Category Nigeria News

Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) have praised the economic reforms undertaken by Bola Tinubu’s administration, and have resolved to strengthen local security architecture in all the states under their control.

The Governors made the resolve during their meeting in Lagos State on Friday, 5th and Saturday, 6th December 2025, convened by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, and hosted by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State.

The engagement provided an opportunity to review the nation’s current trajectory, deepen coordination among the governors, and reaffirm the Forum’s unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Their commitment to security followed a rise in reported abductions and violence across the country, especially in the northern region.

During the meeting, the Forum reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state, and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers.

“The Forum commended Mr President for the ongoing re-engineering in the security architecture of the country. “Governors reiterated that safety of lives and property remains a non-negotiable obligation of government.

“The PGF resolved to continue strengthening community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering, conflict-prevention mechanisms, and support for victims of violence and disaster.

“The Forum underscored the importance of social cohesion, inter-faith harmony and inter-ethnic understanding, and urged all leaders to use their voices and platforms to promote unity, moderation and respect, while isolating criminality and hate speech in all its forms”, the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting read in part.

The Forum reiterated that effective local governance is central to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots.

They resolved to deepen reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery in local government administration, within the framework of the Constitution and in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

“The PGF agreed to expand platforms for citizen engagement, including town hall meetings, consultation with traditional and religious leaders, civil society, labour, professional bodies, youth, and women’s groups.

“The Forum affirmed that listening to the people, explaining government policies clearly, and adjusting implementation strategies based on feedback are essential to building trust and sustaining democratic legitimacy.”

On party cohesion and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Forum reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the APC, and commended the leadership of the Party for ongoing efforts to strengthen internal democracy, discipline, reconciliation, and inclusiveness.

They pledged to continue playing a stabilising role within the Party, ensuring that the APC remains a broad, open, and performance-driven platform for national transformation.

The PGF then reaffirmed its full support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policies of APC governments at all levels.

The Forum emphasised that they see themselves as trustees of the people’s mandate and as a committee of leaders jointly responsible for translating the aspirations of Nigerians into tangible social and economic outcomes across the federation.

On outlook, the governors expressed renewed confidence in the future of Nigeria as a united, peaceful, and prosperous country.

“The Progressive Governors pledged to strengthen policy coordination, deepen inter-state cooperation, and remain focused on practical solutions that place the people at the centre of governance.”

They urge all Nigerians to go about their businesses without fear, while wishing all a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.

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People-Centred Governance And National Outlook

The Forum undertook a broad review of the political, economic, and social environment in the country. Governors reaffirmed that the ultimate purpose of every reform must be to improve the daily lives of Nigerians, protect their dignity, and expand opportunities for all: rural and urban, youth and elderly, women and men, workers, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups alike.

The PGF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to stabilizing the economy, strengthening national security, and laying the foundations of sustainable growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Forum noted ongoing efforts at food security, power sector improvement, transport and infrastructure upgrades, social investment, and support for productive enterprises, and pledged to align state policies to maximize the benefits of these reforms for citizens in every ward and community.

Economic Reforms, Cost of Living And Social Protection

Recognising the temporary burdens that accompany necessary macroeconomic reforms, the Forum reviewed the state of the economy and the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by citizens. Governors acknowledged the resilience and patience of Nigerians and expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices being made in the collective interest of a stronger and more inclusive economy.

The PGF resolved to intensify state-level interventions in areas such as food production and distribution, support to small and medium-scale enterprises, youth employment, social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.

We, the Progressive Governors, are committed to working closely with Federal institutions. The National Economic Council and Local Governments to ensure that things keep improving, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvements in the quality of life of the people.

Infrastructure, Urban Renewal And Liveable Communities

The Forum noted the critical importance of infrastructure, urban renewal, and rural development in driving productivity, attracting investment, and improving living standards. Governors commended Lagos State for its pioneering role in transport reforms, urban regeneration, and innovative financing models, and agreed to deepen peer-learning and inter-state collaboration in these areas.

The PGF resolved to scale up investments in roads, housing, public transport, water and sanitation, digital connectivity, and climate-resilient infrastructure, with a focus on inclusion and access for all communities.

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has expelled a member of the House of Representatives, Uzokwe Peter, over alleged anti-party activities, even as the party elected new national officers to fill vacant positions.

The decisions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the party’s 24th Extra-Ordinary National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.

The statement was signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins.

According to the communiqué dated December 4, 2025, the NEC deliberated on the growth, unity, and progress of the party and reached the following resolutions.

The party’s highest decision-making organ endorsed the expulsion of Peter, who represents Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

READ ALSO: Ologbondiyan Resigns From PDP

NEC upheld the National Working Committee’s earlier decision “following multiple petitions and verified video evidence of anti-party activities constituting gross misconduct,” in violation of Section 36(7), Article (b, f & o), pages 70 and 71 of the party’s constitution.

The party reaffirmed its “zero-tolerance policy for acts that undermine unity, discipline, and cohesion within the YPP.”

National Officers Election 

The NEC said it approved the election of several national officers to fill existing vacancies in line with Section 82(1), (2), and (3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Those elected include Nana Mahmoud as Deputy National Chairperson; Chigozie Udogu as Deputy National Secretary; Uche Levis as National Legal Adviser; Owoyombo Solomon as Acting National Youth Leader; Paul Chukwuma as National Leader; Sani Darma as North-West Zonal Chairman; and Hon. Olatunbosun Abolarinwa as National Security Adviser.

The NEC congratulated the new officers and urged them “to discharge their duties with diligence, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the Young Progressives Party.”

A unanimous vote of confidence was passed on the National Chairman, Bishop Amakiri. The motion was moved by the Kaduna State Chairman, Mikailu Abubakar, and seconded by the Ekiti State Chairman, Owoola Daramola.

Defence Minister’s Appointment

Amid rising insecurity in the country, General Christopher Musa (Rtd) was appointed Minister of Defence after Mohammed Badaru resigned.

The Senate confirmed Musa, and he was sworn in and assumed office

Joining the flurry of reactions, the YPP NEC also expressed support for his appointment, describing General Musa as “a round peg in a round hole.”

The party maintained that strategic security roles must be entrusted to competent professionals and “not politicised.”

It further urged the President to “extend this level of scrutiny to all security leadership positions, particularly the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.”

One-Party State

The communiqué also criticised any effort by President Bola Tinubu or political actors to push Nigeria toward a one-party system.

It described such attempts as “a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.”

The party stressed that “the strength and beauty of democracy lie in healthy multiparty competition, respect for dissent and the freedom of political association.”

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has congratulated General Christopher Musa on his appointment as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, expressing confidence in his professional capacity and patriotism to tackle the country’s security challenges.

In a congratulatory message signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, the governor said General Musa’s quality professional training, years of practical experience, and unwavering commitment to peace and democratic governance were clear indicators of his readiness for the new role.

Governor Idris specifically commended General Musa for his efforts in preventing armed bandits from establishing bases in Kebbi State, as well as his consistent moral support for security agencies operating in the state.

According to him, General Musa’s impactful advice and support have encouraged the Kebbi State Government to sustain its logistical and financial contributions to security agencies, which have aided successful operations against armed banditry.

The governor prayed for God’s guidance and divine intervention as General Musa assumed his new responsibilities.

He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to provide the minister with adequate support to ensure success.

Idris reaffirmed the commitment of the government and people of Kebbi State to continue offering prayers for General Musa’s success and for an ultimate victory over banditry.

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General Musa, a retired Nigerian Army general, served as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 to October 2025 and received the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

His nomination as Minister of Defence was confirmed by the Senate on December 3, 2025.

Governor Idris added that Nigerians will soon feel the impact of the new defence minister, expressing confidence that his leadership will intensify the fight against terrorists and other non-state actors threatening national security.

The Minister of State for regional development, Uba Maigari, has refuted allegations that he diverted the sum of ₦16.5 billion meant for the reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai bridge in Gassol local government area of Taraba State. 

Addressing journalists in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, the minister, who spoke through his lead counsel, Ibrahim Effiong, described the claims as baseless, deliberately crafted to mislead the public.

According to him, the minister has already instituted a legal action against the individual behind the accusations, a social media activist identified as Abdulmumuni Imam.

He insisted that, despite making weighty allegations, Imam had failed to provide any evidence and had instead gone into hiding.

The counsel revealed that making accusations without proof constitutes a serious offence under the Nigerian constitution and against cyber Cybercrime Act, and the decision to pursue legal action was necessary to provide a deterrent against the rising trend of unverified and malicious claims on social media.

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Abdulmumuni Imam had raised a distress alarm via his social media handle, alleging that the minister secretly procured a security order directing the police, DSS, and civil defence to arrest him over his criticism of government inaction on the collapsed Namnai bridge.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Eniola Ajayi, says President Bola Tinubu has the unquestionable constitutional authority to appoint whoever he deems fit as ambassador, noting that envoys first represent the president before representing the nation abroad.

Ajayi, who served as Nigeria’s envoy to The Hague between 2021 and 2023, stated this on Saturday while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise programme.

“The first thing that everybody has to understand is that the president has the right to choose the people that will represent him abroad. They first of all represent the president before they now represent the larger community called the nation, Nigeria. So the president has the prerogative to select whoever he deems appropriate to represent him.

“And the thing is for them to understand what the president requires of them and to do it. That’s the truth about representation. Anybody can be picked by the president of any country to be an ambassador,” she said.

Asked whether the personal history or controversies surrounding some nominees should matter in the selection process, Ajayi said such considerations are important, though she was not implying wrongdoing on the part of any specific nominee.

“Of course it matters. One of the things written on our letter of credence that you present to other countries is that this person has been found worthy in character and in everything to represent the president of the country and has the full authority of the president to execute orders on behalf of the country.

“That’s why an ambassador is called extraordinary and plenipotentiary, because you have the full backing. Apart from the president of countries, the only other group of people that they don’t take their biometrics at embassies when using diplomatic passports are ambassadors. They are recognised almost as if they are the president, because they represent the country in another country,” she said.

Ajayi added that Nigeria’s diplomatic gaps, including the long delay in filling ambassadorial postings, may have worsened recent tensions with the United States, especially following Nigeria’s designation under the CPC list.

“A lot of problems could have been averted, especially because there would have been somebody speaking on our behalf,” she said.

Her remarks come amid heated public debate over President Tinubu’s fresh ambassadorial list, submitted shortly after Nigeria was placed on the U.S. Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) list for alleged religious freedom violations, a move that attracted criticism of the government’s diplomatic posture.

Last week, President Tinubu transmitted 68 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

The nominations came in two batches.

The first batch, sent in November, comprised three non-career nominees,  Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa) and retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun), all of whom have already been screened.

The second batch, submitted on 4 December 2025, contains 65 names: 34 career diplomats and 31 non-career political appointees.

Prominent among the non-career nominees are former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu; former ministers Reno Omokri and Femi Fani-Kayode; and former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu.

The Senate has referred the list to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which is expected to submit its report within a week.

The Ogun State Government has announced that residents caught violating environmental laws especially dumping refuse on roads will henceforth be arrested, corrected with compassion, and assigned community service as punishment.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed this while briefing members of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council during their fourth quarterly meeting at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

“Under no condition should you dump refuse on the road. Ogun state waste management agency has the authority to arrest offenders, and those arrested will do community service.

“We will correct in love. You will sweep the road and collect refuse. When people see you doing that, they will understand the consequences, and you won’t return to the same habit,” the commissioner said.

Oresanya said that the law forbids dumping refuse on roadways, noting that streets are not designated as dump sites.

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The commissioner explained that residents are expected to place their refuse in front of their homes for Private Sector Participants to collect directly at their doorsteps.

He said that the state government is refining its enforcement strategy by shifting away from monetary fines to reduce financial pressure on citizens. Instead, offenders will be required to undertake community service.

According to him, Governor Dapo Abiodun remains deeply concerned about environmental management in the state and is investing significantly in new equipment to strengthen the Ministry of Environment’s operations.

Oresanya stated that Governor Abiodun has approved the procurement of brand-new trucks both for the state waste management agency and the private waste sector to improve waste management across the state.

Addressing the issue of noise pollution, the commissioner disclosed that the ministry has shut several religious centres and other facilities found to be violating noise regulations.

He encouraged residents to report such disturbances through the ministry’s dedicated helpline: 09010480056.

The commissioner emphasised that sanitation should be a daily responsibility rather than a once-a-month ritual. He noted that Section 6 of the Constitution empowers Local Government Health Officers to inspect homes, ensure bins are not overflowing, and prosecute erring households.