Taiye Ajayi

Exclusive News, Politics

Senator Ndume Calls Out Tinubu Over “Lopsided” Ambassador List, Demands Withdrawal

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Senator Ali Ndume has publicly asked President Bola Tinubu to pull back his latest ambassadorial nomination list, claiming it violates Nigeria’s Federal Character principle and leaves entire states without representation. According to Linda Ikeji Blog, the former Senate Leader didn’t mince words when he described the nominations as unbalanced and potentially damaging to national unity. On Thursday, December 4, the Senate received the president’s list of career and non-career ambassador nominees and sent them to the Foreign Affairs Committee for screening. But Ndume, representing Borno South, immediately raised red flags. His complaint? Some states got three or four nominees while others were completely ignored. Gombe State, for instance, didn’t get a single nomination. Meanwhile, Yobe’s only nominee, Senator Adamu Garba Talba, died back in July, leaving the entire North East with just seven slots. Ndume broke down the nominations by geopolitical zones and found what he calls clear evidence of regional marginalization, particularly against the North East. He pointed to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which specifically requires federal appointments to reflect Nigeria’s diversity and prevent any state or ethnic group from dominating. “At this critical time in his administration, President Tinubu must avoid decisions that could ignite ethnic tension or deepen distrust,” Ndume said. “I appeal to him to withdraw the list and send a new one that aligns with the spirit of the Constitution.” Despite his criticism, Ndume acknowledged Tinubu as a “cosmopolitan leader” and expressed confidence that the president would correct the imbalance. He stressed that fair representation across all states and zones isn’t just a constitutional requirement, it’s essential for national cohesion and public trust in government. The senator’s concern centers on timing. With Nigeria facing various ethnic and regional tensions, he believes appointments that appear unfair could fuel existing divisions and undermine confidence in the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness. The nominations are currently with the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening. Whether President Tinubu will heed Ndume’s call and withdraw the list remains to be seen, but the senator’s public challenge has already sparked conversations about equity in federal appointments. For now, states like Gombe are left wondering why they were overlooked entirely while others received multiple slots.

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Activist Harrison Gwamnishu Ransom Scandal: Lawyer Reveals What Really Happened in Edo Kidnapping Case

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Activist Harrison Gwamnishu is at the center of a firestorm after the family of a kidnapped Edo couple accused him of stealing N5.4 million from their N20 million ransom. The missing money allegedly prompted kidnappers to release the pregnant wife while keeping the husband captive. Now, Harrison’s lawyer, Barr. Awele Ideal, has broken his silence with a detailed explanation that challenges the narrative making rounds online. According to the lawyer, Harrison has a specific approach when handling ransom negotiations. He uses prototype currency bundles, fake notes designed to carry tracking devices. Harrison claims genuine naira notes are too lightweight to support the chip, so he temporarily removes part of the ransom and replaces it with these trackers. The lawyer insists Harrison always returns the original cash after rescues are completed. He says a family representative was present during this process, though that same representative later told police Harrison blocked his view, a detail the lawyer finds suspicious. Harrison entered the bush at midnight with families of other hostages. Masked gunmen collected the ransom and freed only the pregnant woman. Strangely, the husband began begging his younger brother for forgiveness during the exchange, raising questions about possible family tensions. That same younger brother was the first to accuse Harrison of tampering with the money. After the drop, Harrison went straight to Auchi Police Station to file a report. He initially kept quiet about his tracking method but revealed everything after the family threatened him. The lawyer says Harrison voluntarily handed over the N5.4 million he’d removed. What happened next shocked him: police allegedly staged photos making it look like they’d just recovered the money from Harrison, even though he’d already turned it in. When authorities prepared a search warrant claiming the cash was found in his hotel room, Harrison refused to sign. That refusal reportedly led to his detention, not the rumored 14-day hold, according to his lawyer. Harrison maintains the tracking device in the prototype money is still working and showing the kidnappers’ location. He says he’s ready to help rescue the husband but feels sidelined by unfair accusations when police should be pursuing the criminals. Barr. Awele Ideal expressed frustration at the rush to judgment, emphasizing three key points: The N5.4 million is with police Harrison returned it willingly Focus should be on rescuing the victim, not destroying his client’s reputation While acknowledging Harrison’s past controversies, the lawyer argued that social media shouldn’t play judge and jury. He noted the absurdity of private citizens negotiating with armed bandits while law enforcement watches from the sidelines. He warned the family that their actions could endanger their relative’s life and advised Harrison to stay out of the forest for his own safety. “It’s disappointing how quickly people condemned Harrison without knowing the full story,” Barr. Awele Ideal said, calling for patience and proper legal process instead of trial by social media.

Celebrity Gist

2Face Idibia: “My Family Destroyed Me and Put Natasha’s Life in Danger”

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Music legend 2Face Idibia has finally broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his marriage to Edo State lawmaker Hon. Natasha Osawaru, and his words have left social media buzzing. In an emotional video, the singer said the people he trusted most, his own family, have caused him deep pain and put Natasha in harm’s way. He revealed that the same family interference that damaged his previous marriage to actress Annie Macaulay is now threatening Natasha’s safety. “My family, who claim they wanted to save me, have actually destroyed me and damaged Natasha’s character. My family did this same thing to Annie. Natasha is receiving death threats. They have ruined her whole life,” 2Face said. His statement has split fans down the middle. Some believe his family may have had good intentions, while others think their meddling has made things worse and exposed Natasha to public attacks. The African Queen crooner also shared that Natasha has been facing severe harassment, from online bullying and leaked private messages to actual death threats, all connected to the viral clips and discussions about their relationship. He hinted that much of the hostility she’s facing is being fueled from within his own circle, adding another layer to the controversy.

Elon Musk
Exclusive News, Foreign News

EU Fines Elon Musk’s X €120 Million Over Blue Checkmark Deception and Transparency Violations

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The European Union has slapped Elon Musk‘s X with a €120 million fine, the first major penalty under its Digital Services Act (DSA). The decision has ignited a fresh clash between Brussels and Washington, with U.S. officials condemning the move even before it was officially announced. The European Commission says X broke transparency rules, particularly through the “deceptive design” of its blue checkmark system. Officials argue that letting anyone buy verification misleads users and opens the door to impersonation, scams, and manipulation. X also failed to properly disclose information about political and commercial ads and blocked researchers from accessing necessary data. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen pushed back against accusations of censorship: “This decision is about the transparency of X and has nothing to do with censorship.” Her statement came after U.S. Vice President JD Vance slammed Europe for “attacking American companies over garbage.” Musk responded warmly, saying “Much appreciated.” The investigation started in December 2023. Last year, regulators determined that Musk’s verification overhaul removed meaningful identity checks, making it easier for bad actors to pose as legitimate accounts. Brussels also confirmed that other parts of the probe, including concerns about illegal content and information manipulation, are still active. Many thought the case might stall after Donald Trump returned to the White House and Musk regained political clout. But the EU pushed ahead anyway. Virkkunen defended the €120 million penalty as fair: “We are not here to impose the highest fines. We are here to make sure that our digital legislation is enforced.” The DSA allows fines up to 6% of a company’s global revenue. The EU could have based the fine on Musk’s entire empire, including Tesla, but chose what many see as a restrained approach. The Center for Countering Digital Hate praised the ruling, saying it shows no tech giant is above the law. France’s digital affairs minister, Anne Le Henanff, called it “historic” proof that Europe is ready to move “from words to action.” The White House isn’t happy. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently warned that Europe needs to rethink its digital rules if it wants progress on steel tariffs. The Trump administration’s latest national security plan accused Europe of “regulatory suffocation.” Meanwhile, the EU said it accepted TikTok’s promises to improve ad transparency, though the platform still faces other investigations under the DSA. EU officials insist U.S. pressure didn’t influence their decision on X, saying they focused on building a legally sound case.

Tacha
Celebrity Gist, Trending

Tacha Criticizes Aunty Esther’s Blood Transfusion Refusal: “Let People Who Want to Die, Die”

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Reality star Tacha has weighed into the controversy surrounding Aunty Esther, a popular X (formerly Twitter) vendor who revealed she’s fighting breast cancer but refused critical medical treatment because of her church, Jehovah Witness, beliefs. Aunty Esther, known for her bold self-promotion on the platform, initially said she was treating her cancer “naturally.” Concerned Nigerians rallied together, raising funds for her treatment and urging her to get proper medical care. However, things got complicated when she reportedly turned down a blood transfusion at the hospital. Fund managers took to X to share their frustration, setting off a massive online debate. Tacha didn’t hold back. “Honestly y’all, if somebody wants to die, I don’t see the argument. You people should allow the person die. I don’t see reasons trying to save someone who doesn’t want to be saved. This isn’t about religious belief, it’s just pure madness,” she wrote. The reality star also called out Aunty Esther’s past behavior online: “She has consistently shown recklessness and a lack of care. Even when there’s a serious issue or a family mourning on Twitter, she’ll be there advertising her business with no empathy. But she’s ‘Twitter’s favorite,’ so y’all always give her a pass.” Tacha questioned the religious justification some people gave for the refusal: “Isn’t it funny how your religion allows you to lie? If you can lie, you can steal and cheat. Your religion permits all that but won’t allow a blood transfusion to save your own life?” She argued that the ₦30 million raised shouldn’t go to waste: “That 30 million Naira can save 50–100 lives in today’s Nigeria. Channel the funds to people who want to live, and let those who want to die do so in peace.”

Celebrity Gist, Entertainment

Bimbo Akintola Speaks Out Against Election Bullying: “We All Have the Right to Differ”

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Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has opened up about the harassment she faced during Nigeria’s last election cycle, revealing that many people tried to intimidate her over her political support for the current president. Speaking on With Chude, the veteran actress shared how disturbed she felt watching fellow actress Joke Silva face severe online criticism just for expressing her political preference. “Nigerians annoy me. Don’t bully other people. We all have the right to differ in opinion. You don’t like this man? Yes, that’s your right. You prefer someone else? God bless you. But bullying people because of their choice is wrong,” Bimbo said. The attacks became so intense that she decided to confront her critics head-on through a video message. “I did this video saying, okay, I’m going for the same person. Kill me. Feel free. Kill me. Let me see you change my mind with your bullying,” she recalled. Bimbo stressed that while disagreements are natural, they shouldn’t turn into hostility or threats. She called on Nigerians to respect each other’s choices and allow people the freedom to support whoever they want without fear of being attacked online.

PDP to APC
Politics

Wike Speaks Out as 17 Rivers Lawmakers Defect from PDP to APC

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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has responded to the mass defection of 17 Rivers State lawmakers from the PDP to the APC, calling it “unfortunate” but constitutionally valid. The group, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, announced their switch during Thursday’s plenary session. Amaewhule cited ongoing internal turmoil within the PDP as the reason, saying the move would allow them to align with President Bola Tinubu, whom they believe has the nation’s best interests at heart. The defection has left the PDP with just nine or ten members in the 26-seat Rivers State House of Assembly, a major blow as political camps begin positioning ahead of the 2027 elections. According to report, while speaking to reporters Friday after inspecting an ongoing interchange bridge project in Abuja, Wike said while he regrets the decision, the lawmakers were within their rights. “Well, it’s unfortunate. I have always said that everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised. And the requirement of the Constitution is that when a party is factionalised, they are allowed to leave the party,” he explained. He clarified that not all lawmakers left, about 10 stayed behind, and stressed that he remains firmly in the PDP. “I’m still in the PDP. So those who have remained, we’ll continue to work together,” Wike said. He also called on the party’s national leadership to address the internal crisis and strengthen what’s left of the caucus so they can serve as an effective opposition. For now, Wike says those who left are free to go, but he’s sticking with the party and those who stayed loyal.

Celebrity Gist, Foreign News

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Mortal Kombat Legend, Dies at 75

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The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, best known for his iconic role as Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film. He was 75. TMZ reports that Tagawa passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from complications related to a stroke. He died peacefully with his children and family by his side. Born in Tokyo on September 27, 1950, Tagawa relocated to Southern California as a child. His father was a Japanese-American U.S. Army veteran, and his mother was a former Takarazuka actress, a background that exposed him to performance and storytelling early on. He fell in love with acting during high school and went on to study at the University of Southern California, launching a career that would span decades and captivate audiences worldwide. While Mortal Kombat made him a global fan favorite, Tagawa had already cemented his place in cinematic history. In 1987, he played Eunuch Chang in Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor, which swept the Oscars with nine wins, including Best Picture. Tagawa married Sally Phillips in 1984, and though they divorced in 2014, the couple had three children together who survive him. Tributes have flooded social media from colleagues, gaming fans, and film lovers alike. Industry figures including Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon, along with actors Margie Weiner and Penny Vizcarra, have shared emotional messages honoring Tagawa’s talent, warmth, and lasting impact. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa leaves behind a powerful legacy, one defined by unforgettable performances and a deep connection with audiences around the globe.

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VeryDarkMan Breaks Silence on Harrison Gwamnishu’s Arrest Over Alleged Ransom Theft

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Social media activist VeryDarkMan has defended his decision to report fellow activist Harrison Gwamnishu to the police, dismissing accusations that jealousy drove his actions. Gwamnishu was recently arrested after a kidnapped Edo couple’s family accused him of pocketing ransom money that was supposed to secure their release. The controversy has divided opinions online, with many questioning the activist’s integrity. VeryDarkMan insists his involvement wasn’t about rivalry, it was about accountability. He says he’s known Gwamnishu for years and has watched him repeatedly stumble just as his advocacy work gains momentum, often due to financial scandals. The tipping point, he explained, came after watching a video where Gwamnishu brushed off the allegations and claimed innocence. VeryDarkMan said the response felt dismissive and didn’t sit right with him. “I was gaslighted because I know what I know,” he said, adding that he then contacted the police. His reasoning? If Gwamnishu had nothing to hide, investigators would clear him and release him immediately. The fact that Gwamnishu remains in custody, VeryDarkMan argues, suggests there may be truth to the allegations. He said: “I’ve known Harrison for a long time. Harrison has a problem, but he’s a good guy. He needs cleansing because anytime he is going up, bad things happen and he comes down again. And it’s always money-related. People think I’m jealous because I initiated the call, but I did that after watching the video where he said the police would have picked him up if he did anything wrong. I was gaslighted because I know what I know, so I called the police. If he’s telling the truth, they should release him. But guess what, they haven’t released him because he’s not the one saying the truth.”

Politics, Trending

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows to Prove Sexual Harassment Claims Against Akpabio in Court

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has declared she’s ready to back up her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and she’s welcoming the legal fight. According to report, the Kogi Central lawmaker is facing a massive ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit from Akpabio, who claims her accusations have destroyed his reputation and painted him as a sexual predator. But instead of backing down, Akpoti-Uduaghan says the court case is exactly what she’s been waiting for. She alleges the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee shut her out and refused to hear her evidence. Now, she sees the lawsuit as her chance to present everything before an impartial judge. In her statement, the PDP senator stood firm on her allegations, insisting the harassment happened and that her rejection of Akpabio’s alleged advances sparked a campaign of political retaliation meant to silence and discredit her. “See you in court, Godswill Akpabio,” she said. Court documents filed at the FCT High Court reveal that Akpabio is demanding heavy financial damages, public retractions, and televised apologies aired nationwide. He argues that her interviews across multiple media platforms humiliated him publicly and portrayed him as someone who misuses his position for personal gain.

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