Posted on Leave a comment

Venezuela Interim Leader says no foreign power running country

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez insisted Tuesday no foreign power was governing her country, after US President Donald Trump said Washington would “run” it pending a transition after ousting her predecessor.

“The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no one else. There is no foreign agent governing Venezuela,” Rodriguez said in a televised address.

Rodriguez on Tuesday got down to the business of running the country, under pressure from Washington to give access to Caracas’s oil while trying to keep supporters of ousted Nicolas Maduro on her side.

Former deputy president Rodriguez, 56, was sworn in as acting leader Monday, as Maduro appeared in a New York court, where he pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and “narco-terrorism.”

His wife, Cilia Flores, who was snatched with him by US special forces from a military base in Caracas on Saturday during a bombing raid, also pleaded not guilty.

Rodriguez, whom US President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to work with, faces a delicate balancing act.

She has suggested that she will cooperate with Washington, which wants to tap Venezuela’s massive oil reserves.

But she has also sought to project unity with the hardliners in Maduro’s administration, who control the security forces and powerful paramilitaries.

Venezuela’s journalists’ union said Tuesday that 14 journalists and media workers, most of them representing foreign media, were detained while covering the presidential inauguration at parliament on Monday and later released.

Two other journalists for foreign media were detained near the Colombian border and later released, it added.

Thousands of people marched through Caracas in support of Maduro on Monday and further demonstrations were planned on Tuesday.

On Monday, Rodriguez told the opening of parliament she was “in pain over the kidnapping of our heroes, the hostages in the United States,” referring to Maduro and Flores.

The session turned into an impromptu rally for “Chavismo” — the anti-US, socialist policies of late firebrand leader Hugo Chavez and his anointed heir Maduro.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has been given no role by Washington in the post-Maduro transition, warned in a Fox News interview that Rodriguez was not to be trusted.

“Delcy Rodriguez as you know is one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, narcotrafficking,” she said.

“She’s the main ally and liaison with Russia, China, Iran, certainly not an individual that could be trusted by international investors.”

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate vowed to return home “as soon as possible” from her current undisclosed location outside the country.

Trump has so far backed Rodriguez, but warned she would pay “a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro” if she does not comply with Washington’s agenda.

So far she has made no changes to the cabinet, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, widely seen as wielding the real power in Venezuela, retaining their posts.

“Delcy had better be sleeping with one eye open right now because right behind her are two men who would be more than happy to cut her throat and take control themselves,” Brian Naranjo, a former US diplomat who was previously stationed in Venezuela, told AFP.

Venezuelan political analyst Mariano de Alba agreed that the new government was “unstable,” but said that Chavismo had understood that “only through apparent cohesion can they keep themselves in power.” (Channels)

Posted on Leave a comment

Gov Eno signs N1.584tr 2026 budget into law

A budget of ₦1,584,271,856,630.00 trillion has been signed into law for the 2026 fiscal year by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.

Of this amount, N416,594,925,850 billion is for recurrent expenditure, while N1,167,676,930,780 is for capital expenditure.

This exercise was performed during the enlarged State Executive Council meeting at the Exco Chambers, Government House. It was also attended by the leadership of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong.

Governor Eno commended the synergy between the House of Assembly and the Executive Arm of government. He said the collaboration accounted for the numerous achievements recorded in the state last year.

The governor urged members of the State Executive Council to be ready to make a total commitment and demonstrate passion in service delivery, warning that no excuses would be tolerated for non-performance.

“We all must rededicate ourselves to delivering our tasks promptly and decisively. This year is not a year for excuses. It is a year for action.

“Let us endeavour to break all barriers, go the extra mile to deliver. And when we deliver, we can sit back and celebrate. We can then be recognised.

“Let us not be in the company of people who will keep giving excuses and behave like Saul, who failed in his responsibility to govern the country and told Samuel it was the people. It was the people. The people will always be there, but the courage to do the right thing resides in leadership.

“The audacity to take decisions for the people resides in leadership. That is why God has placed us where we are in the first place. And so this year, let us understand that excuses will not be tolerated,” he said.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, lauded the governor for transparency and collaborative governance, insisting that the House of Assembly is appreciative of the results achieved by his government.

“You have implemented over 80per cent of the 2025 budget and the House of Assembly is ready to continue collaborating with the Executive, so other people will continue to be happy to have you as their Governor.”

Briefing newsmen after the budget-signing exercise, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Linus Nkan, flanked by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, said, “Today at EXCO, we witnessed the signing of the 2026 budget, which was passed by the State House of Assembly late last year.

“The 2026 budget, which was presented to the House of Assembly on the 25th of November 2025, had a total budget size of N1.39tr.

“After subjecting the budget to scrutiny in the State House of Assembly, where all the MDAs appeared for defence, a whole lot of adjustments were made by the various MDAs, and that adjustment led to an increase in the budget size by the sum of N194 billion, and that increased the total budget size to 1,584,000,000 Naira for 2026 budget.

“The recurrent expenditure total is 416.5 billion, as against N354 billion originally proposed. Whereas the capital expenditure increased to N1,167 trillion from the original N1,035 trillion.

“We have today, a total budget size of 1,584,271,856,630 Naira to run with for the 2026 fiscal year, and hopefully it is going to stimulate and drive development of our economy.”

Earlier, the governor presented an award of Excellence to the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, as Commissioner of the Year, and lauded his passion and dedication, which accounted for the success of the recently concluded Christmas Unplugged 3:0.

He announced a cash prize of N20m to the Commissioner and another N100m to members of the planning committee of the event, and approved a one-week leave for the Commissioner. (Guardian)

Posted on Leave a comment

Makinde reshuffles cabinet, appoints new SSG, others

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced a cabinet reshuffle.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde has relieved the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo, of her appointment with immediate effect.

Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde has been appointed as the new Secretary to the State Government.

The statement further said that Temilolu Seun Ashamu has been moved from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Also, Governor Makinde has announced his Senior Special Assistant on Public Works, Ademola Aderinto, as a commissioner-designate. He will consequently be presented to the Oyo State House of Assembly for screening.

The statement also announced the appointment of Honourable Abiodun Adedoja as Special Adviser on Energy Security and Kolawole Elijah Akanmu as Senior Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning. (Channels)

Posted on Leave a comment

Rivers deputy governor, SSG officially join APC

The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, have officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dr. Odu completed her registration as an APC member at Ward 8, Unit 11, Akabuka town, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the state.

Her defection comes shortly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara formally joined the ruling party.
Similarly, Dr. Anabraba registered his membership on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Ward 1, Unit 1, Bob-Manuel’s Compound, Abonnema, in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.

Speaking after his registration, the SSG said the exercise formally affirmed his membership of the APC and would enable him to participate fully in the party’s activities. He noted that the move would also strengthen his support for Governor Fubara’s “Rivers First” agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He expressed optimism that enhanced synergy between the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government would yield greater dividends for the people of the state.

Earlier, in a letter titled “Resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Dr. Anabraba described his decision to leave the PDP as personal. He appreciated the opportunities and political leverage he gained while in the party and wished it well in its future endeavours.

Meanwhile, Dr. Odu has appealed to her supporters to rally behind President Tinubu and Governor Fubara, stressing the need to strengthen the APC’s grassroots presence ahead of future elections.

A few days ago, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly appointed Special Advisers to brace up, as their appointments are aimed at strengthening teamwork within government and ensuring that the machinery of governance continues to function smoothly and efficiently.

He urged the appointees to remain committed to his administration’s vision to deliver effective, people-centred governance in the state.

The governor gave the charge on Friday, January 2, 2025, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, after administering the oath of office to the five advisers.

Those sworn in are Barr. Eloka Tasie-Amadi, Prof. Peter Medee, Emmanuel Frank Fubara, Victor Ekaro and Dr. Darlington Orji.

The governor said, “What we are doing this afternoon is to bring in some persons on board to ensure that the wheels of governance continue to roll smoothly in our state.”

He explained that the advisers were carefully selected because they were familiar with his administration’s philosophy and direction, having previously worked with him in various capacities.

“These are not new faces. They have been with us and have worked with us. They understand the philosophy of this administration, and it will not be difficult for them to align and ensure that our goals are achieved,” he stated.

The governor stressed that effective governance could only be achieved through collective effort, discipline and shared responsibility, warning the appointees against complacency.

“My charge is simple because you already know what we have come to do. This is not for pleasure; it is work,” he said, adding that expectations were high. (Guardian)

Posted on Leave a comment

Algeria beat DR Congo in extra time, to face Nigeria in quarter-finals

Algeria secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 tie on Tuesday, setting up a quarter-final showdown with Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday.

A late strike by substitute Adil Boulbina in the 119th minute settled a tense encounter at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Released on the left, the 22-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Duhail in Qatar, advanced into the area and unleashed a powerful shot into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the 18,837 fans in attendance.

Boulbina, making just his second appearance off the bench at the tournament, was overcome with emotion after the match.

“I have always dreamed of playing for the national team. It is the ambition of every Algerian to play for their country and do well. I had my chance and scored, and the most important thing is that we won and qualified for the next round,” he said.

The 2019 champions, who won all their group-stage games, now appear as strong contenders to claim a third continental title.

Their victory, however, was a bitter blow for DR Congo, who had hoped to face Nigeria after defeating the Super Eagles on penalties in a World Cup qualifying play-off in November.

“We are obviously disappointed with the outcome. I thought it was a top-level game between two really good sides. The players gave everything. We fought to the end, but unfortunately, it was not enough,” said DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre.

The match itself failed to live up to its billing, with few clear chances in the first half. Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe headed just wide from a corner for DR Congo, while Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza fired narrowly past the goal.

In the second half, Edo Kayembe tested Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane with a long-range effort, but the score remained goalless, forcing extra time.

Algeria grew more threatening in extra time, with Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing fine saves from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute. A winning goal seemed unlikely until Ramiz Zerrouki released Boulbina with a precise pass, allowing the substitute to score and secure the win. (Channels)

Posted on Leave a comment

Tinubu appoints first female DG of Nigerian Law School

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Olugbemisola Odusote as the new Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Law School (NLS).

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said the appointment, which takes effect from January 10, 2026, is for a four-year term.

“As Director-General, Odusote will be responsible for the institution’s overall academic leadership, administrative management, and strategic direction across all campuses,” the statement reads.

“She will also serve as the primary liaison between the school, the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association.”

According to the statement, Odusote, 57, will succeed Isa Chiroma, the current DG, whose tenure expires on January 9, 2026, after eight years of service.

The appointee is currently the deputy director-general and head of the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law School. She will become the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment in 1962.

Odusote obtained her bachelor’s degree in law from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and was called to the bar in 1988.

She holds a master’s from the same university, specialising in company and commercial law, and a doctorate degree in law from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom (UK), with research focus on public law and administration of justice.

Odusote joined the Nigerian Law School as a lecturer in 2001 and has risen through the ranks, serving as head of academic department, director of academics, and head of campus. (Channels)

Posted on Leave a comment

Army probes soldier’s alleged killing of teenager in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into the death of a 13-year-old boy allegedly shot by a soldier in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, along Akongntekong Road, Ete, sparked outrage and tension within the community.

The Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade, Mbiokporo, Captain Lawal Mohamed, said the matter had been taken over by the Military Police.

“The incident has been handled by the Military Police and is already under investigation. Due process would be followed”. He assured

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the victim, Timothy Daniel, was returning from a crossover service at Mount Zion Full Gospel Church with his 15-year-old sister, Miracle Daniel, when the incident occurred at about 12:05 a.m.

An eyewitness, Anthony Akpan, said that Miracle had briefly crossed the road when the soldier who was on guard duty at the residence of the late former clan head, Clement Idemudo, where expatriates reportedly reside, allegedly followed her and made inappropriate advances.

According to Akpan, when the girl resisted and protested, the soldier allegedly became aggressive and threatened her. Timothy, who was waiting nearby, reportedly confronted the soldier over the alleged harassment of his sister, leading to a heated exchange.

The confrontation allegedly escalated, culminating in the soldier firing his rifle and hitting the teenager. Timothy was said to have died on the spot, after which the soldier reportedly retreated into the compound while other security personnel later removed the body.

“The shooting triggered panic and unrest in the area, disrupting New Year celebrations. Even a vehicle belonging to a former political adviser to the Ikot Abasi Local Government Chairman, Obong Uyai Udoiwod, was damaged during the ensuing commotion,” he said. (Channels)

Posted on Leave a comment

Army foils bandits’ movement, neutralises three in Kogi

Troops of the Nigerian Army 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have foiled bandits’ movement in Kogi, neutralising three suspects and arresting one logistics supplier.

The action is disclosed in a statement by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, on Sunday in Lokoja.

Abdullahi said the coordinated operation occurred on Saturday, January 3, as part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping.

He said fighting patrols and ambushes were conducted in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of the state.

“Troops ambushed bandits moving toward Agbadu Bunu, neutralising two and recovering arms, including an AK-47 rifle and ammunition,” he said.

According to him, the troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area.

“They ran into our ambush and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties, as blood stains were observed,” Abdullahi said.

He said two bandits were neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, ammunition, a locally fabricated gun and cartridges were recovered.

Abdullahi added that troops, working with local vigilantes in Yagba West, engaged bandits around Saminaka village.

“One bandit was neutralised during the encounter, and an AK-47 rifle with ammunition was recovered,” he said.

He also disclosed the arrest of a suspected bandit logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun.

“Items recovered from his settlement included energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce,” Abdullahi said.

He said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.

Abdullahi stressed that the operations demonstrate sustained pressure on criminals and their support networks.

He said the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, commended the troops’ professionalism, courage, and swift response to intelligence.

The commander assured continued aggressive patrols and operations to deny criminals freedom of action in the state. (Guardian)

Posted on Leave a comment

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles thrash Mozambique 4-0 to reach quarter-finals

The Super Eagles have booked a place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in their Round of 16 clash in Fès.

The Eagles started strongly, building on their perfect group stage record, having won all three matches to top Group C. Mozambique, making their first-ever appearance in the Round of 16 after finishing as one of the best third-placed teams in Group F, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and attacking threat.

The Super Eagles took an early lead in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman converted an assist from Akor Adams. Victor Osimhen doubled the advantage five minutes later, before Lookman set up Osimhen again in the 47th minute to make it three. Adams Akor completed the scoring with Nigeria’s fourth in the 75th minute.

Wilfred Ndidi captained the midfield alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali returned in goal. The back four of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi kept Mozambique at bay throughout the match.

Substitutions in the second half saw Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze replace Adams Akor and Lookman, while Onyeka and Ndidi were replaced by Tom Dele Bashiru and Onyedika as Chelle refreshed his midfield. Moses Simon also came on for Osimhen.

By the 80th minute, Nigeria had registered eight shots on target, while Mozambique had yet to test Nwabali.

With the win, Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals, maintaining their momentum as they chase a fourth AFCON title. They will face the winners of the match between Algeria and Congo DR. (Punch)

Posted on Leave a comment

Armed gangs kill 30, kidnap many in Niger

Armed gangs killed more than 30 people and kidnapped others in a raid in Nigeria in the same state where hundreds of schoolchildren were abducted late last year, police said Sunday.

The gangs swept into Kasuwan Daji village, in the Kabe district of the western Niger State on Saturday and set a market ablaze, before looting shops for food, they said.

“Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, some persons were also kidnapped,” Wasiu Abiodun, Niger state police spokesman said.

President Bola Tinubu’s office said the attackers may have been “terrorists” fleeing from parts of northwestern Nigeria following Christmas Day airstrikes by the United States that targeted militants linked to the Islamic State group.

The attackers “will be caught and brought to justice”, along with any who helped them, Tinubu vowed in a statement relayed by his media adviser Bayo Onanuga.

Images viewed by AFP showed some of those killed in the raid had their hands tied behind their backs.

Gangs, known in Nigeria as “bandits”, frequently carry out mass kidnappings for ransom and loot villages in parts of Nigeria.

Niger state has been one of the hardest hit in recent months.

In November, armed gangs seized more than 250 students and staff from a Catholic school in the state.

Authorities announced their release in two batches weeks later, without saying whether a ransom was paid.

The latest attack took place less than 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Papiri village where the students and teachers were snatched from their school.

The local church for the area put the death toll from Saturday’s raid at more than 40, higher than the figure given by police.

“Reports indicate the bandits operated for hours with no security presence,” the Catholic Church in Kontagora said on its Facebook page. (Guardian)