Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that prominent former leaders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and known supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Fubara made the announcement on Thursday at the New Year banquet organised by the Rivers State Government at Government House, Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara said it is on the strength of that faith that the purpose of governance in Rivers State would be fully realised. Governor Fubara said his administration has endured numerous challenges but has emerged stronger, noting that the battles he could not fight had ultimately strengthened his resolve. It is to protect Rivers State.

A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has raised alarm over reports of threats against Christians in Nigeria, citing statements attributed to an Islamic State–affiliated group and calling the situation religious persecution. Moore said on X on Thursday night that the debate over the motives behind attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria should be settled. “If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate. The ministry stated that the cooperation had led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West. Debris from the operation fell in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, but authorities confirmed that no civilian casualties occurred.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday felicitated with his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala-Usman, as she marks her 50th birthday on January 2, 2026. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Bala-Usman as “a dedicated patriot whose sterling public career reflects service, sacrifice, and commitment to national development.”Tinubu commended her nearly three decades in public service, highlighting her contributions across various government institutions and roles. “In her current role as Special Adviser and Head of the CRDCU, Hadiza continues to distinguish herself as an astute public administrator through discipline, clear thinking, and a firm focus on results,” the President said. He credited her efforts with strengthening the governance framework and enhancing the realisation of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The President prayed for strength, wisdom, good health, and grace for Bala-Usman, expressing hope that she would “remain an inspiration to women, young people and emerging leaders across the country.“

Benin:The US imposed partial restrictions due to Benin’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 12.34 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 36.77 percent. Gabon:Gabon was listed due to its B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.47 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 19.09 percent. Malawi:According to the Overstay Report, Malawi recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 22.45 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 31.99 percent. It also noted that Nigerian nationals had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 percent. Zimbabwe:Zimbabwe’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate was 7.89 percent, with F, M and J visa overstays reaching 15.15 percent.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Federal Government to recommit itself to the protection of lives and property, insisting that 2026 must mark a decisive shift towards people-centred governance. The opposition party urged the government to act without delay, warning that the new year must not become “another chapter of broken promises,” but a turning point defined by decisive leadership and accountability. According to the PDP, the interests of Nigerians, rather than partisan calculations or political survival, should guide every action of government. The party also called on key democratic institutions, including the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities without succumbing to pressure, inducement or fear. It assured Nigerians that it would continue to speak truth to power, hold the government accountable and stand with the people until governance truly reflects their will, welfare, and aspirations.

Anthony Joshua was released from a hospital in Nigeria on Wednesday, two days after the former two-time heavyweight champion survived a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends and team members in Lagos. The driver, who was hired for the team’s trip in Nigeria, the homeland of Joshua’s parents, has also been discharged from the hospital. Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps said that the driver was speeding and lost control “during an overtaking maneuver” on the congested Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Nigeria recorded 5,421 deaths in 9,570 road accidents in 2024, according to data by the country's Federal Road Safety Corps. But all of those plans are now in doubt as Joshua physically and mentally recovers from the life-altering incident.

A fire outbreak has razed the popular Moore Pharmaceutical Store and several other shops in the Michelin area of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, along Hamaruwa Way, where the affected shops were located within the same building. A staff member of Moore Pharmaceutical Store confirmed that no drugs or medical supplies were salvaged from the premises, saying the building was completely consumed by the fire. Although no casualties were recorded, shop owners affected by the incident described it as devastating and appealed to the Taraba State Government, as well as well-meaning individuals and organisations, for urgent assistance to help them rebuild their businesses. Some of the traders disclosed that they had taken loans to stock their shops, warning that without timely intervention, they could face serious financial hardship.

The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy nationwide following an interim order of court restraining the move. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, restraining it from proceeding with the enforcement pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order. The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. According to the statement, the suspension of enforcement is in strict compliance with the subsisting court order. “Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court,” the police stated.

While soldiers threatened to beat up reporters of The Guardian, Eniola Daniel, and Punch, Dayo Oyewo, the soldiers seized the camera of African Independent Television (AIT) and sent others away. An officer of the Nigerian Army, Gaktong G. J., armed with a cane, threatened to flog journalists who were at the scene to report. He shouted that nobody invited journalists to the scene and that he had the right to do anything. While reporters were trying to explain further, he invited other soldiers to send them out of the area. “Unfortunately, there was no water in the Arena Market, and it contributed to the spread of the fire.

One person has been confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries in a road accident on the Oshodi–Isolo Expressway in Lagos. The accident occurred at 6:10 am on Wednesday when a Siena car rammed into a passenger bus. “One person died, with many others injured, but the driver of the Siena did not sustain any injury. The injured victims have been rushed to the hospital,” an LNSC official said. The driver of the passenger bus explained that he was attempting to change a tyre when the Siena car hit the bus from behind.

FG to intensify security operations, decentralised policing, inclusive growth agendaOn security, the President said economic progress must be matched by peace and stability, acknowledging ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups. Tinubu said security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate threats to national security. The President also prayed for the safety of Nigeria’s troops and the defeat of those threatening national peace, security and stability. From tax reforms to electoral and constitutional adjustments, the groundwork has been laid for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” Bamidele said. Addressing national security, the Senate Leader said public hearings for the National Security Summit had been concluded across the six geopolitical zones.

Similarly, former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, urged Nigerians to demand responsive and accountable leadership as part of efforts to achieve a national turning point in 2026. Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan said citizens and leaders must match patriotism with a renewed sense of duty as Nigeria enters 2026. “A united Nigeria just needs peace and proper coordination to rise and fulfil its manifest destiny as a global leader. That is why all Nigerians, young and old, should avoid any drift towards issues that could threaten the country’s unity. He stressed that meaningful progress would only be possible if Nigerians collectively insist on leadership that is responsible, transparent and people-oriented.

• Blaze destroys 20 shops as traders allege lack of waterIt was a shattered dream for traders at the popular Nigerian Army Shopping Complex, Bolade-Oshodi, also known as Arena, after a section of the market was engulfed in fire. The Arena fire occurred eight days after a train collision in the same area, where a driver and others narrowly escaped death. The incident also came as fire continued to damage what remains of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance Company building on Martins Street, Lagos Island. “Unfortunately, there was no water in Arena Market, and that contributed to the spread. The inferno at the Great Nigeria Insurance Company building broke out at about 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 25, 2025.

Wike disclosed this yesterday during a “thank-you visit” to Tai Local Council Area of Rivers State. Tinubu had, in June, brokered a peace deal between Wike and Fubara in a bid to resolve the protracted political crisis in the state and restore stability. “Very soon, we will let the people of Rivers State know what we agreed on before the President,” Wike said. Wike made this assertion during a “thank-you visit” to Eleme Local Council Area of Rivers State, saying the resolve was firm and non-negotiable. However, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly reportedly rejected the bonus and returned the funds, describing the payment as unsolicited.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has resigned as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This is contained in a letter dated Dec. 30, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Ampang West Ward, Mangu Local Government Area of the state. The letter, personally signed by the governor, was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Jos. The governor, who thanked the PDP for providing him with a platform to participate in the democratic process, also thanked leaders of the party at all levels for their support and solidarity. Nigeria is looted into poverty,” Obi said.