Constitution. 

    “Technical sessions have been concluded, public hearing reports submitted, and stakeholder engagements completed,” he said.

    Bamidele said the report of the Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, would be laid before the Senate before the end of the first quarter of 2026 for debate and voting.

    He noted that the process would subsequently move to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, whose approval by a two-thirds majority is constitutionally required to effect any alteration.

    As the Assembly enters what he described as a critical phase, Bamidele reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to good governance, enhanced security and improved welfare of Nigerians.

    “At this defining moment, the onus rests on us more than ever to reinforce our constituents’ trust in their representatives, in the National Assembly and in our fatherland,” he said.

  • Contractors applaud Finance Minister over plans to clear unpaid debts by March

    Contractors applaud Finance Minister over plans to clear unpaid debts by March

    A group representing local contractors across Nigeria has expressed new hope following a meeting with the Federal Government regarding years of unpaid debts. 

    The delegation met with the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, to discuss the financial struggles they face due to these outstanding payments.

    The leader of the group, Mr. Innocent Asuelimehn, described the discussions as a major turning point. 

    He praised the Minister for taking action just 24 hours after their first meeting, a move he says has brought much-needed relief to his members.

    “The engagement was fruitful and reassuring. The Minister’s response was timely and encouraging. Although there is still work to be done, particularly regarding contractors whose payments are yet to be batched, her actions have restored hope among members of the community” he said.

    During the meeting,  Asuelimehn also took a moment to apologise for a previous confrontation between the contractors and the Minister. 

    He explained that the incident was not planned but a result of the extreme pressure and hardship contractors have endured while waiting for their money.

    “It gave us hope that she is capable and dependable, and that her word can be trusted to get the job done. The prolonged debt situation has taken a heavy toll on contractors and their families,” he lamented. 

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    Another member of the group, Mr. Akin Amu, shared more details about the government’s specific promises. 

    He stated that the Minister gave them a clear timeline for when they can expect to receive their payments. 

    According to Amu, the Minister is following a direct order from the President to ensure these debts do not linger any longer.

    “The Minister assured us that she is working diligently to ensure all liabilities are settled before the end of March. She informed us she is acting on a clear presidential mandate to deliver and ensure that all outstanding payments are cleared within the stipulated timeframe.”

    The contractors expressed gratitude for the Minister’s warm welcome and her willingness to listen to their concerns directly. They believe that if the government continues to work at this speed, the long-standing problem of unpaid contract fees will finally be a thing of the past.

    “From all indications, it was a fruitful discussion. We are hopeful that the promises made will be fulfilled,” Amu said.

  • UPDATED: Yusuf joins APC, pledges to work with Tinubu

    UPDATED: Yusuf joins APC, pledges to work with Tinubu

    Kano Governor Abba Yusuf  on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading a mass realignment involving 34 lawmakers, 44 local government chairmen and political appointees.

    Twenty-two Assembly members, eight federal legislators, 44 local‑government chairmen and 484 councillors stood beside the Governor as his hands were lifted as a bonafie member of the ruling party on Monday.

    He was warmly received into APC by the party’s former National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau, Senator Kawu Sumaila, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Yusuf Atah, several members of the House of Representatives and other party chieftains.

    The occasion held at the Coronation Hall of Government House, Kano.

    Yusuf’s defection to APC followed consultations and assessment of Kano’s future aspirations, he said.

    The Governor pledged to work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate development and deliver more democracy dividends to his people.

    He described the defection as a choice for progress over pride, emphasising the Renewed Hope Agenda’s positive impact nationwide.

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    The Governor announced plans for a Kano Elders Council to promote stability, unity, and good governance. 

    He commended APC leaders, including former Governor Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, for their support. 

    Yusuf previously joined the APC in 2014, winning the party’s primary election for Kano Central Senatorial seat, which he said he willingly gave to Rabiu Kwankwaso.

    In a speech at the occasion, he cited governance realities, national cohesion and development as reasons for returning to the APC, a platform he described as “familiar and structured for progressive governance.”

    He stated that rejoining the APC would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate development, enhance security, and improve service delivery in Kano State.

    Yusuf said: “I am entering the APC together with 22 state lawmakers, eight federal legislators, 44 local‑government chairmen and 484 councillors. 

    “We will work collectively to advance the party’s noble ideals for the overall political development of Kano State.

    “Our mission is to advance the Kano agenda, which remains our primary concern, not personal interest.”

  • Calgary Football Academy’s rising star impresses at Galadima scouting championship

    Calgary Football Academy’s rising star impresses at Galadima scouting championship

    Joseph Ogheneghenega Abel, the exciting young forward of Calgary Football Academy continued his impressive rise in Nigerian youth football following standout performances at the recently concluded scouting championship organized by Galadima Football Club in Abuja.

    Abel was Calgary Football Academy’s most influential player last season, finishing as the team’s top performer with an outstanding return of 15 goals and 8 assists in 20 appearances. His consistency, attacking intelligence, and ability to decide games made him a key figure throughout the campaign.

    He carried that fine form into the Galadima Scouting Championship, a platform that brought together some of the most promising young talents in Abuja and its environs. 

    Once again selected for his quality and impact, Abel rose to the occasion, scoring a couple of goals and leaving a strong impression on scouts and coaches in attendance.

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    Speaking on the player’s continued development, Calgary Football Academy proprietor, Jeremiah Ogaga, praised Abel’s progress and mindset:

    “Joseph has shown remarkable growth both technically and mentally. His performances last season and again at the Galadima Scouting Championship reflect his hunger to succeed. We are confident that with the right guidance and exposure, he has what it takes to represent Nigeria at the highest youth level and beyond.”

    Abel’s performances have also attracted attention beyond club football, with the player already on the radar of the National U-17 team selectors, who are closely monitoring his development ahead of future national engagements.

    As Calgary Football Academy continues its commitment to talent development, Joseph Ogheneghenega Abel stands out as one of the academy’s brightest achievement, a player whose journey is only just beginning and whose future promises even greater achievements.