Ibadan – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, without consulting him.
Wike, who spoke at the Assembly Quarters on Saturday, noted that their defection affected him.
On December 5, 2025, the 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, left PDP for APC.
Their defection heightened political tension in the state, which had just emerged from a six-month emergency rule.
Shortly after their defection, Governor Sim Fubara also left PDP for APC amid the leadership crisis rocking the former ruling party.
Why I’m most abused politician after Tinubu by Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, has described himself as the most abused politician in the country today after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister also declared on Saturday that from January 2026 politics will start in Rivers State.
Wike spoke during a special thanksgiving service organised by the Chairman, South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche at his Ochiba country home in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday.
The former Rivers state governor declared his unwavering stance in support for President Tinubu, insisting that he never reneged on any agreement he entered into.
FG to deploy 7,000 forest guards in seven pilot states
The Federal Government has announced readiness to deploy 7,000 forest guards across seven pilot states as part of efforts to address insecurity linked to ungoverned forest areas.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this on Saturday in Yola, Adamawa State, during the graduation ceremony of the newly trained forest guards.
According to Ribadu, the guards will gather human intelligence, support existing security operations, and help restore government presence in areas where it has been limited.
Total Sovereignty is Unattainable in the Modern Era, Says Jimoh Ibrahim
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, an ambassador-designate with a doctorate in Modern War Studies, has asserted that the notion of a country possessing total, absolute sovereignty is a fallacy in the contemporary world. He argued that international collaboration is a fundamental requirement for any state aiming to resolve large-scale security issues.
During a weekend address, Ibrahim referenced the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States to illustrate his point. He noted that even the U.S., a leading global power, found it necessary to lean on a vast international network for military and intelligence assistance. This led to the formation of a multi-national coalition, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Poland, and Russia, which provided essential personnel and hardware to support Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Senator suggested that Nigeria should adopt a similar mindset when addressing its own internal security struggles. He urged the public to stand behind President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to build strategic global alliances, describing such partnerships as a sophisticated democratic framework for achieving peace in a geocentric era. Ibrahim emphasized that entering into these cooperative arrangements is a sign of proactive leadership rather than a surrender of national pride or independence.
Super Eagles beat Tunisia 3-2 to qualify for AFCON round of 16
Victor Osimhen starred as Nigeria became the second qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after Egypt by surviving a late Tunisia onslaught to win 3-2 in Fes on Saturday.
The Super Eagles were cruising to victory when leading 3-0 through goals from Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman.
But Tunisia refused to surrender in the top-of-the-table Group C clash, and Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi scored to set up a tense finish.
Tunisia had two chances to level during seven minutes of added time, but a header from captain Ferjani Sassi and a shot by substitute Ismael Gharbi were just off target.
Nollywood actress, producer Allwell Ademola is dead
Nollywood actress and producer, Allwell Ademola, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
The actress passed away at the age of 43 years old.
There are reports that she passed away after suffering heart attack while at home.
Allwell Ademola is one of the grand daughters of late Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, a respected and revered Nigerian lawyer and chief justice.
Many feared dead as explosion rocks Zamfara highway
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion along the Dansadau–Magami Road on Saturday evening.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the command received a report of the incident from the Officer-in-Charge of the Magami outstation.
According to him, the explosion occurred on December 27, 2025, at about 2:30 pm at Maikogo Village in Maru Local Government Area.
DSP Abubakar explained that an object suspected to be an IED, allegedly planted by unknown persons, detonated at the location.
The blast reportedly destroyed a trailer beyond recognition and claimed the lives of several people, including motorcycle riders who were in the area at the time.
