President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again intervened in the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, moving to contain the prolonged rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The renewed intervention comes amid fresh moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The Assembly’s action has further heightened political tension in the oil-rich state, where governance has been repeatedly disrupted by the power struggle.
Sources familiar with the development said the President is seeking a direct engagement with the key actors to prevent a complete breakdown of political order in the state. As part of the efforts, Governor Fubara was reported to have travelled abroad to meet with Tinubu, signalling the seriousness of the mediation process.
The feud, rooted in disagreements following Wike’s exit as governor, has polarised the political structure in Rivers, with lawmakers and party stakeholders taking opposing sides. Previous attempts at reconciliation have failed to produce lasting peace, prompting the President’s renewed involvement.
Political observers warn that if not urgently resolved, the crisis could undermine governance and stability in Rivers State, making Tinubu’s intervention critical at this stage.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, outlining eight allegations of gross misconduct against him.
The lawmakers, acting under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, issued a notice announcing the commencement of the process and granted the governor and his deputy seven days to respond to the accusations.
According to the Assembly, the allegations border on financial impropriety, constitutional violations, and interference with legislative functions.
Among the claims is the alleged reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds without legislative approval, as well as the misappropriation of state resources.
The governor is also accused of obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly from carrying out its constitutional duties, including making appointments without due legislative screening.
Further allegations include the withholding of salaries and entitlements of lawmakers, the seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the House, and the failure to implement constitutional provisions on financial autonomy for the legislature.
The Assembly also accused Governor Fubara of withholding funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, thereby crippling its operations.
The impeachment notice marks a significant escalation in the political crisis rocking the state, as the Assembly prepares to follow constitutional procedures should the governor fail to satisfactorily address the allegations within the stipulated timeframe.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its global lexicon with the inclusion of popular Nigerian and West African words, underscoring the growing international influence of the region’s language, culture, music, and cuisine.
In its latest update released in December 2025, the OED added 22 new words and expressions drawn largely from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal, many of which are commonly used in everyday conversations, pop culture, and social media across Africa and the diaspora.
According to Oxford, the new additions reflect how English continues to evolve through contact with other languages, especially in culturally vibrant regions like West Africa, where indigenous expressions have blended seamlessly into modern English usage.
Nigerian Culture Takes Centre Stage
Among the most notable Nigerian-related entries are “Amala,” “Afrobeats,” “Nyash,” “Abeg,” “Biko,” “Moi Moi,” and “Mammy Market.”
Amala was recognised as a noun describing the popular Nigerian meal made from yam, cassava, or plantain flour.
Afrobeats, now globally mainstream, was defined as a genre of popular music originating in West Africa, combining traditional rhythms with jazz, funk, hip-hop, and soul.
Nyash, a slang term widely used in Nigerian pop culture and social media, refers to the buttocks or backside.
Abeg and Biko were included as informal interjections used to express appeal, emphasis, or disbelief.
Moi Moi, a steamed bean pudding enjoyed across Nigeria, also earned its place in the dictionary.
Oxford noted that many of these words have moved beyond local use to become widely understood across international English-speaking communities, especially through music, film, migration, and digital platforms.
Other West African Words Added
The update also features expressions rooted in other West African cultures, particularly Ghana, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. These include food names, dances, musical styles, and social terms that have gained broader recognition.
Some of the newly added words include:
Abrokyire
Adowa
Ampesi
Benachin
Bichir
Domoda
Dumboy
Ghana Must Go (a large plastic travelling bag common across West Africa)
Hiplife
Kpanlogo
Light soup
Nawetan
Obroni
Poda-poda
Yassa
A Milestone for African English
Language experts say the update marks another milestone in the recognition of African English varieties as legitimate contributors to global English, rather than informal or fringe dialects.
Oxford editors explained that each word added met strict criteria, including frequency of use, longevity, and presence in written and spoken sources across different regions.
The inclusion of these terms highlights how African identity, creativity, and daily life continue to shape the English language worldwide—one word at a time.
As Afrobeats dominates global charts and Nigerian slang trends across social media, Oxford’s latest update confirms what many already know: West African language and culture are now firmly part of global English.
Africa’s leading businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has formally withdrawn the petition he filed with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Dangote had accused Ahmed of corruption and alleged financial impropriety, including claims that he spent more than $7 million on the overseas education of his children without lawful income justification.
The withdrawal, communicated in a letter dated January 5, 2026 from Dangote’s legal counsel, noted that another law enforcement agency has taken over the matter.
Despite this, the ICPC stated it will continue its investigation under its statutory mandate, saying the probe is in the public interest and already underway.
A federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of properties valued at N213.2 billion allegedly linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to the Federal Government.
The order followed an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is investigating the assets as suspected proceeds of unlawful activities. In granting the application, the court directed that the properties be temporarily forfeited pending the determination of the substantive case.
According to court documents, the assets—numbering 57 properties—are spread across the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) as well as Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states. They include luxury residential buildings, hotels, commercial plazas, shopping malls, warehouses, filling stations, parcels of land and other high-value real estate.
The court further ordered the EFCC to publish a notice of the interim forfeiture in a national newspaper, inviting any interested parties to appear within 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The forfeiture order is interim, meaning the final decision will depend on the outcome of the ongoing legal process and any objections raised by affected parties. The case has been adjourned to a later date for a report on compliance with the court’s directives.
Let me know if you want a shorter version, a more detailed breakdown of the properties, or a stronger investigative-style headline.
Types and Locations of Properties
The properties are spread across Abuja (FCT), Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, and include a mix of:
Luxury residential properties, such as:
A luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja (valued at about N5.95 billion).
Terrace buildings in Asokoro, Abuja and residential estates across states.
Hotels and commercial buildings, such as:
Meethaq Hotels Ltd in Jabi and Maitama, Abuja (one valued at about N8.4 billion, another at about N12.95 billion).
A large two-wing storey building in Garki, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels) valued at N7 billion.
Commercial assets and land, including:
Shops in Vegas Mall, Wuse II, Abuja.
100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi–Jega Road.
Plazas, warehouses, supermarkets, schools, factories, and oil & gas filling stations.
The quarter-final line-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been confirmed, with eight teams advancing following the conclusion of the Round of 16 matches.
The qualified teams are Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria, setting the stage for four highly anticipated encounters across Morocco.
Quarter-Final Fixtures and Schedule
The quarter-final matches will take place over two days, Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, January 9, 2026,
Mali will face Senegal at the Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00pm (WAT).
Hosts Morocco will take on Cameroon later in the day at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, starting at 9:00pm (WAT).
On Saturday, January 10, 2026,
Nigeria will clash with Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech, Marrakesh, with kick-off set for 5:00pm (WAT).
The final quarter-final match will see Egypt battle Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade Adrar, Agadir, beginning at 8:00pm (WAT).
Road to the Quarter-Finals
Nigeria booked their place in the last eight with a convincing victory over Mozambique, while Algeria progressed after edging past DR Congo in extra time. Côte d’Ivoire secured the final quarter-final spot following their win against Burkina Faso. Senegal, Mali, Morocco, Cameroon and Egypt had earlier sealed qualification.
The winners of the quarter-final matches will advance to the semi-finals as the race for the continental title intensifies.
The United States government has introduced a new visa bond requirement affecting citizens of 38 countries, including Nigeria, as part of measures to curb visa overstays and strengthen immigration compliance.
Under the policy, applicants from the affected countries seeking B-1/B-2 visitor visas (for tourism or business) may be required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 before a visa is issued. The bond will be refunded if the applicant complies with all visa conditions, including departing the United States on or before the approved date.
According to U.S. authorities, the decision is based on historical data showing higher overstay rates among nationals of the affected countries. The bond amount — which may be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 — will be determined on a case-by-case basis during the visa interview.
Effective Dates
Most of the countries will come under the new requirement from January 21, 2026, while others were added in phases between August and October 2025. A smaller group will be affected from January 1, 2026.
Countries Affected
The countries cut across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific, and include:
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
How the Bond Works
U.S. officials explained that the bond is not a visa fee and does not replace existing application charges. Instead, it serves as a financial guarantee and must be paid through the U.S. Treasury’s official payment system if required.
If a visa application is denied, or if the applicant fully complies with the visa terms after travel, the bond will be refunded. Failure to comply — such as overstaying — could result in forfeiture of the bond.
Implications
The policy has sparked concern among potential travelers, particularly in developing countries, where the bond amount may pose a significant financial burden. However, U.S. authorities insist the measure is targeted and aimed at encouraging compliance rather than restricting legitimate travel.
The visa bond requirement is part of a broader U.S. immigration pilot programme, which may be reviewed or expanded depending on its effectiveness in reducing visa overstays.
The Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Ben Enamudu, clarified that Nigerians’ bank balances will not be taxed under the new tax laws. He said the only charge linked to bank accounts is a ₦50 stamp duty on certain electronic transfers, and that the reforms are intended to protect low-income earners.
Enamudu explained that there is no provision in Nigerian tax law for taxing money simply for being in your bank account. The ₦50 fee applies only when money is transferred to another person or account and is classified as stamp duty, not a tax on deposits or savings.
Under the new system, only the sender pays this ₦50 duty; previously, both sender and receiver shared the cost. Transfers below ₦10,000, salary-related payments, and transfers within the same bank (if accounts are linked) are not charged the duty. However, transfers to accounts in different banks will still attract the ₦50 charge.
He also noted that essential items like basic food, medicals, and education are exempt from value-added tax (VAT) under the reforms. Additionally, the tax rules allow rent relief for tenants and clarify that the well-known ₦800,000 threshold applies to taxable income after deductions, not total earnings. The new tax law took effect on January 4, 2026.
The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of measures aimed at eliminating examination malpractice in national examinations from 2026 onward.
The new policies, which will apply to examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO) and other examination bodies, are part of ongoing reforms to strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s assessment system.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the government was intensifying oversight and deploying targeted strategies to safeguard the integrity of national examinations.
One of the key measures is the introduction of enhanced question randomisation and serialisation. While all candidates will answer the same questions, the sequence and arrangement will differ for each candidate, ensuring that every student writes a unique version of the examination and significantly reducing opportunities for collusion.
Dr Alausa also reaffirmed the ministry’s strict ban on the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level, noting that the directive—already communicated through an official circular—would be rigorously enforced to prevent last-minute school changes often linked to examination malpractice.
To further promote transparency, the minister said new national guidelines for continuous assessment have been developed for immediate implementation. All examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO and NBAIS, are required to strictly adhere to standardised submission deadlines.
Under the new framework, first-term continuous assessment scores must be submitted in January, while second- and third-term submissions are scheduled for April and August respectively. The timelines, he explained, are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity and timely processing nationwide.
In addition, the ministry is introducing a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates. The identifier will enable effective tracking throughout the examination process, strengthen monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification and data management.
Dr Alausa assured stakeholders that examinations would be conducted under strengthened supervision and in close coordination with examination bodies to ensure strict compliance with ethical and operational guidelines.
He said the measures reflect the Federal Government’s resolve to conduct examinations that are credible, fair and aligned with global best practices, while addressing Nigeria’s unique educational challenges.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with examination bodies, state governments, school administrators, parents and candidates to ensure the successful implementation of the reforms and the smooth conduct of the 2026 examinations nationwide. NAN
The United Nations has strongly criticised recent US air strikes on Venezuela and the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro, warning that the action undermines core principles of international law.
Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Tuesday, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the operation violated the long-standing rule that states must not use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another country.
“This is what we are seeing,” Shamdasani said, urging the international community to “come together with one voice” to affirm that the action contravenes international law agreed upon by UN member states.
US commandos, backed by warplanes, naval forces and air strikes, reportedly seized Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the early hours of Saturday. Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday to deny US charges of drug trafficking and related offences, insisting he was kidnapped and remains Venezuela’s legitimate president.
Maduro, who assumed office in 2013 following the death of former president Hugo Chávez, has long been accused by the United States and the European Union of clinging to power through rigged elections and repression of political opponents. Western governments say corruption flourished under his leadership, with the most recent disputed election held in 2024.
Despite years of documenting what it describes as Venezuela’s worsening human rights situation, the UN rejected Washington’s justification for the intervention.
“Accountability for human rights violations cannot be achieved by unilateral military intervention in violation of international law,” Shamdasani said, adding that using human rights arguments to justify such action was “unacceptable” and likely to worsen conditions in the country.
She also expressed concern over a state of emergency declared by Venezuelan authorities on Saturday, which allows property seizures, restricts freedom of movement and suspends the right to protest.
“Far from being a victory for human rights, this military intervention damages the architecture of international security, making every country less safe,” she warned.
The UN human rights office has been monitoring Venezuela from Panama since its international staff were expelled in early 2024.
Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said nearly eight million Venezuelans — about a quarter of the population — required humanitarian assistance even before the US operation. The UN refugee agency UNHCR reported no immediate signs of mass displacement but said it was closely monitoring developments and stood ready to support emergency relief efforts if needed.
