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I Regret Joining Atiku’s 2023 Ticket, It Was Against My People’s Will — Okowa

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Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta state, says he “regrets accepting to run as vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections.”

Okowa said the decision, “made at the federal level by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), went against the sentiments of his people.”

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, the former governor said he has “deeply reflected on the consequences of that choice.”

“Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power,” he said.

“But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people.”

He admitted that “the south was interested in producing a successor to President Muhammadu Buhari, but the PDP’s leadership opted otherwise.”

Okowa said “the backlash from that decision contributed to the party’s loss during the presidential poll in Delta state.”

He added that despite the setback, “the PDP bounced back to win 21 out of 25 local government areas during the governorship election held three weeks later.”

“That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me,” he said.

“They said you’ve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen. And they did.”

He defended his record as governor, pointing to “infrastructure projects and free maternal and child healthcare as key achievements.”

Okowa also expressed confidence in the performance of his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

On allegations linking his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with attempts to evade corruption charges, Okowa said “there was no wrongdoing to be forgiven.”

“I did well for the people of the state. Petitions can be written by anybody, but whatever petitions are written, the right of investigation is with the EFCC. So, there are no fears concerning that at all,” he said.

He said he “was never arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but only honoured an invitation.”

The former senator denied claims that he sought forgiveness from APC leaders like Adams Oshiomhole.

“I have never spoken to Adams Oshiomole; we talked for the first time only yesterday because we are of different political parts and because we are of different political parts we were not friends per se,” he said.

He said his decision to join APC “was based on widespread consultation in Delta.”

According to him, “staying in the opposition had left the state disadvantaged in terms of federal access and political influence.”

Addressing the backlash over his defection after building a political career in the PDP, Okowa said “he owes no one an apology.”

“Yes, I was a key player in the PDP from the formative stages, but the PDP of today is not the same party we built in 1998,” he said.

“When you find that the values and vision you once believed in are no longer there, then you step away.”

Earlier, Okowa said “President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete eight years in office.”

“For the stability of this nation, I also do believe that, yes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected president in 2023, and for the stability of Nigeria, it is best for us to have him complete his eight-year tenure, then the presidency can move back to the north,” he said.

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JUST IN: Super Eagles Receive National Honours, Housing, Land Documents Promised By Tinubu

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Members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have officially received their national honours certificates as well as title documents for houses and land allocations promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The presentation took place on December 22, 2025, at the team’s hotel in Fez, Morocco, ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening match of the new AFCON qualifying campaign.

President Tinubu had pledged the rewards following Nigeria’s runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON tournament held in Côte d’Ivoire in January and February 2024.

The brief ceremony was led by Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi; Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu; Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mrs. Nathan-Mash; Nigerian High Commission officials; and Mallam Saleh Amadu, among others.

Speaking at the event, Dikko clarified that most players were awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

However, Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), having previously been conferred with the MON.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his emergence as Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2023.

Dikko confirmed that all national honours, housing allocations in Abuja or Lagos, and land grants in Abuja approved by President Tinubu had been fully processed, with allocation letters issued in line with the President’s commitment to rewarding excellence and national service.

He also disclosed that similar rewards approved for the Super Falcons and Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have been processed. Title documents for houses and national honours certificates are ready for collection, while the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation are finalising the direct payment of the cash awards — equivalent to $100,000 per player — into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

The development highlights a renewed focus on structured athlete welfare and accountability, as the Super Eagles shift attention back to their on-field responsibilities in the ongoing AFCON qualification campaign.

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US Launches $3,000 + Free Flight ‘Leave Voluntarily’ Immigration Plan

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The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced a limited-time programme aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the holiday season.

Migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend, in addition to a free flight to their home country, DHS said in a statement Monday.

Participants will also qualify for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties related to failure to depart the United States.

According to DHS, approximately 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the country since January 2025, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home programme.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the holiday incentive as a temporary increase.

“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home programme.

“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is so generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally—offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,” the statement read.

Noem added a warning for those who do not take part. “Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” she said.

The programme, called “Project Homecoming,” was established in May 2025 under a presidential proclamation issued by former President Donald Trump.

DHS initially offered $1,000 and a free flight to those willing to self-deport. Funding for the programme comes from $250 million originally allocated to resettle refugees, repurposed by the State Department.

DHS described the CBP Home app process as fast and free. Migrants simply download the app, submit their information, and DHS arranges and covers the cost of travel.

The department also warned that individuals who do not participate could face arrest, deportation, and permanent restrictions on returning to the United States.

 

 

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KWAM1 Loses Bid To Block Awujale Selection Process

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The Ogun State High Court, sitting in Ijebu-Ode, on Monday refused to grant an interim injunction aimed at restraining Governor Dapo Abiodun and five others from proceeding with the selection and installation of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Ayinde, represented in court by Wahab Shittu (SAN), had sought the injunction pending the hearing of his substantive suit challenging the selection process.

But Justice A. A. Omoniyi dismissed the application, holding that the interim injunction lacked merit and that there were no strong grounds to justify its grant.

He subsequently ordered the expedited hearing of the substantive matter, fixing 14 January 2026 for proceedings.

KWAM1 had declared his interest in the vacant Awujale stool, claiming lineage from the Jadiara Royal House of the wider Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

However, the Fusengbuwa ruling house rejected his claim, stating that he is not from the royal house.

To challenge what he perceived as injustice, Ayinde filed a suit against the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Governor Abiodun, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and three others.

The other respondents include the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo; and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, Dr Olorogun Sunny Kuku.

The suit, HC3/238/2025, was filed ex parte, citing Order 38 Rules 4 and Order 39 Rule 1 of the High Court of Ogun State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2024, Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction

A copy of the court document dated 16 December 2025 was obtained by our correspondent.

Ayinde urged the court to restrain all respondents from further action on the Awujale selection process to protect his interest and preserve the res from being dissipated or interfered with.

He prayed the court to restrain the respondents, “their agents, or anyone acting on their behalf, from taking any steps in the installation process of the next Awujale of Ijebuland pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

The musician said he is an aspirant to the Awujale stool, “and the injunction is necessary to secure his interest and preserve the res from being dissipated or interfered with by the respondents.”

With the interim injunction denied, attention now turns to the substantive hearing scheduled for 14 January 2026, which will determine the fate of KWAM1’s claim to the Awujale stool.

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