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Ondo Attack: Aiyedatiwa Orders Heightened Security Across State

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:08:51 +0000

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed security operatives to strengthen security measures across the state’s 18 local government areas to prevent a recurrence of the recent attack on the police station in Ipele, Owo.

The directive was issued after a security meeting with heads of various security agencies in the state, during which the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure security operatives can effectively carry out their duties.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the prompt response of security agencies helped to prevent the attackers from causing further damage, describing the intervention as timely and commendable.

He added that the motive behind the attack remains unknown, charging security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and unmask those responsible.

Ibadan Explosion: Oyo Says FG’s N30bn Fund Unused, N20bn Yet to Be Released

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:58:06 +0000

The Oyo State Government has disclosed that the N30 billion released by the Federal Government as part of the intervention fund for the Bodija explosion in Ibadan has remained untouched, despite the passage of two years since the tragic incident.

The state government also revealed that the Federal Government has yet to release the outstanding N20 billion balance from the N50 billion approved to support the reconstruction of Old Bodija and the surrounding communities affected by the explosion.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government clarified that the N30 billion is still intact in the state government’s infrastructure support account with FirstBank, stressing that the funds have not been accessed or utilised.

The statement partly reads, “Following the unfortunate explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, in the Bodija area of Ibadan, and being aware that intervention funds exist at the federal level for states facing emergencies, His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, formally wrote to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting approval for financial support to assist the state in managing the disaster.

“In the letter dated January 19, 2024, Governor Makinde outlined the immediate steps already taken by the Oyo State Government to mitigate the impact of the explosion.

“These measures included the deployment of earth-moving equipment to aid search-and-rescue efforts; the hospitalisation of injured victims with all medical bills fully covered by the state government; the deployment of ambulances and medical personnel to the scene; and the provision of accommodation for displaced victims in hotels at the expense of the state government.

“The governor then highlighted additional areas where federal assistance was required. These included: clearing of rubble and debris as part of continued search and rescue operations; immediate integrity tests on buildings within the affected axis and demolition of unsafe structures; compensation for owners of affected properties; reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs; expansion of the emergency response hub; environmental impact assessment; logistics support and reimbursement; and infrastructural development required to restore normalcy to Bodija and surrounding communities after the massive destruction.

“To address these needs, the Oyo State Government estimated the cost of intervention at N100 billion and requested the President’s approval for that amount. The president, however, approved N50 billion— half of the requested sum. The purpose of the approved fund was clearly stated by the Federal Government as ‘Support for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion.” (See memo dated 29 August, 2024, from the Accountant General of the Federation to the Minister of Finance, released by the political agent of the Federal Government, Mr. Ayo Fayose).”

The statement added that the state government explained that it deliberately refrained from accessing the funds because the remaining N20 billion was being withheld by relevant federal agencies, without any official explanation.

“Following the approval, an Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account (No. 2045199879) was opened with FirstBank of Nigeria for the intervention fund. Out of the approved N50 billion, the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, released N30 billion to Oyo State on November 4, 2024.

“The Oyo State Government has deliberately refrained from utilising the N30 billion already released in recognition of the fact that the remaining N20 billion has remained withheld by the relevant federal agencies for reasons that have not been communicated to the state.

“Given the disgraceful drama of the last couple of days from the Federal Government on the approval, the government of Oyo State is convinced of the wisdom of its decision to ‘wait and see’ before deciding what to do with the money. Almost two years after the disaster, the Federal Government has yet to release the outstanding balance of N20 billion from the approved sum of N50 billion.

“The Oyo State Government remains committed to securing the balance of the approved funds to comprehensively address the damage caused by the explosion to both public and private properties. This is particularly important given the scale of the challenges faced by the state and the victims, many of whom have already been supported within the financial capacity of the state government”, the statement continued.

Concluding, the statement noted, “Following the explosion, Nigerians are aware of the swift and sustained efforts of the Oyo State government, which significantly mitigated the effects of the disaster. The state government did not wait for federal intervention, which came in November 2024, almost a year after the incident.

“As of today, January 1, 2026, the Oyo State government has spent N24.6 billion from its own resources on Bodija and its environs in direct response to the explosion and its consequences. This includes N20.141 billion spent on the reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and surrounding areas, as well as N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to victims of the explosion. These expenditures were fully borne by the Oyo State Government.

“Documents released by the Federal Government through its agent, Mr Ayo Fayose, indicate that a total of N915.5 billion was approved as intervention funds for states across the country. The list of beneficiary states shows that one South-West state received N150 billion, while another received N50 billion. Oyo State, despite experiencing one of the most devastating incidents, received one of the lowest allocations among beneficiary states. Interested members of the public may consult the list for verification.

“Special intervention funds, when released, are received as capital grants. In line with standard practice and legal requirements, such funds are subjected to the budgeting process before expenditure and are duly reflected in the financial statements of the state. They do not require special public announcements upon receipt. This explains why other states that received significantly larger amounts did not publicly advertise the receipt of such funds.

“The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, appreciates the continued support and understanding of the people of the state. The government particularly thanks the people for their discernment in seeing through attempts by desperate political actors to exploit the 2024 tragic events of Bodija to gain an undeserved foothold in our state for personal and political gains.

“The Oyo State Government has nothing to hide and will continue to engage the public transparently on all issues, including this one. Governor Makinde remains committed to serving the people of Oyo State faithfully, truthfully, and with utmost respect for the social contract that binds government to the governed. He has never denied anyone what is legally due to them and will not do so. The Governor and the Government of Oyo State wish the people a happy, peaceful, and prosperous 2026.”

Source: Punch

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NJC Denies Report on Integrity Test of 34 Judges

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:48:00 +0000

The National Judicial Council has disowned a viral report claiming that 34 lawyers failed an “integrity test” and were subsequently removed from consideration for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court. The Council described the report as inaccurate and unauthorised, stressing that it misrepresented the facts surrounding the judicial appointment process.

In a press release signed by its Secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq., the Council stated that the information currently circulating in the media did not reflect what actually transpired during the selection exercise. It emphasised that the report was misleading and should not be regarded as an official account of its actions.

According to the NJC, the processes referred to in the report were conducted entirely at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, stressing that it had not yet taken any decision or action regarding the candidates concerned.

The Council clarified that while some candidates were discontinued at the FJSC stage due to adverse findings arising from petitions submitted against them, others failed to move forward simply because they did not attain the required qualifying scores to advance to the interview stage before the NJC.

“The Council states categorically that the report is inaccurate and unauthorised, and therefore does not reﬂect the true position of events as they transpired at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

“For the avoidance of doubt, the processes referenced in the report were conducted entirely at the FJSC level, and no decision or action has yet been taken by the National Judicial Council in respect of the candidates concerned.

“The Council further clarifies that while a few candidates were indeed discontinued from the process at the FJSC level based on adverse findings arising from petitions received by the Commission, several others did not progress further simply because they failed to meet the required qualifying score to advance to the interview stage before the NJC,” the statement read.

The clarification followed reports that 34 nominees, including a Chief Superintendent of Police, failed an “integrity test” conducted by the council.

Media reports published on Monday stated that the Council had said that while there were 62 applicants who passed a Computer-Based Test by the Federal High Court in Abuja, only 28 had emerged successful following the integrity screening.

However, Aleh warned that the publication of speculative and inaccurate details could mislead the public and unfairly damage the reputation of candidates who participated in the process in good faith.

“The Council notes with concern that the publication of inaccurate and speculative details has the potential to mislead the public and unjustly impugn the reputation of candidates,” he stated.

Nigeria, Niger hold talks to mend strained relations

The NJC Secretary further disclosed that the Council had commenced internal investigations to identify the source of the unauthorised press statement, and would take appropriate steps to safeguard the credibility of its procedures.

The Council reassured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency, fairness, due process and the highest standards of judicial integrity, urging journalists to always seek clarification from authorised channels before reporting on sensitive institutional matters.

Source: Punch

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Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:42:21 +0000

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has instructed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.

Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akpabio revealed that he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against people he accused of defaming him.

He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.

“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan.

In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.

Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti‑Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.

Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti‑Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.

The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.

With the announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.

Source: Punch

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Chelsea Part Ways With Maresca, New Manager Revealed

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:09:18 +0000

Chelsea has confirmed that it has parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca. The decision comes after a period of growing tensions between Maresca and senior officials at the Premier League club.

Maresca’s exit marks the end of a short-lived spell at Stamford Bridge, during which differences over management and club strategy reportedly escalated behind the scenes.

The Blues are now expected to turn to Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior as Maresca’s replacement, with negotiations reportedly ongoing as the club seeks to stabilize its coaching setup.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Chelsea will appoint new manager very soon, not gonna take weeks or long time. The club is now working on it.

“Liam Rosenior, highly rated internally after excellent job at Strasbourg as he’s among contenders.

“Decision to be made in days, won’t take long.”

Source: Dailypost

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77 Prisoners Released as Aiyedatiwa Declares New Year Amnesty

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 13:54:54 +0000

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pardoned no fewer than 77 inmates in correctional centres across the state.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the action followed the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

According to the statement, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, who is the chairman of the advisory council, explained the meticulous process behind the recommendations.

The exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy is a constitutional responsibility vested in state governors under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), empowering them to grant pardons, commutations, or reprieves to convicted persons based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The statement read, “This gracious act, timed to commemorate the January 1, 2026, New Year celebrations, underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s deep commitment to rehabilitative justice, second chances, and the humane side of governance.

“It reflects his belief that the justice system should balance accountability with compassion, particularly for those who have demonstrated genuine remorse and potential for reintegration into society.”

Ajulo said, “In commemoration of the January 1, 2026, New Year’s Day celebration, the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr Governor.

“In so doing, the council considered the nature of the offence, length of time served, conduct and behaviour in custody, age and health condition, rehabilitation prospects and reports from correctional and legal authorities.”

Commending the governor’s decision, Ajulo noted that after due consideration, the governor graciously approved the list of beneficiaries, highlighting Aiyedatiwa’s thoughtful approach in personally reviewing each case to ensure fairness and humanity prevailed.

He added that the approved clemency measures included the outright release of 12 convicts who had shown exemplary conduct and completed significant portions of their sentences; commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment or fixed terms for 22 condemned inmates; and reduction of life imprisonment to 25 years for four inmates.

Other clemency measures include the reduction of life imprisonment to 20 years for 14 inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 15 years for 15 inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 10 years for six inmates; and commutation to lesser terms of imprisonment for four inmates.

“This compassionate gesture by the governor exemplifies profound mercy and forward-thinking leadership that prioritises rehabilitation over mere punishment.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions reaffirm his unwavering dedication to justice sector reforms, the decongestion of correctional facilities and the fostering of hope for redemption among those who have erred but are willing to reform,” the statement concluded.

According to reports, Aiyedatiwa has, since assuming office, repeatedly emphasised justice sector reforms, decongestion of correctional centres and the reintegration of reformed inmates into society as key governance priorities.

The state’s correctional facilities, like many across the country, have faced challenges of overcrowding, prompting periodic reviews of inmates’ cases through lawful clemency mechanisms.

Previous administrations in Ondo State have also used festive periods such as Independence Day and New Year celebrations to grant amnesty or sentence reductions, in line with national practice, as part of efforts to promote rehabilitation, reduce congestion in custodial centres and encourage restorative justice.

Source: Punch

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ADC Faction Denies Peter Obi’s Registration in Enugu, Cites Breach of Party Rules

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 13:43:50 +0000

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, has disowned reports of the defection and registration of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, at the party’s Enugu zonal office.

In a statement, the faction, which identified itself as the authentic national leadership of the ADC, said the purported registration did not follow due process and therefore could not be recognised by the party.

The faction stressed that only the national leadership has the authority to validate high-profile defections and registrations, adding that any action taken outside approved channels remains null and void.

Recall Obi announced his defection to the ADC at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State.

At the event, the former Anambra State governor called on Nigerians and opposition forces to unite under a broad coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

In a New Year message issued in Abuja, Gombe stressed that it became important for them to clarify misleading information circulating in the public domain over the party’s membership registration process.

He said the ADC is founded on order, discipline and strict adherence to its constitution, adding that its membership registration process is clearly defined.

“It has come to our attention that a certain Mr Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu. The NWC wishes to categorically state that this action does not align with the constitutional and stipulated procedures for membership registration into the African Democratic Congress.

“The process of registering with the ADC is clearly outlined as follows: ward registration. Prospective members must register at their respective ward levels within their state of origin or residence. This is the primary and constitutionally recognised point of entry.

“On documentation and issuance of membership card, upon successful registration at the ward level, a validated party membership card is issued.”

The party said its constitution does not allow registration at zonal or national offices.

He added, “The party’s constitution does not provide for the registration of individuals at zonal or national offices outside of their designated wards. Any registration carried out contrary to this provision is considered irregular and invalid.

“Therefore, the office of the national chairman distances the original, constitutionally-governed ADC from the reported registration of Mr Peter Obi at the Enugu Zonal office. The party is investigating this breach of due process.”

The leadership, therefore, urged party supporters and the general public to disregard claims suggesting alternative channels for party registration, noting that ward-level registration remains the only recognised method.

Gombe’s clarification came a day after the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party described Obi’s defection to the ADC as a “liberation” for the party.

The Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday that the party regretted fielding Obi as its presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

According to him, Obi’s exit only formalised a political separation that had existed for months amid a leadership crisis in the party.

Source: Punch

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Shettima Expresses Optimism In 2026, Calls For Hope, Dedication

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:35:38 +0000

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed optimism ahead of 2026, urging continued dedication in his New Year message.

In his official New Year message, he described the past year as one of “purposeful action” carried out alongside President Bola Tinubu.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Shettima said the seeds planted by the administration are beginning to take root.

He painted a picture of a future Nigeria where farmers can return to their fields with confidence, young entrepreneurs can access capital without barriers, and security gradually improves in troubled communities.

Senator Shettima stressed that the Nigeria of our dreams is within reach, not just through wishes, but through consistent work, genuine partnership between the government and citizens, and an unshakable belief in the nation’s potential.

He concluded his message by wishing all Nigerian families good health, prosperity, and peace in 2026, reaffirming the commitment to building the Nigeria the populace deserves.

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Tax Laws Row: National Assembly Opens Records for Public Review

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:25:32 +0000

The leadership of the 10th National Assembly has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to produce the Votes and Proceedings of lawmakers in both chambers, alongside the gazetted versions of the recently passed Tax Acts.

The directive follows a controversy triggered by claims of alleged alterations to the tax reform bills as passed by the parliament.

A Sokoto lawmaker, Abdussamad Dasuki, had, during plenary, alleged that copies of the tax laws in circulation differed materially from those approved by the National Assembly.

Ruling on the matter, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, constituted an ad hoc committee chaired by a Borno lawmaker, Muktar Betara, to investigate the allegations and report back to the House for further legislative action.

In a statement issued late Wednesday and signed by the Director of Information, Bullah Bi-Allah, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, the House invited public input as part of efforts to resolve the controversy.

The statement read in part, “The leadership of the National Assembly has taken note of public discussions concerning alleged discrepancies between the Votes and Proceedings of the National Assembly and the gazetted versions of recently passed Tax Acts.

“In response to public calls for transparency, the leadership of the National Assembly has directed the Clerk to make available the transmitted tax bills duly signed by the President, including the certificate pages.

“This step will allow members of the public to independently review the documents and verify the facts.”

It further noted that despite the level of public interest, only a few individuals had formally applied for Certified True Copies of the harmonised bills.

“Despite widespread public interest, only a limited number of persons have formally requested Certified True Copies of the harmonised bills, and all such requests have been processed.

“Interested persons may apply to the Clerk to the National Assembly, indicating the specific bills required and paying the prescribed fees.”

On the gazetting process, the statement explained that the Clerk was working with the Federal Government Printing Press to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

“The Clerk is also working with the Federal Government Printing Press to publish the duly certified and assented Acts in compliance with the law. These gazettes are expected to be ready on or before January 1, 2026.

“While the Clerk initiates the gazetting process, the statutory responsibility for printing and publication rests with the Federal Government Printing Press,” it added.

The National Assembly also disclosed that it was reviewing its internal procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.

“To strengthen institutional processes, the National Assembly is reviewing procedures for the transmission and gazetting of bills.

“Henceforth, all bills for presidential assent will be routed through Presidential Liaison Officers, and no request for gazetting an Act of the National Assembly will be entertained by the Printing Press unless initiated by the Clerk to the National Assembly or his authorised representative,” it said.

The statement concluded by appreciating the public.

“The National Assembly appreciates Nigerians for their interest and constructive engagement in strengthening transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the legislative process,” it added.

Source: Punch

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Anthony Joshua Discharged from Hospital, Declared Clinically Fit

Boluwatife Ajayi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:50:38 +0000

Internationally acclaimed former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from the hospital after medical evaluations confirmed he is clinically fit to continue his recovery at home.

In a joint statement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, Gbenga Omotoso, and the Special Adviser to Information and Strategy in Ogun State, Kayode Akinmade, confirmed that the boxing star had been released following satisfactory health assessments and will now focus on recuperation outside the hospital setting.

According to the statement, the former Boxer is currently “heavy-hearted and full of emotions” over the loss of his two close friends.

“The governments of Lagos and Ogun states, once again, commiserate with the families of the two young men – Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami – who tragically and unfortunately lost their lives in the road accident involving Anthony Joshua on the 29th Dec 2025.

“We pray that the Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss.

“Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening.

“Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deeply appreciate the public concern and show of love and affection over this very sad and unfortunate incident.”

They also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the support he gave throughout the process.

“We also want to appreciate the team of Doctors and medical personnel at the Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, who attended to Anthony and those who sustained injuries.”

The update followed Joshua’s involvement in a car accident, which claimed the lives of his two close friends in the Makun area of Ogun State.

The incident that happened around 11:00 am along the heavily trafficked Lagos-Ibadan Expressway indicated that an SUV transporting Joshua collided with a stationary truck.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, has, however, attributed the crash to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking.

Source: Channels

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