News

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Amid tensions in the Kwankwasiyya movement and Kano NNPP, fueled by speculation that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf might defect to APC, the ADC Youth Mandate, with ADC Waziran Waziri, urged Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso to join other national stakeholders under ADC to help rescue Nigeria from worsening socio-economic and security crises under the APC-led government.

The coalition pointed to worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failures, expressing fears over the ruling party’s push toward a one-party state. They emphasised the need for a united front of progressive leaders to offer Nigerians a credible and people-oriented alternative.

Speaking on behalf of both groups, Engr. Ammar Hamisu Dandago, the Coordinator of ADC Youth Mandate, stressed the political value of Kwankwaso’s experience and mass grassroots appeal. He expressed confidence that Kwankwaso, in collaboration with other prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, could form a formidable force capable of unseating President Bola Tinubu.

The statement concluded with a renewed commitment to youth mobilisation, national unity, and support for genuine efforts to provide competent leadership and restore hope across the country.

By Anwar Usman

The governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, will officially join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, on Monday, as provided by sources familiar with the development.

Reports have it that, the governor will be received by the Vice President Kashim Shettima and the national chairman of the party Yitwalda Nentawe in Abuja.

Additionally, the party leader in Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje, has been recalled from a Dubai trip, just as the Kano state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, was asked to cut short his lesser hajj trip to issue APC membership card to the governor at his Diso Ward of Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State during the week.

The Daily Reality reports hat President Bola Tinubu was initially reluctant to accept Mr Yusuf’s defection without his godfather, who commands cult following in Kano and some parts of the North, as said by a source familiar with the development.

The entire local government caucuses in the state had made aattempt to convince the governor to join the ruling APC by showing open alliance with the governor and calling on him to lead them into the APC.

Recall that, earlier this week members of the NNPP from some local government called on the governor to join the APC wich caused a backlash in the Kwankwasiyya camp, with some describing it as betrayal and many adherents calling out the governor and reiterating loyalty to Mr Kwankwaso.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

A New Year’s Day community gathering in Daneji took an unexpected philosophical turn when a sponsor’s closing remarks sparked deep reflection on knowledge stewardship and mortality, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu has revealed.

The January 1st townhall meeting, organized to honor ten outstanding youth from the Kano neighborhood, became memorable not just for the celebrations but for a pointed challenge issued to the honorees, Professor Adamu recounted in a Facebook post that has drawn significant attention.

The young achievers, recognized for accomplishments spanning Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Nursing Sciences, and Qur’anic studies, were urged by event sponsor Alhaji Ahmed Idris to “die empty”—a statement that initially puzzled attendees before its meaning was revealed.

Idris, a prominent community pillar, was invoking Todd Henry’s motivational concept that individuals should pour out their knowledge and talents during their lifetime rather than take untapped potential to the grave. “You enter your grave empty—all the knowledge has been left outside for other people to use,” Professor Adamu explained.

The academic noted that at least three of the honorees hold doctorates or specialized training in Artificial Intelligence, achieved before AI became a consumer phenomenon, while others excelled in diverse fields—showcasing what the community hopes will inspire younger residents.

Writing on his experience, Professor Adamu drew connections between Henry’s secular philosophy and Islamic teachings on amanah—the sacred trust of knowledge. “Discharging your knowledge—sharing it and imparting it on others—is therefore one of the highest acts of Islamic piety,” he wrote, adding that both the Qur’an and Hadith contain warnings against hoarding knowledge.

The professor described the event as a community response to concerns about youth engagement with “consumer communication technology” at the expense of career focus and future planning.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo has pledged a special bonus of 500,000 meticais (approximately ₦11.3 million) to each player and staff member if the team defeats Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16.

The announcement was made in a presidential message on Thursday, where Chapo praised the Mambas for their historic qualification to the knockout stage. He commended the team’s courage, discipline, and determination, calling their group-stage performance a source of national pride.

Mozambique advanced to third place in Group F despite a final-match loss to Cameroon. They now face a formidable Super Eagles side, one of the tournament’s standout teams, in Monday’s clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco.

President Chapo’s financial incentive underscores the high stakes as Mozambique seeks an unprecedented quarter-final berth. The match is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time on January 5.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has strongly rejected allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that it is being manipulated by political figures to harass him and officials of his administration.

In a statement released on its official Facebook page today, the anti-graft agency said it regarded the governor’s claims as unfounded and misleading.

The Commission described the allegations as “wild” and “far-fetched,” insisting that it remains a neutral institution that carries out its mandate without political influence.

EFCC stated that it was “an independent agency created to fight economic and financial crimes” and maintained that it operates in a non-partisan manner.

The Commission criticised attempts to portray it as an agency that bends to political pressure. It described such portrayal as “mischievous and condemnable.”

EFCC also faulted the governor for linking its activities in Bauchi State to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. It stressed that “no political office holder is in a position to influence the investigative activities of the Commission.”

The agency further stated that Governor Mohammed was previously standing trial for alleged money laundering before becoming governor. It said the case was suspended only because of the constitutional immunity attached to his office.

It queried who influenced the Commission to investigate and prosecute him in 2016.

EFCC disclosed that charges relating to some Bauchi State Government officials have already been filed before the court. It stated that the public could examine the court documents and determine whether the case is motivated by vendetta or by professional investigation.

The Commission explained that Governor Mohammed was named in the charge because he serves as the approving authority in the state.

Reacting to the governor’s claim of terrorism financing persecution, EFCC said such allegations amounted to “clutching at straws.” It stated that it did not create the law and would fail in its responsibility if it refused to act where offences are established by law.

The agency urged politicians across party lines to make public accountability their priority. It described it as “the height of hypocrisy” for politicians to allege persecution when opposition figures are investigated while remaining silent when members of the ruling party face similar legal action.

EFCC recalled that it recently arraigned a senior member of the ruling party over alleged corruption, without any outcry of persecution from any political bloc.

The Commission advised Governor Mohammed to concentrate on governance in Bauchi State and allow it to continue its statutory responsibility of addressing financial crimes nationwide.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Enzo Maresca has officially stepped down as head coach of Chelsea Football Club after 18 months at the helm.

The Italian tactician parted ways with the club on January 1, 2026, following a poor run of form that saw Chelsea win just one of their last seven matches, a slump that triggered unrest within the club and among fans.

Sources close to the club revealed that internal disagreements with the board, coupled with mounting frustrations over performance and tactical direction, contributed to Maresca’s exit.

Chelsea are expected to announce a replacement soon, with Liam Rosenior emerging as a strong contender to succeed Maresca.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Senator Godiya Akwashiki, representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District, has reportedly passed away in India at the age of 52 after a prolonged illness.

A family source, who requested anonymity, confirmed the senator’s death and described it as a significant loss to the district, Nasarawa State, and the nation at large.

“Since the creation of Nasarawa North, Senator Akwashiki has been the best the district ever produced, owing to his purposeful leadership,” the source stated.

Akwashiki, a native of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, was first elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force and was a former Senate spokesperson.

Until his passing on December 31, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India, Senator Akwashiki was widely respected for his dedication to legislative excellence, grassroots development, and public accountability.

By Maryam Ahmad

Democrat Zohran Mamdani has made history after being sworn in as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, marking a significant milestone in the city’s political and cultural landscape.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at City Hall, drew city officials, community leaders, and supporters from across the five boroughs. In his inaugural address, Mamdani emphasised unity, social justice, and inclusive governance, pledging to serve all New Yorkers regardless of background, faith, or political affiliation.

Mamdani’s victory has been widely celebrated by civil rights advocates and minority communities, who view his election as a reflection of New York City’s diversity and democratic spirit. Supporters say his leadership signals a new chapter focused on equity, accountability, and grassroots engagement.

As he assumes office, Mayor Mamdani faces pressing challenges, including housing affordability, public safety, and economic recovery, while carrying the expectations of a city that has once again made history.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has officially unveiled its new institutional logo, formally marking its transition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to a newly established revenue authority.

The unveiling ceremony took place in Abuja on Wednesday and was announced in a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, special adviser to the chairman of the NRS.

Speaking at the event, Zacch Adedeji, executive chairman of the NRS, described the new brand identity as a major milestone in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s revenue administration framework, reflecting a renewed mandate and institutional vision.

Adekanmbi noted that the service became operational after President Bola Tinubu signed the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025 in June, paving the way for the transition from FIRS to NRS.

The new logo, officials said, symbolises efficiency, accountability, and a modernised approach to revenue generation in Nigeria.

By Anwar Usman

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a faith-based organisation, has called for the arrest and prosecution of a man identified as Maazi Kanayo over alleged incitement against Igbo Muslims in Southeastern Nigeria.

This was revealed in a statement on Wednesday, by the MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

MURIC said, the organization’s concern followed the circulation of a video clip in which the person in question reportedly made statements targeting Igbo Muslims.

The statement in part reads “We are in possession of a viral video clip in which the audio message of one Maazi Kanayo was aired. In the audio, Maazi Kanayo incited the Igbo people of Southeastern Nigeria to kidnap Igbo Muslims and bury them alive. The post was shared via TikTok.

“Igbo Muslims are being threatened with death for embracing Islam: how can we rise to their aid?”

Akintola added that the statements specifically targeted Muslims living in certain states, potentially putting them at risk.

He stated that “Maazi Kanayo specifically directed his potential kidnappers and killers to target Muslims of Igbo extraction living in Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states. This is the last thing Nigeria needs at a time when the whole country faces serious insecurity.”

The organization further explained that some Igbo Muslims are traditional rulers, which could affect community stability if the threat is acted upon.

“This is an extremely dangerous dimension as the audio puts the lives of thousands of Igbo Muslims on the line. Some Igbo Muslims are traditional rulers in their communities and this implies the likelihood of communal turbulence in the South East,” the statement revealed.

The organisation called on security agencies to take proactive measures that will prevent harm.

“MURIC therefore calls on the security agencies, particularly men of the Department of State services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police to arrest, detain and prosecute Maazi Kanayo. Every minute counts as the lives of thousands of people hang in the balance,” according to Akintola.