News

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.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade executed a successful rescue operation on Sunday, freeing eight civilians abducted by suspected militants along the Ikang-Cameroon waterways.

Acting on a tip-off from local residents, soldiers from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ikang swiftly mobilized after learning that gunmen had intercepted a commercial boat and seized its passengers—six adults and two minors.

A military spokesman said the troops deployed rapidly, blocking escape routes and dominating the area. Under pressure, the militants abandoned their captives at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port and fled toward the open sea. All eight victims were recovered unharmed.

After documentation and debriefing at the brigade headquarters, the rescued individuals were released to their families. No casualties were reported during the mission.

Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, praised his troops for their professionalism and thanked the community for the timely intelligence. He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to maintaining aggressive patrols to deny criminals freedom of action in the region.

The public is urged to continue providing credible information to security agencies.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to renowned sportsman Anthony Joshua, following a tragic accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed two lives and left the athlete injured.

In a personal message, the President expressed his deep sympathies, describing the incident as “an immense tragedy” that casts a shadow on the season. He acknowledged the emotional weight Anthony Joshua and his family are bearing.

President Tinubu praised Anthony Joshua’s qualities as a sportsman, noting his “courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country,” which have made him a source of national pride.

He emphasised the need for communal support in times of grief, urging citizens to “encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.”

The President concluded with prayers for divine strength, wisdom, and grace for Anthony Joshua, wishing him a speedy recovery and eternal rest for the souls of the departed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria was thrown into darkness on Monday after the national electricity grid experienced another system failure following a sharp drop in power generation.

Findings showed that the disruption occurred at about 3 pm when major power stations supplying electricity to the grid suddenly lost generation, forcing the system to shut down.

Data obtained from industry sources indicated that electricity output earlier rose to about 4,800 megawatts on Monday. The figure later fell steeply to 139 megawatts as of 3 pm, which triggered the collapse of the grid.

The immediate cause of the failure was not confirmed at the time of reporting. However, the incident happened while the Nigerian Independent System Operator was working to increase electricity supply after recent gas shortages that followed cases of pipeline vandalism.

Checks further revealed that as of the time this report was filed, all 22 power plants connected to the national grid had dropped off from electricity generation.

The development left several parts of the country without power supply, as distribution companies struggled to restore electricity to affected areas.

More details are expected as authorities continue to assess the situation.

By Muhammad Abubakar

British/Nigerian-born professional boxer Anthony Joshua has survived a fatal road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed two lives.

The accident occurred on Monday along the Shagamu Interchange axis of the busy expressway. Confirming the incident, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, said the crash involved multiple vehicles, resulting in the deaths of two persons at the scene.

Joshua was reportedly involved in the accident but escaped unhurt. Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash and the identities of the victims were yet to be fully disclosed as of press time.

Emergency responders were said to have arrived promptly, while traffic was temporarily disrupted as authorities cleared the scene and commenced investigations into the cause of the accident.