Author: Opalim Lifted

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has played down concerns over former Governor Yahaya Bello’s declaration to contest her senatorial seat in 2027, insisting that the development poses no threat to her political career. Speaking through her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, the lawmaker said that she welcomed Bello’s entry into the race. “We don’t see it as a threat. In fact, we are happy that he wants to contest. We are waiting for them,” the senator said, signalling confidence ahead of the upcoming general elections. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, made history as the first woman…

Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, claims he was informed that he had been listed for elimination as a Boko Haram figure. In a video published on his Facebook page, Gumi strongly criticised foreign military involvement in Nigeria, arguing that such interventions worsen insecurity rather than resolve it. “There was a bombing here; the morning it happened, I received a call—I won’t tell you who called me—but I was told a security briefing was taking place and I was listed among those who will be eliminated as Boko Haram,” Gumi said. “They claim to have come here to fight terrorists,…

Harrison Reed scored a stunning 97th-minute equaliser to cancel out Cody Gakpo’s 94th-minute goal in a thrilling conclusion as Fulham and Liverpool drew at Craven Cottage. Florian Wirtz’s equaliser initially hauled Liverpool level after Harry Wilson’s opener, before Gakpo converted Jeremie Frimpong’s cross in stoppage time to seemingly clinch the three Premier League points for Liverpool. But Reed had other ideas as he picked up the ball from 30 yards out and found the top corner with a superb strike. The draw means Liverpool extend their unbeaten run to nine games, while Fulham are unbeaten in their past five. Wilson…

The federal government has withdrawn the criminal charge against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central. The notice of discontinuance was filed in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 between the federal government and Akpoti-Uduaghan. The document, dated December 12, 2025, was brought pursuant to sections 108(1), 108(2)(a) and 108(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. “The Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation intends to discontinue proceeding in this matter,” the notice reads. The notice was signed by M.B. Abubakar, director of public prosecutions of the federation, and Aderonke Imana, the assistant chief state counsel. 2027: Yahaya Bello declares ambition…

Nigerian human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the United States Congress to sanction President Donald Trump over what he describes as an “illegal invasion” of Venezuela, warning that the action represents a grave breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. In a strongly worded statement, Falana condemned reports that US forces bombed Caracas, toppled President Nicolás Maduro and seized control of Venezuela’s oil assets, alleging that the operation led to the deaths of scores of unarmed civilians. He described the reported abduction and extraordinary rendition of a sitting president as a…

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two of his close associates. On December 29, a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and his entourage rammed into a stationary truck along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Kevin Latif Ayodele, the boxer’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, died in the accident. The 36-year-old boxer survived the crash and was taken to a Lagos hospital. Joshua, who sustained minor injuries in the collision, was discharged from the medical facility on New Year’s Eve.…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate probe into allegations that over N128 billion in public funds is missing or diverted from the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, NBET. The allegations are contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor General of the Federation, published on 9 September 2025. SERAP wants the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, to investigate the claims and prosecute anyone found culpable. In a letter dated 3 January 2026 and…

Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has formally declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. This positioned him for a contest to unseat the incumbent lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Bello made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he engaged with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other key stakeholders from the senatorial district. While addressing the gathering, the former governor said he had accepted calls from supporters to vie for the Senate and expressed his willingness to represent Kogi Central at the National Assembly.…

The House of Representatives has released the four tax reform acts recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement issued on Saturday night, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house of representatives, said the move is aimed at ensuring transparency following the alleged alteration of the legislation. Abdussamad Dasuki, member of the lower legislative chamber, had alleged that there were differences between the tax reform laws passed by parliament and the gazetted copy available to the public. The alleged alteration sparked public outrage, with some Nigerians calling for a suspension of the implementation of the laws. The tax…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, saying the same political forces now derided as “barking dogs” played a decisive role in Fubara’s emergence as governor. Wike spoke during a thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, amid a deepening political rift in the state. The event was also marked by the public declaration of support for Wike by the Rivers State chapter of the Ijaw People’s Congress, which announced it was withdrawing its backing for Governor Fubara. Responding to remarks attributed…