Month: January 2026

Oni, BAO and the mathematics of alignment By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

The recent realignment in the UK – where figures like Robert Jenrick are “uniting the right” – proves the “defection bug” is no longer a uniquely Nigerian phenomenon. It speaks to a global volatility where traditional loyalties are being tested against the need for results. For many Nigerians, this shift isn’t about lack of principle; it is about self-preservation. In a system where the Exclusive Legislative List still centralizes power, swimming against the tide has not only lost its authentic ring, it is politically unwise. Therefore, to seek a new…

Senator Abba Moro condoles Saraki over father-in-law’s death

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the former Governor of Kwara State and President of the 8th Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, over the death of his father-in-law, Otunba Adekunle Ojora. In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, and made available to journalists on Saturday, Senator Moro described the passing of Pa Ojora as a great loss, not only to the Saraki family but to the nation at large. Pa Adekunle Ojora, who…

On Frailty, Power, and the Moral Poverty of Ableist Politics By Tanimu Yakubu

Emporium Reporters

A leader’s stumble is perhaps the easiest political moment to interpret and the cheapest. It demands no study of fiscal constraints, no reading of monetary transmission, no understanding of inflation dynamics, and no patience for reform sequencing. It is the politics of the eye: quick, viral, and often cruel. But philosophy begins where spectacle ends.   The first truth is basic: to be human is to be fragile. The wisest political traditions never promised invulnerability. They insisted instead that dignity lies not in the absence of weakness, but in the…

AIG commissions PCRC-built entrance gate at Zone 7 Police Headquarters

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, Victor Olaiya, has commissioned a newly constructed main entrance gate and security post at the command’s headquarters. The commissioning, which was carried out on his behalf by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zonal CID, DCP Oluyemi Ajayi, marked another milestone in strengthening security and infrastructure within the Nigeria Police Force. The project was executed by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) as part of its continuous support for the police and its commitment to fostering strong police–community relations. Speaking…

CDS reaffirms military’s commitment to peace as Benue Govt deepens security partnership

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustaining peace and stability in Benue State, as the state government intensified collaboration with the Defence Headquarters. General Oluyede gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Defence Headquarters. During the visit, Governor Alia congratulated the CDS on his appointment and commended the Armed Forces for their sustained efforts in…

Finishing Strong: Behold the Hour Cometh… By Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh, mnipr

Emporium Reporters

There are moments in a nation’s life when institutions are reminded—quietly but unmistakably—that time does not negotiate with comfort. Nigeria’s Senate, returning from the conviviality of Christmas recess and New Year reflection to the discipline of plenary, has arrived at such a moment. The period of acclimatization has passed. The era of testing intentions is over. What remains is a phase in which time asserts itself, when the calendar ceases to be a backdrop and becomes an active force in governance. When the President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio,…

Nigerian Army launches ‘Operation Igbo Danu’, crushes Terrorists in Kwara forests

Emporium Reporters

Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, have recorded significant operational successes against terrorist elements in Kwara State following the launch of Operation Igbo Danu, also known as Operation Forest Flush. In a statement issued by Captain Maureen Ogbuka, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Army said the coordinated offensive, carried out between January 23 and 29, 2026, was conducted with the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to…

IGP Egbetokun strengthens global ties as three Nigerian Officers graduate in Abu Dhabi

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to international capacity building and global best practices in law enforcement. The IGP made this known at the graduation ceremony of three Nigerian police officers at the Abu Dhabi Police College, United Arab Emirates, where he was represented by the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL Lagos Annex, CP Bode Ojajuni. He noted that the training aligned with the vision of the Nigeria Police Force to enhance professionalism, operational efficiency, and compliance with global policing…

Senate fixes March 17 for passage of ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget, schedules public hearing Feb. 9

Emporium Reporters

The Senate has fixed March 17, 2026, as the target date for the final consideration and passage of Nigeria’s ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, as lawmakers intensify scrutiny of President Bola Tinubu’s spending proposal. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, disclosed this on Friday after a special session of the committee, where February 2 to 13 was approved for the review of budget estimates by various standing committees. Adeola announced that a public hearing on the budget would hold on February 9, while an interactive session…

CSO urges Tinubu to halt ATM-Only BTA policy for 2026 Hajj

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A civil society organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urged him to intervene in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive mandating the use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards for the disbursement of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj. In a petition dated January 17, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group warned that the policy could expose Nigerian pilgrims to unnecessary hardship, especially those from rural communities with limited access to electronic banking services.…