Author: Opalim Lifted

The presidency has rejected claims of weaponisation of anti-corruption agencies as put forward by opposition politicians. On Sunday, a coalition of opposition leaders accused the federal government of deploying the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate and weaken political opponents, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, described the opposition as failed politicians seeking scapegoats for their shortcomings. He said claims that democracy is under threat because politicians are joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) are unfounded. “Our constitution…

The General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Adejare Adeboye has assured Nigerians that things will be better, although he called on leaders to be decisive in building Nigeria on righteousness with a view to lifting up the nation and bringing it out of the woods. Adeboye gave the admonition on Friday at the monthly thanksgiving service at the RCCG headquarters, The Throne of Grace, Ebute Metta. Adeboye said to build a righteous nation, it becomes imperative for leaders to lead by example for those they are ruling to follow suit. He also called on Nigerians to…

A coalition of opposition leaders has accused the federal government of weaponising anti-corruption agencies to intimidate and weaken political opponents, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. In a joint statement titled “Anti-Corruption, Not Anti-Opposition”, the opposition figures said key state institutions, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), are increasingly being perceived as tools for political persecution. In the statement signed by David Mark, chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Lawal Batagarawa, former minister…

The Supreme Court has upheld the president’s powers to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country to forestall a breakdown of law and order. The apex court also affirmed the president’s powers to suspend elected officials within a set timeframe. The ruling was premised on a suit filed by Adamawa state, in cahoots with 10 other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led states, challenging the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers state in March. The president had suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, his deputy and lawmakers of the Rivers assembly for an initial…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that swift containment measures have successfully managed a disruption on a section of the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) in South-West Warri, Delta State. This was made known in a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL, Abuja, Andy Odeh, noting that all relevant pipeline sections had been safely and securely isolated, emphasising its commitment to protecting host communities, personnel, and the environment. “A joint preliminary inspection involving NNPC Limited, the Nigeria Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) technical teams, and maintenance contractors has been conducted at the affected…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the “special presidential promotion” of his aide-de-camp (ADC), Nurudeen Yusuf, from the rank of colonel to brigadier-general. The approval was conveyed in a letter from the office of the national security adviser (NSA) to the chief of army staff. The leaked letter was dated December 12, 2025, and was signed by Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA. In the letter, Ribadu said Yusuf will be retained as the president’s ADC despite the promotion. “I wish to convey Mr President’s approval of Special Presidential Promotion of Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf to the rank of Brigadier General and retention…

The education ministry has banned student transfer into SS3 classes across all public and private secondary schools. The directive, the ministry disclosed in a statement on Sunday, will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic year. Boriowo Folasade, the director of press and PR, said the measure is to curb the “increasing incidence of examination malpractice” that continues to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s education system. The PRO said it was necessitated by the growing concern over the use of “so-called special centres” during external examinations. From the 2026/2027 academic session, admissions and transfers will be strictly limited to SS1 and…

The senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, has cast doubts on the electoral prospects of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, in the northern region ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in an interview with Outside the Box, Ashimolowo suggested that Obi’s support in the north may be extremely limited. “The chance of Peter Obi getting five per cent in 12 core Northern states will be a miracle because Nigeria has not healed,” he said. “He is a fantastic man, he is a gifted man, he could do well, he could achieve, he has…

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has recounted his personal journey as evidence that God can change anyone, regardless of their past. Speaking on Saturday during the fifth day of the Holy Ghost Congress 2025 at Redemption City along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Adeboye, 83, admitted he is “not proud” of his early life. The week-long programme is themed “God of all Flesh.” Addressing a congregation that included traditional rulers, the cleric reflected on the doubts surrounding his spiritual transformation. “Do you think there is anybody in your family who is too far…

Morgan Rogers scored two second-half goals as Aston Villa twice came from behind to beat West Ham and extend their winning run in all competitions to nine matches. The England midfielder, who had made it 2-2 five minutes in the second half, hammered an unstoppable shot into the top corner with 11 minutes left to put the visitors ahead for the first time in a topsy-turvy encounter. Struggling West Ham, who were searching for their first victory since 8 November, were gifted an opener after just 29 seconds when Mateus Fernandes dispossessed Ezri Konsa on the edge of the penalty…