APC National Chairman Confirms Rivers Governor Fubara As Party Leader

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the party’s leader in the state. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda made the announcement on Friday during Channels Television’s Hard Copy, stating that the party’s constitution gives governors of APC-controlled states the authority to lead the party locally. “In all the states, the governors lead the party in their respective areas,” Yilwatda said, adding that governors are expected to involve all stakeholders—a standard Fubara is already following in Rivers. He also stressed that governors should respect inclusion at the national level. Addressing Fubara’s second-term ambitions, Yilwatda said the party would support him if he emerges as the APC candidate through primaries conducted by duly accredited delegates. “If Siminalayi emerges as the APC candidate in Rivers State, I will stand by him,” he said. The clarification comes amid speculation about party leadership in Rivers State. Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December, citing loyalty to President Bola Tinubu. “The truth is, without Mr. President, there wouldn’t be any His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara; it would have been the former governor,” Fubara said. He added, “We have the people, we have the supporters. Our only thank-you to Mr. President is to support him fully. We cannot support the President if we don’t fully identify with him. Today, we have decided: we are moving to APC.”

Read More

Arsenal Hold Off Bournemouth 3-2 To Extend Premier League Lead To Six Points

Arsenal edged Bournemouth 3-2 in Saturday’s late Premier League clash to extend their lead at the top to six points. The Gunners went into the match aware that Aston Villa had moved into second place following a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Bournemouth struck first after Gabriel’s pass was intercepted, allowing Evanilson to fire them ahead. Gabriel redeemed himself shortly after, leveling the score just six minutes later. After the break, Arsenal surged ahead as Declan Rice scored twice to put the Gunners in control. Bournemouth’s Kroupi Jr pulled one back, but Arsenal held firm to secure the victory and all three points.

Read More

Anthony Joshua Returns To UK After Fatal Car Crash Claims Two Close Friends

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom after a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and members of his team. The fatal crash occurred on Monday, December 29, when the Lexus SUV Joshua was travelling in collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun. The boxer sustained minor injuries and was treated in hospital before being discharged on New Year’s Eve. A BBC report later confirmed that he has since flown back to the UK. Two passengers in the vehicle, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, lost their lives in the collision. Their funerals are scheduled to take place on Sunday at the London Central Mosque, according to Sky Sports. The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been charged by the Ogun State Police Command with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid licence. He was granted bail in the sum of N5 million, with the case adjourned until January 20 pending the fulfilment of bail conditions. Kayode’s 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, has defended his father, claiming the crash was caused by brake failure and an illegally parked truck. He insisted his father was not speeding at the time of the accident and described him as an experienced and careful driver. Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, revealed that Joshua narrowly escaped death after changing seats shortly before the crash. According to him, Joshua initially sat in the front passenger seat but was asked to move to the back so the driver could have a clearer view of the wing mirror. Latif Ayodele later took the front seat. Joshua was reportedly travelling to Sagamu to visit relatives for New Year celebrations when the accident occurred, just 10 days after his knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the public for their prayers and support and thanked President Bola Tinubu for his intervention. Both state governments also commiserated with the families of the deceased, describing the incident as deeply painful and unfortunate. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are still ongoing.

Read More

US Takes Temporary Control Of Venezuela After Capture Of President Nicolás Maduro

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will temporarily oversee Venezuela’s affairs following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking during an NBC News special report, Trump stated, “We are going to run the country until a safe, proper, and judicious transition. We don’t want to be involved in someone else getting in with the same situation.” He stressed that U.S. involvement would only last until a legitimate transition of power is achieved. Although no timeline was provided, Trump said the intervention is aimed at ensuring stability and an orderly transfer of authority to new Venezuelan leadership. The announcement followed what Trump described as a major U.S. military operation in Caracas late Friday night and early Saturday, carried out under his direct authorization. “Overwhelming air, land, and sea forces were used to launch a spectacular assault,” he said in a separate White House address, adding that it was a strike unlike anything “people haven’t seen since World War II.” According to Trump, the operation targeted a heavily fortified military stronghold in the heart of the Venezuelan capital to bring what he described as the “outlaw dictator,” Nicolás Maduro, to justice. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured during the operation. Both are expected to be transferred to the Southern District of New York, where they will face multiple charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.

Read More
Anita Joseph Urges Ex-Husband Mc Fish To Stop Dragging Her Into Online Feuds

Anita Joseph Urges Ex-Husband Mc Fish To Stop Dragging Her Into Online Feuds

Nollywood actress Anita Joseph has addressed her ex-husband, MC Fish, after he sparked online controversy earlier today. In a firm message shared on social media, Anita made it clear she has no interest in being drawn into online arguments. “Memo to my Ex. I don’t want to run in the mud with you. Please, this is a new year. If you have whatever you want to say, please say it now and let me get on with my life,” she wrote. She emphasized that her focus this year is on growth and positivity, asking MC Fish to stop dragging her into his disputes. “I don’t know who you are fighting with online, but please leave me out of whatever you are fighting… Stop dragging me with your mess. Leave me alone,” she added. Anita’s response highlights her determination to set boundaries and move forward peacefully as she begins the new year.OK

Read More

Nigerian Army Arrests Mastermind Behind North-East Suicide Bombings

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have apprehended Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, identified as the mastermind behind a suicide bombing network responsible for recent attacks in the North-East, including the Maiduguri mosque bombing. The military said the arrest followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations at Kalmari, Maiduguri, on December 31, which resulted in the detention of 14 individuals linked to suicide attacks. Investigations have since revealed the network’s structure, key roles, and operational links. A suspected suicide bomber in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, named Umar as the ringleader who recruited, trained, and dispatched suicide attackers to their targets. “Consistent and corroborated statements revealed that Shariff Umar coordinated logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device (IED) components for suicide attacks,” the Army stated. Umar was confirmed to have directed the suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, in which his accomplice, Adamu, detonated a suicide vest and died. He was also tied to a foiled attack in Damaturu, personally handing IED components to the would-be bomber in Maiduguri. Further investigations implicated Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed seeing the suspected bomber at their home prior to the attack. The Army said these findings exposed how terrorist facilitators use domestic and community networks to conceal their operations. All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network, identifying other collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical materials. The military highlighted that the operation underscores the need for close cooperation between security agencies and civilians, warning that terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, stressing that sustained cooperation is vital to preventing attacks and ensuring lasting peace in the region.

Read More

Mc Fish Speaks Out After Breakup With Anita Joseph, Defends Marriage and Career

Mc Fish has finally spoken out following his breakup with actress Anita Joseph, addressing the rumors and criticisms that have trailed their split. Taking to social media, he dismissed online chatter, saying it “doesn’t move me” and challenging anyone with claims to confront him directly. He expressed frustration at people assuming they know his story without ever meeting him, warning that lies will be exposed. Reflecting on his five-year marriage, Mc Fish insisted he played a key role, both financially and professionally. “Fine marriage no work again, and the next thing woman dey feed me. I dare her to say she took care of the bills by herself in the 5 years of that marriage,” he said. He added that he helped Anita set up her business, manage her social media monetization, and even handled her security and protocol arrangements, despite being labeled a “gold digger” by some. He also defended his career as a hypeman, criticizing those who insult the profession publicly yet hire hypemen for events. “If there was no future in the job, una so-called legendary actress no go put body… enough of trying to slander me by my profession,” he stated. He even warned that those mocking his work may see their children follow similar paths: “I prophesy that your children and children’s children will all be hypemen/MCs… but in Jesus name, Aşe gun.” Mc Fish made it clear he will no longer engage with baseless online criticism, calling detractors “riff raffs” and urging that only genuine concerns be brought to him. He ended his post by reaffirming his contributions to the marriage and trusting in karma: “An Igbo woman stayed in marriage with me for 5 years, and you clowns think she would stay if I’m not holding my weight… Well I no even vex again as dem arrest the weyrey wey talk that thing, my karma strong.” Through his message, Mc Fish is standing firm, defending his reputation, and signaling that he is ready to move forward on his own terms.

Read More
Motsepe Insists 2025 AFCON Will Proceed In Morocco Despite Nationwide Protests

Morocco 2025: Mali, Senegal Favored Against Tunisia, Sudan

The Round of 16 of perhaps the biggest and most glamorous Africa Cup of Nations finals in history begins on Saturday evening, with two matches each on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and with expectations high on the parts of playing personnel, coaching crews, supporters and stakeholders of the beautiful game on the continent. Senegal Vs Sudan (Grand Stade de Tanger: Saturday, 5pm) The Lions of Teranga are making their 17th AFCON appearance and must be fancied to progress to the Round of 8, against the Falcons of Jediane. They will miss their defence bulwark Kalidou Koulibaly, who will not be available for the duel in Tangier. While Senegal finally claimed the trophy in 2021 in Cameroon after a number of runner-up positions, Sudan were victorious on home soil in 1970. The Falcons are making their 10th AFCON appearance, while the Lions are here for the 17th time. Sudan are coached by Ghanaian James Kwesi Appiah, and Senegal by Pape Thiaw. Mali Vs Tunisia (Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca: Saturday, 8pm) Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles finished second in Group C, won by Nigeria, and should expect an explosive encounter against the Eagles of Mali. The North African giants are the AFCON’s most consistent team, appearing in their 17th consecutive finals, and 22nd overall. They won the title on home soil in 2004. Mali’s Eagles finished as runners-up at the 1972 finals in Cameroon. They are coached by Belgian Tom Saintfiet, while Tunisia have former captain Sami Trabelsi as the head coach. Morocco Vs Tanzania (Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah: Sunday, 5pm) The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, see this tournament as one specially carved for them to win. They started well and finished the group phase with aplomb, hammering 2012 champions Zambia 3-0. They are making their 20th appearance in a competition they have won only once before – when the event was staged on league basis in Ethiopia in 1976. Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi have three goals each in the tournament, and captain Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat are stalwarts to be respected. Tanzania’s Taifa Stars are in the Round of 16 despite finishing third in Group C with two points. Captain Mbwana Samatta will push his team-mates to attain the kind of form they did in holding Tunisia to a 1-1 draw in their last match of the group phase. The Stars are making only their fourth appearance at the AFCON, and have set a record of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa Vs Cameroon (Stade El Barid, Rabat: Sunday, 8pm) Champions on home soil in 1996, the Bafana Bafana will fancy their chances against a Cameroonian side that entered the tournament in chaos, but has managed to steady things and cobble together a structure. Cameroon have won the title on five occasions (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002 and 2017) and are fancied to make this encounter difficult for Bafana. David Pagou, leading Cameroon from the dug-out, will bank on Etta Eyong and Bryan Mbeumo to take the battle to the Bafana and get early goals. Cameroon are making their 21st appearance while the Bafana are making only their 11th. Egypt Vs Bénin Republic (Grand Stade d’Agadir: Monday, 5pm) Seven-time champions Egypt, coached by former captain Hossam Hassan, are seen as one of the favourites. Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Hany, Mahmoud Trezeguet and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy (picked as goalkeeper of the group phase) can turn a game on its head in a couple of minutes. This is Egypt’s 27th AFCON appearance. Bénin will be no push-overs in Agadir. Coach Gernot Rohr is an old war-horse and has captain Khaled Adénon and Steve Mounié to drive his gameplan. Nigeria Vs Mozambique (Complexe Sportif de Fès: Monday, 8pm) Nigeria, three-time champions, have never lost in five previous meetings with The Mambas of Mozambique. Their only AFCON meeting ended in a 3-0 thrashing for the southern Africans in Angola 16 years ago, with a brace by Peter Odemwingie and one by Obafemi Martins. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and some of the other first-teamers rested for the clash with Uganda are expected to return, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the search for goals. The Super Eagles are making their 21st AFCON appearance. The Mambas are making only their fifth AFCON appearance, but gave Cameroon a tough time in their final group phase clash in Agadir on Wednesday. Their best outing before now has been a quarter-final berth in 2021. Algeria Vs DR Congo (Complexe Sportif Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan: Tuesday, 5pm) Two-time winners in 1990 and 2019, the Fennecs are making their 20th AFCON appearance, and have a talisman who almost always delivers. They won four of their matches in qualifying, scoring 11 goals and conceding only two. Captain Riyad Mahrez is to be feared all the time he touches the ball, and he has Ismael Bennacer and Baghdad Bounedjah as able assistants. DR Congo are highly motivated by qualification for the final FIFA World Cup Playoff Tournament in Mexico, where they will play only one match to qualify for the finals. They have captain Chancel Mbemba to lead the orchestra, with Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and Meshack Elia also in great form. Cote d’Ivoire Vs Burkina Faso (Grand Stade de Marrakech: Tuesday, 8pm) Cup holders Cote d’Ivoire face tough customers Stallions of Burkina Faso for a place in the Round of 8, with their neighbours to the north desirous of stopping their march towards retaining the title. Runners-up in 2013 in South Africa (to Nigeria), Burkina Faso will throw the kitchen sink at their more illustrious neighbours, and they have captain Bertrand Traoré and Edmond Tapsoba to lead their charge. Heroes of their 2023 triumph, Franck Kessie, Simon Adingra, Oumar Diakite and Serge Aurier are still available, and whichever team under-rates the Elephants does so at its own peril. ROLL OF HONOURS Year Winner Score Runner-up Host 1957 Egypt 4-0 Ethiopia Sudan 1959 Egypt 2-1 Sudan Egypt…

Read More