Category Nigeria News

The African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s (Kebbi State) chapter has urged the Kebbi State Government to take immediate action to protect lives, particularly in Yauri Emirate, in light of rising insecurity, political intimidation, and economic hardship.

Safiyanu Bala, the party’s state chairman, urged Nigerians to stay awake while the party celebrates the new year by urging them to stay away from the ongoing suffering of the country on Thursday.

The reality is that insecurity, hunger, and injustice continue to be a problem for ordinary Nigerians, according to the statement “a new year does not mean we should forget the hardships our people are going through.” Bala stated.

The party accused the government of harassing opposition figures and using intimidation to compel politicians to defect to the ruling party in Nigeria, which it claimed is shrinking the democratic space.

“We are seeing a systematic attempt to silence opposition voices through coercion and intimidation.” Bala stated, “This trend seriously threatens our democracy.”

Recent political developments in the nation, including those involving former FEC Attorney General Abubakar Malami, are clear indications of growing threats to democratic principles, according to the ADC.

The party also criticized the country’s current economic policies, particularly taxation measures, which it claimed are worsening the hardship experienced by regular Nigerians.

According to Bala, “the common man already suffers from hunger, high living costs, and insecurity.”

The government is “imposition of more taxes on the poor” rather than providing relief.

Read more about Atiku’s claim to “economic suffocation, forgery, and democratic erass” against Tinubu’s government.

Bala further criticized and described the security situation in the Yauri Emirate, particularly in the Shanga Local Government Area, as alarming and unacceptable.

He claimed that the Kebbi State Government has killed innocent people four days in a row without receiving a meaningful response.

He said, “What is happening in Yauri, especially Shanga, is heartbreaking and shameful.”

The government is silent, despite the fact that innocent lives are lost.

The party questioned whether Shanga residents’ lives are being treated as less important and accused the state government of being indifferent.

Are Shanga people’s lives worthless more than politics? Bala posed a query.

Security personnel are everywhere for opposition activities, but there is no urgency when civilians are killed, according to the statement.

The Shanga people are clamoring for security, justice, and immediate intervention to put an end to the violence, according to the ADC.

Bala claimed that “they are not requesting positions or politics.”

State governors have urged Nigerians to continue to embrace unity in order to bring more development to the country in 2026 as Nigeria approaches the new year.

Additionally, the governors cited a number of accomplishments that they had made in various industries.

Read more about Tinubu’s pledge to promote inclusive growth and enhanced security in 2026.

Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State, urged people to work with the state’s governor to keep the “peace” being maintained by remaining vigilant.

“Our foundations are a huge harvest for us in Imo, and 2026 is it.” However, we must work consciously to maintain it as we enjoy the tranquility that is now a part of our landscape.

We must remember that there are still people who are unhappy with our state’s progress, who are also unstoppable growth foes who may attempt to bring us back to darker times.

“We must maintain our watch.” The price of liberty is “eternal vigilance,” according to the proverb. In his New Year’s message, he said, “We must be observant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the security agencies.

The governor urged “those who wish to continue planting hatred and hostility for political gain” to turn a new leaf.

Avoid subverting the very system you rely on. Our agencies are also better than ever equipped to identify and stop those who are plotting evil or violence with our new AI-driven security technology.

The era of politically motivated insecurity is now over. Our collective resolve to reclaim our state is what gives rise to the peace we enjoy, he continued.

sustained patriotism

Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi State, reiterated his government’s commitment to people-oriented governance in the same vein.

Ododo noted in his New Year’s message that the time questioned the people’s resilience and strengthened their collective resolve.

The governor attributed the state’s modest but significant gains to security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth and women’s empowerment, citing discipline, unity of purpose, and citizen collaboration, as well as modest but significant gains in key areas, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and unity of purpose.

According to him, his administration’s renewed optimism comes from the New Year, which in turn bolsters his administration’s resolve to take action to improve the quality of life for its citizens, increase opportunities for youth, empower women, and boost the state’s economy.

Governor Ododo reiterated that his administration’s security is still top of mind, urging residents to work more closely with security organizations and community stakeholders to maintain state peace. He also stressed that meaningful development cannot occur in a secure environment.

Ododo urged others to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” noting that the President’s reforms have boosted the economy and made more resources available for development for sub-national governments.

New Opportunities

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfuang, described 2026 as a year of renewed hope, divine opportunities, and state-wide transformation.

He prayed for the injured and shared his grief with those who had lost loved ones.

As the state made more efforts to restore lasting peace to our communities, the governor claimed 2025 marked a significant turning point in our collective journey.

The year 2026 offers us new opportunities to consolidate our accomplishments and accelerate our development, dear people.

No government can exist without the people of the Lower Plateau’s cooperation, patience, and commitment, according to the residents.

I urge all residents to work together to create a peaceful, prosperous, and united Plateau State, adding that, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,

Kaduna State governor Uba Sani promised residents that 2026 will bring about continued progress.

He praised his administration’s significant accomplishments in security, healthcare, economic inclusion, and social welfare, describing 2025 as a year of stability, stability, and steady progress.

Governor Sani added that partnerships with development organizations have resulted in free housing for bandit victims.

The governor made the announcement of Project 255, which guarantees $100 million in public investment for each of Kaduna State’s 255 wards, in 2026.

In his New Year’s Eve broadcast, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to good governance, inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, enhanced security, and people’s empowerment.

He also urged the Ondo people to keep working together toward a better future, place equalization, harmony, and progress, and overcome challenges in the new year.

Our administration will continue to be guided by the simple conviction that good governance must affect people’s lives, restore their dignity, and create more opportunities for all.

He was quoted as saying, “We shall birth a State that works for all as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State with faith in God and confidence in one another.”

Development of rural and agricultural areas

Umo Eno, his state counterpart in Akwa Ibom, promised to give the promotion of overall development a top priority in 2026.

In the coming year, he has also made a commitment to prioritize rural and agricultural development.

In his statewide New Year’s broadcast, the governor referred to peace as the driving force behind growth and why his administration’s development efforts have continued to be successful.

The governor urged all political figures to reject division and violence, and urged them to embrace ideas, tolerance, and the common good as the political season draws near.

In keeping with the New Year’s resolution, the Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has also distributed relief items to patients in some of Minna’s hospitals as a show of love, care, and support.

The initiative was led by Hadiza Idris-Kuta, the commissioner for women’s affairs and social development, to help identify with vulnerable patients and newborn babies during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Commissioner visited various hospitals to distribute goods, show compassion to the families of the first born this year, and welcome the first babies informally as the “New Niger Lites.”

Idris-Kuta stated in a statement to journalists that the gesture was to reassure patients that the Niger State Government is committed to their welfare while they were visiting the hospital.

The Ministry is attempting to exhibit this as we enter the New Year with the spirit of giving and sharing.

This year, we have a lot of programs planned for women and children, starting with the vulnerable — women and children — to demonstrate that the government is always there for them.

Agbu Kefas, the governor of Taraba State, claims that no one in his government is ever a victim of crime, and that no one has a place to hide from criminals, regardless of race or status.

Ungoverned spaces will no longer exist in the state, according to the governor.

The Governor stated in a statewide broadcast to mark the beginning of the year that while his administration adheres to the federal government’s constitutional authority to regulate solid minerals, no responsible government can ignore what happens on its soil, especially when illegal mining threatens people’s security, livelihoods, and the environment.

He reaffirmed that the state’s law, which forbids illegal mining, still applies to all branches of the economy to ensure that development prospers.

In his New Year’s Address to the state’s citizens, the governor reassured them of his renewed commitment to peace, inclusive governance, justice, and accelerated development.

He noted that state security agencies have been given full authority and coordination to safeguard people’s lives, property, and livelihoods. He added that 2026’s top priorities for food security, livestock reform, and land management.

He emphasized that Taraba must contribute responsibly to the country’s food supply while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.

Kefas reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transparent and fair land reforms, including ranching, veterinary services, and conflict prevention.

Governor Kefas stated in relation to mining and natural resources that Taraba State will not tolerate illegal mining, environmental degradation, or the use of mineral routes to finance insecurity. However, the state fully respects the federal government’s constitutional authority over solid minerals.

He emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with the federal government and relevant organizations to ensure that host communities’ mining activities are permitted, safe, and environmentally responsible.

The address also emphasized the need to keep investing in rural and remote areas of government, with an emphasis on expanding government presence.

The Governor outlined plans to expand development areas and increase local participation in order to promote inclusive growth and pledged to revive cultural and sports development as tools for social cohesion, citing Taraba’s diversity as a resource that needs to be exploited for peace and progress.

The Governor urged people to rely on verified information and reject incitement while addressing misinformation, insisting that his administration continues to be focused on delivery, accountability, and unity.

Governor Kefas urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, farmers, pastoralists, youths, women, professionals, and political leaders to work together for the state’s overall prosperity, claiming that “2026 will be a year of peace with strength, progress with purpose, and prosperity with inclusion.”

A report that is currently being circulated on social media and the traditional media is being disowned by the National Judicial Council (NJC). It claims that 34 lawyers failed an integrity test and were consequently removed from consideration for appointments as judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

The Secretary of the NJC, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, stated in a press release that the report was erroneous and unreliable, and that it did not accurately reflect the circumstances as they occurred at the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) level.

For the avoidance of doubt, the National Judicial Council has yet to make a decision or take any action in relation to the candidates referred to in the report.

The Council added that while a few candidates were in fact removed from the FJSC process based on negative findings made by the Commission, many others did not advance because they failed to meet the required qualifying score to be admitted to the NJC interview stage.

The Council made a point of highlighting the fact that, in contrast to the media reports, there is no stand-alone or newly developed “integrity test” whose failure automatically automatically disqualifies candidates in large numbers.

NLC Demands “Urgent” Review Of Workers Wages In 2026. READ ALSO: Inflation, Hardship.

It states that interviews conducted in strict accordance with established guidelines are still conducted as part of the judicial appointment process, which is merit-driven, multi-layered, and includes written examinations, performance benchmarks, background checks, and other requirements.

The Council is concerned that inaccurate and speculative information may be made public and unfairly damage candidates’ reputations if they are chosen in good faith.

The NJC has begun internal investigations to find the source of the unauthorized press statement and will take appropriate steps to safeguard the integrity and credibility of its procedures in light of the above.

Following the passage of the State House of Assembly, Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, signed the 583. 3 billion budget into law for the 2026 fiscal year.

Recurrent expenditure accounts for 35.94% of the total budget, and the budget for capital projects, which make up 377.69 billion, or 64.06 percent of total spending, is 209.64 billion.

The budget is based on strategic priorities, according to Governor Fintiri, that will boost infrastructure, expand healthcare, increase employment, and support citizens’ welfare.

He added that extensive consultations have been conducted to reflect the wants and needs of local governments across the state.

READ ALSO: The 2026 Fiscal Plan is approved by the Akwa Ibom Assembly

In terms of security, Governor Fintiri stated that the government would send some of the forest guards with training to Hong Local Government Area in 2026 to address, among other pressing issues, emerging security issues.

He added that the administration’s commitment to enhancing working relationships with the media and supporting the achievement of milestones in the 2026 budget’s proper implementation.

In a string of deadly attacks on communities in the Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, suspect bandits claimed seven lives, causing fear, displacement, and calls for more security presence.

The attackers reportedly stormed Tungan Giwa village on Wednesday night, killing two residents in the attack that prompted many locals to flee their homes.

The incident occurred just one day after other similar ones occurred on Tuesday in other local government areas.

According to community sources, five people were killed in Kaiwa village, where the village head’s house was also set on fire by the attackers.

One person was killed in a separate attack on Gurwo town earlier on Wednesday, which the bandits then launched in Gebbe town, where one resident was reportedly perished.

Read more about the seven people killed in the Plateau community gunfight.

Residents of nearby villages were forced to abandon their homes, farmland, livestock, and personal belongings as a result of the constant attacks, according to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“Shanga town has a large number of families who have fled for safety.” The source claimed that “people have lost everything, and the situation is getting worse day by day.”

Members of the affected communities have urged the government to immediately deploy more military and security personnel to protect innocent civilians and restore peace there.

The residents called for a stronger and more visible security presence to stop further property destruction and loss of lives while applauding the government’s efforts to combat insecurity.