Nigerians were once again plunged into frustration and hardship on Monday afternoon as the national electricity grid collapsed, throwing homes, businesses and public services across the country into darkness.

The sudden outage, which occurred around 3:12 p.m. on December 29, 2025, brought economic activities to a near standstill in many cities, compounding the daily struggles of millions already burdened by rising living costs. For households, the blackout meant sweltering heat, disrupted domestic routines and renewed dependence on candles, lanterns and costly generators. For small businesses—barbershops, welders, tailors, cold-room operators and cybercafés—it translated into lost income and wasted goods, particularly perishable items.

Figures released by the Distribution Companies (DisCos) painted a grim picture of the collapse. Only two DisCos received any power at all: Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company got 30 megawatts (MW), while Abuja Electricity Distribution Company received just 20 MW. Every other DisCo—including Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola—recorded zero allocation, underscoring the nationwide scale of the outage.

With total electricity distributed at a paltry 50 MW, far below what is required to power a country of over 200 million people, hospitals, water facilities and telecoms operators were forced to rely heavily on generators, further driving up operational costs and straining limited resources.

For many Nigerians, the latest grid collapse is not just a technical failure but a painful reminder of years of unreliable power supply and unfulfilled promises. The repeated blackouts have continued to erode public confidence in the nation’s power sector and deepen social and economic suffering.

While the Nigerian National Grid said restoration efforts were ongoing, there was no official explanation from the Transmission Company of Nigeria or the Federal Ministry of Power on what caused the collapse or when normal supply would be restored—leaving Nigerians once again in the dark, both literally and figuratively.

Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Nigeria-born British former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has been rushed to hospital following a serious road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The crash occurred on Monday at the Makun area, in front of Sinoma and before Danco, along the busy highway in Ogun State.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said Joshua was travelling in a vehicle involved in the accident, which claimed the lives of two occupants who died instantly.

“The Ogun State Police Command confirms a road traffic accident today in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway,” the statement read.

“Anthony Joshua and other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Further updates will be communicated,” the police spokesperson added.

Details surrounding the cause of the crash and Joshua’s medical condition are yet to be officially disclosed, as investigations are ongoing.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has described the building of a place of worship as a rare privilege and honour bestowed by Almighty God, drawing parallels with the biblical account of King David and King Solomon.

Prof. Odu stated this on Sunday, December 28, 2025, during the dedication service of the newly completed Assemblies of God Church auditorium at Akabuka in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

Commending the vision and sacrifice behind the project, the Deputy Governor praised Dr. Andrew Igwe for solely acquiring the land and constructing the church edifice. She also lauded his broader contributions to community development, particularly his scholarship programmes and support to hundreds of beneficiaries across the area.

Prof. Odu urged Christians to emulate Dr. Igwe’s generosity, stressing that no contribution to God’s work is too small to attract divine reward.

She described the new auditorium as more than a physical structure, noting that it represents hope, unity, spiritual renewal, healing, and a lasting source of inspiration for the Akabuka community.

She expressed appreciation to the clergy and charged the congregation to take collective ownership of the church by protecting and preserving it for future generations.

In his sermon titled “God Will Honour Those Who Honour Him,” drawn from 1 Samuel 2:30, the National Treasurer of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Gabriel Michael, underscored the principle that God honours those who revere Him and rejects those who treat Him with contempt. He lamented that some individuals, including leaders and politicians, choose to deploy resources toward ungodly pursuits rather than the things of God.

Rev. Michael commended Dr. Igwe for honouring God through the acquisition of land and the construction of a modern church building dedicated exclusively to divine worship.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Andrew Igwe, CEO and Founder of the Dr. Andrew A. Igwe Care Foundation, revealed that the project was a divine mandate received last year and completed within 19 months. He attributed the successful completion of the church to God’s faithfulness and provision, expressing gratitude for the grace to witness and accomplish what he described as a remarkable miracle.

Excitement swept across ministries, departments and agencies in Rivers State on Tuesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved and disbursed a ₦100,000 Christmas bonus—popularly described as a 13th-month salary—to civil servants, public sector workers and pensioners in the state.

The bonus, which has already been paid, is intended to ease the financial burden of the festive season and ensure that workers and senior citizens celebrate Christmas and the approaching New Year with renewed hope and dignity.

Many beneficiaries expressed delight at the gesture, describing it as timely and unprecedented. Civil servants in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state said the payment had lifted morale and brought palpable cheer to workplaces, while pensioners hailed their full inclusion in the scheme as a rare demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership.

The state government said the ₦100,000 bonus per beneficiary exceeds the national minimum wage and underscores Governor Fubara’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare. The gesture also marks the second consecutive year the administration has implemented the Christmas bonus policy, further entrenching it as a hallmark of the government’s people-centred approach.

Governor Fubara, while reiterating his call for peace, unity and love among residents, noted that the bonus aligns with broader efforts to improve living standards in the face of prevailing economic challenges.
Organised labour unions and other stakeholders have welcomed the development, commending the governor for strengthening the financial security and confidence of workers and pensioners. They described the move as consistent with the administration’s “Rivers First” agenda, which places the wellbeing and happiness of the people at the heart of governance.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to commence full implementation of the new tax reform laws on January 1, 2026, insisting that the reforms are designed to drive inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity for Nigerians.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos after presenting an update on the reforms to President Bola Tinubu.

Oyedele, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacchaeus Adedeji, and the Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, Joseph Tegbe, said the government remains committed to the reform timeline despite ongoing engagements with the National Assembly.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Oyedele noted that four tax reform laws were enacted, two of which—the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Act and the Joint Revenue Service Establishment Act—came into effect in June 2025. He said the remaining two—the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act—are scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026.
He welcomed the House of Representatives’ ongoing work on allegations of alterations to the laws, stressing that the Federal Government is open to collaborating with the National Assembly should any corrective action be required.

“The plan to commence the new laws on January 1, 2026 will go ahead as scheduled, because these reforms are designed to provide relief to the Nigerian people,” Oyedele said.

According to him, the tax reform bills spent nine months at the National Assembly between October 2024 and June 2025, while preparations for implementation began immediately and have continued over the past six months through capacity building, system upgrades and stakeholder sensitisation.

He described the reforms as a work in progress, noting that institutional readiness was a key reason some of the laws took effect earlier. He cited the establishment of new structures such as the Tax Ombuds Office, which requires time to become fully operational.

Oyedele emphasised that the reforms are not aimed at immediate revenue generation but at expanding the tax base through economic growth, improved compliance and fairness.

“Revenue will come from growth, not from higher tax rates. When more people participate in the economy and comply with tax obligations, you get fairness and sustainable revenue,” he said.

He added that the reforms would eliminate wasteful and distortionary incentives, strengthen tax culture and enhance compliance over time, expressing optimism that the country is well positioned for the January 2026 rollout.

United States President Donald Trump has warned that American forces will launch further military strikes if Islamic State (ISIS) militants continue attacks against Christians in Nigeria.

Trump said he personally authorised recent U.S. airstrikes against ISIS elements operating in Nigeria’s North-West, describing the operation as decisive and lethal. The President disclosed this on Thursday via his Truth Social account, where he confirmed that American forces carried out what he called “numerous perfect strikes” against the terror group.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries,”

Trump wrote.
He said the strikes followed earlier warnings to the group, stressing that Washington would not tolerate continued violence against Christians.

“I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” he added.

Trump noted that the operation was executed by the U.S. Department of War, reaffirming America’s commitment to combating radical Islamic terrorism.

“The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Under my leadership, our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to prosper,” he stated.

In a Christmas message reinforcing his warning, the U.S. President said further military action would follow if the killings persist.
“May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists—of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues,” Trump said.
Reacting to the development, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation sent a strong message to ISIS, while acknowledging Nigeria’s cooperation.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,”

Hegseth wrote on X. “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight—on Christmas. Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
Meanwhile, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that several ISIS fighters were killed in the operation, which took place in Sokoto State.

“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State,” AFRICOM said in a statement posted on X.
The latest strikes mark a significant escalation in U.S. military action against ISIS-linked groups in Nigeria, amid deepening security cooperation between American forces and Nigerian authorities.

In Nigeria’s volatile political landscape, Party defections are often less about ideology and more about survival. But for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose recent membership in the All Progressives Congress (APC) comes amid fierce political wrangling, the stakes are far higher. This is not just about power play — it is about good governance continuity, institutional legitimacy, and political reinvention in Rivers State.

The challenge now before Governor Fubara is simple in wording but complex in execution: how can he consolidate power within a party already infiltrated by loyalists of his fiercest political adversary without compromising the people’s mandate or derailing good governance and the delivery of the much- touted dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State?

Join me as we navigate some suggestions which hopefully can become a winning strategy.

*1. Own the Narrative: This Is Not Defection, It’s Realignment*

Fubara’s move to APC must be framed not as opportunism but as realignment in the national interest. He should immediately begin public engagement, telling the Rivers people — especially young voters — that his decision was:
– To ensure Federal collaboration on critical infrastructure,
– To stabilise the State’s political environment, and
– To access the tools necessary to govern without external sabotage.

A leader who speaks directly to the people gains legitimacy that no faction can undercut.

*2. Isolate the Structure from the Politics*

Fubara must now begin a deliberate reconstruction of the APC in Rivers, separating governance from political vendetta.

That means:
– Replacing transactional politics with issue-based leadership.
– Identifying and elevating new leaders across youth, women, and business constituencies, outside the current status quo .
– Ensuring appointments are based on merit and service, not only party loyalty.

As 001 of Rivers APC, the goal should be: build a new Rivers APC that is good governance-driven, not godfather-owned.

*3. Deliver Tangible Governance Wins, Fast*

Nothing weakens political opposition like results. One can not over-emphasise this. Thus, Governor
Fubara must fast-track:
– The completion of signature road and housing projects,
– Completion of the State’s Civil/Public Service reform and Pension backlog clearance,
– Double down on viable and visible interventions in education, health and entrepreneurship sectors of the State.

If people feel government working in real terms, their loyalty will follow — regardless of partisan noise.

*4. Build Strategic Federal Alliances — But Keep Them Issue-Based*

Fubara’s ties to the Tinubu presidency — evident in NSA Ribadu’s recent commendation — must now be leveraged intelligently, not emotionally.

He must:
– Secure Federal support for Niger Delta-specific development (e.g. Ogoni clean-up, energy security),
– Cultivate ties with APC elders beyond Rivers State, and
– Avoid overreliance on Abuja power brokers who have conflicting loyalties.

He nust stay close, but not captured.

*5. Empower the People — Not Just Politicians*

With Gen Z and urban professionals growing in influence, Fubara can create a citizen movement around transparency, digital governance, and *youth inclusion*— effectively bypassing old guard power structures.

Create platforms where the people shape policy (e.g. town halls, online participatory budgeting). If he truly becomes the “People’s Governor ”, political godfathers will have no oxygen.

*6. Use Strategic Silence and Calculated Pushback*

To keen observers of the political chessboard, by defecting to the APC, the Governor’s antagonists hope to likely corner influence from within. Governor Fubara must continue not to respond with panic or public mudslinging.

Instead, he must deploy his signature strategem of :
– *Strategic silence* — let actions speak louder and
– *Calculated pushback* — using Law, Party procedure, and reforms that entrench good governance to block sabotage without stoking or escalating undercurrents of the existential conflict.

That is how to govern maturely and smart.

*7. Invest in a Long-Term Political Ecosystem*

Finally, Governor Fubara must stop being the accidental or reluctant Governor and start becoming the strategic builder of a new social-development driven political ecosystem in Rivers State, for which there is not much time even if he secures a second term 2027.

This means: Grooming loyal technocrats and politicians across LGA levels, creating political education platforms, building an ideology of service, and integrity that survives beyond his tenure.

*Conclusion*

Governor Fubara’s defection to the APC can either be a trap laid by his opponents or a golden opportunity to rewrite Rivers’ political DNA. The difference lies in his strategy.

To succeed, he must govern visibly and effectively, reinvent the Party from within, stay connected to the people, and remain politically nimble without becoming vindictive.

If he employs these strategies, he will not just win the political battle — he will reshape the flavour and future of Rivers politics entirely.

*Tonye Sipoto-Pepple is a Legal Practitioner and Public Commentator.*

The Federal Government has confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States following airstrikes that struck terrorist targets in the North-West.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigerian authorities remain engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” aimed at tackling terrorism and violent extremism.

The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the collaboration led to “precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” adding that the cooperation involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support conducted in line with international law and with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” the ministry said.

It stressed that terrorist violence, “whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”

The clarification followed comments by United States President Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that US forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State fighters in north-western Nigeria.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He added that further action would follow if the attacks continued, declaring: “If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”

In a separate post, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes were carried out with Nigeria’s cooperation, expressing gratitude for the support of the Nigerian government and noting that the US Department of War was “always ready.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria would continue to work with its partners through established diplomatic and security channels to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and prevent cross-border threats.

The airstrikes came a day after a bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, killed five people and injured dozens in an incident authorities suspect was a suicide bombing.

The ministry said it would continue to keep the public informed through appropriate official channels.

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, on Christmas Day celebrated babies born on December 25 and extended goodwill to children at the Port Harcourt Children’s Home, Borikiri.

Lady Fubara, who visited the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) in the early hours of Christmas morning, was presented with two newborns delivered on the day: baby Eric Chinyere Blessing, weighing 2.7kg and born at 12:02 a.m., and baby Chidugam Kinikachi Owhondah, delivered at 2:00 a.m.

Speaking during the visit, the First Lady thanked God for the gift of life and the grace to witness another Christmas, congratulating the parents and describing the babies as special gifts of the season.

She presented gift items, including toiletries and cash, to the newborns and their mothers, noting that it has become a tradition in Rivers State to identify with babies born on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
She urged the parents to raise their children in the fear of God, stressing that sound upbringing would make them a blessing to their families and society at large.

At the Port Harcourt Children’s Home, Borikiri, Lady Fubara further demonstrated the spirit of the season by donating gift items to the children, reassuring them of love, care and continued support. She commended the caregivers for maintaining a clean and habitable environment and expressed satisfaction with the level of care provided to the children.

In his remarks at RSUTH, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Chizindu Alikor, welcomed the First Lady and thanked her for the thoughtful gesture. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for approving the employment of 1,000 staff and for equipping key departments of the hospital, assuring that the management would remain committed to effective service delivery.

The Christmas outreach, Lady Fubara said, reflects the administration’s commitment to compassion, inclusiveness and the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in society.

Many worshippers were feared dead on Tuesday evening after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the Gambarou Jumu’at Mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Witnesses said the attacker infiltrated the mosque and set off the bomb during the Maghrib congregational prayer.

The explosion occurred during the first raka’at, causing panic and heavy casualties among worshippers.

Several people were confirmed killed on the spot, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

However, suspicion has fallen on the Boko Haram insurgent group, which has carried out numerous suicide bombings and attacks in the region in recent months.

Security agencies were yet to issue an official statement, as investigations into the incident continue.