News

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have rejected a N100,000 Christmas payment that was paid into their personal bank accounts on the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that the transfer did not follow due process and lacked legislative approval.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, the lawmakers described the funds as unauthorised and confirmed that the money had been returned.

The statement, titled “Return of Unsolicited and Unapproved N100,000 Transferred to the Personal Accounts of Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” explained that each member received a credit alert on December 30, 2025.

“Today, 30th December 2025, honourable members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank credit alerts of the sum of N100,000 each. The said unsolicited and unapproved amount was transferred on the instructions of the governor,” the statement read.

The House insisted that public funds must pass through established legal and legislative procedures. George further accused the governor of repeatedly withdrawing money from the state’s consolidated revenue account without the consent of the Assembly since assuming office in 2023.

“We are aware of staff who connive with the governor to contravene the constitution and laws of Rivers State. Their actions are unlawful. We assure the good people of Rivers State that we will not relent in performing our constitutional duties,” he said.

The lawmakers noted that while civil servants in the state received similar Christmas bonuses, those payments followed standard approval processes, unlike the transfer made to members of the Assembly.

Plenary sittings of the House have been adjourned until January 26, 2026. Governor Fubara has yet to submit the 2026 appropriation bill or forward the names of commissioner-nominees to the Assembly.

Since returning from suspension, he has been operating with eight commissioners whose positions were not affected by the Supreme Court ruling that recognised Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.

In a related development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, addressed residents of Khana in Khana Local Government Area on Tuesday, urging them to be cautious about future political choices. His comments were widely interpreted as a reference to the leadership dispute in Rivers State.

“As for the state, we will talk about that later. We will not make a mistake again,” Wike said.

“If you make another mistake, that means they will drive you out. Your ticket is not automatic. You have to earn it for you to present to your people.”

Wike also spoke on political alignment in the state and stressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“For us, there’s nothing like APC or PDP; what we have is Renewed Hope. We’re not voting based on party but on the fact that we belong to one political family. Just follow your leaders. Anywhere you see them going, that is where we are going,” he stated.

He attributed several projects in Rivers communities to President Tinubu’s intervention, mentioning road construction, the establishment of the Federal University of Environment, and the presidential pardon granted to the Ogoni Nine.

“During the turbulent period, Khana stood with us and now you have benefited—from good roads to the University of Environment among other benefits because of the love of Mr. President,” Wike said.

The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress for the South-South zone, Victor Giadom, declared Gokana Local Government Area a “no-go area” for Governor Fubara.“For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike,” Giadom said.

A former senator for Rivers South-East, Magnus Abe, expressed similar views while pledging support for Wike and President Tinubu.

“Wike is a leader who unites, and that is why we are united. The Ogoni people are with you, and we will not go home empty-handed. Please tell Tinubu not to bother coming to Gokana to campaign. We are for him,” Abe said.

By Uzair Adam

The leadership crisis rocking the Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has intensified following the appointment of Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as Acting State Chairman after the removal of the former chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa.

The Daily Reality reports that the decision was announced after an emergency meeting of the NNPP State Executive Committee held at the party’s secretariat in Kano, where members endorsed Abiya’s appointment in line with the party’s constitution.

Speaking on the development, the party’s Assistant Legal Adviser, Barrister Yusuf Mukhtar, said the emergence of Abiya followed due process and was consistent with the provisions of the NNPP constitution.

He explained that the move came after Dungurawa was rejected and removed at the ward level.

Party sources disclosed that the action was based on a formal resolution submitted by the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Executive Committee, which recommended the sack and expulsion of Dungurawa over alleged anti-party activities.

It was gathered that the resolution originated from the Gargari Ward Executive Committee in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area and was forwarded to the state leadership by the local government executive, led by Hon. Abdullahi Ali Uban Iya Dawanau.

The ward-level decision was reportedly adopted at the second executive meeting of the Gargari Ward, held about two weeks after the general election, where Dungurawa was accused of actions deemed inimical to the party’s interests.

After reviewing the report, the State Executive Committee ratified the resolution and approved Abiya’s emergence as Acting State Chairman, party officials said.

NNPP officials described the move as part of efforts to restore internal discipline, strengthen party unity and reposition the party for future political engagements in Kano State.

Reacting to his appointment, the Acting Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya, said the party would ensure fairness and justice for all members.

He added that the Kano NNPP would remain loyal to the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as the Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

By Anas Abbas

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained that the federal government will go ahead with the enforcement of the newly enacted tax laws legislation as scheduled, dismissing calls for a delay amid widespread debate and criticism.

In a statement issued from the State House on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the President made clear that the new tax framework which includes measures that already took effect on June 26, 2025 and others set to begin on January 1, 2026 will be implemented in full and on time.

Describing the reforms as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, Tinubu stressed that the laws are intended to reset the country’s revenue system, promote fairness, and enhance economic competitiveness. He rejected claims that they are designed to raise the overall tax burden on citizens.

The Presidency acknowledged the ongoing public discourse surrounding allegations that the officially gazetted versions of the tax laws differ from those passed by the National Assembly, but maintained that no substantial legal flaw has been established that would justify halting the roll-out.

Tinubu urged Nigerians and all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which he said is now firmly underway, and emphasized his administration’s commitment to due process and the integrity of duly enacted laws. He also pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to resolve any issues that may arise during implementation.

The announcement comes amid growing pressure from various groups including student associations and opposition voices who have called for suspension of the commencement date pending thorough review and public sensitization.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Yunusa Mu’azu, a well-known actor and producer in the Kannywood film industry, has issued a public appeal for urgent financial support for popular actress Zee Diamond Talatuwa, fondly known by fans as Maman Bintalo from the hit television drama Labarina.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Yunusa Mu’azu revealed that the actress is battling a serious and life-threatening medical condition involving blocked blood vessels and abnormally thick blood. According to medical reports shared in the post, the condition—linked to hereditary factors and allergies—has made even basic intravenous treatment difficult and places her at high risk of heart failure and kidney complications.

Doctors have reportedly advised that Zee Diamond must be taken abroad for specialized treatment, as the condition cannot be adequately managed locally. The total cost of the medical procedure and travel is estimated at ₦25 million.

Yunusa disclosed that members of the Kannywood community, alongside the actress’s relatives, have so far raised approximately ₦18 million, leaving a shortfall of ₦7 million. He added that medical experts have warned that the treatment must be carried out within the next two months, stressing that any delay could have fatal consequences.

The appeal has triggered renewed calls for support across social media, with colleagues, fans, and well-wishers urged to contribute toward closing the funding gap. The development has once again drawn attention to the health challenges faced by creative industry professionals and the strong culture of solidarity within the Hausa film industry.