Although he avoided mentioning Fubara by name, the minister made pointed remarks widely interpreted as directed at the governor. No.”The former Rivers governor also dismissed suggestions that distributing state resources could resolve political disagreements. “Let anyone carry all the money in Rivers State and share it; it won’t work. He attributed Tinubu’s electoral success in Rivers State to votes from Ikwerre-speaking Local Councils, warning that attempts to sideline them would be resisted. Wike further thanked President Tinubu for appointing him FCT minister, describing the decision as historic and deserving of continued support.

Sudan boosted their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations after a Saul Coco own goal gave them a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea on Sunday. Sudan won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1970, but this is just their second victory in 18 matches across six appearances at the tournament since then. They lie 117th in the FIFA world rankings, compared to Equatorial Guinea in 97th. The win leaves Kwesi Appiah’s team on three points from two games in Group E, while Equatorial Guinea have lost both matches so far. Earlier in the day, Mozambique ended a 39-year wait for a first Africa Cup of Nations victory by defeating Gabon 3-2 in a Group F thriller in Agadir on Sunday.

Speaking in a statement on Sunday, Edun emphasised that the operation, conducted on Christmas Day, was intelligence-led and targeted solely at terrorist elements threatening national stability and communities. “The operation in question was precise, intelligence-led, and focused exclusively on terrorist elements that threaten innocent lives, national stability, and economic activity. Security and economic stability are inseparable; every effort to safeguard Nigerians is, by definition, pro-growth and pro-investment,” he said. Inflation has continued its downward trend for the seventh consecutive period, falling below 15 per cent reflecting improving price stability. As markets reopen on Monday, 29 December 2025, investors can be confident that Nigeria remains focused, reform-driven, and committed to stability.

Speaking on the issue, the NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said no official communication had been received from FIFA on the status of the petition. “The Nigeria Football Federation wrote a petition to FIFA on the eligibility of some of the players of DR Congo, and if there is anything, FIFA will reply to the NFF,” Sanusi said during an interview on AIT. “The NFF has not received any letter from FIFA saying they have thrown away our petition. “The Congolese rule (law) says you cannot have dual nationality, but some of their players have European and French passports. The Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) has rejected the petition, describing it as an attempt to overturn the result through administrative means.

Resharing a past interview, Achimugu said: “Any domestic carrier operating domestic flights that says that they are paying 18 taxes is a liar. No domestic carrier pays 18 taxes for domestic flights. He stressed that high fares reflect operational realities rather than exploitation. Comparing Nigeria with international markets, Onyema said domestic fares remain among the lowest globally. “As far as I am concerned, the astronomical airfares in December are limited to certain destinations because of high demand.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali says he is not perturbed by Nigeria’s inability to keep a clean sheet at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, dismissing suggestions of defensive problems, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The Super Eagles won both games, recording a 2–1 victory over Tanzania before edging the Carthage Eagles 3–2. “Tournaments like this, you are bound to concede goals. Even the best teams in the world concede goals,” Nwabali said in the mixed zone after the Tunisia game. In the current squad, Uzoho and Amas Obasogie are the other goalkeepers, with Nwabali playing down any rivalry among them.

This was as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar rejected claims that he pulled out of the 2027 presidential contest for Obi, calling the reports false and misleading. Some reports had it that Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in 2023, stepped down for Obi. The movement to ADC would put to rest months of speculation about where Obi would pitch his tent in the coming elections. Obi would be defecting with serving senators and other lawmakers produced on the platform of the LP as well as remnants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East region. National President of Njiko Igbo Forum (NIF), Okechukwu Obioha, said they would support Obi to ensure he gets to the pinnacle of his political career.

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a suspect identified as Amadin William for allegedly killing a 43-year-old, Eghosa Osaikhuowuomwan, popularly known as Didi, in Oben community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state. Osaikhuowuomwan, who reportedly resides abroad, was in his community to celebrate Christmas and the New Year when he was allegedly killed by the suspect. She stressed that after the incident was reported, the police began tracking the suspect, adding that he was eventually arrested in Benin City on 27 December 2025. “After giving the deceased a machete cut in the neck, the suspect fled the scene. “The matter was reported at the police station the next day by the deceased’s sister, and since then we have been tracking the suspect.

In 2012, Inglewood unified school district (IUSD) became one of about 130 US school districts taken over by a state since the 1980s. Somewhere along the way, the coalition, which has grown, became known as Stop IUSD School Closures. For fall, the Morningside high building – now repaired – was renamed Inglewood high school united. View image in fullscreen A $240m reconstruction of Inglewood high school is under way in the city’s more affluent northern section. Parents Melissa and Nicholas Deloach recently attended a Stop IUSD School Closures informational session.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State speaks in measured and reassuring terms, emerging as Chairman of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum (LCGF) and the newly appointed APC chair for the Conflict Resolution, Strategy and Mobilisation Committee (CRSMC). This was the vivid description of Buni by the APC National Chairman, Honourable Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday, 23rd December 2025, while inaugurating Buni and 13 other members of the CRSMC recently in Abuja. He noted that Buni’s successful record of combining governance with political party administration has made him the best choice for this assignment. Other members of the committee comprise experienced, competent, and respected politicians who have successfully managed various political party intricacies in different times and capacities. Buni, in his remarks at the inauguration of the committee, assured that he would execute the assignment with utmost responsibility and dedication, employing strategic engagements and consultations.

Mozambique ended a 39-year wait for a first Africa Cup of Nations victory by defeating Gabon 3-2 in a Group F thriller in Agadir on Sunday. Defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who meet later on Sunday in Marrakesh, and Mozambique have three points each. Bangal rose unchallenged from a corner and his header bounced off the ground into the left corner of the net with Mbaba helpless. Gabon pulled one goal back five minutes into first-half added time through their best known footballer, 36-year-old Marseille striker Aubameyang. Portugal-based right-back Calila scored the third Mozambique goal on 52 minutes, venturing forward to nod a Witi cross paste Mbaba.

No fewer than four Nigerians have been arrested in India over drug-related offenses in separate operations carried out between Thursday and late Saturday. PUNCH Metro gathered from reports by Indian news outlets that the suspects were arrested in different parts of the country during coordinated anti-narcotics operations. In another development, Bhaskar English reported that the Jaipur Police Commissionerate arrested two Nigerians, identified as Touchi and Henry, over the trafficking of MD drugs in Rajasthan. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly disclosed that the drugs were supplied by Touchi, who was later arrested in Faridabad. In a separate operation, ETV Bharat reported that the Agra unit of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force arrested another Nigerian, identified as IK Prince, described as a major drug trafficking kingpin.

The 2024 CAF African Player of the Year expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s overall performance, emphasising the importance of securing three points. He noted that the team will take the positives from the match and build on them as the tournament progresses. Speaking about his partnership with Victor Osimhen, Lookman highlighted their strong on-field understanding, explaining that he adapts his position to help the team wherever needed. The first goal came just before halftime when Lookman delivered a precise cross from the left for Osimhen, who rose above the defence to head home. He then finished off a clever cut-back from Osimhen in the 66th minute, rifling a left-footed strike past the Tunisian goalkeeper.

The National Judicial Council has disclosed that 34 applicants, including a Chief Superintendent of Police, failed the judges’ appointment integrity test conducted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission. Upon assuming office, Justice Kekere-Ekun introduced a public-feedback-based integrity test for judicial appointments, allowing members of the public to submit petitions or comments on shortlisted nominees. The petitioners commended the judiciary for the integrity screening process, calling it necessary to restore public confidence in the justice system. They urged the NJC to reject the CSP’s nomination, stating: “She is a corrupt police officer and, if appointed, would only become a corrupt judicial officer.”Following the public feedback process, the FJSC forwarded only 28 names to the NJC, with 34 nominees failing the integrity test. Ogedengbe added that the council remained resolute in maintaining high standards, stressing that transparency and judicial integrity remain top priorities under the administration of Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun.

Mass enrolment in health insurance would boost the sector, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate Health, Lekan Ewenla, has said. Ewenla, in a statement yesterday, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the steps it had taken to widen health insurance in the country. Explaining the need for mass enrolment in health insurance, he said it would lead to better funding of the health sector and change the poor health indices of the country. It has equally enhanced the take-home pay of every worker in that sector.”According to him, out-of-pocket payment for health care has become old-fashioned globally, adding that health insurance will make health care accessible to Nigerians. Calling for a code of conduct for health management organisations (HMOs), Ewenla said it would enhance health insurance in the country.