Francis Nwifuru says God used Dave Umahi, the minister of works, to make him the governor of Ebonyi state.

Nwifuru, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), won the governorship election in March 2023 to replace Umahi, the incumbent governor, at the time.

Speaking on Monday in Ebonyi during an empowerment programme organised by Nkemkanma Kama, a member representing the Ohaoazara/Onicha/Ivo federal constituency, the governor said he is the “greatest beneficiary” of Umahi’s government.

Nwifuru, who described Umahi as a goal-getter, added that the minister was also influential in his election as the speaker of the state house of assembly for eight years.

“God would have used another person to make me governor, but Umahi was the only person available to be used,” Nwifuru said.

“At the time God searched for a person to use in making me governor, Umahi made himself available.

“I performed the duty honestly, and that is why I am proud to have him as a boss.

“Umahi as a governor excelled in ensuring peace, infrastructure, and human capital development among other sectors.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Nigerians should never lose hope about the prospect of the country despite the current economic hardship.

During an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Obasanjo said the country said he is an incurable optimist, who believes that Nigeria will get to “where God wants us to be”.

“We wish all Nigerians a happy and prosperous new year, and I will say to Nigerians, we’re going through hardship, but they should never lose hope,” the former president said.

“I’m an incurable optimist about Nigeria, and we have a great country.

 

“Where we are is not where God wants us to be, and I believe that sooner than later we will get to where God wants us to be.

“God wants Nigeria to be a land flowing with milk and honey, not a desert, a basket case, or a failed country.

“That we’re where we are is either by inadvertent or advertent actions of our leaders and followers to some extent, but God is God of great things for Nigeria. I believe God has great things for Nigeria in the immediate future.”

The former president noted that true leadership extends beyond the corridors of power, adding that it is the responsibility of political officeholders to use experiences and connections gained in office to advance humanity.

“Whether you spend two years or 10 years in office, you acquire certain experiences and build relationships that can be tapped into for the good of the world,” he said.

Obasanjo, reflecting on global climate, decried a “deficit of leadership” across all sectors, particularly in politics, and urged current and former leaders to continue serving their countries and the world after leaving office.

“At the political level, it matters most because politics drives all other things, but at all levels, and I’m not also talking about incumbent leaders,” he said.

“Incumbent leaders matter more because they have the power and all that goes with the power, but those that also have had the opportunity and God has endowed, they should realise that the world we are living in, that we call a village, if anybody fails to play his part and his role in that village, that village will soon be spoiled, and that must be clear to all of us.”

‘TRUMP MUST NOT IGNORE AFRICA’

Obasanjo said US President-elect Donald Trump must accord Africans due respect and dignity as he is about to assume leadership of the White House.

In 2018, Trump was alleged to have said African countries, alongside Haiti and El Salvador, constituted ‘shitholes’ where “undesirable migrants” were coming into the US.

Trump has since denied describing any race as coming from “shithole countries,” adding that he has high regard for Nigerians.

Obasanjo said it is time to prove to Trump that what he called a “shithole” is not it, noting that America has an enlightened interest in Africa.

“Whether anybody likes it or not, the American people have decided that Trump will be their leader, and Trump, being the American people’s leader, will lead America for the next four years and will be the leader of the world,” he said.

“America is the greatest country in the world for now. It may change in a few years.

“Maybe China will take over and become the largest economy or surpass America in terms of technology or military power, but for today America is that country, and we cannot say we have nothing to do with Trump.

“We have to find a way of letting Trump know that what he calls a ‘shithole’ is not it, and we have to make him understand that.

“I believe that there will be policymakers around him that we can reach and talk to.

“America has an enlightened interest in Africa, and we must tell him, ‘This is your interest, and don’t ignore it. We’re ready to work with you; give us the respect and dignity that is due to us, respect our citizens who are in your country, and let us work together for a peaceful world.

“A world that is secured, stable, and where prosperity is shared, and security will be common for everybody’. I believe Trump will understand that.”

First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has laid off about 100 senior staff members in a major organisational shakeup.

According to a report by Nairametrics on Monday, sources familiar with the matter said the bank’s top executives were asked to leave — as part of its corporate restructuring and repositioning plan for 2025 — following the confirmation of Olusegun Alebiosu as FBN’s managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) in June.

The sources told the publication that the exits appear to be part of a concerted effort by the board led by Femi Otedola, its chairman, to introduce fresh blood into several leadership positions in the bank. 

However, another source within the bank said some of the exits were voluntary, especially for senior executives who intend to explore other career prospects.

 

The publication said the shakeup also affected a prominent executive director whose tenure was not renewed over mutually agreed circumstances.

On December 9, Otedola asked Folake Ani-Mumuney to resign as the bank’s global head of marketing and corporate communications.

Ani-Mumuney’s resignation was demanded after Otedola learned that a whopping sum was spent on a send-off party for Adesola Adeduntan, the former MD of the bank who was reportedly forced to resign over alleged negligence in a N60 billion electronic fraud.

The federal ministry of works has allocated N2 billion for the purchase of vehicles for senior special assistants (SSAs).

President Bola Tinubu, on December 13, presented a record N49.7 trillion as the proposed budget for 2025 to a joint session of the upper and lower legislative chambers.

Tinubu said the proposal aligns with the renewed hope agenda and reflects the administration’s commitment to stabilising the economy, improving lives, and repositioning the country for greater performance. 

In the appropriation bill, the vehicle expenses are included in the 2025 executive budget of the federal ministry of works.

According to the budget breakdown, the federal road maintenance agency was allocated N64.88 billion, which includes N4.92 billion for personnel costs, N33.47 billion for overheads, and N26.49 billion for capital projects.

The regional centre for training in aerospace survey was allocated N510.09 million, entirely for capital projects, with no funds set aside for personnel or overhead costs.

Overall, the ministry and its agencies were allocated N1.14 trillion, with the majority of the funds directed towards capital development.

The lawmaker representing Gaya, Ajingi and Albasu Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, Mustapha Ghali, has shed more light on why the North is not in support of the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

Ghali, who alleged that those sponsoring the bills or supporting them, have ulterior motives, said the focus of the bills should be in the interest of entire Nigeria and not just some regions or states.

This is as he revealed that he was lobbied by a fellow lawmaker from the south to support the controversial bills with the assurance that it would benefit Kano State.

The lawmaker, however, said he doesn’t want a bill that will only benefit his own state and leave out others, including neighbouring states.

Ghali, who made the disclosures while speaking with newsmen in Kano State, said Nigeria is not ripe for such bills and called on the federal government to, instead, provide a conducive environment for the citizens.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain said, “There was an influential member from the South that met me and said, Dr Ghali you are privileged to have the wherewithal to stand and speak and you usually get the support of your fellow members. We have come to strike a deal with you today. We want you to support these tax reform bills.

“He told me that their reason was that when it is passed, Kano will also benefit alongside Lagos. If Kano benefitted you will also benefit. I said to him he is right, but I want Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara Sokoto, Kebbi also to benefit.

“My reason was if today I have a problem in Kano, before you come to my rescue from Lagos, I have called one from Jigawa, I have called someone from Katsina, Kaduna and Niger. So, even if Kano will benefit, what of my neighbours, those that I have always been at peace with?

“This indicates that these people have an ulterior motive. The good thing is all northern legislators have all sat and are working towards containing the issue. We all have our own priorities from our people that we are representing. Your interest should not be conflicting or against the other region. This is why we are telling people to stop fighting for political differences but for the success of our region.”

North Must Take A Stand Against The Bills

Speaking further, the lawmaker said the Northern region must unite and speak with one voice to stop the implementation of the bills.

He submitted that countries that have implemented such bills had first provided a conducive environment and development such as employment, hospitals, schools and other social amenities for the populace, but the reverse is the case in Nigeria.

“Several countries across the world have implemented the tax reform bill and it is working for them. But at what point? You have to provide a conducive environment and development such as employment, hospitals, schools and other social amenities for the populace.

“Take for instance, England, United Arab Emirates, UAE and Saudi Arabia, where they implemented the bill and it is working for them. The government was able to do so based on the development provided and taxes collected from the well to do to ensure the sustainability of the developmental projects.

“So what we are saying is Nigeria is not yet ripe for the implementation of the proposed bill. It is not like we totally rejected it but the government has to provide the development and conducive environment before implementing the tax reform bill.

“I however appeal to northern lawmakers, governors, elders, business men and women, academicians and all relevant stakeholders to put heads together to ensure that the bill is set aside,” he said.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially approved the renaming of Edo State University, Uzairue, to Edo University, Iyamho.

Naija News reports that this development was announced in a statement issued on Monday in Benin City by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.

The statement confirmed that the name change takes immediate effect and instructed that all official documentation for the institution reflect the new name.

The statement reads, “It is hereby announced for the information of the that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the change of the name of ‘Edo State University, Uzairue,’ to now be known as ‘Edo University, Iyamho’ with immediate effect.

“Accordingly, all documentation in respect of the Institution henceforth shall reflect the above change.”

Obaseki’s Govt Forcefully Acquired Many Properties Without Compensation – Edo Govt To Compensate Owners

The Edo State Government has announced plans to compensate individuals whose lands or properties were illegally taken or destroyed by the immediate past administration led by former Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Naija News reports that the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, made this known in Benin on Monday.

Osagie said Obaseki’s government acquired some community lands and properties without compensation, stressing that Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration was already righting the wrongs of the past government to ensure harmony in the state.

According to him, Senator Okpebjolo will investigate all complaints and ensure that those who need compensation receive what is due to them.

Osagie said his ministry would thoroughly handle all lawsuits capable of derailing the government to guide against any distractions.

A 42-year-old man in Lusaka has decided to end his marriage after seeing a controversial photograph his wife took with American R&B superstar Chris Brown.

Chris Brown who was recently in South Africa had the photo taken with the 34-year-old lady during a “meet and greet” session after his concert at FNB Stadium.

According to court documents filed in Lusaka, the husband claims that the photograph, which shows Chris Brown planting a kiss on his wife’s cheek, disrespected him and has brought irreparable damage to their marriage,  further describing it as “demeaning” and argued that his wife’s actions were inappropriate for a married woman. 

The image which was shared on social media platforms, has gained significant attention and sparked mixed reactions.

The husband in his divorce petition stated that his wife’s actions breached his trust and their marital vows. He reportedly confronted her but was rebuffed, even as she argued that the photo was harmless and part of the event package.

“My wife acted in a manner unbecoming of a married woman. This picture has embarrassed me publicly and caused emotional distress,” the husband told the court. 

The wife has, however, argued that the kiss was not romantic and should not be taken out of context. She maintained that it was a lighthearted moment during a fan interaction and that she never intended to disrespect her husband.

She also accused her husband of overreacting and using the incident as an excuse for underlying issues in their marriage.

A woman simply identified as Jessica has been arrested by police operatives attached to Special Area, Rumudomaya, (Rumuokoro) Police Division, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for inhumane acts against a 13-year-old girl, rape victim.

It was gathered that the little girl, name was withheld, was earlier reportedly raped by Jessica’s husband on 25th December.

Mrs Goodness, mother of the victim, who did not want her full name mentioned, said she was at her workplace on Sunday evening December 29, 2024, when some persons called her that her neighbour, Jessica had stripped her daughter naked and tortured her.

Goodness, who was still in trauma stated that before she arrived home some neighbours had rescued her daughter from Jessica.

She narrated: “Upon interrogation of my daughter, her daughter told me that on Christmas day, December 25th 2024 a female neighbour who is a friend to Jessica took her (alleged rape victim) to Jessica’s house.
Minutes later, Jessica’s husband, Mr Ebuka sent the wife (Jessica) and her friend on an errand.

“As his (Ebuka’s ) wife went out with her friend, Ebuka pounced on my daughter and raped her after threatening to deal with her if she refuses or tells anyone.

“After he was done, he let my daughter go.Though my daughter did not tell me because of the threat. Nobody has seen Ebuka after that day.

“So on Sunday evening, Ebuka’s wife, Jessica, came to my shop and told my daughter to follow her, that she wants to show my daughter something in the house. My daughter followed her, only to get to their house, she stripped my daughter naked, poured her pepper and also inserted pepper in her vagina.

“Jessica dragged my daughter outside, flogged her severally with machet accusing her of having sex with her husband, Ebuka. Some persons even video recorded my daughter.”

Meantime, the National Coordinator of Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro, has condemned the alleged torture of the 13-year old girl by Jessica.

Wiro described the incident as inhumane, barbaric and disheartening

Wiro said: “We have interacted with the teenager and even saw the bruises and wounds on her body.We demand a thorough investigation by the Police.The Police should make concerted effort to bring in Ebuka,the woman’s husband to answer for the allegation againt him and anybody found culpable in course of investigation should be made to face the law.”

At presstime, it was gathered that the suspect Ebuka has been arrested and detained.

It was gathered that Ebuka upon in his statement at the police station having canal knowledge of the teenager.

However, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said the matter has been transfered to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize Nigeria’s political and economic development in 2025, calling for reforms aimed at creating a more egalitarian society.

In a statement released by its Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, Afenifere expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in various stampedes during Christmas giveaways across the country.

The group extended sympathy to the affected families, saying, “Afenifere wishes the affected families succor as they grieve and lay their dead to rest. We also hope for more preventive and organizational guidelines to prevent future reoccurrences.”

Looking forward to 2025, Afenifere emphasized the need for people-centered economic reforms and equitable political restructuring to improve the welfare and security of Nigerians.

“Afenifere wishes everyone a happy New Year and hopes for better welfare and security for Nigerians as a whole. We hope the Tinubu administration can make life more abundant for all by prioritizing and accelerating Nigeria’s political and economic development,” the statement read.

The group underscored its desire for a transformative approach to governance that respects the rights and lives of all citizens.

“In 2025, we wish to see a turnaround move towards an egalitarian society that values lives and rights of everyone,” Afenifere stated.

The organization’s message reflects a call for leadership that delivers tangible benefits, equity, and improved living conditions for Nigerians in the coming year.