Category: News

Categories
News

I’m For Tinubu Till 2031, Not Running for Presidency in 2027 – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has revealed he has no plan to contest in the 2027 election.
Speaking on Friday, he denied report that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is “pushing” him to run for the presidency in 2027.
Wike described the report as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.”
A statement by his spokesman, Lere Olayinka, said “as far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu till 2031”.
He said it was shameful that the “pull Wike down” elements could not reason beyond such kindergarten tactics, adding that it was clear that they need better brains to think for them.
According to the statement: “Report circulated by an online platform that is notorious for falsehood and blackmail that a meeting was held by some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to “push” the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to run for President in 2027, has been described as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.

“Wike does not function in hiding. He does what he says, and says what he does.

“The Minister has made it clear where he stands as long as the 2027 Presidential election is concerned, he is with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

 
Olayinka stated that the only meeting that took place on August 20, 2025, was that of PDP stakeholders from Southern part of Nigeria, and the purpose was the meeting scheduled for Lagos on August 21, 2025, by some elements to rubberstamp a decision to micro-zone party positions zoned to the South.
“Outcome of the meeting was made public via a press statement titled; ‘Re: Purported Meeting Of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,’ signed by State Party Chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Barr. Venatuis Ikem, Rt. Hon Aniekan Akpan and Aaron Chukwuemeka respectively, as well as the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon O. K. Chinda.
 
“Others who signed the press statement were Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser, Barr. Mudi Erhenede and others.
 
“Obviously, the above names were picked from the press statement published in all major newspapers and aired on national television stations, to advance the latest mischief.
 
“We know their intention though. But unfortunately for them, and the platform they are using to propagate their idle plots, the person and character of the FCT Minister is known to everyone – he does not do anything in hiding.
 
“He has said it clearly that from now till 2031, it is on the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he will stand.
 
“To ensure the success of the President’s reelection, Wike will continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT by actualising the visions of the President for a federal capital city that can compete with other capital cities in the world in terms of infrastructural development.”
Categories
News

FG Sues Senator Nwebonyi Over Alleged Vile Remarks Against Senator Natasha

The Federal Government of Nigeria has instituted a law suit against Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
FG sued Nwebonyi over alleged defamatory statements made against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Sahara Reporters revealed that the five-count charge, marked CR/547/2025, was filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, on behalf of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation.
According to the charge sheet dated September 11, 2025, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday, Senator Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District and serves as Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, made the offending remarks between March 3 and 29, 2025, during appearances on Arise Television, Channels Television, TVC, and News Central Television in Abuja, as well as in other media outlets

The prosecution accused Senator Nwebonyi of making several statements intended to damage Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation, including describing her as “a habitual accuser” and “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon.”

He was further quoted as saying, “This woman is a known blackmailer, and people should be very careful with this woman.”
 
According to the Federal Government, these remarks were malicious and capable of exposing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule.
The charge sheet also alleged that Nwebonyi made disparaging personal comments about the senator, describing her as “a mother of six from different men” and questioning her moral character, statements which the prosecution says constitute a violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, and are punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.
Count One of the charge specifically accuses Senator Nwebonyi of making imputations knowing that such statements would harm the reputation of another person, contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.
If convicted, the offence carries a potential sentence of imprisonment, fine, or both, as stipulated under the Penal Code provisions.
The statement of offence for count one reads, “Making imputation knowing that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory Nigeria and punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.
 
“That on or about the 3rd day of March 2025, during a live studio interview programme “NewsDay” on Arise Television in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, You SENATOR PETER ONYEKACHI NWEBONYI, made the following imputation concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during the referenced interview programme with Arise Television anchors/hosts (Aaron Akerejola and Cynthia Areh) to wit:
 
“This is an attempt to discredit the Senate President, and this is not the first time, just give me some time, this is not the first time this woman is doing this. This is a woman that have accused Yahaya Bello of sexual harassment…”
 
“This is the same woman that accused Reno Omokri, the former media aide to Jonathan of sexual harassment, this is a woman I saw on a video yesterday accusing a Minister of sexual harassment. Are you the only woman in Nigeria? Senator Natasha! What is wrong with you?”
 
“This is madness, Nigerian women should rise against this, let me tell you something…”
 
“Senator Natasha is spoiling game for Nigeria women trying to enter politics, because nobody will vote for a woman… No! I’m telling you, if women can behave this way, then there is danger… if you give them more power!”
 
“And I have my points, any slightest provocation, you accuse eh, he want to sexually harass me, he eh (inaudible). Who are you? A mother of six…a mother of six from different men, without going to her character, this is a mother of six from different men and you think that her character is not questionable.”
 
“I’m going to her character, she have to change! We should condemn evil that is the point…I’m a Christian.”
 
“Listen! She is a habitual accuser, she is a habitual accuser of men, of sexual harassment.”
 
“And YOU SENATOR PETER ONYEKACHI NWEBONYI know or have reason to believe that these imputations will harm the reputation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Senator of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
 
Counts Two to Five: Each of the remaining four counts accuses Senator Peter Nwebonyi of making statements or imputations knowing, or having reason to believe, that such remarks would harm the reputation of another person, in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code Act.
The Federal Government maintains that these imputations were made maliciously and with reckless disregard for the truth, thereby constituting criminal defamation under the law.
The case has been formally scheduled for hearing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where Senator Nwebonyi is expected to take his plea and defend himself against the allegations.
If found guilty, he faces penalties prescribed under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act, which include imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Categories
News

What Tinubu Told Me Before He Became President – Ben Murray-Bruce

Former senator Ben Murray-Bruce has revealed details of a private conversation he shared with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

In an interview with TVC News on Friday, Murray-Bruce said the president has fulfilled the promises he made during the conversation.

The former lawmaker said he asked Tinubu, “You are going to have 36 ministers and ministers of state, how are you going to run the economy with over 40 people you don’t even know?”

In response, according to him, the president said, “I only need eight people to run Nigeria”,

The APC chieftain countered opposition figures criticising the current administration, stating that President Tinubu has kept his campaign promises.

“He chose the right people, and they have made a difference to the economy. He also shocked me on the first day in the office when he said he would deregulate and float the currency.

“Two years after my question to him, he did exactly what I asked him to do”, the former lawmaker said.

The former lawmaker recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Categories
News

No Inmate Released Yet, Presidential Pardon Under Review – FG

Following backlash, the Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has yet been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise.
According to the government, the process is still undergoing its final administrative review.
This follows reports that President Bola Tinubu approved pardons for Sir Herbert Macaulay and 174 others, including environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Major General Mamman Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 for alleged coup plotting.
The list also reportedly included Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, along with other inmates and ex-convicts recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
However, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in a statement on Thursday, clarified that while the Council of State had endorsed the recommendations for clemency, no formal release had taken place. He said the process remains at the verification and review stage to ensure full compliance with legal and procedural standards.
“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody. The process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued,” the statement read.
Fagbemi explained that the issuance of the release instrument marks the final phase, after which the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service will be authorized to implement the decisions.
He stressed that the review process is standard protocol, reflecting the government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and the rule of law.
“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy,” he said, assuring that the public will be informed once all legal and procedural checks are completed.
 
“The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” he added.
Categories
News

Why I Joined APC – Ben Murray-Bruce

Former lawmaker, who represented Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Ben Murray-Bruce has opened up on why he joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
According to him, he joined APC because of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership qualities and capacity to rebuild Nigeria’s economy.
He revealed this on Thursday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television.
According to him, political parties were irrelevant compared to the leadership and vision of the individual at the helm.
“It’s about leadership. It’s not the party. Forget about party — parties are irrelevant. It’s about the man at the top.
 
“President Tinubu has shown that he can lead Nigeria, he can fix the economy, he can put together a dream team. People want immediate results, but that’s not going to happen. Nigeria is in very bad shape and needs time to recover,” he said.
He likened Nigeria’s current economic condition to a patient recovering from surgery.
Categories
News

Police Arrest Man With 56 Fake $100 Bills In Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Lawan Isa, for being in possession of 56 counterfeit $100 bills.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 said four Android phones and one keypad handset were recovered from the suspect.

“Acting on credible intelligence, on 5th October 2025, at about 1700hrs, operatives attached to Gidan Lage Outstation under Ringim Division arrested one Lawan Isa ‘m’ age 33yrs of Dorayi Karama, Kano State, at Gidan Lage Market in possession of fifty-six (56) pieces of 100-USDo notes and one (1) piece of 1-USD note, all suspected to be counterfeit,” the statement read.

“On investigation, the suspect could not give any satisfactory explanation regarding the fake currencies in his possession.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Dutse, for meticulous investigation.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, commended the diligence and professionalism of officers involved in these successful operations.

He urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to continue providing credible information to the police and other security agencies to help in the ongoing fight against crime across the State.

The command assured the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that criminals have no hiding place within the State.

Categories
News

I’ll Make INEC Truly Independent – New INEC Chairman, Amupitan Vows

Professor Joash Amupitan, the nominee for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made a promise to Nigerians.
He vowed to strengthen the independence of the nation’s electoral body if confirmed for the position.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on the Whole on Thursday afternoon for his screening, Amupitan said that his top priority would be to explore constitutional provisions to ensure that the Commission operates as a truly independent institution, free from political or financial interference.
Addressing questions from lawmakers, the professor noted that over the years, the independence of INEC has been undermined by two key factors — financial limitations and a lack of full understanding of the law by both the Commission and other arms of government.
According to him, these challenges have often made the Commission appear dependent on the executive arm, especially in budgetary matters and operational decisions.
He stressed that as the electoral umpire, INEC must have the authority to make decisions without external pressure to maintain credibility in the electoral process.
Amupitan assured the Senators that, if confirmed, he would make full use of the constitutional powers granted to the Commission to safeguard its autonomy and strengthen its institutional capacity.
He further explained that a truly independent electoral body is essential for building public confidence in Nigeria’s elections, adding that he would prioritise transparency, accountability, and technological innovation in INEC’s operations.
While responding to additional questions, Amupitan also expressed his commitment to improving voter education, enhancing electoral logistics, and ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and reflective of the people’s will.
He concluded by saying that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when the electoral umpire operates independently and within the full spirit of the Constitution.
Watch the video here

Here

Categories
News

JAMB Still Prerequisite For Admission Into Tertiary Institutions In Nigeria – Board Dismisses Rumours

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dismissed reports by a news outlet claiming that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is no longer a requirement for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

A statement by JAMB’s Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin said the information was malicious, insisting that the Minister of Education, Dr Mauruf Alausa, never made any such announcements.

Dr Benjamin then urged the general public to disregard the unfounded information, noting that JAMB will continue to discharge its statutory duties in line with its enabling laws.

The statement said, ”Our attention has been drawn to fallacious information published by Phonix.browser.com on 16th October, 2025, stating that, “JAMB is no longer a prerequisite for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

”We wish to categorically state that the information is malicious and preposterous, as Hon. Minister of Education Dr. Mauruf Alausa, has at no point, made such a pronouncement.

”The misquoted statement, ‘Renewed Hope in Action: Federal Government Streamlines Admission Requirements to Expand Access to Tertiary Education’ was a part of the federal government efforts to increase access to tertiary education in Nigeria.

”We therefore call on the general public to disregard the unfounded information and take note that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) shall continue to discharge its statutory duties in line with its enabling laws.”

Categories
News

Nigerian Army Announced Recruitment For Short Service

The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of online applications for the 2026 Short Service Combatant (SSC) Course 49.

This was made known in a terse statement posted on its official Facebook page on Thursday.

According to the statement, the exercise “presents a unique opportunity for eligible Nigerians to serve their fatherland in the Combat Arms and Combat Support Arms of the Nigerian Army.”

The post urged interested applicants to visit the official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng/military-secretary

for detailed information and registration guidelines.

It further encouraged eligible Nigerians to seize the opportunity and “serve your fatherland with honour and courage.”

Categories
News

Naira Records Highest Depreciation Against US Dollar

The Naira has depreciated massively against the United States dollar on Wednesday.
This is according to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The data showed that the naira weakened to N1,473.29 per dollar on Wednesday, down from N1,463.23 on Tuesday.
This showed that the N10.06 against the dollar on a day-to-day basis. This is the highest Naira decline at the official FX market this week, as it dropped N5.72 and N2.34 on Tuesday and Monday. The Naira has declined by N18.12 when compared to N1,455.17 per dollar traded on October 10th last week.
Meanwhile, at the black market, the naira remained stable between N1,490 and N1,505 on Wednesday, the same exchange rates as on Tuesday.
This comes despite Nigeria’s external reserves’ continued rise to $42.65 billion as of October 14th, 2025, up from $42.59 billion on October 10th.
On Wednesday, the National Bureau of Statistics consumer price index and inflation rate data showed that Nigeria’s inflation rate declined for the sixth time to 18.02 per cent in September 2025.

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters