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Nduka Obaigbena, a congenital blackmailer and hustler, “lies without shame” Says Alake and Onanuga
Ordinarily, we consider it beneath us as well-bred media professionals to continue to engage in public spat with Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, a congenital blackmailer and hustler, especially in deference to ceasefire calls by well-meaning leaders and elders. The interventions followed our statement on Monday entitled “Obaigbena and His THISDAY/ARISE News’ Hypocritical Grandstanding On Public Morality”.
But we crave the indulgence of these well-meaning Nigerians to allow us respond to Obaigbena’s latest rambling, called a statement.
The largely diversionary composition was an attempt to deodorise his ethical problems.
Obaigbena tried to deflect attention from those pertinent issues we raised about ethics. There is nothing he said to creditably detract a jot from our accurate summation of his well-known perverse and ignoble approach to media practice over the years, a practice that continues to undermine the integrity of journalism profession in the country.
In his first statement attacking us, Obaigbena craftily attempted to mis-characterise as an attack on free speech, our principled stand against his blackmail to have Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu appear on Arise TV and its PDP sponsored Town Hall meetings.
In the second statement, he was still adamant that our candidate must attend his Town Hall debate, despite our stance that our candidate is already executing another communications strategy to reach the most important target: the Nigerian voters. We, repeat again: We will not make our candidate available to validate a scheme which, in the light of unassailable information at our disposal, is nothing but a racket by the Arise TV owner, designed to embarrass our candidate.
We now proceed to give a blow-by-blow response to Obaigbena’s latest very poor attempt at red-herring:
Rigmarole on Dasukigate:
How laughable that Obaigbena is now denying he was not in EFCC custody for receiving illicit funds from National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki. He attempted to rationalise that the money received was compensation for losses incurred by newspaper proprietors following the clampdown by security agents. But he craftily glossed over the meat of the matter: the grave misconduct to have the funds paid into the bank account of Hydrocarbon, a shell company (obviously set up for money-laundering) to which Obaigbena was the sole signatory. Since NPAN has bank accounts, why was the money not transferred there directly?
Moreover, the petty lie in Obaigbena’s statement was punctured by the joint disclaimer issued on 12 December 2015 by Tribune, New Telegraph and Peoples Daily in whose names he had collected money. The three newspapers said they did not receive a kobo.
His claim that he pocketed the chunk of the money received from Dasukigate as compensation for the alleged terrorist attack on his Abuja office is a laughable afterthought.
Rewriting June 12 story:
Contrary to Obaigbena’s lame attempt to rationalise his campaign against June 12 as action taken in furtherance of his membership of National Republican Convention (NRC), nothing can be further from the truth. His long story about sitting close to MKO Abiola on a London-Johannesburg flight begs the questions. He craftily sidestepped the issue of being recruited by the military regime to go on CNN to unconscionably declare “Abiola did not win any election”, shortly after NEC suspended the announcement of June 12 results. That dirty campaign was to prepare the grounds for the eventual annulment on June 23 of the election. If Obaigbena was pro-democracy as he falsely claims, why did he take up media consultancy work to Ernest Shonekan, the head of the Interim National Government, cobbled together by the junta to legitimise the illegality?
South African/London fiascos:
Obaigbena also tried to downplay the gravity of his misadventure in South Africa for which he had to flee, abandoning his office equipment and furniture till today. On one hand, he lied that it was President Nelson Mandela who asked that he set up the newspaper in South Africa because the dominant newspapers in the country were owned by the white establishment. On the other hand, he claimed that the same white establishment frustrated his venture. He forgot that when he floated ThisDay South Africa in 2003-4, a black President was in power!
Contrary to claims that he met a hostile environment, his habitual unethical practices gave him out. His business model of funding his newspapers and a champagne lifestyle from proceeds of blackmail rackets fell flat in South Africa where rules of a good society are rigidly enforced. To deceive advertisers, he inflated his circulation figures which the regulatory agency frowned at. Also, he owed printers and his workers. Gale of complaints against the “carpetbagger from Nigeria” soon reached the authorities and one official was quoted as famously saying, “You call yourself Thisday, very soon it will become That-day”. The prophecy came to pass with chilling accuracy soon after.
On his misadventure in London, Obaigbena disingenuously put it down to Forex crisis as if it happened this year or last year. The details of the judgment by the presiding judge were damning enough: Obaigbena lacks the personal honour and integrity to run any decent company.
His claim that his seven year directorship ban has been appealed is not the full story. He already lost one appeal at the Chancery in August.
Payment of salaries/pension:
Obaigbena tried to deflect his chronic indebtedness as something common in the media industry. It is an affliction peculiar to THISDAY/Arise which purports to make lots of money (as reflected by bumper advert patronage) but curiously still fails to pay workers as and when due. Even when the economy was relatively “good”, Obaigbena never paid workers regularly. His popular saying to staff, as well known in the industry, is that : “THISDAY/Arise ID card alone is your meal ticket”.
Such corrupt philosophy underlies the unethical practices in media companies run by Obaigbena.
A classic illustration of the untold hardship and dehumanization of his workers was provided by Mr. Paul Ibe, who is now the Special Adviser on Media to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Obaigbena tricked Ibe to South Africa with mouth-watering offers. But Ibe ended up enduring hunger there before finding his way back to Nigeria. Following a suit filed at the National Industrial Court in 2011 (suit no NICN/ABJ/26/2011), Mr. Ibe was awarded damages against Obaigbena for backlog of salaries, non-remittance of taxes and pension deducted from his wages over the years and outstanding entitlement. Tens of other staff of Thisday have died due to lack of money for medical care while awaiting Obaigbena to pay them their entitlements.
Open partisanship/Mefy racket:
We observe too that Obaigbena disingenuously sidestepped the questions raised about employing the services of Dr Reuben Abati, a card-carrying member of PDP as anchor person on Arise TV, as well as Obaigbena’s multi-million Naira consultancy role in the ill-fated attempt by a sitting Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele to compete for APC’ presidential ticket.
These are weighty moral issues Obaigbena, with all his resourceful facilities to lie and dissemble, could not defend.
Again, we challenge him to deny if Abati wasn’t the running-mate of Senator Buruji Kashamu on PDP’s platform in the governorship contest in Ogun in 2019. Kashamu was a wanted drug lord in the US. Of course, the same Abati, who never allows any opportunity to pass without attacking Asiwaju Tinubu daily, would have been one of those Obaigbena would have lined up at his dubious Town Hall meetings to “interrogate” Tinubu! Such shameless, unethical practice!
Further, while pontificating on public morality, Obaigbena conveniently ignored the perversity of collecting hundreds of millions as “media consultant” to Godwin Emefiele, the occupant of a critical public office from which utmost sobriety and non-partisanship is expected. Through patronizing reportage in THISDAY/Arise, Emefiele was egged on to openly descend into the political arena and bid for the presidential ticket of APC in its last primaries in what is now commonly called the “Mefy racket”.
This has antecedents: Obaigbena was also “consultant” to President Jonathan as he was to Chief Ernest Shonekan. Whatever happened to journalism ethics?
The culture of media merchandising:
In a futile attempt to burnish his image, Obaigbena resorted to dropping the names of U.S. and UK leaders who had attended events staged by him. Dropping the names and pictures of these former Western leaders who attended paid-for-appearance ThisDay events as if they attended when serving in office, is another Obaigbena’s vainglorious clout chasing scheme to scam the public. He failed to disclose that the high-profile personalities who delivered keynote addresses at such events were handsomely paid from money he collected through media blackmail from captains of industries notably bank chiefs. To con the outside world, Obaigbena had boasted in an interview with New York Times that he had corporate fortune of $100m accruing to his company annually. But later, tax officials in Lagos could not reconcile those bogus claims with his tax records and non-remittance of taxes deducted from workers. It was so easy to expose his fake lifestyle.
Since Nduka Obaigbena introduced his blackmail and extortionist brand of journalism into Nigeria, generation of Bank CEOs, company Chief Executives, politicians and Governors from 1999 have suffered in silence, seeking liberation from oppressive journalism by intimidation. In 2009, Nduka Obaigbena raided Niger Delta states with his Thisday Entertainment’s packaged Niger-Delta Peace Concert. He coerced the Niger-Delta Governors then to contribute hundreds of millions of Naira with a promise to bring A-list pop stars such as Jay-Z and Beyonce to perform. After collecting the money the promised superstars didn’t show up. One of the governors was at the airport till almost midnight waiting to receive the superstars. These governors complained and suffered in silence because they were afraid of Nduka and his Thisday Newspaper which he has turned to instrument of oppression.
We took notice of Reuben Abati’s ramblings on Arise TV on his Wednesday Morning Show where he laboured in vain to defend his despicable record and perversions. Abati queried our statement that he is a registered member of PDP.
The query is rather for him. How did he become a deputy governorship candidate to the Late Senator Buruji Kashamu in 2019 without a membership of PDP as required by law?
We really do not expect much from Abati. He is a known pathological liar, who has lived on lies and deceit all his professional life. While he has successfully created the image of a conscientious public intellectual over the years, the fact is that he is a morally bankrupt man who has no scruples in selling his soul to the devil as long as money is involved.
Abati has very odious reputation within the corporate and political circles as “anything goes newspaper columnist” as long as the money is right.
Alake, Adviser, Media and Strategic Communication, and Onanuga, Director of Media and Publicity, sent the statement on behalf of All Progressives Congress (APC) Media and Communication Directorate
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₦213 Billion Worth of Properties Seized from Malami in Money Laundering Probe: Full List of 57 Luxury Homes and Hotels
Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, granted the order on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following an ex-parte motion filed by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two of his sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman Malami.
Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, granted the order on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following an ex-parte motion filed by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).
The assets, valued at ₦213.2 billion, include multi-billion naira landed properties spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States. The court ruled that the assets are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
The 57 properties are as follows:
1. Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500, 000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5,950,000,000).
2. Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11,Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased Dec. 2018 at N7,000,000,000.
3. Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising of a five storey Building (Now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in Sept. 2020 at carcass level at N850,000,000 with additional N300,000,000 to take possession (value after completion N8,400,000,000).
4. Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, Comprising Terraces, purchased in January 2021 at N360,000,000.
5. Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Limited, Maitama With 15 ROOMS), which was purchased in February 2018 at N430,000,000 (current value after rehabilitation is N12,950,000,000).
6. Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent) AsokoroDistrict, which was purchased in July 2021 at N325,000,000.
7. Shop No. C82 Citiscape — Shariff Plaza, Plot 739 Cadastral Zone A07, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse Il, FCT, Abuja, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120,000,000.
8. No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano, which was purchased in December 2022 at N300,000,000.
9. Plot 157, Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa, GRA, Kano, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.
10. A Plaza, Commercial Toilets, Laundering, Warehouse Tanks Adjacent to Birnin Kebbi Market at N100 million.
11. 100 Hectares of l;and Along Birnin Kebbi, Jega Road, which was purchased in 2020 at N100,000,000.
12. Four Bedroom Bungalow Gesse Phase, Birnin Kebbi, which was purchased in 2023 at N101,000, 000.
13. Shops Nos. A36, B3 Vegas Mall, Wuse 2, Abuja, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158,000,000.
14. No. 26, Babbi Drive, Bua Estate, Abuja, purchased in 2022 at N136,000,000.
15. No. 27, Efab Estates Avenue, 5th Avenue, 59th Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja, purchased in January 2016 at N120,000,000.
16. Four Bedroom/ 2 Rooms Boys Quarters at No. 10B, Doka Crescent Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, purchased in January 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.
17. Plot No. 13, Ipent 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja, purchased in June 2018 at N85,000,000.
18. A Bedroom Duplex & Boys Quarters at No. 12 Yalinga Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse Il, Abuja, purchased in Oct. 2018 at N150,000,000.
19. Two Warehouse Shops B40 And B46, Wuse Market, Abuja, purchased in July 2020 at N50,000,000.
20. Twin Houses at Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Cadastral Zone B01, Plot 14014, Gudu District, Abuja, was purchased between February and May 2017 at N250,000,000.
Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage namely.
21, 22, and 23. Nine units of three bedroom, bungalow, three units of two bedroom bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between February 2023 and September 2023 at N187,000,000, among other assets listed in the schedule.
RAYHAAN UNIVERSITY, KEBBI STATE
24. Rayhaan University Permanent Site -N56,000,000,000.00
25. Rayhaan University Temporary Site -N37,800,000,000.00
26. Rayhaan University Third Site – N2,450,000,000.00
27. Rayhaan University Vice Chancellor – N490,000,000.0
RAYHAAN AGRO ALLIED FACTORY IN KEBBI STATE
28. Factory Buildings -N4,200,000,000.00
29. Factory Machines and Plants Units -N10,500,000,000.00
30. Factory Mosque – N2,450,000,000.00
31. Rayhaan Mill Staff Quarters –
N1,487,500,000.00
32. Rayhaan Bustan Building –
N3,150,000,000.00
AZBIR ARENA KEBBI STATE
33. Azbir Hotel – N10,325,000,000.00
34. Printing Press – N1,050,000,000.00
35. Gallery –
N581,000,000.00
36. Gardens –
N392,000,000.00
37. Mosque -N252,000,000.00
38. Azbir Clothing –
N350,000,000.00
39. Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket – N175,000,000.00
OTHER PROPERTIES HELD IN KEBBI STAT
40. Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage opposite Rayhaan University Health Centre, along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin-Kebbi – N2,450,000,000.00
41. Rayhaan Model Academy -N11,200,000,000.0
42. Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School –
N8,750,000,000.00
43. Rayhaan Security House, off Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi –
N245,700,000.00
44. Rayhaan Radio along Sani Abacha, Bypass Road, Birnin, Kebbi – N245,700,000.00
45. Uncompleted 2 Storey Complex Plaza located opposite Central Motor Park, (Eastern Park) Birnin Kebbi – N78,750,000.00
46. Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd filling station Structure along Sani Abacha Bypass, Road, Birnin Kebbi near Jambali Automobile Workshop, Birnin Kebbi – N665,000,000.00
47. Malami Support Organization Building –
N210,000,000.00
48. ADC Kadi Malami Foundation Building – N56,000,000.00
49. Abubakar Malami SAN’s House GRA – N350,000,000.00
50. Abubakar Malami SAN’s House Behind Mobil – N490,000,000.00
51. Abdulaziz Malami (First Son’s House) at Gesse Phase II in Birnin Kebbi – N1,659,000,000.00
52. Abiru-Rahman Abubakar Malami (Second Son’s House) at Gesse Phase II in Birnin-Kebbi – N2,989,000,000.00
PROPERTIES IN KANO
53. Assets of Zeennoor Hotel at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano with 131 rooms –
N11,200,000,000.00
54. Zeennoor Mosque at Kabuga, Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano – N84,000,000.00
55. Zeennor Old Hotel Building -N280,000,000.00
56. Rayhaan Hotel, Kano Located at Plot 27/28 Opp-Aminu kano Teaching Hospital, Southern Kano (Land And Luxurious Building of more than 50 rooms, with appurtenances- N2,240,000,000.00
57. Rayhaan Gym, Kano House Comprising of a Storey Building Opposite Rayhaan Hotel – N1,225,000,000.00
President Bola Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, pledging to drive down inflation further, strengthen foreign reserves and sustain the country’s GDP growth trajectory.
In his New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, the President expressed confidence in the nation’s collective resolve, saying the new year would be a more prosperous one for the country, its citizens, and all who call Nigeria home.
Tinubu argued that during 2025, his administration sustained momentum on major reforms, achieved a fiscal reset and recorded steady economic progress. Despite persistent global economic headwinds, he said, Nigeria recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy.
“These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian,” he stated.
The President disclosed that Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong note, with annualised GDP growth expected to exceed four per cent for the year.
Trade surpluses were maintained and greater exchange rate stability was achieved, while inflation declined steadily to below 15 per cent, in line with his administration’s target.
“In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household,” he said.
Tinubu pointed to the performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which, he said, posted a robust 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, consolidating its bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On foreign reserves, he disclosed that sound monetary policy management had seen reserves stand at $45.4bn as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira. He expressed optimism that this position would strengthen further in the new year.
Foreign direct investment, the President noted, was also responding positively. In the third quarter of 2025, FDI rose to $720m, up from $90m in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, had consistently affirmed and applauded.
Tinubu recalled that he recently presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, emphasising that his administration had implemented critical reforms laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.
“With patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth,” he said.
As inflation and interest rates moderate, the President said, his administration expected increased fiscal space for productive investment in infrastructure and human capital development.
He commended states that had aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting harmonised tax laws to reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies, and fees on citizens and basic consumption.
The new year, Tinubu added, marks a critical phase in implementing tax reforms designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria.
On security, the President acknowledged that the nation continues to confront threats from criminal and terrorist elements.
He disclosed that in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24.
The Armed Forces, he said, had since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast.
“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security. We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country,” the President stated.
He reiterated his belief that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards and anchored on accountability, was critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.
Tinubu also announced plans to accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country.
Through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, he said, the administration would stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities. Investment would also continue in modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve quality of life.
The President called on all Nigerians to play their part, describing nation-building as a shared responsibility that required unity of purpose, patriotism, and service with honour and integrity.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility.
“We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles. Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better stewards of our nation.
“Fellow Nigerians, I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country, keep our troops safe and destroy the enemies bent on disrupting our national peace, security and stability,” he stated.
Meanwhile, governors and other political leaders across the country reflected on the trials of the outgoing year, calling for unity, resilience, and renewed commitment to governance, security, and economic recovery.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, urged Nigerians to remain positive and hopeful about the future.
In his New Year message released on Wednesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas called on citizens to look forward to 2026 with optimism and to continue working collectively for the unity and progress of the country.
Reflecting on the outgoing year, the Speaker noted that 2025, despite its challenges, recorded commendable strides in good governance and improvements in national security, particularly with the successes achieved in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians across all divides to strengthen national cohesion and commitment to peace-building.
“In every new dawn lies a promise,” the Speaker said, as he commended Nigerians for their patience, perseverance, and contributions towards building a stronger nation.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Obed Nana, said social pressures and security challenges tested the resilience of his government in 2025.
He, however, said the state stood firm through unity, patience, and unwavering faith in his government.
Niger State experienced major security challenges in 2025, including incidents of tanker explosions which claimed many lives, boat accidents, and terrorist abductions, particularly of schoolchildren in November.
Therefore, Bago asked residents to continue to support his administration in its efforts to deliver the New Niger Agenda, anchored on good governance, security, and economic revitalisation.
“The outgoing year tested our resilience as a people, particularly in moments of security challenges and social pressures. Yet, through unity, patience, and unwavering faith in government, Niger State stood firm.
“I sincerely thank the people of Niger State for their trust, cooperation, and steadfast support at critical moments, which greatly strengthened our collective response and progress,” he said.
Bago promised that his government remained committed to transparent communication, responsive leadership, and policies that placed the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance.
A former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmed Makarfi, urged Nigerians to remain united and resilient in the New Year. In his message issued in Kaduna on Wednesday, he acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens over the past year but expressed optimism for a better future.
According to him, Nigerians must confront the nation’s challenges together as a united people bound by shared hopes and a promising destiny.
“As we exit the year 2025, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to all Nigerians,” Makarfi said, praying that the New Year offered “a renewed opportunity to strengthen our resolve and collectively overcome our challenges.”
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, called on Nigerians to embrace unity, renewal, and collective resolve as the country enters 2026. He urged sustained support for policies aimed at economic stability, inclusive growth, and grassroots development.
In his New Year message to his constituents, Lagos State, and Nigerians at large, the lawmaker described the beginning of 2026 as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to progress and prosperity.
He reaffirmed his commitment to championing policies that promote economic stability and inclusive growth, stressing that development must reach every ward, community, and household across Lagos East.
Abiru therefore urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu as it implemented policies targeted at strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure, expanding opportunities, and securing a more prosperous future for citizens.
The Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese of Ondo State, Stephen Fagbemi, called on Christians and all Nigerians to embrace peace and love in the New Year.
Tinubu projects lower inflation, stronger growth in 2026 New Year address
In a New Year message delivered through the Public Relations Officer of the diocese, Banjo Abitogun, on Wednesday, the cleric expressed optimism that the New Year would be a season of high hope and fresh opportunity for Christians with “unwavering faith in God, renewed commitment to righteous living, and genuine love for one another.”
He further prayed for Nigeria, asking God to grant the nation wise leadership, economic recovery, security of lives and property, and unity among all citizens.
For its part, the Young Progressives Party has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite widespread frustration arising from past electoral experiences.
The party made the call in its New Year message issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins.
Public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process sharply declined following the 2023 general elections, which were marred by widespread complaints of technical glitches, particularly the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal to upload polling unit results in real time.
The disruptions triggered protests, legal challenges and persistent allegations of manipulation, reinforcing calls for comprehensive electoral reforms to restore trust ahead of the 2027 polls.
Martins appealed to the masses to intensify civic engagement and political participation in what he described as a decisive period for Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, years of electoral setbacks should not translate into apathy or silence in the face of poor governance.
“Though the journey has been difficult and often discouraging, surrendering our sovereignty must never translate into docility or silence in the face of bad governance.
“The YPP calls on Nigerians not to be discouraged by the experiences of previous elections.
“Rather, citizens must mobilise like never before in this penultimate election year to reclaim their power at the ballot in 2027 and vote out incompetent, corrupt and insensitive leadership. The future of our democracy depends on active participation, not apathy,” he said.
The party further urged Nigerians to begin demanding accountability from public office holders, especially in light of fiscal reforms expected to increase government revenue.
“Nigerians must begin to ask critical questions, demand answers and closely scrutinise public spending, especially with the advent of the new tax law, which is expected to widen the tax net and significantly increase government revenue.
“Democracy thrives when citizens remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable. Increased revenue without transparency, accountability and prudence will only deepen public mistrust and hardship,” he stated.
The YPP also warned against what it described as the politicisation of anti-graft agencies, insisting that selective justice undermines democracy and weakens public institutions.
“We strongly warn against the weaponisation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-corruption agencies against political opponents.
“The fight against corruption must be sincere, impartial and devoid of political bias. Selective justice weakens institutions and erodes public confidence in governance,” he said.
On the newly introduced tax law, the party maintained that Nigeria’s fiscal crisis was rooted more in poor expenditure management than revenue shortfalls.
Martins criticised what he described as extravagant spending by public officials and called for accountability before full implementation of the law.
He argued, “Nigeria’s major challenge has never been revenue generation but the reckless, wasteful and opaque expenditure of public funds.
“Nigerians are not opposed to paying taxes; rather, they are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency, probity and discipline in the management of our commonwealth.
“It is unacceptable for taxpayers’ money to be used to fund religious pilgrimages, purchase private jets and yachts, procure luxury SUVs for members of the National Assembly and sustain the looting and frivolous lifestyle of a reckless political elite.”
“We therefore call on the government to urgently resolve all discrepancies associated with the new tax law before implementation.
“More importantly, those responsible for the discrepancies must be thoroughly investigated, apprehended and punished in accordance with the law,” Martins urged.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has assured residents that his administration will consolidate on the achievements recorded in 2025 as the state steps into the new year, with renewed focus on security, education, infrastructure and economic empowerment.
In his New Year message released to journalists in Sokoto on Wednesday, the governor said 2026 would be a year of consolidation and accelerated development, guided by his administration’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda.
Aliyu said his government would continue to prioritise critical sectors capable of fast-tracking socio-economic growth across the state, stressing that peace and security remain central to development.
He disclosed that the state government had developed a fresh blueprint to further support security agencies in tackling banditry, especially in the 13 local government areas affected by insecurity.
“We have already drawn up a blueprint on how to further assist security agencies in the areas of logistics, intelligence gathering and intelligence sharing,” the governor said.
He urged security agencies to intensify their operations in the new year, while calling on residents, particularly those in frontline communities, to cooperate by providing timely and credible information.
Aliyu also appealed to communities to expose individuals exhibiting suspicious behaviour or living above their means, noting that community vigilance would help dismantle informant networks aiding criminal activities in rural areas.
On education and religious development, the governor announced plans to construct new Islamiyya schools and rehabilitate those in poor condition.
He added that ongoing renovations of primary, secondary and tertiary institutions would be completed, with more furniture supplied and sustained attention given to teachers’ welfare.
In infrastructure development, Aliyu said all ongoing housing projects in Wajake, Gidan Salanke and Sokoto New City, alongside rural and township road projects, would be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2026.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment programmes, including NG-CARES, Ahmadu-CARES and other initiatives targeting youths and women.
He also promised improved water supply, stating that all ongoing water projects would be completed, with additional machinery provided for major water intake facilities across the state.
In agriculture, Governor Aliyu said the government would continue to support farmers with inputs and implements, adding that contracts had already been awarded for the procurement of tractors to boost mechanised farming.
The health sector, he said, would remain a priority through the renovation of health facilities and the provision of modern medical equipment across the state.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, we will ensure the successful actualisation of all these projects in 2026,” he assured.
Governor Aliyu thanked the people of Sokoto State for their continued support and reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, while wishing residents and Nigerians a prosperous New Year.
A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, urged Nigerians to hold those in authority accountable, describing responsible and people-oriented leadership as key to addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
In his New Year message, Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and Transport Minister, said 2025 tested the nation’s resilience, with many families grappling with economic hardship, rising cost of living and widespread insecurity.
He called on Nigerians to use the new year as a turning point in the quest for peace, unity, improved security, economic stability and the overall well-being of the people.
According to him, citizens must collectively demand responsible, responsive, transparent and accountable leadership.
Amaechi also called for economic reforms that would lead to job creation, poverty reduction, affordable healthcare, housing and food, as well as quality education for all Nigerians.
news
Update : Road Crash: Anthony Joshua Hospitalised, Two Confirmed Dead — Ogun Police Spokesperson
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised after a road accident in the Makun area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.
Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed this in a statement.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 am on Monday.
Our reporter, who was at the scene, said the crash happened just before the Danco Filling Station in Makun, ahead of the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
Adeniyi Orojo stated that the Lexus Jeep carrying Joshua, with number plate KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck.
The eyewitness revealed that Joshua sustained minor injuries, while two others died at the scene.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. A passenger sat beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed.
His security detail followed in the vehicle behind.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles for help. Minutes after the crash, Federal Road Safety Corps officials arrived. The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot,” he said.
In a statement sent to Newsthumb on Monday, Oluseyi confirmed that Joshua and other injured persons were involved in a car accident and rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
He said, “The Ogun State Police Command confirms a road accident today in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Anthony Joshua and other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital.
“Further updates will be communicated.”
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