Governor Alex Otti of Abia state today joined fellow citizens at the Major-General Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia to honour the gallant men and women of Nigeria’s Armed Forces who gave their lives in the service of the nation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Otti described the sacrifices of these heroes as the foundation of the peace enjoyed today in Abia and across Nigeria.

He also commended serving military and security personnel for their unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

“Thanks to their courage and collaboration, Abia has become one of the safest states in the country, paving the way for renewed economic growth, social stability, and the revival of our rural communities,” the governor said.

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and ensuring the welfare of the families of fallen heroes, emphasizing that their legacy lives on in the peace citizens build every day.

He urged Nigerians to learn from history and dedicate themselves to building a nation grounded in justice, freedom, and fairness.

“Let us honour them not just in words, but through our actions by rejecting violence, embracing unity, and working together for a just, free, and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Former Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 general election in Enugu state, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, has described the ongoing nationwide electronic revalidation of membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a positive step toward engaging Nigeria’s younger generation.

Speaking to journalists at Isiuzo during the flag-off of the APC E-Registration exercise, Edeoga said the initiative demonstrates the party’s commitment to responding to the aspirations of the digital-savvy Gen Z population.

“The E-registration exercise is a welcome development. It shows that the APC is embracing technology to make political participation more accessible, especially for our youth who are increasingly digitally connected,” Edeoga said.

The former House of Representatives member, who represented Enugu East/Isiuzo federal constituency, also used the occasion to endorse Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu for reelection, emphasizing the importance of continuity in leadership for sustainable development in Enugu and the country at large.

Edeoga encouraged citizens to take advantage of the e-registration platform to ensure their voices are counted in shaping the nation’s political future.

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has ignited debate on social media after a video surfaced in which he claimed that defeating President Bola Tinubu would require “red eye” tactics rather than relying solely on legal challenges.

The video, shared on X on Thursday by user #_Dejii, features Baba-Ahmed criticising Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems, alleging breaches of the Constitution during the 2023 presidential election.

“I told Peter Obi, Supreme Court cannot give you governor and give you presidency. For God’s sake, stand up and do something. The Nigerian Constitution was clearly breached,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed drew comparisons to the June 12 struggle, noting that political actors in the past vigorously defended their interests and mobilised Nigerians over long periods to challenge injustice.

“Now if it was the June 12 people that you breached, not just the constitution, but breached one punctuation in their interest, I swear to God, nobody will sleep,” he added.

While condemning what he called constitutional abuse, Baba-Ahmed acknowledged that those in power are skilled at organising and protecting their interests.

“So as much as I dislike the fact that they abuse the Nigerian Constitution, you must give it to them.

They fight for their interests, they can organise June 12 rallies, they can keep it up for three decades.”

He warned that any opposition aiming to unseat Tinubu must be prepared to confront the system decisively.

Baba-Ahmed also alleged that individuals opposing the declaration of what he termed “fake results” are often branded criminals, while those attempting to declare such results are shielded by law enforcement and portrayed as good citizens.

“You must show your red eyes if you’re going to defeat Tinubu, because on that day that they are declaring the result, the people declaring a fake result are criminals, and those who are stopping the declaration of fake results are good citizens.”

“Whoever is going to defeat Tinubu must show red eye,” he stressed, adding that court action alone may not be sufficient.

The remarks have sparked mixed reactions online. Some Nigerians praised Baba-Ahmed’s critique of the electoral process, while others condemned the comments.

User Deji wrote, “Datti for President,” while #Jasonabba added, “I am a strong Obedient and Igbo to the core but the day Datti decides to run for Election I wouldn’t look Obi’s way. And I’m dead serious.”

Other reactions included criticism of his approach.

“Take this lightly if you will, but this man is indirectly calling for massive unrest and turmoil and he doesn’t strike me like someone to lead from the front when things go wrong,” said #I_S_A_D.

The Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory have formally struck out the two criminal cases instituted by the Federal Government against the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Reacting to the development, the senator expressed deep gratitude to God and appreciation to Nigerians, particularly the people of Kogi State and her constituents in Kogi Central, for their support throughout what she described as a difficult period.

In a statement on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the withdrawal of the cases reaffirmed her long-held position that the charges were malicious and aimed at persecuting her through abuse of the legal process.

“The recent withdrawal of the two federal government cases against me has clearly affirmed what we have always known, that the charges were maliciously instigated by individuals who sought to manipulate the system and persecute an innocent person,” she said.

The lawmaker also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, crediting his leadership and commitment to justice for ensuring that the cases were discontinued.

“I extend my appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, in his wisdom and commitment to justice, ensured that the truth prevailed and directed the discontinuance of the cases,” she added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the support of civil society organisations, activists and legal practitioners who stood by her during the legal battle. Among those mentioned were Obiageli Ezekwesili, Femi Falana (SAN), members of the Womanifesto coalition, Ayesha Yesufu, the Enough Is Enough movement, SERAP and the Nigerian Bar Association.

She also reserved special appreciation for her family, political associates and supporters within the Peoples Democratic Party, describing their support as invaluable.

“Lastly, and dearest of all, my beloved husband, children, office and PDP team — I love you endlessly,” she said.

The senator clarified that the notices of discontinuance were filed on December 12, 2025, stressing that the withdrawal of the cases was not connected to any recent church sermon or public commentary.

Akpoti-Uduaghan concluded by reaffirming her commitment to serving Kogi Central and contributing to national development.

Veteran journalist and media entrepreneur, Dele Momodu, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending months of speculation over his next political move following his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Momodu declared his membership of the ADC on Thursday in Benin City, where he also ruled out any ambition to contest for the Senate or the governorship of Edo State, insisting that his interest lies in promoting the welfare of the people rather than seeking elective office.

“People have asked me what I want, whether I want to be governor or senator. No,” Momodu said. “I simply want to promote the best interests of our people.”

The former presidential aspirant described his decision to join the ADC as a deliberate step aimed at strengthening opposition politics and preventing the emergence of a one-party state in Nigeria.

“It is hard to imagine the pride I feel at this moment as I undertake this self-led event to pick up my membership card of the African Democratic Congress, the new opposition coalition in Africa’s most populous nation,” he said.

According to him, his mission in politics is to collaborate with like-minded Nigerians to rescue the country from what he described as creeping one-party dominance.

“My mission is to join hands of fellowship with citizens of like minds to rescue, recover and reset Nigeria. Nigeria must be rescued from a one-party state and a one-party parliament,” Momodu stated.

Speaking on his reconnection with his ancestral roots in Edo State, Momodu said it took him more than three decades to trace his lineage, crediting Senator Isa Raymond for helping him reconnect with his home community.

“It took me a long time, over 30 years, before I could discover my ancestral home. Senator Isa Raymond adopted me from the very first day we met and coordinated everything when I returned home,” he said.

Momodu also said his decision to join the ADC was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to Edo State’s political development while keeping the welfare of the people at the centre of governance.

Reflecting on his personal journey, he noted that he had spent decades building a life and career abroad but was now fully reintegrating into Nigeria’s political process.

DAILY GAZETTE recalls that the Ovation Magazine publisher resigned from the PDP in July 2025, citing the party’s alleged takeover by anti-democratic forces.

In his resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 4 in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Momodu said the party had been hijacked “in broad daylight” by forces working against internal democracy.

He added that it was honourable to leave what he described as a “carcass” of the party and align with the ADC-led opposition coalition.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has called on Ndigbo to move beyond the Nigerian Civil War and channel their energy towards national participation and development, noting that the conflict ended 56 years ago.

Soludo made the appeal on Thursday during the wreath-laying and parade ceremony marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Ekwueme Square, Awka.

He said there was no justification for continued violence or agitation anchored on a war that officially ended on January 15, 1970.

According to the governor, the people of the South-East must redirect their focus towards active involvement in national affairs and collective nation-building.

He stressed that fighting, killings and hiding in forests in the name of agitation only deepen suffering within the region.

He explained that Armed Forces Remembrance Day serves to honour Nigerian heroes who lost their lives during the Civil War and in subsequent efforts to preserve the unity of the country, while also reminding citizens of the need to ensure that such a tragedy never reoccurs.

Soludo also appealed to armed groups, bandits and youths claiming to be fighting for Biafra to abandon violence and embrace reintegration, urging them to contribute meaningfully to society.

He encouraged youths in the South-East to take interest in careers within the military, police and other security agencies, warning that continued disengagement could limit the region’s representation in national security leadership in the future.

The governor further commended security agencies in Anambra State for improving security, noting that the state recorded peaceful Christmas celebrations and reclaimed eight local government areas previously affected by criminal activities.

Soludo praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in addressing insecurity nationwide, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration among security agencies would lead to lasting peace.

The ceremony was attended by service chiefs, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, and other dignitaries.

Activities included intercessory prayers, a moment of silence, gun salute, wreath-laying and the release of white pigeons to symbolise peace and unity.

Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has struck out the defamation case brought against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following a discontinuance by the Federal Government.

The ruling came on Thursday, January 15, 2026, after the prosecution, led by lawyer Aderonke Imana, applied to discontinue the case.

The senator’s counsel, West Idahosa, then requested the court to strike out the matter entirely, urging the return of all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties.

Justice Orji granted the request, discharging the sureties and ordering all documents returned.

The Federal Government had filed the suit in May 2025, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory statements on live television.

The allegations included claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello had plotted to assassinate her.

The government alleged that the senator made imputations “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputations would harm the reputation of a person,” citing Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code, CAP 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990.

In her TV interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan had stated that she feared for her life after her security was allegedly withdrawn, claiming that attempts on her life were planned in Kogi State.

The court’s ruling now clears her of these charges, bringing the matter to a close.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, failed to resume plenary on Thursday, a week after adjourning its previous sitting.

During its first 2026 sitting last Thursday, the House had initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct, including the demolition of the state assembly complex and unapproved spending. The session was adjourned until January 15, 2026.

However, as of Thursday noon, there was no sign that the House, currently holding sittings at its conference hall along Aba Road, would reconvene.

No explanation for the delay has been provided, and no new resumption date has been announced.

Efforts to reach the House Chairman on Information, Petitions, and Complaints, Eneme George, for clarification were unsuccessful, as he neither answered calls nor responded to messages.