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PDP to APC
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Bayelsa Senator Benson Agadaga Dumps PDP for APC, Cites Deep Divisions

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Senator Benson Agadaga of the Bayelsa East Senatorial District has formally defected from the ruling party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing irreconcilable differences and internal conflicts in the PDP. In a letter he had the Senate President Godswill Akpabio read out in Wednesday’s plenary, Agadaga explained that his switch was in the wake of “deep reflection and wide consultations” with his people and allies, reiterating that “change is the only permanent thing in life.” He appreciated the PDP for giving him the platform to serve and acknowledged the party’s burden in leading the then-President Jonathan to national leadership. But he lamented that the then-dominant PDP had reduced itself to “a shadow of its former self” undermined by internal crisis. “It is shocking and dismayed to witness the fact that the once proud and largest political party in Africa has been reduced to a state of disorganization due to internal wrangling and irreconcilable differences. The umbrella has been torn asunder and leaking copiously; the center can no longer hold,” he said. Agadaga announced that he had made up his mind to defect to the APC due to his fidelity to “progressive ideals” in addition to national unity and development stances of the incumbent party. “I thus hereby formally resign my membership of the tattered People’s Democratic Party and declare my defection to the All Progressives Congress with effect from today, October 29, 2025,” he stated. Simultaneously, PDP stakeholders in Cross River North Senatorial District also made public declarations to decamp to the APC in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who also crossed over to the ruling party. Cross River North Representative Jarigbe had earlier visited President Bola Tinubu and APC state chairman Alphonsus Eba to seal his defection. On behalf of Jarigbe, his spokesperson John Agom Agom stated the move was to join President Tinubu’s agenda on reforms and contribute his voice towards national development. “My people can be sure that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering the people and taking people-oriented projects. Better days are coming,” he vowed. At a strategic meeting in Abuja with key PDP stakeholders, discussions revolved around joining the “progressive direction” of Cross River State under Governor Bassey Otu and the national agenda of the Tinubu administration. Cross River PDP chairman, Venatius Ikem, commended Jarigbe’s bold move, pledging to converge with party executives once again to seek the next course of action. Hon. Godwin Offiono, Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency member representative, and former SSG Austin Edibe, among others, attended the event.

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Defence Minister Charges New Service Chiefs on Unity, Strategy to Tackle Insecurity

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The Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru, has tasked the newly appointed Service Chiefs to work together and come up with a unified approach to curbing insecurity and defending Nigeria’s sovereignty. Badaru made the appeal on Tuesday when he hosted the Service Chiefs in a first-time courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja. They were commanded by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. O. O. Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke. In a statement issued from the Minister’s office, Badaru reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing cooperation within the Armed Forces in accordance with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a more cohesive and effective military. “The visit confirms the Minister’s commitment to building one defence leadership based on cooperation, trust, and shared national purpose,” the statement added.

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Young Jonn Says He’s Not Ready for Commitment, Prioritizes Music Career

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Chocolate City rapper and music producer Young Jonn has explained that he is not yet prepared to commit himself to a serious relationship at this stage of his life. Speaking on the Way Up podcast, the artist explained that his career demands and way of life do not enable him to give himself entirely to one person. “I don’t think I could give so much of myself to one woman at this time. I’d rather it remain platonic because I know myself and I know the type of energy I need to bring to my work,” he replied in the interview published on September 11, 2025. The news has caused controversy on social media. While some fans praised him for his honesty, others have claimed that his remarks evidenced an evolving culture of uncommitment among the entertainment industry. Young Jonn, real name John Saviours Udomboso, first rose to fame as a producer under YBNL, recording hit songs for Olamide and other stars, before successfully reinventing himself as a recording artist as well. His transition from “Young Jonn the Wicked Producer” to chart-topper as a vocalist has been hailed as one of Nigeria’s greatest music industry makeovers. At 30, the artist has also been candid about personal issues, such as losing his mother and the difficulty of making it on his own as an independent act. His honesty regarding relationships contributes to his persona as someone who is living both fame and personal development. Industry watchers believe that his comments might reflect a general direction of celebrities being more forthcoming about personal choices, abandoning the need to live out a “perfect” life. As Young Jonn continues to build his music career, his supporters continue to look forward to new pieces. Whatever happens to his relationship attitudes, his bravery to say what he believes has solidified him as one of Nigeria’s most authentic voices in the music scene.

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ADC to FG: National Library Too Important to Be Left to Charity

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African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the federal government to immediately assume the responsibility of completing the centuries-old National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja and expressed that such a monument of national importance cannot be left at charity or goodwill gestures. The party was reacting to recent comments by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose birthday presents included the promise of backing the completion of the library. In commending her interest, the ADC made it clear that the project should not be made a personal pet project. “The National Library is a living memory archive of our intellectual and memory culture. It is not just another building,” stated the party. “Established by an Act of Parliament in 1964, it is a repository of Nigeria’s history, culture, research, and knowledge production. Completion and sustainability must be guaranteed through transparent and predictable national funding, not largesse.” The ADC noted that financial accountability for the project was previously shifted to TETFUND and that this explained why no direct budgetary provisions for the library had been made in the 2024 and 2025 budgets. It therefore appealed to Mrs. Tinubu to exercise her influence to demand from President Bola Tinubu the necessity of completing the project through federal budgetary provisions. “With respect, the National Library is just too important to be considered an afterthought. The intellectual patrimony of a nation cannot remain suspended on acts of benevolence while being disregarded in appropriations,” the ADC further added.  

police
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Akwa Ibom Police Bust Armed Robbery, Vandalism Syndicates; Recover Weapons, Stolen Items

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The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has disbanded two gangs of armed robbers and vandals operating in the state through intelligence-based operations. Command Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, announced this over the weekend in Uyo, stating that the operations were part of the crime reduction strategy of the commissioner of police, CP Baba Azare. Four suspects were apprehended, while arms, stolen items, and other incriminating materials were seized, she added. About 9:30 p.m. on August 18, agents raided the home of 23-year-old God’stime Emmanuel James in Abak LGA. Wanted for destroying schools and private homes, James was arrested, as his accomplices ran away into a nearby creek. The following items were recovered: dried leaves believed to be cannabis, dismantled door locks, door handles, and a mini flashlight. In a separate operation, police apprehended a three-man robbery gang armed with guns that had been terrorizing Uyo with a string of dawn robberies. The gang had robbed a female resident of an iPhone 12 Pro valued at ₦650,000, and investigations further revealed at least five other victims. Among the suspects, one 27-year-old Ubong Michael Patrick was nabbed and took operatives to two of his collaborators: a 20-year-old Ibrahim Kanu from Adamawa and a 25-year-old Nazipi Dahiru from Gombe. Items seized from them included their operational bike, a locally-made pistol, and a dagger. Early investigations revealed that stolen mobile phones were being sold by the gang to unsuspecting people in Kano. DSP John pledged that efforts are being made to retrieve the stolen goods while also appealing to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

President Bola Tinubu
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Tinubu Hails IBB at 84, Praises His Contributions to Nigeria’s Development

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), on his 84th birthday. In a statement issued on behalf of the president by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the president joined the family members, friends, and associates of Babangida to celebrate the milestone, noting that his eight years in office had an indelible mark on Nigeria’s socio-economic and political growth. Tinubu praised the former leader’s illustrious military career where he had been an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), commander of the 4 Reconnaissance Regiment, commander of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, director of Army Staff Duties and Plans, and ultimately chief of army staff. He also cited the regime of Babangida, recalling his massive investment in infrastructure like the construction of the Third Mainland Bridge and sweeping reforms that opened the Nigerian economy. The president also credited IBB with the establishment of some of the country’s cornerstone national institutions such as the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as well as the creation of new states and the relocation of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja. President Tinubu appreciated Babangida for his sacrifices and leadership and prayed Almighty Allah to grant him more years of good health and renewed energy.

Governor Kefas Taraba state
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Taraba Government Denies ₦5.22bn Foreign Trips Report, Labels Claim ‘False and Misleading’

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The Taraba State government has strongly refuted a publication in the media claiming that Governor Agbu Kefas had spent ₦5.22 billion on overseas travels within six months, deeming the claim “entirely false” and “deliberately misleading.” In the publication, written by journalist John Mkom and published in LEADERSHIP Newspaper, the governor was accused of spending enormous amounts of money on foreign travels, according to the state government’s portal and data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). In the Monday release by the Commissioner of Information and Reorientation, Barr. Zainab Jalingo, the government referred to the claims as untrue and not based on any valid information. “This claim is entirely false. It is not based on any official report and is gross misstatement of facts, made in good conscious to deceive the public,” Jalingo stated. She said that no such amount was indicated on the official government site, in budget documents, or in any NBS data, and she urged people to fact-check things for themselves. The commissioner challenged Mkom to present verifiable facts in official reports to support his report, citing that hearsay and unnamed sources are not good journalism practices. “Until then, the ₦5.22 billion figure is fiction,” she went on. Highlighting the Kefas government’s performance, the statement cited the education, health, and economic reforms as proof of the governor’s dedication to reconstructing Taraba after years of neglect. “Transformation is a long-term process that requires meticulous planning, difficult decisions, and diligent work. The fruits are beginning to manifest,” Jalingo noted. The government called on individuals to disregard the report and seek information from official sources for accurate information, restating that it is committed to transparency, accountability, and truth.

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TheCityCeleb Foils Cyberattack, Reinforces Leadership in Secure Digital Journalism

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TheCityCeleb, a Nigerian online news platform that was established in 2020 by Kaptain Kush, has solidified its online presence after surviving a drastic victory over a severe cyberattack in the early part of this year. The attack, which targeted cloning of its official website (thecityceleb.com), prompted the site to adopt robust cybersecurity measures, including better encryption and domain security systems. The swift reaction not only safeguarded the credibility of the platform but also positioned it as a pioneer in secure online journalism. Market observers praised its transparency and resilience, adding that TheCityCeleb continued to benefit from the confidence of its millions of global readers, who refer to it for celebrity profiles and entertainment news. Cybersecurity expert Dr. Ngozi Eze of the University of Nigeria appreciated the move, saying, “TheCityCeleb’s proactive move indicates the importance of online security for news sites. Its transparency is a template for others in Africa’s online sphere.” To prevent any future occurrence, TheCityCeleb has collaborated with leading cybersecurity firms and is considering blockchain-based content authentication by 2026. Its social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook, continuously updated fans and industry players throughout the crisis. Experts now point to TheCityCeleb’s experience as the benchmark for resilience in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital media space, where cyberattacks are a growing threat. By prioritizing security and transparency, the platform establishes trust even as it breaks new ground in digital journalism across Africa.

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Police Enforce Tight Security as Parties Clash Ahead of By-Elections in 12 States

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Nigeria Police Force has unveiled extensive security arrangements as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP) and other political parties engage in a battle for supremacy in by-elections in 12 states today. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered watertight security across hit constituencies, with senior officers such as Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police deployed to direct operations. Tactical groups such as the Mobile Police Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department were also deployed. To allow for smooth polls, the IGP imposed a ban on vehicle movement between 12 am and 6 pm in troubled local government areas with the exception of INEC officials, accredited media, observers, medical responders, and firefighters. He also re-emphasized the ban of security aides accompanying politicians to polling booths and cautioned state-owned security agencies, private guardsmen, and vigilantes not to interfere with election security. Force PRO, CP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police would adhere to normal electoral processes strictly and protect citizens’ right to vote freely. In Kogi State, the command assured residents of maximum security throughout the Okura II State Constituency by-election. Police spokesperson, SP William Ovye Aya, noted that Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye was working in partnership with other security agencies to guarantee peaceful conduct and cautioned troublemakers to steer clear of walking around polling and collation centres. Meanwhile, political tensions are rising in Anambra ahead of by-elections in the Anambra South Senatorial zone and Onitsha North I State Assembly constituency. The National Assembly Caucus of the Labour Party accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), of plotting to send thugs, state-backed vigilantes, and tax collectors to intimidate opposition voters. In a joint statement, LP lawmakers alleged that Soludo had planned sending state security personnel to “assume voting points” and intimidate opposing supporters. However, the Anambra State Government discredited the allegations as “laughable and baseless.” Information Commissioner, Dr. Law Mefor, insisted that election security rested solely with the police and INEC, not the state government. He accused the LP of “crying wolf”. owing to a fear of APGA’s political dominance. “Election security, especially INEC-organized elections, have nothing to do with Anambra State Government. Ndi Anambra are urged to come out in peace, vote, and protect their votes,” Mefor stated. The LP caucus, however, restated its allegations and called for the immediate deployment of national security agencies, including the NSA, Army, DSS, and NSCDC, to safeguard the voters and ensure free and fair elections. While political mudslinging continues to pour and security agencies are on high alert, today’s by-elections are now a test of Nigeria’s ability to conduct credible and peaceful elections.

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11 PLC Restructures Manpower Sourcing to Enhance Service Delivery

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11 PLC (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc) has made a gesture to change its manpower procurement strategy in an attempt to improve service delivery to stakeholders. Under the new deal, workers previously hired by the outgoing manpower company will be absorbed by a new provider while the departing vendor will be responsible for the payment of all benefits accrued to the affected workers based on their employment conditions. The company assured that all workers and suppliers will continue to be provided with competitive compensation and dedicated assistance to increase productivity levels. Formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, 11 PLC was achieved upon the acquisition of NIPCO of 60 per cent equity interest from ExxonMobil in a ₦90 billion deal. The rebranding was approved by the shareholders and conducted by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, though still utilizing the Mobil brand and products such as lubricants.

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