President Bola Tinubu has mourned a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, eulogising him for upholding justice, strengthening judiciary.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Muhammad’s career on the Bench, which culminated in his appointment as CJN, was marked by integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
“President Tinubu describes the late Justice Tanko as an eminent legal mind, a disciplined administrator, and a dedicated public servant who devoted most of his life to upholding justice and strengthening the judiciary,” the statement partly read.
READ ALSO: NJC Confirms Death Of Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad
According to Tinubu, the former CJN made invaluable contributions to the development of Nigeria’s legal system, acknowledging that his legacy will remain indelible, particularly among those he mentored.
He also extended his heartfelt condolences to his family, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Bar and Bench, and the government and people of Bauchi State, praying to Almighty Allah for the repose of his soul.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has confirmed the passing of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Retired Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, who passed on today at 71 years.
A condolence letter released by the NJC says the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, NJC, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, on behalf of the entire Judiciary commiserates with the family and the government and people of Bauchi State over the death of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The CJN also sent condolences to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Nigerian Judiciary and the entire Legal Community, while praying for the Almighty to grant His Lordship rest and the members of his family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The letter signed by the Secretary of the NJC notes that though death is a painful reality, the NJC is consoled by the fact that His Lordship, the late CJN left a legacy of handwork, honesty and dedication to work.
READ ALSO: Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad Dies, Gov Mohammed Mourns
A part of the condolence letter reads, “The late Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, who would have been 72 years by 31s December 2025, was a devout Muslim, a respected Jurist, who was courageous with exemplified highest ideals of the Bench.”
Late Justice Tanko Muhammad began his career in 1982, after he was called to the bar in 1981, the same year he graduated from the Nigerian Law School. In 1989, he was appointed as Chief Magistrate of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, a position he held until 1991 when he became a Judge at the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal. He served in that capacity for two years before he was appointed to the Bench of the Court of Appeal in 1993.
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC), led by Tanimu Turaki, on Tuesday held a meeting with former governors and ministers elected and appointed on the platform of the party.
The meeting forms part of a series of consolidation engagements scheduled by the Turaki-led leadership to rally support from influential party stakeholders following the November 15 and 16 national elective convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Among those in attendance were former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, and former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, alongside several former ministers, many of whom served during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
READ ALSO: PDP’s Ibadan Convention Was A Jamboree, Says Anyanwu
The engagement comes amid growing concerns within the party over recent defections of some elected officials to rival political parties, developments that have further weakened the PDP’s political standing in several states.
The Ibadan convention itself was preceded by legal challenges, after an Abuja court initially halted the exercise before a subsequent ruling allowed it to proceed.0+32
However, the outcome of the convention has remained contentious, with some party chieftains dismissing it as “lacking legal standing.”
The convention also deepened internal divisions within the PDP, including disputes over the reported expulsion of senior figures, moves that have been contested by opposing factions.
These developments have contributed to the party’s ongoing leadership crisis and heightened internal tensions.
The party’s recent meeting also comes against the backdrop of a series of high-profile defections that have unsettled the Peoples Democratic Party over the past year.
Several governors elected under the PDP have resigned and joined other political parties, including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October 2025; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who resigned from the PDP and joined the APC in November 2025.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who moved to the APC in June 2025; and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who defected to the APC in April 2025.
In addition, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke resigned from the PDP in November 2025 and has since joined the Accord Party.
Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, has relieved all his special advisers of their appointments.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the decision is part of efforts to restructure governance and enhance service delivery in the state.
The development was announced during the governor’s maiden State Executive Council meeting with newly sworn-in commissioners on Tuesday.
The meeting was held at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Minna.
READ ALSO: Gov Okpebholo Presents ₦939.85bn 2026 Budget To Edo Assembly
According to Governor Bago, the move is intended to allow the administration to rejig and reposition the advisers’ portfolios to improve effectiveness and efficiency in line with his “New Niger” development agenda.
The governor expressed appreciation to the affected Special Advisers for their sacrifices, dedication, and contributions to the achievements recorded so far by his administration.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented a ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, christened the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” to the Edo State House of Assembly at a plenary session.
According to a statement released by Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, on Tuesday, the plenary session was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
Presenting the budget estimates, Governor Okpebholo commended the Speaker and members of the Assembly for their cooperation and support, which he said ensured the successful implementation of the 2025 Budget and translated into tangible benefits for the people of Edo State.
According to the governor, the 2025 Budget recorded strong performance in both capital and recurrent expenditure, while Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) improved significantly due to the blocking of leakages and the strengthening of revenue collection systems.
He noted that the achievements of his first year in office informed the priorities of the 2026 fiscal plan.
READ ALSO: FG, States, LGs Share ₦1.928trn November 2025 Revenue
On security, Okpebholo said his administration was determined to ensure that Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals.
He recalled that cult killings, kidnapping, robbery and cybercrime were rampant before his assumption of office, with over 300 cult-related killings recorded in 2024 alone.
To address the situation, the government passed a stronger anti-cultism law, supplied 80 Hilux patrol vans and 400 motorcycles to security agencies, and recruited, trained and absorbed 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps, measures he said have drastically reduced insecurity across the state.
In the health sector, the governor said his administration is rebuilding a collapsed system from the ground up, with the construction of new Primary Health Centres across the state, the provision of diagnostic equipment, and the ongoing construction of a 150-bed Specialist Hospital in Edo Central.
On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that his administration awarded 28 new road projects totaling 255 kilometres, including the construction of two flyovers in Benin City at Ramat Park and Sapele Road by Adesuwa Junction, the first in the history of Edo State.
He added that several community roads are also under construction to improve connectivity across the state.
He said agriculture has received a major boost, with the sector’s budget expanded from ₦6.9 billion to ₦57 billion, following encouragement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, over 400 hectares of farmland have been cultivated and harvesting has commenced across multiple farm clusters as part of efforts to combat food insecurity.
In the education sector, Okpebholo said his administration recruited 5,000 permanent teachers and upgraded 63 schools to modern standards, with more upgrades ongoing.
He also announced a significant increase in monthly subventions to tertiary institutions, raising Ambrose Alli University’s allocation from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, and Edo State University, Iyamoh, from ₦25 million to ₦250 million.
On economic growth and job creation, the governor said the administration inherited both foreign and local debts but has begun the gradual process of reducing the debt burden. He disclosed that over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created, alongside the launch of a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for market women and traders.
Speaking on governance and institutional reforms, Okpebholo said public trust has been restored through the swearing-in of three judges who were previously sidelined, the re-establishment of customary courts, and the strengthening of traditional institutions to foster cooperation across all levels of government.
He explained that the ₦939.85 billion 2026 budget comprises ₦637 billion (68 per cent) for capital expenditure and ₦302 billion (32 per cent) for recurrent expenditure, reflecting the administration’s commitment to visible and people-centered development.
The governor said the budget will be funded through projected Internally Generated Revenue of ₦160 billion, FAAC allocations of ₦480 billion, capital receipts and grants of ₦153 billion, Public-Private Partnerships valued at ₦146 billion, and other revenue windows available to the state.
Sectoral allocations show that the economic sector received the largest share of ₦614.2 billion, while the social sector was allocated ₦148.9 billion, the administration sector ₦157.7 billion, and the justice sector ₦19 billion.
Additional provisions were also made for regional development and support to local government councils.
The governor said the 2026 Budget of Hope and Growth is anchored on the administration’s SHINE Agenda (Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources/Agriculture, and Education) and is designed to build a prosperous, united Edo State where every citizen feels the impact of governance.
The plenary session was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; two former Deputy Governors; a former Secretary to the State Government; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; civil society representatives; and members of the press, among others.
Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms that have boosted revenue flows to states and thanked the leadership and members of the Edo State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political appointees and civil servants for their support.
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of two Commissioners of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Those confirmed are Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello, who was re-appointed, and Dr. Animashaun Fouad Olayinka, newly appointed as Commissioner.
The confirmation announced by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Power, presented by its Chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), during plenary.
Also confirmed were the nominations of three non-career ambassadors, the first set of nominees submitted by President Tinubu two weeks ago and screened by the upper chamber last week.
Those confirmed are Lateef Kayode Kolawole Are from Ogun State, Aminu Muhammad Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke, CFR, from Oyo State.
The confirmations followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which conducted the screening exercise.
READ ALSO: Senate Confirms Three Non-Career Ambassadorial Nominees
Sixty-four other ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the Senate and screened are yet to be confirmed.
President Tinubu forwarded the names of the three non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation on November 26.
It was the first list of ambassadorial nominees sent to the Senate by Tinubu since he became the President on May 29, 2023.
The President followed that up by nominating 32 other persons for ambassadorial roles, including a former governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu; former minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri.
Others on the list include a former governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, and a former deputy governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro.
Ondo Senator and businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim; a former Ekiti first lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent, also made the list of nominees.
A breakdown of the list shows that there are four women on the career ambassadors’ list and six on the non-career ambassadors’ list.
Others who were nominated as non-career ambassador designates are Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia; a former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly, Tasiu Musa Maigari; a former Commissioner in Plateau State and ex-deputy executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Yakubu N. Gambo.
A former Senator from Plateau, Nora Ladi Daduut; Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu from Anambra State; ex-First Lady of Oyo, Fatima Florence Ajimobi; former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande, and the former ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See, Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State were also nominated.
Apart from these, Tinubu also nominated career ambassadors and high commissioner-designates.
They are Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi), and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun).
Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), and Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno) are equally on the list of nominees.
