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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has intensified efforts to strengthen security presence in rural and border communities, as a major step toward fulfilling the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s pledge to decentralise policing and bring safety closer to the grassroots.

This initiative follows months of sustained insecurity that plagued several parts of the FCT between late 2023 and early 2024, when communities in Abaji, Kwali, and Bwari suffered repeated abductions, bandit incursions, and activities of kidnappers.

The situation which led to the kidnapping, maiming and killings of scores of victims, especially those along border communities, prompted the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to order the immediate provision of two additional divisional police stations across the six area councils.

A visit to some of the new divisional police stations at Tukashare and Saburi both in AMAC, Bako in Kwali, Yaba in Abaji, Giri in Gwagwalada, Ushafa in Bwari Area councils, show significant progress in the ongoing construction.

At Saburi, in Abuja Municipal Area Council, the project is nearing completion with visible finishing works going on at the station block and adjoining residential quarters.

It was gathered that the complex consists of a main administrative building with offices for the Divisional Police Officer, his secretary, and other ranks, as well as two holding cells equipped with in-built toilets and bathrooms. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has intensified efforts to strengthen security presence in rural and border communities, as a major step toward fulfilling the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s pledge to decentralise policing and bring safety closer to the grassroots.

This initiative follows months of sustained insecurity that plagued several parts of the FCT between late 2023 and early 2024, when communities in Abaji, Kwali, and Bwari suffered repeated abductions, bandit incursions, and activities of kidnappers.

The situation which led to the kidnapping, maiming and killings of scores of victims, especially those along border communities, prompted the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to order the immediate provision of two additional divisional police stations across the six area councils.

A visit to some of the new divisional police stations at Tukashare and Saburi both in AMAC, Bako in Kwali, Yaba in Abaji, Giri in Gwagwalada, Ushafa in Bwari Area councils, show significant progress in the ongoing construction.

At Saburi, in Abuja Municipal Area Council, the project is nearing completion with visible finishing works going on at the station block and adjoining residential quarters.

It was gathered that the complex consists of a main administrative building with offices for the Divisional Police Officer, his secretary, and other ranks, as well as two holding cells equipped with in-built toilets and bathrooms.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday gave marching orders to the nation’s new security chiefs, saying that their topmost priority must be to end the security crisis facing the country.

The President, who said the time for entertaining excuses was over, directed them to immediately ramp up counter-insurgency operations and decimate emerging armed groups.

Tinubu gave the orders at the decoration ceremony of the security chiefs held inside the State House, Abuja.

He said that although the military had recorded impressive gains over the years, he wanted them to be more aggressive in ending the security challenges.

The President said, ‘The emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South is of grave concern.

‘We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.’

According to him, no meaningful development can take place in the midst of insecurity, stressing that protecting citizens remains the government’s core function.

‘Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless,’ he told the new chiefs, noting that economic growth would remain stagnant in the absence of peace.

Tinubu paid tribute to the military for the sacrifices made in preserving the country’s territorial integrity, adding that many officers and men had paid the supreme price in battles to safeguard Nigeria.

While acknowledging these efforts, the President, however, said the evolving security landscape required the new security heads to think beyond traditional frameworks and apply ideas that placed them ahead of the enemies, including the deployment of technology.

‘We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,’ he told them.

The President assured the military of the government’s support at all times, saying that their welfare and equipment needs would be promptly addressed.

With the decoration, the service chiefs now have new ranks – Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Wahidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiendeye, was also elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General.

Meanwhile, Oluyede promised that the military would work hard to eradicate criminality nationwide.

He gave the assurance that under his leadership, the military would deploy all necessary capabilities to deliver a safer environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.

He stated, ‘We will do our utmost to rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make the country safer for socio-economic endeavours to flourish.’

The Vice Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Archbishop Idahosa Odiri, has described Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Abba Kabir Yussuf as invaluable political assets to Nigeria.

Speaking in Lagos while hosting members of the Southern Youth Development Forum (SYDF) and business leaders, Idahosa praised the duo for their unwavering commitment to national development and their passion for the masses. The meeting followed his return from a trip to Kano.

According to the international preacher-turned-politician, both Kwankwaso and Yussuf have demonstrated rare patriotism and selfless leadership that continue to strengthen the nation’s political and economic fabric.

‘These leaders play politics with a human face. The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains a united family under strong and visionary leadership, which has contributed immensely to the development of Kano State,’ Idahosa said.

The NNPP vice-presidential candidate also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering political stability, inclusivity, and national cohesion. He described these values as the hallmark of a great leader, adding that Nigeria’s growth and development would thrive under such ideological foundations.

Bishop Idahosa urged the business and political leaders present to continue advocating for a united Nigeria.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, Pastor Bassey James, who led the Southern Youth Development Forum team, expressed optimism about the country’s future.

He noted that a greater Nigeria is on the horizon and called for collective efforts to create equal opportunities across ethnic and religious lines.

The Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, Hon. Adewale Lawal, has been suspended from office by the council’s legislative arm over allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office.

The motion for his suspension was moved by the councillor representing Ota Ward 2, Hon. Asalu Aina, and seconded by the councillor representing Agbara Ward.

Aina, in the motion, said the council chairman was suspended for a period of three months pending the completion of a thorough investigation into the financial and administrative management of the council.

The motion stated that the council chairman failed to respond to all correspondence forwarded to his office regarding the financial records of the local government.

Aina said the deliberate refusal of the suspended chairman to render an account of the local government’s financial operations was not only a breach of the law.

He said the action raised suspicions of financial impropriety, administrative impunity, and abuse of office.

‘This legislative council has officially requested the income and expenditure account of the local government severally, in accordance with Chapter 52, Part 5 of the Ogun State Local Government Law 2000 as amended.

‘Despite these repeated requests, the chairman has wilfully refused to submit the financial records for legislative scrutiny.

‘This deliberate refusal to render an account of the local government’s financial operations is not only a breach of the law. The chairman has consistently disregarded resolutions, invitations, and correspondence from the legislative council, thereby showing gross disrespect to the authority of the legislature and violating the doctrine of separation of powers that guarantees checks and balances within the local government system,’ the lawmaker stated.

The legislative council directed the suspended chairman to hand over all council properties in his possession to the Head of Administration.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for approving a 15 per cent import duty on refined petroleum products, describing the decision as anti-people.

Adebayo, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, accused the president of imposing excessive taxes on Nigerians.

‘President Tinubu is a clever tax collector. He wants to collect taxes from you for everything, including the oxygen tax, very soon.

‘If you’re not careful, yes, the air we breathe. Just give him time; he’s going to get there,’ he said.

Adebayo said the import duty was unfair and went against the ideals Tinubu once stood for.

‘It is an anti-people decision and a trend in the new Tinubu. Tinubu that used to be in SDP, following Abiola everywhere doing Hope 93, has practically changed to the side of the money people.

‘They see you as a customer, not a citizen. If you have twins and triplets in your house, Tinubu is going to think of twins tax or ‘multiple childbirth tax.’ He’s just thinking of how to collect more money. It’s wrong,’ he said.

Adebayo warned that the new tariff would increase the suffering of Nigerians already battling economic hardship.

‘If you put 15 per cent tariffs on imported petrol, who is going to pay for it? It’s going to be paid by the person who buys the petrol at the filling station,’ he said.

He blamed the government for failing to fix Nigeria’s refineries and criticised the president for prioritising taxes over production.

‘You are the reason why we cannot meet our domestic consumption. The president is the Minister of Petroleum. What kind of chaotic system is this?’ he asked.

‘For example, we gave you refineries to manage. You appointed yourself Minister of Petroleum. We spent billions on turnaround maintenance. You are not making the refineries work.

‘You are the reason why we are importing now. Because you are importing, you went from ‘I’m not paying subsidy, we are net zero, nobody pays subsidy’, you now want to surcharge me for your inefficiency. Am I the reason why refineries are not working?’ he queried.

Adebayo urged the president to focus on reviving local refineries instead of burdening Nigerians with more taxes.

‘What he needs to do is to call Heineken Lokpobiri and Bayo Ojulari and say, ‘I want those refineries to work. I give you six months, and I want fuel importation reduced to zero.’

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has just addressed agricultural stakeholders at an ongoing two-day strategic meeting in preparation for an upcoming agricultural summit in Port Harcourt

This development is contrary to reports in some sections of the media that the NDDC Managing Director was arrested in connection with an alleged coup plot.

Speaking at the meeting, which began in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, Ogbuku tasked the South-South region to look beyond the oil and develop agriculture, which he said is capable of transforming the region.

The meeting had in attendance Commissioners of Agriculture in all the Niger Delta states and their permanent secretaries.

Speaking with newsmen on the development earlier, a close ally of the NDDC boss and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yekini Nabena, dismissed the reports of the alleged arrest, tagging it a fabrication of the political enemies.

According to Nabena, Dr. Sam Ogbuku is one of the trusted and reliable hands in the Renewed Hope Government, hence his political enemies are jittery and deliberately being mischievous.

The APC chieftain called on the general public to dismiss the report of the arrest of the NDDC boss.

‘We woke up yesterday to see some fabricated social media reports that Dr. Sam Ogbuku was arrested. And we asked, for what? Well, the ongoing agricultural summit in Port Harcourt, where the Managing Director spoke live this morning and it was carried live on two national television. We hope that this will put the purveyors of fake news to shame.

‘We ask the general public to disregard the fake news and see it as it is, Fake,’ Nabena said.

The APC chieftain said Ogbuku was busy carrying out his mandate at the Commission and ‘does not have time to play dirty local politics as being practiced by some individuals in the region.’

The Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Professor Oyedunni Sola Arulogun,said that the citadel of learning remain committed to ideals of education based on integrity, excellence and service.

She said this in her welcome address at the 7th convocation ceremony of the Univeristy, held on Wednesday, in Abeokuta.

Professor Arulogun urged the graduands to spread the knowledge they have acquired in their various programmes wherever they go.

She said, ‘ Spread the fire of your knowledge wherever you go – light up your communities, your professions, and your continent.

‘You are leaving as ambassadors of Chrisland University go forth and embody the excellence, discipline, and dignity that this institution stands for.

‘You have weathered the storms, burnt the midnight oil, and now stand at the threshold of destiny. As you step into the wider world, remember: ‘The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.’ Be innovators, not imitators; be problem-solvers, not spectators. Let the light of Chrisland shine through your excellence, empathy, and ethical leadership.’

The VC said a total of 44 out of 252 students of the University, Abeokuta, were awarded with first class honours degree.

She added that 133 bagged a second class upper honour while 63 came out with second class lower division and 12 graduated with third class.

The VC appreciated the Chancellor of the University,High Chief (Dr) Winifred Awosika, for her vision and unwavering support for the institution.

In her remarks, the Chancellor dedicated the growth of and achievement of the school to God, while acknowledging its commitment to academic excellence, discipline and moral integrity.

She commended the board the board of trustees, governing council,vice chancellor, past vice chancellor, Staff and student for their unwavering support and dedication.

The chancellor highlighted the universities accomplishments to include steady enrollment of student from ‘just 57 to over 1,700’, excellence in all professional examinations, high quality faculty and fostering a culture of wellbeing amongst staff and students.

A new economic review by Quartus Economics has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to introduce higher-value currency notes such as N10,000 and N20,000 to restore the naira’s portability and reduce the rising cost of cash transactions.

The report, titled ‘Is Africa’s Eagle Stuck or Soaring Back to Life?’ warned that the continued depreciation of the naira had rendered the N1,000 note, the country’s highest denomination, practically obsolete in terms of purchasing power.

‘To make the naira portable again, Nigeria can introduce higher-value bills, e.g., N10,000 or N20,000 notes, or redenominate the currency entirely,’ the report stated.

Analysts explained that a N5,000 note that could have been introduced in 2012 would now be equivalent to a single N50,000 note today, reflecting a 94 percent decline in the naira’s real value over the past two decades.

The report dismissed claims that issuing higher-value notes could worsen inflation, describing such assumptions as a ‘myth unsupported by evidence,’ and noted that inflation is driven by cost-push and demand-pull factors, not by currency denomination.

‘Inflation is cost-push or demand-pull. Neither is related to currency denomination. Instead, countries introduce higher notes to maintain portability after an era of currency depreciation.

‘Countries introduce higher-value notes to maintain portability after a period of significant currency depreciation, not to trigger inflation,’ the report clarified.

When the N1,000 note was introduced in 2005, it was worth nearly $7 at the official exchange rate. Today, it is valued at less than 60 US cents, underscoring the sharp erosion of the naira’s value.

Quartus Economics observed that this depreciation has made everyday transactions more cumbersome, especially in the informal sector, where cash remains dominant. Many traders, artisans, and rural consumers now carry large volumes of cash for transactions that could be simplified with higher-value notes.

The report also highlighted the growing expense of printing, transporting, and securing lower-value notes, describing it as a significant burden on the CBN.

‘Outside the formal sector and the urban elite, the naira’s heavy weight is a drag on the economy and slows down growth. Besides, the cost of printing and transporting today’s low-value notes is prohibitive,’ the report said.

It further argued that introducing N10,000 and N20,000 notes, or undertaking a broader redenomination exercise, would enhance transaction efficiency, lower printing costs, and bring Nigeria’s currency structure in line with other emerging economies.

It recalls that the CBN once proposed a N5,000 note in 2012 under then-Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, but the plan was dropped following public opposition.

Quartus Economics maintained that the same rationale for the proposal remains relevant today, given the naira’s steep decline.

The firm emphasised that the proposed move was not about ‘printing more money,’ but about modernising the naira’s denominations to reflect current economic realities and make daily transactions more practical.

According to the report, the 94 percent fall in the naira’s value was measured using the cost of two essential items – a kilogram of imported rice and a one-way flight from Lagos to Abuja.

From about N150 per kilogram of rice in 2005, the price now averages N2,500, while the cost of a local flight has surged from N12,000 to over N150,000.

‘These indicators show how much the naira has lost its purchasing power, and a higher-value note is needed to make the naira portable,’ the report added.

Justice Rita Offili Ajumogobia has ordered that a legal practitioner, Ahmed Abdulrahman, and four others be remanded at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10 Abuja till November 10 following their arraignment for cyber-bullying the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Umar.

The lawyer was arraigned on Thursday, arraigned by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) along with four o his co-defendants namely: Daure David, Ishaq Abubakar Muhammed, Abdulrashid Abdullahi Musa, and Nasiru Usman Abubakar on an eleven-count charge bordering on cyber bullying, advance fee fraud, and extortion.

However, when the charges were read to them before Justice Rita Offili Ajumogobia, the lawyer and the four codefendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Upon the not guilty plea of the lawyer and his codefendants, Counsel to the prosecution, Victor Okoye asked for a date to commence trial and prayed that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja.

Counsel to the lawyer, Affis Matanmi however, moved a bail application on behalf of his client, who he said, is a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court and will not interfere with police investigation and witnesses if admitted to bail.

He reminded the court that the police, on their own granted the first defendant administrative bail which he did not jump because, as a lawyer, he knows the consequences of jumping bail, and prayed the court to grant him bail on self-recognition.

The bail application was opposed by counsel to the prosecution, Victor Okoye, who informed the court that shortly after the lawyer was admitted to bail, he engaged in two other cyber-bullying and that, he featured prominently in five of the eleven count charges.

Okoye argued that, although, the first defendant is a confirmed legal practitioner, he does not deserve any preferential or special treatment because there is no provision in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the 1999 Constitution that confers any special treatment on any legal practitioner involved in criminality.

After taking arguments for and against the bail application, Justice Ajumogobia ordered that, the defendants be remanded at the Force CID till November 10 for the lawyer to the first defendant to file a further affidavit and reply on point of law to the weighty allegations contained in the counter affidavit of the prosecution.

The Judge subsequently adjourned the matter till November 10.

In count one, the defendants were alleged to have, sometime in 2025, conspired among themselves ‘to commit an offence, to wit; cyberstalking against Senator Shehu Buba Umar.’

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.

In count three, Abdulrahman, the 1st defendant was alleged to have, sometime in 2025, intentionally sent a video via his TikTok handle with the user name, ‘Kibanna Channel’ and his YouTube channel to defame the lawmaker by linking him to sponsorship of banditry with a view to tarnishing his image as a serving Senator.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) now has a two-thirds majority in the membership of the 10th House of Representatives following Thursday’s defections of an additional five lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one lawmaker from the Labour Party (LP).

With the latest defections, the membership of the APC now stands at 243, while the PDP has been depleted to 74.

The Labour Party has 21; the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – 15; APGA – five; ADC – one; SDP – two; and YPP – one.

The two-thirds majority of the 360-member House of Representatives is 240.

At the inception of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023, the membership of the House of Representatives comprised APC – 175; PDP – 118; LP – 35; NNPP – 19; APGA – 5; ADC – 2; SDP – 2; and YPP – 1, while three seats were vacant at the start. Cumulatively, the opposition parties had 182 members, which was higher than the ruling party’s 175 at the time.

However, the gale of defections in the House of Representatives has continued to deplete the ranks of the opposition political parties as members realign to position themselves for re-election in 2027.

With the APC having a two-thirds majority, the ruling party can take overriding decisions and pass resolutions even without the input of members of the opposition political parties, given their current strength.

The five Enugu lawmakers who defected include: Hon. Nnolim John Nnaji (Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency), Rep. Anayo Onwuegbu (Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency), Rep. Oke Martins (Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani Federal Constituency), Rep. Obetta Mark Chidiebere (Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency), and Hon. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency).

They were joined by Hon. Daniel Asama, who represents Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in Plateau State, also announcing his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC during plenary.

The lawmakers pledged to support Governor Mbah, whom they described as a visionary leader whose developmental strides in education, aviation, technology, and security have turned Enugu into a reference point for good governance.

They added that their defection would connect their constituency to the heartbeat of national development, bringing more projects, jobs, and infrastructure to the people.

They said: ‘For too long, our dear Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of our nation and accessed opportunities that could have transformed our people’s lives. That era is over! We refuse to remain spectators when we can be key players in Nigeria’s progress.

‘By aligning with the APC – the party steering national transformation – we are connecting our constituency to the heartbeat of national development. This alignment will bring more projects, more jobs, better infrastructure, and greater empowerment for our youths, women, and communities.

‘This decision wasn’t made on impulse. It comes from deep reflection and a burning desire to see our people rise above limits and take their rightful place in the national spotlight.

‘We salute our Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his courage, foresight, and leadership. He has shown us that true progress demands bold choices.’

Hon. Nnaji said the lawmakers had decided to team up with the governor, who he said, through his transformational leadership, had changed the face of Enugu State in just two years.

According to him, through Governor Mbah, Enugu State has become the reference point for good leadership.

‘We, therefore, commend Governor Mbah for his developmental exploits in education, aviation, science and information technology, and indeed all areas of human endeavour. Today, there is security of lives and property, and investors are flooding into Enugu State to take advantage of the fertile environment provided by Governor Mbah.

‘Together with him, we are saying yes to a new chapter of unity, opportunity, and growth for Enugu State.

‘To our brothers and sisters who have walked this journey with us – thank you. To our colleagues and supporters across party lines – let us unite in purpose. Politics should never divide us; it should empower us to serve our people better.

‘As your representatives, we remain your voice, your advocate, and your servant in the National Assembly. We will continue to defend your interests, attract development, and ensure that every corner of Enugu State feels the impact of good governance.

‘Today, we open the gates of a new dawn – a dawn of hope, inclusion, and prosperity. A dawn where Enugu State takes her rightful place in the story of Nigeria’s progress. Let us rise together, believe together, and build together – for the best days of our people are not behind us; they are just beginning.’

The five lawmakers, who joined three of their Enugu colleagues that had earlier defected to the APC, announced their defection in separate letters, which were read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.