ANAMBRA AWARDS ₦16.7BN CONTRACTS FOR ROADS, POWER, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

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The Anambra State Government has approved contracts worth approximately ₦16.7 billion for key infrastructural projects, including road construction, electricity supply, and urban regeneration, aimed at boosting social cohesion, economic growth, and improving the lives of residents.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, following the first Executive Council meeting of 2026, held at the “Light House” in Awka.
According to Mefor, the council also mandated the Ministry of Environment and the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) to enforce road setback standards on newly constructed dual carriageways. The standards require a minimum setback of 1.5 metres in built-up areas and three metres elsewhere, in line with global best practices for pedestrian walkways and non-motorised traffic.
Key contracts approved include:
₦15.96 billion for the dualisation of the 33-Nsugbe–Aguleri Road, awarded to Ferotex Construction Company Ltd.
₦56.4 million for the installation of a 500 kVA transformer at Irueyim Community, Nteje, awarded to Kennolly Enterprises.
₦159.6 million for solar street lights along Oye Market Road, Isuofia, awarded to Vigeo-Dome Ltd.
₦497 million for reclamation and remediation of the gully erosion site at Umugama-Ire Village, Abba, Njikoka LGA, awarded to P & K International Ltd.
Mefor also highlighted the council’s plans to further rejuvenate Nnewi and Nnobi under the state’s urban regeneration policy.
In addition, the government confirmed that the annual December festivities, branded “Onwa Dezemba”, will be sustained as a major cultural event, with celebrations planned at the Solution Fun City and the remodelled Ekwueme Square in Awka, aiming to make Ndi Anambra’s yuletide celebrations a national attraction.
The projects and policies reflect the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, security, urban planning, and cultural promotion across Anambra State.

2026 Budget Allocates N1.38tn for Pensions, Retirees’ Benefits

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The 2026 Appropriation Bill has earmarked N1.38 trillion for pensions, gratuities, and retirees’ benefits across Federal Government agencies, security services, parastatals, and universities.
The Office of the Head of Civil Service will receive N94.54 billion for civilian pensions, covering gratuities, running costs, and unfunded liabilities. Of this, N60.34 billion is for civil service pensions, with N30.58 billion set aside to cover arrears from 2024 pension increments.
Military pensions and gratuities have been allocated N486.04 billion, which includes provisions for expected retirees (N130.38 billion), pensions and gratuities (N237.25 billion), death benefits (N98.53 billion), and administrative costs. Additional funds will cover medical retirees and arrears from January 2019 to December 2021.
Security agencies are also supported, with the Department of State Security receiving N28.61 billion, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency N23.54 billion, and police pensions N18.53 billion. The Customs, Immigration, and Prisons Pension Office will get N18.41 billion.
Parastatals and universities are allocated N207.81 billion, while the National Pension Commission (PenCom) will receive N427.04 billion for gratuities, pension protection, and consequential adjustments. Other provisions include benefits for former heads of service, retired professors, EFCC retirees, and group life assurance for all MDAs, bringing total service-wide votes to N2.19 trillion.
The pension allocations form a significant part of the 2026 budget, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to meeting obligations to retirees while addressing arrears and unfunded liabilities.

TAMBUWAL: ATIKU, OBI, AMAECHI WILL BACK ADC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

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Sokoto South Senator, Aminu Tambuwal, has said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Minister Rotimi Amaechi will support whoever emerges as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate.
Tambuwal made the remarks while responding to claims by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who had described Obi as the “life of ADC.”
The former Sokoto State Governor said he has been part of the coalition and is consulting stakeholders in Sokoto and across the country before making final decisions.
“I do not join issues with Ayo Fayose; I have said so before and I still stand by it,” Tambuwal said. “The leadership of the ADC has agreed on a transparent primary election. Once it is held, all members of the coalition will support the chosen candidate.”
He added, “Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi will all back the candidate. Given my role in the coalition, it would be inappropriate for me to publicly endorse anyone at this stage.”

OSUN APC, PDP CLASH OVER LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT OCCUPANCY

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The controversy over local government council secretariats in Osun State has deepened, with the APC and PDP trading allegations over the legality of officeholders.
Speaking on the matter, the PDP alleged that in 2022, the Federal High Court nullified purported local government elections conducted by the APC-led administration, sacking all APC chairmen and councillors for failing to meet legal requirements. The decision, they said, was upheld on appeal, with the Court of Appeal affirming the ruling on June 13, 2025.
PDP spokesperson, Olanrewaju, claimed that despite the court rulings, the sacked officials refused to vacate office, allegedly occupying local government secretariats with armed police protection. He described the situation as “illegal and unconstitutional” and called on security agencies to refrain from actions that promote lawlessness.
Aligning with this view, Osun PDP Director of Media, Oladele Bamiji, urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that the continued occupation of secretariats by tenure-expired officials could threaten democratic governance. “They were sacked by the court yet refuse to leave, with the Osun Police Command reportedly aiding them,” he said.
Responding, Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi dismissed the allegations as “gross misinformation,” insisting the chairmen were legally reinstated by a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on February 10, 2025, which he said was not appealed. Olabisi also noted that a suit is currently pending at the Federal High Court in Osogbo to determine the tenure of the reinstated chairmen and whether fresh elections can be conducted during the subsistence of their term.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over local government administration in Osun State, with both parties standing firm on their interpretation of the law.

OBIO/AKPOR CHAIRMAN CRITICISES FUBARA OVER STATE ASSEMBLY BUDGET

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Gift Worlu, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, has criticised Governor Sim Fubara over what he described as the governor’s failure to properly address the State House of Assembly budget since returning from suspension.
Speaking on Tuesday, Worlu said the former Sole Administrator of the state, Ibok-Ete Ibas, did not make provisions for the Assembly in the budget he presented during his six months in office. Ibas was appointed by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency that suspended Governor Fubara.
Worlu explained that the budget presented by Ibas, while the Assembly was suspended, excluded allocations for Assembly members and the Assembly Service Commission. He said, upon returning, Governor Fubara was expected to present a supplementary budget to address these gaps.
Worlu said: A few other things were also agreed for him to appoint commissioners to work with him and generally work with members of the party who have said, ‘let bygones be bygone’. But since he came back, he has refused to do any of those things. Instead, he plays to the gallery.”
The Obio/Akpor chairman’s comments highlight ongoing concerns over governance and budget management in Rivers State following the end of the state of emergency.

ADC INAUGURATES NORTH-EAST ZONAL CONGRESS COMMITTEE, CALLS ON NATIONAL LEADERS TO JOIN PARTY

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The Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has inaugurated its North-East Zonal Congress Committee, reaffirming its commitment to party expansion, internal democracy, and national renewal. The party also extended invitations to prominent political figures, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former President Goodluck Jonathan, to join its ranks.
The inauguration ceremony, organised by the ADC’s National Leadership, took place in Gombe State on January 11, 2026, and was presided over by Dr. Muhammad S. Muhammad.
In a communique issued after the event, the party described the inauguration as a key step towards strengthening its structures and ensuring transparent and credible congresses across the North-East region.
The communique confirmed the ratification of key officials to oversee the zonal congress process. Engr. Mrs. Patience Alex was appointed Chairperson of the North-East Zonal Congress Committee, while Mr. Abayomi Adekunle was inaugurated as Chairman of the Zonal Appeal Committee.
The ADC also made a strong appeal to distinguished statesmen and national leaders to join the party’s mission of rebuilding and repositioning Nigeria. Among those invited were:
Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State), Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Governor Alex Otti (Abia State), Senate President Godswill Akpabio
According to the communique, the ADC believes the experience, leadership, and patriotism of these figures are vital for uniting efforts to promote good governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to providing a credible, inclusive, and progressive platform, while mobilizing Nigerians across all regions to support a political direction anchored on accountability, equity, and the collective aspiration to strengthen the nation.

GOVT LAUNCHES FRAMEWORK TO STRENGTHEN MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ASSETS

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The Federal Government has launched a new framework to improve the maintenance and preservation of public assets nationwide.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development through its Department of Federal Public Assets Maintenance (FPAM), introduces Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent, sustainable, and effective asset management across all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
FPAM, established by Presidential Executive Order No. 11 and officially gazetted on April 6, 2022, is tasked with overseeing maintenance functions across the Federal Public Service. As part of the rollout, the department has begun engaging MDAs, distributing compliance forms and a comprehensive maintenance manual designed to enhance documentation, accountability, and adherence to national maintenance standards.
Speaking on the initiative, FPAM Director Chioma Wogu-Ogbonna said the framework aims to foster a proactive maintenance culture, prevent premature deterioration of government assets, and ensure value-for-money through structured and standardized practices. She emphasized that the SOPs and compliance tools focus on measurable outcomes, quality assurance, and uniformity in asset management.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, praised the initiative, highlighting its importance in safeguarding public assets, promoting sustainability, and enhancing service delivery. He urged Permanent Secretaries across all MDAs to collaborate closely with FPAM to align their agencies with the new regulatory and operational mandates.
To further boost efficiency and awareness, FPAM has introduced innovative tools, including a smart card with a QR code for instant access to the department’s activities and mandate. The department has also rebranded its operational bus to support nationwide outreach, monitoring, and engagement.
In recognition of his support, FPAM presented an award plaque to Dr. Belgore, acknowledging his leadership in advancing the maintenance framework.
The Ministry reaffirmed that the successful implementation of the framework will ensure the longevity of government assets, promote accountability, and embed a sustainable maintenance culture critical for national development.

IMPEACHMENT CLOUD HANGS AS FUBARA AWAITS ASSEMBLY’S MOVE

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is yet to receive any formal notice of impeachment from the State House of Assembly, three days after 27 lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against him and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The impeachment move was commenced last Thursday by the majority members of the Assembly, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged misconduct.
Although the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, had stated that the impeachment letter would be delivered to the governor, a source at the Government House disclosed on Monday evening that no official communication had been received.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said neither the governor nor his deputy had seen any impeachment notice.
“I can tell you that the governor and his deputy have not received or reviewed any notice from the Assembly,” the source said.
“The governor only returned from an overseas trip on Sunday and attended the Armed Forces Remembrance Day church service. He has also been busy inspecting ongoing projects across the state.”
Meanwhile, two lawmakers aligned with the pro-Wike bloc have withdrawn support for the impeachment, urging their colleagues to suspend the process and explore alternative ways to resolve the political crisis.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Minority Leader of the House and member representing Omuma State Constituency, Sylvanus Nwankwo, appealed for restraint and dialogue.
“We are calling on our colleagues to temper justice with mercy and find a solution outside the impeachment process,” Nwankwo said, adding that the appeal followed interventions by elders and leaders within and outside the state.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Degema State Constituency, Peter Abbey, echoed the call for caution, stressing the need for a humane and conciliatory approach.
“While constitutional issues may exist, we are human beings and we urge our colleagues to reconsider,” Abbey said, adding that the governor also has a responsibility to avoid further constitutional breaches to help de-escalate tensions.
The development comes a day after Wike concluded his ‘thank-you tour’ of local government areas in the state and returned to Abuja. It was observed that the FCT Minister did not visit Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Governor Fubara’s home LGA, during the tour.
An APC chieftain from the area, who spoke anonymously, said Wike deliberately avoided Opobo due to the prevailing political tension. He claimed turnout was also low when Wike visited neighbouring Bonny Local Government Area.
Amid the escalating crisis, the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) has constituted a seven-member reconciliation committee to mediate in the Rivers political impasse.
The committee is chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), with Senator Obende Domingo as vice chairman. Other members include Chief Essien Nduese, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, Chief Mike Ejiofor, Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN), and Prince Godwin Okotie.
PANDEF said the committee was set up in line with its peace-building tradition and urged all parties to cooperate fully to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution.
In a joint statement signed by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Obong Victor Attah, and Ambassador Godknows Igali, the forum described the situation in Rivers State as disturbing and called on all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and political maturity.
The forum also expressed concern over the impeachment proceedings, warning that the crisis, if unchecked, could threaten peace and stability in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.

TAMBUWAL: ALL ARMS OF GOVT HAVE FAILED NIGERIANS

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Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has said that all three arms of government in Nigeria have failed the people. Tambuwal made the assertion while speaking in an interview on Monday
According to the former governor, certain policy decisions—particularly those related to the electoral process—have had a negative impact on Nigerians and the country’s democratic system.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives also criticised the manner in which the current administration removed fuel subsidy, alleging that the decision was taken without adequate alternatives in place, thereby worsening the hardship faced by citizens.
“I believe that as of today, all three arms of government have failed Nigerians,” Tambuwal said.
“In the past, you might see the executive struggling while the legislature stepped in through constitutional checks and balances to stabilise governance. At other times, the judiciary may have had challenges but received interventions that helped reposition the system. Today, however, all levels are failing.”
He added that democracy in Nigeria has been undermined by flaws in the electoral process, which he described as closely linked to governance challenges currently confronting the nation.
“When you talk about democracy, one of the policy decisions that has negatively impacted the country is the electoral process, and this is directly connected to the governance issues we are experiencing today,” he stated.

BENUE POLICE ARREST 41 SUSPECTS OVER ALLEGED SLAUGHTERHOUSES IN MAKURDI

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Policemen in Benue State have arrested 41 suspects in connection with alleged illegal slaughterhouses operating in Makurdi, the state capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, following reports of suspicious activities at Awe Street in Wurukum, Makurdi.
The alleged slaughterhouses have been trending on social media, sparking public concern. One unidentified witness, who claimed to have been abducted on December 25 while returning from a church programme, described being taken to Awe Street by a motorcyclist. The witness recounted encountering several young girls in a room under disturbing circumstances and said one girl was offered money to secure her release but was refused.
Another social media account described a girl narrowly escaping the area after being lured by a motorcycle rider.
Responding to the allegations, DSP Edet said, “I’m aware of this, and the matter has been forwarded for action.” She added that raids were conducted at known black spots in Awe Street, Wurukum, and Wadata, resulting in the arrest of 41 suspects for further screening.
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities work to verify the allegations and ensure public safety.