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Ukraine Faces Shortage Of Military Assistance, As Europe Struggles To Close US Deficit

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Victor Alade
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Ukraine Faces Shortage Of Military Assistance, As Europe Struggles To Close US Deficit

Military aid for Ukraine plummeted in the second half of 2025 as falling European contributions failed to make up for the halt in US support, data from the Kiel Institute showed Wednesday.

As US President Donald Trump wound down US contributions at the beginning of the year, Europe stepped up with record pledges of almost 20 billion euros ($23 billion) between March and June, more than offsetting the overall shortfall.

But Europe was only able to muster fewer than eight billion euros between July and October, meaning Ukraine overall received the second-lowest amount for a four-month period since Russia’s 2022 invasion began.

The overall total for the first 10 months of 2025 stands at 32.5 billion euros, meaning an additional 9.1 billion euros would be needed by the end of the year to maintain the 41.6 billion euros annual average from 2022 to 2024.

Ukraine’s allies would need to send another 5.1 billion euros before the end of the year to avoid the current-record annual low of 37.6 billion euros, set in 2022.

“Based on the data available through October, Europe has not been able to sustain the momentum of the first half of 2025,”  said Professor Christoph Trebesch, head of Kiel’s Ukraine Support Tracker.

“If this slower pace continues in the remaining months, 2025 will become the year with the lowest level of new aid allocations ever for Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion in 2022,” he added.

The United States contributed, on average, 21.4 billion euros to the 41.6 billion annual euros mean for 2022-2024, highlighting the scale of the task for Europe and other allies in filling the gap.

France, Germany and the United Kingdom increased their allocations substantially this year.

But Europe’s leaders are looking for ways to fund a loan to Kyiv that, under current proposals, would be paid back by any eventual Russian reparations to Ukraine.

The EU on Wednesday laid out a plan to use frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine with 90 billion euros over the next two years.

Belgium, home to international deposit organisation Euroclear — which holds most of the Russian assets — has so far rejected the plan because of the potential legal repercussions.

Gabriel Jesus Joins Arsenal Champions League squad

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Victor Alade
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Gabriel Jesus Joins Arsenal Champions League squad

Gabriel Jesus has been added to Arsenal’s Champions League squad as the Brazil striker steps up his long-awaited return from injury.

Jesus has not played for Arsenal since January after suffering a knee injury during an FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

The 28-year-old is back in training and has been an unused substitute for the Gunners’ recent matches against Chelsea and Brentford.

With Arsenal’s teenage winger Max Dowman picking up an ankle injury in an under-21 match last weekend, Jesus has been elevated to the Champions League squad in time for Wednesday’s clash with Club Brugge in Belgium.

“Gabriel Jesus has replaced Max Dowman on our UEFA A list with immediate effect. Therefore, Gabby is eligible to play in our match against Club Brugge in Belgium on Wednesday night,” a statement on Arsenal’s website said.

Jesus’s return is a boost to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after injuries to Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz forced him to use Spain midfielder Mikel Merino as his central striker.

Arsenal are top of the Premier League despite last weekend’s loss to Aston Villa and are also in pole position in the Champions League group phase after five successive wins in the tournament.

Having been removed from the Champions League squad, Dowman will not be eligible to play for Arsenal in UEFA competitions until February 6.

Nigeria, Sahel States Differ Over Alleged Airspace Violations

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Victor Alade
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0
Nigeria, Sahel States Differ Over Alleged Airspace Violations

Conflicting accounts yesterday trailed the detention of a Nigerian Air Force, NAF, C-130 plane and 11 soldiers onboard in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

The Hercules aircraft and its occupants were detained by the Burkinabe government on Monday, with the crew, having been accused of entering the country’s airspace without clearance.

While NAF claimed its crew landed the aircraft in Burkina Faso due to technical concerns, Burkina Faso, one of the three Sahelian states that pulled out of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, recently disagreed.

In civil aviation, Annex 2 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, Rules of the Air contains provisions relating to flights and maneuver of aircraft. It establishes a common set of operating rules that apply universally, without exception, over the high seas, and which states are responsible for enforcing within their own airspace.

Same rules basically apply to flight operations by the military. It is, therefore, considered a serious violation that could lead to a civil or military aircraft being brought down if it enters a sovereign nation’s airspace without clearance or permission.

The action of the Burkinabe government was supported by the two other Sahelian states of Mali and Niger Republic.

Recall that the three countries, now known as Confederation of Sahel States, AES, pulled out of ECOWAS, after military coups ousted their democratically-elected governments and pitched the juntas against the regional body.

Officials of the Confederation of Sahel States said their investigation showed the plane did not have authorisation to fly over Burkina Faso, describing the episode as a breach of national sovereignty and expressed strong displeasure over the unauthorised entry.

Giving a detailed account of how the plane and the 11 soldiers were detained, the AES in a statement signed by Assimi Goita, the Mali junta leader, said the NAF aircraft was forced to land on Monday in Bobo Dioulasso, following an “emergency situation in flight” while it was operating in the country’s airspace without clearance.

The statement read: “An investigation was immediately opened by the competent Burkinabe services and highlighted the lack of authorisation to fly over Burkinabe territory for this military apparatus (equipment).

“The Confederation of Sahel States most strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.

“Faced with this unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law and international civil and/or military aviation rules, arrangements are made to guarantee the security of the Confederal airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states, as well as the safety of the populations of the Confederation AES.

“In this regard, and on the instructions of the Heads of State, the Arian and anti-aircraft defences of the Confederal space put on maximum alert, in accordance with the Declaration of the College of Heads of State dated December 22, 2024, were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the confederal space.”

NAF had, on Sunday, carried out air strikes on fleeing plotters of a failed coup in Benin Republic, following request, according to presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, from Benin authorities.

It is unclear if the mission stretched to Burkina Faso, which lies north-west of Benin Republic.

Adeleke Officially Dump PDP For Accord Party

By
Victor Alade
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0
Adeleke Officially Dump PDP For Accord Party

Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially joined the party yesterday, less than 24 hours to the governorship primary of the Accord Party, AP, in Osun State.

It would be recalled that Governor Adeleke resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on December 1.

However, the governor, yesterday, joined Accord Party to contest the election in 2026.

The governor’s spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed, in a statement, disclosed that Accord Party is the new political platform, where the Governor intends to seek a second term.

The announcement was made at the Banquet hall of the Government House in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party.

Governor Adeleke explained that his decision to join the party was done after due consultations.

He said: “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare. 

“I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.

“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for.  Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.

“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well being of the people.

“As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well being of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery.

“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun state. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.

“Osun voted for good governance in 2022 and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity and Accord is our party for victory next year.

“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of Osun people, I, hereby, accordingly declare for the Accord Party.”

Reps Faults Commercial Banks Of Perpetrating Illegal Charges, Deductions

By
Victor Alade
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0
Reps Faults Commercial Banks Of Perpetrating Illegal Charges, Deductions

The House of Representatives on Tuesday accused commercial banks of perpetrating illegality by deducting inexplicable monies from customers without remittances.

The House Ad-hoc Committee Chairman, investigating the deduction of taxes from civil and public servants’ earnings and bank charges on customers’ accounts, Rep. Kelechi Nwogu, said this during an investigative panel in Abuja.

Nwogu reiterated the panel’s mandate to ensure that all deductions or charges by banks on accounts of customers must be deducted rightly, fined rightly and used rightly.

“Commercial banks are perpetrating illegality by deducting inexplicable charges from civil servants, public servants and other customers’ bank accounts without remittances,” he said.

The Ad-hoc Committee chairman, who affirmed their commitment to protecting Nigerians from illegal charges, said the House Committee had extended an invitation to the Ministry of Finance.

He also said that they would partner with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the EFCC and commercial banks operating in Nigeria on the investigation.

The House Committee Chairman, who rejected representation of the CEOs of GT Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank and others, insisted that the CEOs must appear before the panel unfailingly.

He said, “You cannot appear here without an identity. We are not here on our own. We are here on the mandate of the people that elected us into parliament.

“We have resolved to meet next week Wednesday. You must submit all requested documents on or before Monday.

“We will go through all the documents, and we will put you on oath.”

The Committee, however, gave a four-day ultimatum for all the banks involved to submit all the required documents necessary for the probe.

According to the House Committee Chairman, they have given a deadline that any bank that fails to submit the requested documents on Monday will be sanctioned.

Nwogu said that the House panel was not leaving any stone unturned to unravel why the commercial banks engaged in spurious deduction of charges on their customers’ accounts.

Abia SSG Prof. Kenneth Kalu Proceeds On Leave Of Absence, Receives Governor Otti’s Commendation

By
Victor Alade
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0
Abia SSG Prof. Kenneth Kalu Proceeds On Leave Of Absence, Receives Governor Otti’s Commendation

The Secretary to the Abia State Government (SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu, has received the approval of Governor Alex Otti to embark on a leave of absence to attend to pressing domestic matters requiring his physical presence in Canada.

Governor Otti made the announcement during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Monday, December 8, 2025, where he expressed deep appreciation for the SSG’s service, dedication, and impact since assuming office.

The Governor explained that due to the enormous responsibilities attached to the office of the SSG, he could not persuade Professor Kalu to handle official duties remotely during his stay abroad. He commended the outgoing SSG for his excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the vision of the administration, wishing him the very best as he proceeds on leave.

Addressing members of the EXCO, Professor Kalu thanked Governor Otti for the privilege to serve in what he described as a transformative government that has restored pride and hope to Abians.

“Growing up, I had a vision of living a simple and private life with modest ambitions, but looking at what I have accomplished in my life, I can only thank God for His grace,” he said.
“Above all, having the opportunity to serve in a government that has wiped the tears of Abia people and made them proud was a dream come true. I remain deeply grateful to Governor Otti for his support.”

Professor Kalu assured that despite his temporary absence, he would continue to contribute meaningfully to the development of Abia State from wherever he is.

Before joining the Otti administration, Professor Kalu was a senior academic in Canada. He had earlier taken a leave of absence from his university position to participate in Governor Otti’s campaign, which culminated in his appointment as Secretary to the State Government after the election victory.

A distinguished Chartered Accountant and scholar, Professor Kalu hails from Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

The statement was issued by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, on December 9, 2025.

AFCON 2025: Chelle Battles Squad List Deadline Amidst Unpaid Salaries

By
Victor Alade
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0
AFCON 2025: Chelle Battles Squad List Deadline Amidst Unpaid Salaries

Eleven days to the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is at the centre of an intense situation with the Nigeria Football Federation over unpaid salaries, just as he is yet to unveil his final squad for the tournament.

The 2025 AFCON will be played from December 21 to January 18, 2026, in Morocco and Nigeria, and the 23 other sides are allowed to select up to 28 players for the 2025 finals.

The deadline for naming squads is Thursday, December 11, and the mandatory release date for clubs to make players available is Monday, December 15.

The Nigeria Football Federation published Chelle’s 54-man provisional list last Tuesday, and ahead of Thursday’s deadline by the Confederation of African Football.

However, it appears the final squad is not the only pressing issue on the coach’s desk, as reports surfaced on Tuesday that the Franco-Malian is owed three months salary.

“Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is owed three months salary and bonuses ahead of the AFCON,” journalist Shina Okeleji posted via X on Tuesday.

“The Malian, who led the Eagles to 2026 World Cup play-off, has, however, yet to make an official complaint to his employers (the NFF) about the non-payment of his salary.”

In response to the allegations, a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed to The PUNCH that the coach would be paid soon.

“Eric came to see us, and we explained the processes. His money will be paid. We have paid him even ahead before, and this time, we are waiting for cash backing from finance. The money on paper has been paid, and the coach is aware,” the source said.

“When they paid him two months ahead, all these were not glorified, and we don’t need this now,” he added.

In May, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko revealed that the commission made provisions for the upfront payment of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s salary until October through a presidentially endorsed support group as part of efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

“We worked with the Nigeria Football Federation to appoint the coach, and although the NFF signed his contract, we, through the support group, decided to cover his salary until October. This will give the NFF space to secure long-term funding and sponsorship,” Dikko said in an interview with former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami on Eagle 7 Sports Radio 103.7 FM.

Chelle, who was appointed in January by the NFF concluded Nigeria’s ill-fated 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

After sneaking into the African play-off, the Super Eagles lost on penalties to DR Congo in the final, marking an unfortunate back-to-back World Cup misses for Nigeria.

AFCON 2025 will be Chelle’s third major assignment with Nigeria, and the Super Eagles will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

The Eagles’ camp is scheduled to open on Wednesday, December 10, in Egypt with an unofficial pre-tournament friendly also booked with the Pharaohs for December 16.

The Super Eagles begin their campaign on December 23, 2025, against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès, while Tunisia face Uganda the same day at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat.

The biggest game in the group comes on December 27, when Nigeria take on Tunisia in Fès, as Uganda and Tanzania square off in Rabat.

The final round of Group C matches will be played simultaneously on December 31, with Uganda facing Nigeria in Fès and Tunisia meeting Tanzania in Rabat.

Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON after losing 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast, are seeking a fourth continental title. The Super Eagles previously won the competition in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Soyinka Cautions ‘Excessive’ Security Escort For Privileged Individuals

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Victor Alade
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Soyinka Cautions ‘Excessive’ Security Escort For Privileged Individuals

Professor Wole Soyinka caution President Bola Tinubu on his approach to regional security, domestic governance, and the use of state protection for privileged individuals.

The nobel laureate said this at the 20th Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards in Lagos on Tuesday.

All these were captured in a now viral four-minute, 25-second video shared on Tuesday night by #Nigeriastories on X.

Soyinka had recounted an encounter which he described as recent in his hotel room in Ikoyi, Lagos State, that left him shocked at what he considered an extravagant display of state security.

He described seeing “an excessively large security battalion assigned to a young individual close to the Presidency,” an entourage he said was “sufficient to take over a small country.”

Soyinka revealed that the young man turned out to be Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son.

He said the discovery concerned him enough to contact National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

“I was so astonished that I started looking for the national security adviser. I said track him down for me. I think they got him somewhere in Paris. But he was with the president; he was in a meeting.

“Then, I said I’ve just seen something I can’t believe I don’t understand and I described the scene to him I said do you mean that a child of the head of state goes around with an army for his protection or whatever.

“I couldn’t believe it. Later on, I did some investigative journalism, and I found that apparently this is how this young man goes around with his battalion, his heavy armed soldiers,” he said.

“I was astonished,” Soyinka said, adding that “children must understand their place. They are not elected leaders, and they must not inherit the architecture of state power simply by proximity.”

In a separate remark captured at the same event in honour of veteran poet Odia Ofeimum and many others, Soyinka urged Tinubu to reconsider the scale of security personnel attached to Seyi, stressing that such resources are urgently needed elsewhere.

He humorously observed that if a major insurgency were to break out, perhaps the President should ask Seyi to “go and handle it,” given the size of his escort — but added that “beyond the humour lies a serious matter of priority and fairness.”

He warned that concentrating a battalion of operatives around one individual is inconsistent with a nation battling kidnappings, rural attacks, insurgency and criminal violence, insisting that security deployments must reflect national realities, not privilege.

BENUE: US Congressman Seeks Global Attention To Address IDP Crisis

By
Victor Alade
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0
BENUE: US Congressman Seeks Global Attention To Address IDP Crisis

United States Congressman, Riley Moore, on Wednesday shared accounts of violence against Christian communities in Benue State, recounting what he said he was told during a visit to camps for internally displaced persons.

Writing on X, Moore said, while in Benue, he met “dozens of Christians who were driven from their homes and subjected to horrific violence and now live in IDP camps.”

According to the congressman, those he spoke with described attacks that left entire families dead and forced survivors to flee their villages.

“They told harrowing stories that will remain with me for the rest of my life,” Moore wrote.

He cited the case of one woman who, he said, “was forced to watch as they killed her husband and five children. She and her unborn child barely escaped.”

Another woman, he added, told him her family “was murdered in front of her and her baby was ripped from her womb.”

Moore also described the testimony of a man who said “his family was hacked to death in front of his eyes and his arm was permanently mangled.”

The congressman stated that “more than 600,000 Christians” are currently living in IDP camps in Benue State, a region that has experienced years of conflict between farming communities and armed groups.

“These Christians should be able to live in their ancestral homeland without fear of genocidal Fulani,” Moore wrote, calling for greater international attention to the crisis.

Moore had earlier posted that he met Tiv and Catholic leaders during his visit to the state.

“It was an honour and deeply moving to meet with His Excellency Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and His Royal Highness James Ioruza, traditional ruler of the Tiv people, to discuss the ongoing genocidal campaign by the Fulani in Benue State,” he wrote.

He added that the US would not ignore the experiences shared by local communities.

Moore described his trip as a “very productive visit to Nigeria,” noting on Monday that he held talks with National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior officials.

He said the discussions focused on terrorism in the North-East and killings in the Middle Belt, issues he described as priorities for President Donald Trump and himself.

According to Moore, both sides examined steps he believes could strengthen security if implemented fully.

He also referenced the rescue of more than 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren, commending the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu for the operation.

Moore said US concerns were “positively received” and pointed to what he called a “now established joint task force between Nigeria and the US” as a sign of progress.

However, he added that “now, that openness has to translate to concrete action,” stressing that “there is much work still to be done.”

The NSA confirmed hosting the US delegation as part of ongoing security consultations.

Ribadu said the visit followed earlier engagements in Washington, DC, and centred on “counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability,” and efforts to “strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.”

The visit came during heightened diplomatic tensions after the Trump administration redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations, a move accompanied by warnings of possible US military intervention.

Reps Summon Ministers Over Poor Budget Implementation

By
Victor Alade
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0
Reps Summon Ministers Over Poor Budget Implementation
house-of-reps

The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr Atiku Bagudu, over poor budget implementation.

The House on Tuesday held a closed-door session with Edun, Bagudu, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi; and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji.

A lawmaker who attended the session told The PUNCH in confidence that the meeting focused on the poor implementation of the capital components of the 2024 and 2025 budgets. He said lawmakers expressed deep frustration over the government’s failure to release funds for projects already executed.

As a result, the House resolved not to consider the 2026 Appropriation Bill until the Federal Government clears outstanding payments owed to contractors under the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles.

In protest, the House stepped down consideration of about 42 bills listed for first, second, and third readings. It also deferred the presentation of four committee reports on bills proposing the establishment of agricultural colleges and specialised institutions in Kaduna, Edo, and other states.

For the third time, the House also suspended its planned consideration of the constitution review report submitted last week by the Committee on Constitution Review.

The executive session lasted nearly two and a half hours and ended without an official briefing.

However, a member familiar with the discussions said the lawmakers were dissatisfied with what they described as President Bola Tinubu’s poor budget performance so far.

He said, “It was the same issue of poor implementation of the 2024 and 2025 budgets. I mean the capital component of the budgets. Projects executed have not been paid for, and this is really embarrassing.

“We have been on this for a while now, and despite the assurances we got today, many of us took it with a pinch of salt because the assurances are not new. Members were so angry that they vowed not to consider the 2026 Appropriation Bill when it is transmitted by the president unless the funding gaps in the previous budgets of this administration are addressed.”

He added that the Accountant-General pleaded for time to settle the outstanding payments. “The Accountant-General pleaded with lawmakers to be given 48 hours to address the concern of local contractors. As representatives of the people, we granted this request. But I can tell you that some of us are not optimistic,” he said.

In a separate interview, Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru urged the Federal Government to prioritise payments to contractors, stressing that many had taken loans to execute the projects.

He said, “Since the contractors have fulfilled their obligations by executing the 2024 projects, they deserve to be paid, considering the fact that the majority of them secured loans using collateral. The executive must restore its integrity by prioritising these payments.”

The Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, also condemned the poor level of implementation, saying full execution of the budgets was necessary to restore public confidence. “The only solution is for a commencement of full implementation of the budgets,” the Rivers lawmaker said in a telephone interview.

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