Category: News

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, decorated newly promoted senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

The INEC referred to two judgments of the Federal High Court in Abuja: suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, delivered on October 31, 2025, and suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, delivered on November 14, 2025.

“Both judgments, which are final in nature and binding on all parties, expressly restrained the commission from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or in any manner whatsoever giving effect to the outcome of the PDP national convention,” INEC said.

The commission noted that while notices of appeal had been filed against the judgments, it was settled in law that the filing of an appeal did not amount to a stay of execution.

“Until the judgments are set aside or stayed by a competent court, the commission remains bound to obey and give full effect to them in line with Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the letter read.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has restored electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West LGA, thereby ending 9 years of blackout and neglect to the oil-rich communities.

The Power‍ Res‍toration‍ Proj‌ect was exec‍uted by the Abia State Government through ASOPADEC under t‍he supervision of t‍he Abia State Ministry of Pow⁠er a‌nd Pu‌blic Utilitie‌s, in⁠ line with the promise made by the Governor to the people in March, 2025.

Performing the Power Switch-On ceremony at Central Primary School, Obehie, Governor Otti, who rode to the event in the newly launched Abia Green Shuttle EV Bus alongside members of his cabinet recalled that he promised to restore light to the communities and to investigate the issue of Mr Promise Onwukwe, who he said has been restored to the service as he promised.

Governor Otti called on the people of Ukwa to protect the electric facilities and ensure they are not tampered with.

“I believe that we have a responsibility to protect what is in our community.

“Nobody can do it better than you. And those thieves do not come from heaven. They are all part and parcel of the community” Gov. Otti stated.

While reacting to the request for subsidising the high electricity bills as the light has been restored, Governor Otti directed that a selected stakeholders should sit down and find a way out of it.

“That is how society works. So, I will give a job to the Mayor to sit down with the Honorable Member, the Commissioner and all the capable people so that we can work out a way to support those who cannot pay”

The member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele, noted that the Otti-led administration has done well within a short period and assured that the Governor would be rewarded with votes from Ukwa West in 2027.

He expressed confidence that the achievements of the Governor in the Area would continue.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said that the power project restored included rehabilitation of 30 transformer distribution substations, installation of 12 new transformers, restoration of 34 kilometers of high-tension lines, and 3.5 kilometers of low-tension lines.

He said that the benefitting communities are currently being metered for effective billing and emphasised the importance of electricity as a key component of Abia’s developmental agenda.

Also speaking, the Chairman and CEO, Aba Power Limited, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji assured residents of continuous electricity supply, adding that the area falls within the nine LGAs supported by Aba Power Limited.

He confirmed that the area had received 33 transformers and several distribution lines and explained that power in the area would be generated outside the national grid, while appealing to residents to stop vandalism and energy theft.

Earlier, the General Manager, Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission
(ASOPADEC) Rev. Joshua Onyeike thanked Governor Otti for his intervention and restoration of light to Asa land and described the event as a significant one.

“It is with joy and happiness that we have come to do this important assignment this evening and that is to ensure that the light which His Excellency promised us on the 11th of March, 2025, has been dutifully restored and rekindled, and today, we have come to switch it on so that there will be light in our various homes, so that, there will be light on the way, so that there will be light in all the communities.

“This is significant because the switching on of this light today will inaugurate many great good things that are still coming”, Rev. Onyeike stated.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioners, including Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, Commissioner for information, Prince Okey Kanu, former Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Ralph Egbu among others were present at the event.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah has inaugurated two new commissioners, saying the move was part of his government’s renewed momentum in delivering good and impactful governance.

The new Commissioners are Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze and Dr. Charles Egumgbe. While Barr. Nnajieze, who was the Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the Governor before his appointment replaces Dr. Kingsley Udeh, current Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Egumgbe was designated as the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development carved out from the now split Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Deacon Okey Ogbodo will continue to head the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.

Speaking during the brief inauguration ceremony in the Executive Chambers, Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, Mbah declared that there would be no holiday for both the new and old appointees, stressing that there was so much work to be done in order to meet the people’s expectations now raised so high by the administration’s massive achievements in less than three years.

As part of the efforts to strengthen the system, Mbah said all contract payments would henceforth be cleared by the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to checkmate observed sharp practices by some unscrupulous contractors.

“All we do in the state and achieve in the state is determined by the effectiveness of the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice is like an engine room in the true sense of it. This is because we cannot proceed without getting your clearance. If we want to move on contract, investment, project, we must get clearance from the Ministry of Justice,” he stated.

He urged the new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to brace up for the huge task ahead, especially given the sensitiveness and enormity of responsibilities vested in the Ministry.

“Imagine that we have to spend N1.3 trillion next year on capital projects. You can then begin to imagine the work load you and your team are exposed to. Basically, you are the quality assurance and the quality control of the government. We have started a policy where there will not be any payment to any contractor without clearance from the Attorney General’s office.

“So, you have to hit the ground running; no Christmas break for you or other appointees. We have to sustain the momentum,” he asserted.

On another note, Governor Mbah described the traditional institutions and rural areas as critical centres of administration and development, hence the need to create a ministry specifically dedicated to Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.

He directed the new Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Dr. Egumgbe, to work to strengthen the traditional institutions.

“We believe that our traditional instituitions are a crtitical part of what we do because the Igwes (traditional rulers) are the eyes and the ears of government in their various communties. This is why people that occupy those thrones are to be people of impeccable character and must be elected by the people.

“Therefore, it is my hope that you strengthen sanity and order in that subsector,” the governor charged him.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the new commissioners, Barr. Nnajieze said that they understood the weight of expectations on them, assuring that they would add impetus to his humongous vision and unprecedented transformation of Enugu State.

“We thank you very much for the privilege to be at the echelon of this vision. We will drive the vision with you and we will be with you every step of the way,” he assured.

Chairmen of Enugu East and Nsukka Local Government Areas of Enugu State have distributed a total of 30,000 bags of rice to residents as part of their Christmas welfare interventions, citing Governor Peter Mbah’s non-interference with local government funds and full financial autonomy as the enabler of grassroots development.

In Enugu East, the council chairman, Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike, flagged off the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice to 10,000 households across the council area, describing it as part of his administration’s Christmas welfare package and poverty reduction drive.

This was as Anike said the council had completed over 10km of asphalted roads, awarded scholarships to over ten thousand beneficiaries, and trained youths in different digital skills, while praising Governor Mbah for allowing statutory allocations to reach local governments without interference.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Anike said the initiative was inspired by the leadership philosophy of the governor, whom he described as intentional and people-oriented in governance, with a strong focus on poverty reduction in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Our motivation is drawn from the leadership style of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, who has consistently placed the welfare of the common people first. He is deliberately reducing poverty in Enugu State, and we at the local level are following the same principle,” the chairman said.

He recalled the council’s social intervention programmes, including a 5,000 universal health coverage scheme and the distribution of 10,000 wrappers to 10,000 women, noting that the rice distribution was a continuation of deliberate pro-poor policies.

Anike explained that beneficiaries were identified through women’s cooperative societies, adding that about 400 cooperatives are undergoing capacity-building and empowerment trainings facilitated by the council.

Also speaking at the event, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, described the development strides in the state as consistent with the party’s Renewed Hope Agenda, urging residents to support the APC and participate actively in the electoral process.

In Nsukka Local Government Area, the council chairman, Chief Jude Asogwa, distributed 20,000 bags of rice to residents at the Nsukka Township Stadium, describing the gesture as part of Governor Mbah’s inclusive governance model that ensures no one is left behind.

Asogwa said the distribution adopted a batch-by-batch approach, beginning with teachers, traders, local government workers and other groups, to ensure fairness and transparency.

“We are flagging off the distribution of 20,000 bags of 10kg rice packages for Christmas. We adopted a batch-by-batch approach to ensure that it gets to everybody,” he said.

He also highlighted projects executed by his administration, including the construction of asphalt roads, provision of transformers to markets and communities, and plans to execute at least one project in every community in the council area.

Beneficiaries in both councils expressed appreciation for the interventions, describing them as timely and impactful amid prevailing economic challenges.

Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monday made history in Imo State, becoming the first governor to hit the trillion-naira mark in budgetary presentation, as he sent a whopping ₦1,439,573,590,405.04 draft budget for 2026 to the State Assembly for consideration.
The draft, which he christened the “Budget of Economic Breakthrough,” is expected to synergise infrastructure with critical economic programmes initiated by his administration over the years to achieve economic freedom and independence for the state.
The emphasis, he noted, is to enable the state reap the full benefits of initiatives such as the Light Up Imo Project, Orashi Free Trade Zone, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport expansion, the digital economy, job creation and economic transformation.
Presenting the proposal at the Imo State House of Assembly Complex on Monday, December 22, 2025, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that the budget builds on achievements recorded over the past six years, including over 130 completed roads, six functional tertiary hospitals and improved security across the state.
The 2026 budget represents a 78 per cent increase from the 2025 budget.
A breakdown of expenditure shows that ₦1.201 trillion (83.4 per cent) is allocated to capital expenditure, while ₦238.5 billion (16.6 per cent) is set aside for recurrent expenditure, covering personnel costs, overheads and statutory obligations.
On revenue, the state expects ₦823.27 billion from recurrent revenue sources, including Internally Generated Revenue, statutory FAAC allocations, VAT, derivation funds and other federal transfers. Capital receipts from development partners and donor agencies are projected at ₦382.72 billion.
Capital expenditure is largely directed at economic and social development. The economic sector receives over ₦1.01 trillion, followed by the social sector with ₦87.7 billion, administrative services with ₦32.8 billion and special intervention votes.
The governor described the budget as “a roadmap to sustained economic breakthroughs,” assuring that all ongoing projects would be completed and that the investments would translate into tangible benefits for the people of Imo State.

Anambra State witnessed an unprecedented fusion of worship, culture, and festivity over the weekend as Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo formally unveiled the state’s 2025 Ọnwa Dezemba celebrations, declaring that “the Anambra’s hour has come.”

The Christmas Carol and Praise Night, held at the newly remodelled Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, drew a massive crowd of Ndi Anambra from within and outside the state, signalling renewed confidence in security, social life, and the festive economy.

The event featured top gospel artistes including Gozie Okeke, Buchi, Sir Jude Nnam, and Ada Zion, whose ministrations transformed the venue into an atmosphere of intense worship and celebration.

Structured around traditional carol lessons and contemporary praise, the programme opened with prayers and scripture readings before transitioning into high-energy gospel performances, blending the sacred essence of Christmas with the celebratory spirit of Ọnwa Dezemba.

Addressing the crowd, Soludo described the night as the rebirth of Anambra’s festive identity.

“This is only the beginning. The Anambra’s hour has come, and Anambra is rising and rising in power,” he said.

He announced that Ọnwa Dezemba activities would run across the state until early January 2026, featuring cultural festivals, children’s events, and entertainment showcases.

The Governor also revealed that Flavour n’Abalịa’s much-anticipated homecoming concert would hold on December 30 at Solution Fun City, assuring residents that Anambra is safe for tourism and leisure.

Speaking separately, Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Hon. Don Onyenji, said the carol was a strategic statement to the world that Anambra is peaceful, culturally vibrant, and open for investment.

The night also featured a dramatic nativity re-enactment, complete with live animals and a symbolic presentation of the infant Jesus, drawing prolonged applause from the audience.

The event concluded with a benediction by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, rounding off a night many described as historic.

Local governments, under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), have backed President Bola Tinubu’s plan to enforce direct disbursement of council funds from the Federation Account, amid continued control of allocations by state governments.

Tinubu issued the warning during the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where he urged governors to comply with the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local councils.

The President cautioned that failure to implement the judgment could compel him to issue an Executive Order mandating direct allocation of funds to local governments.

His remarks followed the July 11, 2024 ruling of the Supreme Court, which upheld the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for local governments.

In a unanimous judgment, a seven-member panel of the apex court declared it unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds allocated to local councils, ruling that the use of caretaker committees amounts to unlawful control of local governments in violation of the 1999 Constitution.

Eighteen months after the verdict, concerns persist that council funds continue to be routed through state structures, raising questions about the impact of increased revenues on grassroots governance.

According to a story by Punch, ALGON Secretary-General, Muhammed Abubakar, said local government leaders fully support Tinubu’s resolve to enforce the Supreme Court judgment.

“So basically, as you are aware, he said it in their presence, not in their absence. So, my belief is that they will actually carry that out before the president will also do the needful, like he rightly told them in the meeting,” he said.

Abubakar expressed optimism that governors would comply, noting that Tinubu’s warning was unambiguous.

“So I guess they will obey the Supreme Court’s order and do the needful. But basically, if that is not carried out, I think we will all be in support of the president to go ahead with whatever threat he has made,” he added.

Reacting, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum spokesperson, Yunusa Abdullahi, said governors would meet and communicate their position shortly.

“The President has spoken with the governors, so they will have a meeting, and then the details will be out. The President spoke with the governors, and I am sure they will respond appropri ately,” he said.

…Accuses Firm of fraud, faking a Power of Attorney, abuse of court process

The Enugu State Government has asserted its ownership of a disputed plot of land located at Cadastal Zone B03, Wuye District, Abuja, saying the disputant, Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited, had no valid claim or interest in the said property.

The government accused Simonis of a failed attempt to fraudulently acquire Plot 804 in the said Wuye District measuring about 1.04 hectres through fraudulent transfer of ownership, insisting that the property had not changed ownership since it was first allocated to Enugu State.

It explained that investigations by both the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had since established the Enugu State Government as the rightful owners of the said property.

The assertions were made by the General Manager (GM), Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, Dr. Gerald Asogwa, at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, during which he also exhibited all the documents claimed.

According to Asogwa, the initial (first) application for a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory was made by the Enugu State Government during the administration of Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in 1992, a request that was granted on January 14, 1993.

The government, however, explained that “the allocation was erroneously issued in the name of Enugu State Property Development Corporation, instead of Enugu State Government or Enugu State Housing Development Corporation.” It, therefore, wondered how a non-legal personality could have been transferred to Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited.

“There has never existed any parastatal, corporation, or company known as Enugu State Property Development Corporation at the time of allocation or thereafter. The named allottee therefore lacked legal personality and contractual capacity ab initio.

“Yet in 2002, the said non-existent entity purportedly transferred the land to Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited using a fake and fraudulent Irrevocable Power of Attorney dated 25/02/2002, suspiciously witnessed in 2005.

“But the said Power of Attorney was not sealed, had no Governor’s consent as required by law, was not co-signed by any government official, and

failed to disclose the name or designation of any lawful executor. The document was clearly concocted to deceive authorities and is attached as Exhibit 3,” Asogwa declared.

He explained that upon discovery of the said anomaly, the Enugu State Government applied to the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS)/FCT Authorities for correction, following which “the wrongful allocation was cancelled, and Plot 804, Wuye, was re-allocated to Enugu State Government as the rightful owner.

“The Right of Occupancy, Certificate of Occupancy, and all requisite building approvals were subsequently obtained in the name of Enugu State Government, and development commenced before the unlawful destruction carried out by agents of Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited,” he stated.

Asogwa, however, said that the police’ were unable to prosecute those behind the faking of the Power of Attorney, “as the purported directors were discovered to be ghost identities and frustrating prosecution,” noting that the addresses were equally nonexistent.

He also faulted the attempt by Simonis to dress its directors in the images Senator Ayogu Eze’s family members, more so as the late senator had averred that the land belonged to Enugu State Government.

“In 2015, the EFCC Abuja investigated the matter. The late Senator Ayogu Eze was identified as the person who received the Certificate of Occupancy on behalf of Enugu State Government. He categorically stated that the land belonged to Enugu State Government and that he never claimed ownership,” he stated.

On the court order paraded by Simonis Limited, Asogwa stated that “at no time was any court order served on, submitted to, or delivered to Enugu State Government, Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, or any person, authority, or entity representing Enugu State Government.”

The government accused Simonis of abuse of court process, wondering why a court order purportedly obtained in 2016 only surfaced in 2025 after the demise of Senator Eze.

“In November 2025, Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited resurfaced and filed an action at the Gwagwalada High Court seeking to enforce a 2016 order.

“The original 2016 order contained only one paragraph, yet the enforcement application fraudulently expanded it to two paragraphs, introducing reliefs that never existed.

“This constitutes a clear abuse of court process and fraud. The resurrection of the suit followed the death of Senator Ayogu Eze.

“Corporate records of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) show that ghost directors were replaced with family members of the deceased. The status report is attached as Exhibit 9,” it explained.

Enugu State Government insisted that the said court order was “fundamentally defective.”

“The alleged order is fundamentally defective because: no court process was served on Enugu State Government or its agencies, the State became aware of the matter only days after judgment, enforcement was attempted through self-help without court bailiffs, no pre-action notice was served, the 2016 order relied upon was not certified as required by the Evidence Act (Exhibit 11), the proof of service relied upon was false and forged (Exhibit 12). Indeed, the order was obtained by fraud and is liable to be set aside,” the GM declared.

It accused Simonis and its partner, Zoe New Dawn, and one Stephen Achama. of criminal conduct and public deception, including attack on Enugu State’s site workers, destruction of property as well as fraudulent marketing of the said property as though it belonged to them.

The government asserted that the land was currently being developed as Woodlands Estate by Tout Moi Nigeria Limited under a valid and subsisting contractual arrangement for Enugu State Government, warning that anyone transacting with Simonis Limited, Zoe New Dawn, and Achama in respect of the said plot does so at his or her own risk.

Asogwa added that contrary to the claims by a representative of Simonis in the media, Enugu State Government, not Simonis Limited, carried out all the physical development of the said plot.

“These purported sales are illegal, void, and of no legal effect, as Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited has no valid interest in the land and no right whatsoever to alienate, assign, sell, transfer, or otherwise deal with the property,” he concluded.

The Management of the Enugu East Senatorial District Bus Terminals has announced the full enforcement of a directive mandating all commuter vehicles to load and offload passengers strictly within designated terminals across the district.

The affected terminals are Holy Ghost Bus Terminal 1 and 2, Garriki Bus Terminal along Agbani Road, and the Amurri Road Bus Terminal on Nike Road. The directive applies to all categories of commuter vehicles, including tricycles (popularly known as keke) and minibuses operating within these corridors.

Under the new enforcement regime, the management warned that loading or offloading passengers on adjoining roads, access points, or areas surrounding the terminals is strictly prohibited. Any vehicle operator found flouting the directive will face sanctions in line with the traffic laws and regulations of Enugu State.

According to the management, the measure is aimed at improving traffic flow, enhancing commuter safety, and restoring order around major transport hubs in the state capital. The development is also seen as a key outcome of the ongoing transport and urban renewal reforms being implemented by the Enugu State Government.

Observers attribute the progress recorded in the transport sector to the strategic leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose administration has prioritised infrastructure development, efficient traffic management, and the modernisation of public transport systems as part of a broader vision to reposition Enugu as a well-organised and investor-friendly state.

The management of the terminals called on transport unions, drivers, and commuters to cooperate with enforcement officers to ensure seamless implementation of the directive for the collective good of residents and road users.

Signed:
Management
Enugu East Senatorial District Bus Terminals

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following the Senate’s confirmation of its members on December 16.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy), members of the reconstituted Board are:

• Mulisiu Olalekan Oseni, PhD. — Chairman

Dr Oseni started his service as a Commissioner in January 2017. He was subsequently appointed Vice Chairman of the Commission.

His appointment as Chairman took effect from 1 December 2025 and shall subsist until the completion of his ten-year tenure at the Commission, in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2023.

• Yusuf Ali, PhD. — Vice Chairman

Dr Ali was first appointed as a Commissioner in February 2022. His designation as Vice Chairman took effect on 1 December 2025 and shall remain in effect until the completion of his first term.

• Mr Nathan Rogers Shatti — Commissioner

Mr Shatti is serving a second term as commissioner. He was first appointed in January 2017.

• Mr Dafe Akpeneye — Commissioner

Mr Akpeneye is serving a second term, having been first appointed as a Commissioner in January 2017.

• Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello — Commissioner

Aisha Bello is serving her second term, having been first appointed as a Commissioner in December 2020.

• Dr Chidi Ike — Commissioner

Dr Ike is serving his first term, having been first appointed as a Commissioner in February 2022.

• Dr Fouad Animashaun — Commissioner. Dr Animashaun is serving his first term, effective December 2025.

He is an energy economist with extensive experience in the Nigerian power sector and most recently served as Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the board members of NERC to deepen and consolidate the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s power sector, in strict alignment with the letter and spirit of the Electricity Act, 2023.