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Opinion: The Law of Wasted Efforts and Why We Must Keep Going

Opinion: The Law of Wasted Efforts and Why We Must Keep Going

Islamic Month of Rajab Holds Spiritual Significance but No Exclusive Worship, Says Kano Cleric

Islamic Month of Rajab Holds Spiritual Significance but No Exclusive Worship, Says Kano Cleric

President Tinubu

Inflation to Fall Below 10% as Nigeria’s Economy Rebounds — Tinubu

FG Debunks Claims Poor Nigerians Will Bear New Tax Burden

FG Debunks Claims Poor Nigerians Will Bear New Tax Burden

Comrade Mustapha Nuhu Wali, mni

Public Concern Over the Continued Detention of Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir Zaria

Kano Officials Reaffirm Loyalty to Kwankwaso, Reject Gov. Yusuf’s Reported APC Defection

Kano Officials Reaffirm Loyalty to Kwankwaso, Reject Gov. Yusuf’s Reported APC Defection

Rivers Crisis: Assembly Speaker Says Fubara Threatens Democratic Governance

Rivers Crisis: Assembly Speaker Says Fubara Threatens Democratic Governance

Siminalayi Fubara

Rivers APC Kicks Against Impeachment Plot, Urges Lawmakers to Halt Process

Oxford Dictionary Expands Nigerian English Footprint With New Entries

Oxford Dictionary Expands Nigerian English Footprint With New Entries

ITF Wraps Up SUPA Skill-Up Artisans Training in Kano, Targets Sustainable Livelihoods

ITF Wraps Up SUPA Skill-Up Artisans Training in Kano, Targets Sustainable Livelihoods

2026

Kano, National, Politics

APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf’s Possible Defection Redraws Kano Politics

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Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The All Progressives Congress (APC) is edging closer to controlling as many as 30 states, amid growing speculation that Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, may defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling party. Although the governor has yet to make an official declaration, intensified consultations, closed-door meetings, and visible political realignments within Kano State have continued to fuel reports of an imminent move. Political observers say such a defection would significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape, further consolidating APC’s dominance at the subnational level. This was conveyed amid a broader wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC in recent months, a trend that has steadily strengthened the ruling party’s influence across several states. If Governor Yusuf eventually defects, the APC would move closer to achieving control of 30 states, reinforcing its position as Nigeria’s most dominant political platform ahead of future electoral contests. Kano State remains a strategic political stronghold in the North-West, with one of the largest voting populations in the country. Any political shift by its sitting governor is therefore expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for regional alignments but also for national calculations ahead of 2027. Read Also: Rivers Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara, Deputy Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje: Encomiums for a Leader Defined by Service and Simplicity Beyond Betrayal: The Real Politics Behind Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Calculated Move Beyond the arithmetic of party control, Yusuf’s reported defection preparations appear to mark a critical turning point, one that many observers describe as a threshold of no return from the political camp of his godfather, former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The unfolding situation has reignited deeper questions about the nature of contemporary Nigerian politics, whether it remains anchored in ideology and long-term conviction, or increasingly shaped by transactional calculations and shifting alliances. For supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Yusuf’s possible departure represents more than a political realignment; it signals a potential rupture within a movement built on loyalty, symbolism, and grassroots identity. For the APC, however, the prospect of absorbing Kano’s sitting governor is viewed as a strategic gain that could resuscitate its fortunes in the state, strengthen its internal structures, and recalibrate power balances ahead of future elections. As the political chessboard continues to shift, Kano stands once again at the centre of a defining national moment where personal ambition, party supremacy, and ideological loyalty intersect in ways that may reshape Nigeria’s political trajectory.

Politics, Rivers

Rivers Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara, Deputy

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, following the presentation of notices alleging gross misconduct. The notices were presented during plenary in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other relevant laws. The Leader of the House, Major Jack, read the allegations against the governor, while the Deputy Leader, Linda Stewart, presented the notice against the deputy governor. The lawmakers accused the governor and his deputy of several infractions, including failure to present the state budget to the House, expenditure of public funds without legislative approval, and the withholding of salaries and statutory funds meant for the House of Assembly, the Office of the Clerk, and the Assembly Service Commission. Read Also: Defection Politics: How Yusuf’s APC Move Is Reshaping Kano’s Power Map APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Why Ganduje Matters as Kano Politics Enters a Defining Moment Other allegations include the appointment of government officials without proper screening by what the lawmakers described as the legitimate House of Assembly, as well as the demolition of the Assembly complex. The 26 lawmakers maintained that the actions of the governor and his deputy demonstrate an inability to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities. In his remarks, the Speaker of the House assured that the notices would be formally served on both the governor and the deputy governor within seven days, as stipulated by law.

Kano, News

Kano Police Recover Three Stolen Vehicles, Arrest Five Suspects

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The Kano State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat crime in the state, with the recovery of three stolen motor vehicles and the arrest of five suspects linked to armed robbery and vehicle theft. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police on sustained intelligence-led and technology-driven policing. According to the statement, operatives of the Command’s Special Intervention Squad intercepted a stolen Toyota Corolla vehicle along the Hotoro NNPC Roundabout on January 3, 2026. A suspect, identified as Mohammad Ismail, a 25-year-old resident of Wuntin Dada Quarters, Bauchi State, was arrested during the operation. Further discreet investigations led to the arrest of four additional suspects identified as Abdullahi Ishaq (23), Abdullahi Bashir (24), Nasir Muhammad (23), and Nuru Muhammad (25). The suspects reportedly confessed to stealing the Toyota Corolla from Bauchi State. Read Also: Nigerian Army Begins DSSC 29/2026 Recruitment, Outlines Eligibility Criteria IGP Orders Nationwide Deployment of Senior Police Officers Kano Police Command Receives 30 Newly Posted ASPs The police said investigations also led to the recovery of another stolen vehicle, a Honda Pilot Jeep belonging to the Bauchi State Government, which had been taken to Plateau State. In a related development, a Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number RBC-801HM, maroon in colour, suspected to have been stolen, was recovered on January 6, 2026, after it was abandoned in an isolated area of Hotoro North, Kano, by officers attached to the Hotoro Police Division. The Command appealed to the rightful owner of the recovered Sienna vehicle to report to the Police Public Relations Office at the Kano State Police Command with valid proof of ownership or contact the Command through the designated phone lines. Commending the officers involved in the operations, CP Bakori praised their dedication and professionalism and thanked residents of the state for their continued support and cooperation. He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency contact numbers.

National, Politics

Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares Interest in 2027 Presidency Amid Opposition Realignments

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The Labour Party’s Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has formally declared his interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election, amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition space. Baba-Ahmed made the declaration on Wednesday during a rally at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, barely one week after the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His declaration has further intensified debate over the future of the Labour Party and the direction of the broader opposition ahead of the next general election. Addressing party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed said his presidential ambition was neither reactionary nor dependent on Obi’s political decisions, stressing that his aspiration predates the 2023 election. “I have made myself available to contest for the office in 2027. I am not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said. He recalled that he had nursed presidential ambitions long before the last election, noting that he contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries in 2018 before aligning with Obi under the Labour Party platform in 2023. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Peter Obi Dumps LP, Warns Against 2027 Election Rigging Defection Politics: How Yusuf’s APC Move Is Reshaping Kano’s Power Map “In October 2018, I participated in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt. I later saw a rare opportunity for national unity in the candidacy of Peter Obi in 2023, and that was why I decided to support him,” Baba-Ahmed explained. The former lawmaker also addressed concerns surrounding religion and ethnicity, insisting that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office. “Yes, I am a practising Muslim. Yes, I am a Hausa man. But above all, I am a Nigerian, and the constitution allows me to contest. I am doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said. However, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that he would strictly adhere to party and electoral processes, adding that he would await the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable and formal guidelines from the Labour Party before taking further steps. Reacting, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, commended Baba-Ahmed for remaining in the party despite speculation of possible defections following Obi’s exit. Abure said the development underscored the stability of the Labour Party, noting that key figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, had also chosen to remain. He disclosed that Baba-Ahmed personally suggested a meeting of party leaders and grassroots members to reaffirm unity within the party, leading to the rally held at the party secretariat. “The Labour Party is intact. We will not let Nigerians down. We will remain united and continue to offer a genuine alternative to Nigerians,” Abure said. Baba-Ahmed’s declaration has added a fresh dimension to the emerging 2027 presidential race, as political parties begin early positioning amid shifting alliances within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

International, News

Venezuela to Export Up to $2bn Crude Oil to U.S. Under New Deal

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Venezuela and the United States have reached an agreement allowing Caracas to export crude oil worth up to $2 billion to the U.S., marking a major shift in bilateral relations amid Venezuela’s worsening political and economic crisis. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the deal, describing it as a flagship negotiation that would redirect Venezuelan oil supplies away from China while easing production pressures caused by export restrictions and storage shortages. According to Trump, the agreement reflects Venezuela’s compliance with U.S. demands to open its oil sector to American companies. He added that between 30 million and 50 million barrels of what he termed “sanctioned oil” would be turned over to the United States, sold at market prices, with proceeds managed by the U.S. government. The development follows months of heightened pressure by Washington on Caracas and signals a recalibration of U.S.–Venezuela relations. Trump has previously warned of military intervention if Venezuela failed to grant U.S. firms access to its oil industry. Venezuela has been unable to export millions of barrels of crude currently held in tankers and storage facilities following a U.S. blockade imposed in mid-December. The restrictions intensified pressure on the government of President Nicolás Maduro, whose recent capture by U.S. forces has been denounced by Venezuelan officials as a kidnapping and an attempt to seize control of the country’s oil resources. Read Also: Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Strengthen Unity with Launch of AES Television DICON–D7G Begins Local Assembly of DG-103 Rifles, Eyes African Export Market Gombe Tightens Security, Shuts Down Scrap Metal Business Trump said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright would oversee the execution of the agreement, with oil taken directly from tankers and shipped to U.S. ports. Sources familiar with the talks revealed that some cargoes originally destined for China would now be redirected to the United States, potentially ending Beijing’s position as Venezuela’s largest crude buyer. Following the announcement, U.S. crude prices fell by more than 1.5 percent amid expectations of increased oil supply. Currently, Chevron remains the only company exporting Venezuelan crude to the U.S. under a special authorization, shipping between 100,000 and 150,000 barrels per day despite the blockade. It remains unclear whether Venezuela will gain direct access to sales proceeds, as U.S. sanctions continue to exclude state oil firm PDVSA from the global financial system. Market estimates place the deal’s value at up to $1.9 billion, with Venezuela’s flagship Merey crude trading at a steep discount to Brent prices. Discussions between U.S. and Venezuelan officials reportedly include auction-based sales, new U.S. licenses for PDVSA partners, and the possible future use of Venezuelan oil in the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum welcomed the development, saying increased Venezuelan heavy crude supplies would benefit U.S. jobs, fuel prices, and Venezuela’s economy. Industry sources warn, however, that without sustained export routes, Venezuela may face further production cuts due to storage constraints.

Kebbi, National, News

Former AGF Abubakar Malami, Family Granted N500 Million Bail by Federal High Court

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Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, along with his wife and son, in the sum of N500 million each. This was contained in a statement from the court during the ruling on the bail application, which also included stringent conditions for their release. The judge ordered that the sureties must own landed property in the Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa areas of the Federal Capital Territory. The title documents of the properties are to be submitted to the court for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar, and the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Beyond Betrayal: The Real Politics Behind Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Calculated Move Atiku, Obi, Amaechi Jostle for ADC Ticket as Ex-VP Rejects Calls to Step Aside The court further directed that Malami, his wife, and son must deposit their international passports and other travel documents with the court. Justice Nwite also ruled that Malami must not travel outside the country without prior permission from the court. The case has been adjourned to a later date, which will be communicated to the parties for further proceedings.

Feature, National

Nigerian Army Begins DSSC 29/2026 Recruitment, Outlines Eligibility Criteria

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The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of applications for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026, offering qualified Nigerians the opportunity to be commissioned as officers in specialist corps and services. The recruitment exercise, which is free of charge, is open to both civilians and serving military personnel who meet the prescribed requirements. This was disclosed in an official notice by the Nigerian Army, advising interested applicants to apply only through its authorised recruitment portal. The DSSC is designed to recruit professionals with specialised qualifications to fill technical and professional roles within the Nigerian Army. Successful candidates will undergo military training and, upon completion, be commissioned as officers for a fixed term, with the possibility of conversion to Regular Commission based on performance and service requirements. Available corps and services include the Nigerian Army Engineers, Signals, Medical Corps, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Education Corps, Supply and Transport Corps, Ordnance Corps, and Medical Services, covering doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. Read Also: Army Invites Nigerians to Apply for DSSC Officer Recruitment Kano Police Command Receives 30 Newly Posted ASPs IGP Orders Nationwide Deployment of Senior Police Officers To be eligible for the DSSC recruitment, applicants must meet the following criteria: 1) Be a Nigerian citizen by birth. 2) Be of good character and recommended by at least two referees. 3) Be medically, mentally, and physically fit in line with Nigerian Army standards. 4) Be between 20 and 32 years of age by March 30, 2026, except medical consultants who may be up to 40 years. 5) Possess a minimum of a First Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognised institution. 6) Hold valid professional registration with relevant bodies where applicable. 7) Possess a valid birth certificate or age declaration. 8) Present a certificate of state of origin. 9) Possess valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN). 10) Have no criminal record and must not have been convicted by any court of law. 11) Not belong to any cult or secret society. 12) Meet the minimum height requirement of 1.68 metres for males and 1.65 metres for females. 13) Serving military personnel must be free from disciplinary cases and endorsed by their Commanding Officers. Under the conditions of service, the DSSC is granted for a period of 15 years, with officers placed on probation for the first three years. Conversion to Regular Commission is not automatic, while rank placement after training will depend on corps and qualifications. Applications open on January 7, 2026, and will close on February 4, 2026. Interested and qualified candidates are to apply online through the Nigerian Army recruitment portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng and print the acknowledgment slip after submission. The Nigerian Army reiterated that the DSSC application is completely free and warned applicants to avoid agents, middlemen, or any individual demanding payment, describing such persons as fraudsters.

National, Politics

Atiku, Obi, Amaechi Jostle for ADC Ticket as Ex-VP Rejects Calls to Step Aside

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Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that he will not withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, dismissing calls for him to step aside as dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy. Atiku made the declaration in a statement titled “Nigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Opposition Faces Existential Threat,” issued on Tuesday and signed by his media aide, Paul Ibe. In the statement, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of interfering in the internal affairs of the ADC, particularly in attempts to influence the selection of the party’s presidential flagbearer. He alleged that the Tinubu administration was working towards imposing a one-party system on Nigeria by weakening opposition parties and destabilising emerging alternatives. Atiku maintained that agents aligned with the Presidency were now targeting the ADC from outside, issuing what he described as reckless prescriptions regarding the party’s leadership and candidate selection process. Checks revealed that, alongside Atiku, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have also declared interest in contesting the ADC presidential ticket. The former Vice President said all aspirants would subject themselves to the party’s presidential convention, noting that the ADC leadership had assured contenders of an open, transparent, and competitive process. Read Also: Defection Politics: How Yusuf’s APC Move Is Reshaping Kano’s Power Map APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Gombe Tightens Security, Shuts Down Scrap Metal Business He warned that any call for him to step aside would amount to surrendering the country’s democratic space to authoritarian ambition, insisting that the ADC was formed as a national rescue platform to challenge what he described as APC’s failed governance. Atiku also accused the Tinubu administration of pursuing harsh economic policies and shrinking democratic freedoms, arguing that these conditions had compelled opposition figures to rally around the ADC. He added that the party was currently focused on building strong grassroots structures nationwide and cautioned against external interference aimed at sabotaging its internal processes. Reaffirming his resolve, Atiku stressed that no aspirant would be forced out of the race, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must be defended through open political competition.

Katsina, Politics

2027: Former DSS Director-General Lawal Daura Eyes Katsina Governorship

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Former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura, has declared his intention to contest the Katsina State governorship election in 2027, citing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of security and governance. Daura made this known during an interview with DCL Hausa on Tuesday, where he disclosed that he had concluded consultations regarding the political platform on which he intends to run, adding that an official announcement would be made soon. He criticised the incumbent administration, questioning the justification for seeking re-election in the face of what he described as poor performance, particularly in addressing security challenges facing the state. Using a metaphor to explain his position, Daura said leaders should recognise when they are no longer capable of effectively managing responsibilities and step aside in the interest of the people. Read Also: Defection Politics: How Yusuf’s APC Move Is Reshaping Kano’s Power Map APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Why Ganduje Matters as Kano Politics Enters a Defining Moment “It is like putting a load on someone and adjusting it. If the person complains that the load is too heavy, you have to remove it to avoid destroying fragile items,” he said. “For the current administration, we can say thank you for your efforts, but it is time to take a break because you cannot continue,” he added. Reflecting on his decision to enter partisan politics, Daura admitted that the move was unexpected, noting that he had previously operated behind the scenes rather than seeking elective office. “I never saw myself coming out to contest. I have always participated from behind the scenes,” he said.

National, News

Odusote Emerges First Female Director-General of Nigerian Law School

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School for a four-year term, effective January 10, 2026. This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday. Dr Odusote, who is currently the Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School, will succeed Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose tenure expires on January 9, 2026, after eight years in office. At 54, she becomes the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment in 1962. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. She also holds a Master of Laws degree from the same institution, with a specialisation in company and commercial law, and later earned a PhD in Law from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. Her research interests include public law and the administration of justice. Read Also: Defection Politics: How Yusuf’s APC Move Is Reshaping Kano’s Power Map IGP Orders Nationwide Deployment of Senior Police Officers Kano Politics: Ganduje’s Leadership Remains APC’s Strongest Asset Dr Odusote joined the Nigerian Law School in 2001 as a lecturer and has since served in several key academic and administrative roles, including Head of the Academic Department, Director of Academics, and Head of Campus. She also spent a period as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. She has published extensively in reputable local and international law journals and has presented academic papers at various legal education conferences. In addition, she has served on committees of both the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Bar Association. As Director-General, Dr Odusote will oversee the institution’s academic leadership, administrative management, and strategic direction across all its campuses. She will also serve as the principal liaison between the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association.

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