We Won’t Allow Newcomers to Destroy PDP, Wike Says as NEC Forms Caretaker Committee

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow newcomers from other parties to undermine the party’s legacy. Wike made the statement on Sunday during the 104th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the PDP, held at his official residence in Abuja. He criticized the Tanimu Turaki-led faction for allegedly disregarding court rulings by holding what he described as an “illegal convention,” emphasizing that respecting judicial processes is essential to restoring public confidence in the party. Wike accused the faction of ignoring two Federal High Court judgments while proceeding with their own convention and later approaching a State High Court for recognition. “You went to a State High Court to sue the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking that the convention must take place. You obtained an ex parte order to override Federal High Court judgments. How do you disobey two final rulings and still claim leadership?” he asked. He added that the same group later sought validation from a Federal High Court after failing to comply with lawful rulings. “You had the convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a Federal High Court to recognise you. If INEC already recognised you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he questioned. Wike warned that such actions could threaten the party’s future, stressing that leadership requires commitment and honesty, not selfish interests. “We must not allow our party to die. Leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda. If we don’t respect our own laws, how do we earn respect from Nigerians?” he said, calling on party members to support lawful leadership and work together to rebuild the PDP based on democratic principles and judicial integrity. At the meeting, participants urged the NEC to establish a Caretaker Committee ahead of the expiration of the current National Working Committee (NWC) tenure on Tuesday. Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), said the move aligns with the party constitution to ensure continuity, unity, and stability. He added that caretaker leadership is also being implemented in states and zones, including Anambra and the South-East, to address gaps where congresses were not previously held. The NEC subsequently constituted a 13-member National Caretaker Committee, headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary, to manage party affairs until a national convention is conducted. Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) was appointed National Legal Adviser, and Umar Bature became National Organising Secretary. Other members of the caretaker committee include Dr Kyari Grema, Janguda Mohammed, Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof. Adenike Ogunse, Bisi Kolawole, Deji Doherty, and Dr Ibrahim Aboki. The committee has been given a 60-day mandate to oversee the party, conduct all pending congresses, and organize a national convention. (NAN)

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Trump Raises Concerns Over Netflix’s $72bn Warner Bros Acquisition

US President Donald Trump has expressed concerns over Netflix’s proposed $72bn (£54bn) acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery’s movie studio and HBO streaming networks, citing potential competition issues due to the combined companies’ market power. At a Washington DC event on Sunday, Trump noted that Netflix already holds a “very big market share,” which would increase significantly if the deal goes through. He said he would personally oversee the approval process, signaling an unusual level of presidential involvement in the merger review. The agreement, announced last Friday, would bring major franchises including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Looney Tunes, The Matrix, and Lord of the Rings to Netflix, creating a new media giant. The merger is pending regulatory approval and is expected to finalize after Warner Bros splits its business in the second half of 2026. Trump also praised Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who recently visited the Oval Office, calling him “a great person” who has done “one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies.” Sarandos said the deal positions Netflix for long-term growth, despite surprising some investors. Industry experts have weighed in on potential antitrust concerns. Blair Westlake, a former Universal Studios executive, said the main focus will be on the combination of Netflix and HBO’s streaming business, noting that Netflix’s own studio production and content library are smaller than Warner Brothers’. He predicted the merger would likely be approved, but with possible concessions. Bill Kovacic, a former Federal Trade Commission chair, said Trump’s statements indicate an unprecedented level of presidential oversight over the regulatory process, which is usually handled as a technical review by competition authorities. Netflix won the bidding war for Warner Bros against rivals including Comcast and Paramount Skydance. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches have called for the merger to be blocked, warning it could reduce jobs, suppress wages, worsen working conditions, raise consumer prices, and limit content diversity. If approved, the acquisition would be the largest in the film industry in recent years and cement Netflix’s position as the world’s leading subscription streaming service.

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Regina Daniels Celebrates Brother Sammy West With Emotional Birthday Message

Regina Daniels has paid an emotional tribute to her brother, Sammy West, as he celebrates his birthday. Taking to Instagram, the actress expressed her deep love and gratitude for her brother, admitting she struggled to find the right words to honor him. Regina credited Sammy for guiding her toward peace and purpose, highlighting the pivotal role he has played in her life. She also shared heartwarming throwback photos that reflect their close bond. In her post, she wrote: “Happy birthday, my precious brother. My blessing of a brother, my guy, my main guy! For the first time, I no wetin to talk, I just weak. But I want you to know I’m grateful for you and I love you so freaking much, and I pray God grants all your heart’s desires and announces you exactly how you want. If there’s something you must be proud of, it’s that your baby sister’s new chapter, her journey towards peace and purpose, started because of you. Everyone, btw, do you know that my brother named me Regina? Omo, I love you bro @sir.sammywest.” The heartfelt message comes amid recent challenges in Regina’s life, including her speaking out about domestic violence in her marriage and reports of her brother’s arrest involving her estranged husband, Ned Nwoko. Despite the difficulties, Regina’s tribute underscores the unbreakable bond between her and Sammy.

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Kcee Reveals Why He Refused To Sign Flavour Years Ago Amid Feud Speculations

Kcee has opened up on the long-standing tension between him and Flavour, clarifying that their history goes back to the early days of Flavour’s career when a recording deal was on the table. According to the Limpopo singer, Flavour was introduced to him by music executive Soso Soberekon for a possible signing, but he turned the offer down because he did not see enough potential at the time. He suggested that the recent shade thrown at him by the highlife star may be rooted in how far he has risen against expectations. “When some people had written you off, hoping that you would be stagnant, and you work hard and get to a level they don’t expect you to reach, that was what happened.” Kcee also made it clear that he never had any personal issues with Flavour, adding that at the time of their first meeting, he was already established in the industry. “I came into the music industry before Flavour. Soso Soberekon brought him to me years ago to sign to my record label. I was already driving exotic cars and balling before he came to Lagos. I told Soso I can’t sign Flavour because I didn’t see potentials in him at that time. It wasn’t because I have something against him.” Despite the lingering tension, Kcee insists he still cannot pinpoint the real source of the bad blood. “Till now, I don’t understand the reason for his beef with me, especially that incident where he alleged that someone was coping him.” He added that many colleagues have often misjudged him due to his quiet nature. “A lot of my colleagues underrate my talent and my humility also contributed to that. Because I don’t brag. I don’t need it. But as I always say, time will always prove them wrong. My work always prove every doubter wrong.” Kcee concluded by saying that time is already exposing the truth, as some who once doubted him have since returned to apologise and admit their mistakes.

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Tinubu Commends Nigerian Military For Foiling Coup Attempt In Benin

President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their prompt intervention in the Republic of Benin after an attempted military takeover in the neighbouring country. The President’s commendation followed the successful operation by Beninese loyalist forces, backed by Nigerian troops and air support, which led to the recovery of the national television station earlier seized by soldiers who claimed they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was revealed that the Beninese government formally sought Nigeria’s military assistance through two separate communications. This came after coup plotters, allegedly led by Col. Pascal Tigri, announced the suspension of democratic institutions. Following the request, Tinubu ordered the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace and support operations to flush out the mutineers from strategic locations, including the national broadcaster and a military camp. Benin also requested the deployment of Nigerian surveillance aircraft and ground troops, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed groups.” Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all the requests were fully carried out and that Nigerian troops had already been deployed on the ground. “Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu.” Tinubu, who serves as Chairman of ECOWAS, said the intervention was in line with the regional bloc’s Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. “Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. “They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.” The government of Benin later confirmed that the coup attempt had been neutralised and that full control had been restored.

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COUP: ECOWAS Sends Standby Force To Benin To Bolster Security

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the immediate deployment of its standby force to the Republic of Benin, following consultations among the region’s heads of state and government. The move is in line with ECOWAS protocols, particularly Article 25(e) of the 1999 protocol on conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping, and security. A statement released in Abuja on Sunday said the decision followed deliberations by the mediation and security council. “The chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS standby force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect,” the commission said. The regional force will include troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, tasked with supporting the Benin government in maintaining peace, stability, and security.

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BREAKING: FG Secures Release Of 100 Schoolchildren Abducted In Niger State

The Federal Government has reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State. The school came under attack by bandits on 21 November 2025, when gunmen on motorbikes stormed the dormitories around 2:00 a.m., holding the campus for three hours. A total of 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers—were abducted during the raid. In the aftermath, 50 pupils managed to escape on the first day and were quickly reunited with their families, while 265 individuals, including 253 students and all 12 teachers, remained in captivity. Security forces, alongside community hunters, were deployed to comb nearby forests for the abducted students and staff. The Federal Government also imposed a 24-hour security cordon and launched aerial surveillance across parts of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States. President Bola Tinubu cancelled planned international engagements to oversee the response, and authorities ordered the indefinite closure of all schools in Niger State, along with several federal institutions in high-risk regions.

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Akwa Ibom Governor Unveils Land, Apartment, Music Studio And Monthly Allowance For Visually Impaired Gospel Singer Chris Vic

Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno has unveiled a transformative support package for gospel singer Chris Vic, who rose to national prominence after finishing third in the De9ja Spirit Talent Hunt. In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Governor Eno outlined plans to provide the singer with a prime plot of land in Uyo, the state capital, where a four-bedroom apartment will be constructed. The Certificate of Occupancy is expected to be officially handed over next week. Beyond housing, the governor announced ₦100 million to establish a fully equipped music studio for Chris Vic, stressing that the funding is separate from the cost of the land and apartment. Additionally, the singer will receive a monthly allowance of ₦1 million throughout Governor Eno’s tenure. “I have directed the Commissioner for Lands to allocate a plot of land in Uyo to Chris Vic, and I will sign the Certificate of Occupancy next week. We will also build him a four-bedroom flat and commit ₦100 million to set up his music studio. This is separate from the cost of the land and the house. In addition, as long as I remain Governor, he will receive a monthly allowance of ₦1 million,” the governor said. Governor Eno described the initiative as a reflection of both divine faithfulness and human resilience. He said Chris Vic’s journey is a powerful reminder that hope and praise can thrive even in adversity, and reassured persons with disabilities that his administration remains committed to their welfare. Chris Vic, who lost his eyesight at five following a failed glaucoma surgery, shared in a recent interview that music became both his refuge and calling, inspiring him to develop the talent he believes was divinely given.

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