PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 6. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Former Head odf State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, former CJN Hoj Justice Belgore during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
President Muhammadu Buhari is currently chairing a meeting of Council of State at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ABN TV reports.
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 9. L-R; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Mrs Folasahde Yemi-Esan, SGF Mr Boss Mustaha, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 7A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Gen Yakubu Gowon, Former Head odf State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, former CJN Hoj Justice Belgore during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
The meeting which started at 10:12am after the rendition of the national anthem is being attended by former heads of state and presidents, including Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and Goodluck Jonathan. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, joined online.
Others who join virtually include Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Kebbi State and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Abubakar Bagudu, Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, of Northern States Governors Forum, Simon Lalong.
The rest are governors David Umahi, Ebonyi, Yahaya Bello, Kogi, Ademola Adeleke, Osun, Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa, Dapo Abiodun, Ogun as well as Benue State deputy governors Benson Abounu, Nasarawa, Emmanuel Akabe, and Enugu Deputy governor.
Two former Chief Justices of the Federation, Alfa Belgore and Mahmud Muhammad are in attendance.
In attendance physically are Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan
The National Council of State is an organ of the Nigerian government whose functions include advising the executive on policy making.
The meeting is expected to discuss national crises including petrol and naira scarcity, insecurity and others, ahead of the general elections.
Also present and awaiting their turn to brief the council are Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba, Commandant General, Nigerian Security, and Civil Defence Corps, Hammed Audi and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele on the preparation for the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections as well as March 11 governorship and state houses of assembly polls and new Naira notes respectively.
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 3B. L-R; Former President Dr Goodluck Jinathan, Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 1A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 00A&B. L-R; Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon. and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 0A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING 1A&B. L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan and Former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023PRESIDENT BUHARI PRESIDES OVER COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING AB. L-R; Former President Dr Goodluck Jinathan, Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and President Muhammadu Buhari during the Council of State Meeting Head at the Council Chambers State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 10TH 2023
On May 26, the APC declared Emenike the winner of the governorship primary in the state.
On November 11, Binta Nyako, a federal high court judge, sacked Emenike and ordered INEC to recognise Ogah as the party’s governorship candidate in the state.
Both APC and Emenike had filed separate appeals challenging the verdict delivered by Nyako.
Dan Eke, another aspirant, also filed an appeal challenging the judgment of the trial judge that recognised Ogah’s candidacy.
In December 2022, the court of appeal sitting in Abuja affirmed Emenike as the party’s candidate.
In the unanimous verdict, Olabisi Ige, who led the appeal court panel, read out the names of the party members sent by the APC national secretariat to conduct the governorship primary that produced Emenike, affirming that the exercise was valid.
Another candidate, Dan Eke, also filed an appeal in which he contested the trial judge’s decision to recognize Ogah’s candidacy.
The court of appeal in Abuja confirmed Emenike as the party’s nominee in December 2022.
Olabisi Ige, who presided over the appeal court panel, read aloud the names of the party members appointed by the APC national headquarters to oversee the governorship primary that produced Emenike and affirmed the validity of the process in the unanimous decision.
General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), the former head of state’s personal assistant, Adeyeye Ajayi, has denied rumors that the elder statesman is dead.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ajayi described the reports as false and misleading, warning that the unverified claims could cause unnecessary panic among the public.
He urged Nigerians to disregard the rumours, stressing that Gowon is very much alive and in good health.
“The claims making the rounds on social media about the death of General Yakubu Gowon are completely false and misleading. There is no truth whatsoever in the reports. The former military leader continues to live an active and purposeful life,” the statement read.
Ajayi added that Gowon remains engaged in public affairs and continues to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
“General Gowon is alive, in good health, and remains active. He continues to attend public events and contribute to discussions on peace, unity, and the development of Nigeria,” he said.
The aide cautioned against spreading unverified information, noting that such rumours could distress family members, associates, and the public.
He appealed to Nigerians to verify information from credible sources before sharing it, especially on social media, and urged citizens to act responsibly to curb the menace of fake news.
Reports claiming the former Nigerian Head of State had died had sparked widespread confusion on social media over the weekend.
Despite the absence of official confirmation, many users shared messages of condolence, highlighting the speed at which unverified news can spread online.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced online accreditation for journalists and media organizations that intend to cover the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a notice released on Monday, the commission announced that the accreditation exercise is open to interested media organisations seeking to deploy journalists for election coverage.
According to the commission, “INEC has commenced online accreditation for journalists and media organisations intending to cover the FCT Area Council Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, 21st February, 2026.”
INEC stated that applications must be submitted through its official media accreditation portal at https://imap.inecnigeria.org
The announcement disclosed that it will be opened today, December 15, 2025, and will close on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The commission stressed that applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered, noting that “Late submission shall not be entertained as the portal will automatically shut down at midnight 12:00am (Midnight) on Sunday, 8th February, 2026.”
INEC further warned that “There will be no extension of time.”
INEC advised media organisations requiring further information on the accreditation process to contact the commission via the designated phone numbers, 07088844564 or 08032861058.
Candidates from 17 political parties are vying for 68 seats in the 2026 Area Council election. The figure, which includes six chairmanship and 62 councillorship positions across the six area councils- Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke have exchanged words following the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the APC governorship candidate for the 2026 election.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the APC accused Governor Adeleke of being jittery and restless over Oyebamiji’s emergence through a seamless consensus primary held in Osogbo on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, said the governor’s reaction, conveyed through his spokesman, to comments credited to the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, reflected unease within the governor’s camp.
Professor Yilwatda had reportedly said the APC could not afford to lose additional states after the recent governorship election in Anambra State, a remark that drew criticism from the Osun State Government.
The APC also alleged that Governor Adeleke’s administration had performed poorly in governance, citing the dismissal of teachers and health workers employed by the previous administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
“The people of Osun State are tired of mere edifices without adequate manpower in schools and hospitals. The APC’s candidate is prepared to contest and win the August 8, 2026 election,” he said
The party while challenging Governor Adeleke to a televised debate with Oyebamiji, who is tested and experienced, advised the governor to prepare for a transition of power.
Reacting, Governor Adeleke dismissed the APC’s claims and reaffirmed his determination to seek re-election, declaring that he would defeat Oyebamiji by the might of God and the people.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, the governor described comments attributed to Oyetola at the APC primary as wishful thinking and illusory grandstanding.
Governor Adeleke characterised the previous APC administration as an anti-people era and alleged that Osun State faced economic and social challenges when he assumed office in 2022.
He said his government enjoyed the backing of the people through people-oriented policies in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and inclusive development.
“The people of the State are fully satisfied with the responsive governance being delivered by the present administration,” he stated.
Governor Adeleke also accused the APC of resorting to anti-democratic practices, questioning the party’s confidence in its popularity ahead of the 2026 polls.
He maintained that his administration was reversing past challenges and restoring dignity to governance.
The Nigerian Air Force killed multiple terrorists and destroyed their logistical hub during a precision air interdiction operation in Borno State.
The operation was carried out on Sunday at Dabar Masara, a known terrorist enclave in the Southern Tumbuns, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and supply networks.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the strikes followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of a terrorist workshop and sustained movement of armed fighters in the area.
According to him, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed an integrated force package to conduct coordinated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions alongside strike operations.
Ejodame said earlier surveillance had revealed repeated terrorist movement and a large number of vehicles concealed under vegetation, confirming the location as an active logistics base.
“On the day of the operation, further surveillance validated the earlier findings, with terrorists observed manoeuvring within the location and around the identified vehicles,” he said.
He added that following positive identification and in line with the rules of engagement, the targets were engaged.
A post-operation battle damage assessment confirmed that the vehicles were destroyed and several terrorist elements neutralised.
Ejodame said the operation highlights the NAF’s commitment to intelligence-driven and precise air operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks and improving security in affected areas.
The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed as false a viral claim alleging that he stated which region of the country should produce the president in 2027.
Reports making the rounds on social media claimed that the African Democratic Congress chieftain stated that it is the turn of the South to produce the president in 2027.
The reports also suggested that El-Rufai may be backing the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, instead of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement issued on Monday via his official X handle, El-Rufai described the trending report as “untrue” despite its wide circulation.
He clarified that at no time did he make such remarks in any of his speeches, media interviews or on his verified social media platforms.
“My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027.
“This claim is untrue, despite its virality. I did not make such a statement in any of my speeches, interviews or social media posts. I maintain verifiable social media platforms where I speak my mind and express my personal views directly.
“It is also wrong and improper to attribute to me opinion articles written by other authors, even when I share such articles on my platforms as contributions to the national conversation.
“These clarifications are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for the spread of fake news.
“The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by fake news platforms is no justification for treating such platforms with any seriousness.”
He urged media professionals and the public to always verify information before publication or sharing, warning that society suffers when media leaders and influencers fail in this responsibility.
El-Rufai also called on all stakeholders to act responsibly in order to curb the spread of fake news and irresponsible politicking.
“In this age of turmoil and falsehood, the obligation to verify information before posting or publishing has become more important than ever. In this instance, it appears that some senior editors ignored this duty.
“Society stands to lose when media leaders align with the most irresponsible actors on social media in what can only be described as the unedifying Olympics of fiction and fakery. Everyone must live up to their responsibility.
“I wish to reiterate that no views should be attributed to me unless I have explicitly expressed them on my official social media platforms or during interviews with reputable media organisations,” the statement added.
The leadership of the Accord Party in Osun State has alleged that the All Progressives Congress(APC) is plotting to organise a parallel primary after the emergence of Governor Ademola Adeleke as its candidate for the 2026 Osun State Governorship election.
The Nation recalled that a faction of the Accord Party kicked after the emergence of Adeleke as the candidate of the party, stressing that the national leadership led by Barrister Maxwell Ngbudem is not legally backed.
Amidst the development, the Osun State Chairman of Accord Party, Pastor Victor Akande, in a statement, stated that “the plot of illegal parallel primary is to sow the seeds of disunity, confusion, and chaos in the state in the name of our party.
“This latest gimmick is yet another ploy by APC, a party that seems to be in total disarray given the overwhelming acceptance, popularity, and goodwill that Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke (Imole) seems to enjoy among the good people of Osun State, especially with his declaration and affiliation with the Accord.”
He held that APC is faced with the inability to rival the political momentum, support, and followership that Governor Adeleke commands, hence the opposition resorted to using clandestine means.
“APC is sponsoring one of their own card-carrying members to pose as an aspirant of the ACCORD in a bid to create a crisis in our own party and the state at large.
“We are a law-abiding, democratic, and peace-loving political party. This is to state that only the processes that are recognised by the appropriate national leadership of the party are valid. As such, any primary or aspirant who is outside of this is invalid, null, and void.
“We urge the security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among other relevant authorities, to be aware of this emerging plot aimed at disrupting public peace. Osun State has moved on.”
Reacting to the development, APC, through its Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, said the APC is not concerned with the in fighting of other parties, saying it concentrate on marketing its candidate in a bid to win the 2026 poll.
The Presidency says President Bola Tinubu will never deploy the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to harass opposition figures.
Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Onanuga insisted that recent defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) were voluntary.
He described claims by some opposition politicians that democracy was under threat as baseless and self-serving.
He said politicians joining the APC did so freely, driven by confidence in President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
“Our Constitution guarantees freedom of association and the right to change political affiliation at any time,” he said.
Onanuga noted that no individual was coerced into joining the governing party.
He dismissed allegations that the EFCC was being weaponised, stressing that the anti-graft agency is independent and operates within its statutory mandate.
“President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute,” he said.
He added that those with cases before the EFCC should defend themselves through due process rather than politicise accountability.
Onanuga said allegations against the government were distractions by politicians running out of issues to challenge the administration.
“No one is above the law. Political affiliation should not shield anyone from investigation,” he said.
He also recalled that some critics had faced EFCC investigations even before Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
Onanuga urged political actors to respect national institutions and support the collective fight against corruption.
“The fight against corruption is a shared responsibility and must not be trivialised by politicised narratives,” he said.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has declared his readiness for international duty following his recall for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Uzoho was named among three goalkeepers in Head Coach Eric Chelle’s 28-man squad, ending over a year’s absence from the national team.
The goalkeeper last featured for Nigeria in a March 2024 international friendly against Ghana, before missing subsequent competitive fixtures.
Speaking on his return, Uzoho expressed delight at rejoining the camp and reconnecting with long-time teammates.
“I missed the boys and the camp vibe. We’ve shared challenges together and always check up on one another.”
He described his recall as a moment of joy and relief, reaffirming his commitment to representing Nigeria at the highest level.
“I felt an unexplainable joy; coming back to represent Nigeria again is the most important thing for me,” he added.
Uzoho stressed that national team invitations are based on readiness and confidence from the technical crew.
“If you’re invited, it means you’re ready. The coaches and scouts know what they’re doing,” he said.
Addressing perceived rivalry with first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Uzoho dismissed any competition concerns.
“Stanley is my brother. We support each other and share a very close relationship,” he stated.
Nigeria will head into the AFCON aiming to improve on their runners-up finish at the last edition.
The Super Eagles lost 1–2 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final and are chasing a fourth continental title after triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Britain’s government on Monday said UK laws on regulating cryptocurrency firms will come into force from 2027, with the “firm and proportionate” rules supporting the industry while protecting consumers.
Cryptocurrency companies will be “regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the same way as other providers of financial products — including being subject to established transparency standards”, the finance ministry said in a statement.
The FCA has said that rules on a specific framework for cryptocurrencies would be published by 2026.
“Bringing crypto into the regulatory perimeter is a crucial step in securing the UK’s position as a world leading financial centre in the digital age,” finance minister Rachel Reeves said in the statement.
“By giving firms clear rules of the road, we are providing the certainty they need to invest, innovate and create high skilled jobs here in the UK.”
Reeves added that the legislation will hand millions of people “strong consumer protections” by “locking dodgy actors out of the UK market”.
The European Union introduced similar legislation one year ago, while the United States is progressively introducing its own rules regarding regulation of cryptocurrencies.
The digital tokens, of which bitcoin is the biggest, have come under increasing scrutiny from regulators after a string of controversies in recent years, including high-profile collapses of exchanges.
A US court on Thursday sentenced cryptocurrency tycoon Do Kwon to 15 years in prison over fraud linked to his company’s failure, which wiped out $40 billion of investors’ money and shook global crypto markets.
Preparations are in top gear for the burial of popular cultural entertainer, Mrs. Nwandinma Patience Nwosu, widely known as “Nwanyi Garri”, whose sudden death during a performance at the 2025 August Meeting in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area shocked the Abia community.
The late Mrs. Nwosu, who hailed from Oza Umuebukwu in Nneji Autonomous Community, Ugwunagbo LGA, slumped and died on 18th August 2025 while performing before dignitaries at the annual women’s gathering. Her collapse, initially mistaken by spectators as part of her dramatic display, was later confirmed to be a medical emergency. She was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.
Her family has now officially released the funeral programme, marking the final journey of a woman fondly remembered for her vibrant performances, humour, and cultural contributions.
Burial Arrangements
According to the announcement signed by her son, Pastor Dickson Nkem, the burial activities will hold as follows:
Monday, December 15, 2025
By 12 noon, her body will leave St. Francis Mortuary, Abayi, to her father’s compound in Ogbo Village, Nngwaiyekwe Autonomous Community.
There will be a brief stop at Ahia Afor Ogwe before proceeding to her maternal home in Ihie Obekau.
Her remains will then be taken to her husband’s compound for lying in state.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Funeral service will take place at Oza Umuebukwu Primary School Field, conducted by the United Evangelical Church, Nngwaiyekwe Superintendency, beginning at 11:00 am.
Interment will follow immediately.
Community Pays Tribute
Since her passing, tributes have continued to pour in for the 1960-born entertainer, whose unique cultural performances made her a household name across Ugwunagbo and beyond. Community members describe Nwanyi Garri as a woman who used drama, dance, and humour to unite people and liven up local events.
Her burial is expected to attract a large gathering of mourners, cultural groups, church members, friends, and admirers who were touched by her life and artistry.
General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), the former head of state's personal assistant, Adeyeye Ajayi, has denied rumors that the elder statesman is dead.
In a statement...
