News
I’m not a thief, Kalu Cries Out at Senate valedictory session
It was a moment of Solemnity at the ninth Senate as Orji Kalu, burst into tears while giving his valedictory speech on the floor on Saturday.
Kalu, while weeping, stated that he was labelled a thief by some entities who conspired against him.
He said, “Before I came into politics, I could buy anything money could buy. I’m not a thief. Those who put me in prison know the reason. They took over my businesses and wanted to kill me, yet I survived it, and I’m in the Senate with you.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had arraigned the former Abia governor and Ude Jones Udeogu, a former director of finance and accountant, on 36 counts of money laundering to the tune of N7.1 billion.
On December 5, 2019, Kalu was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, while Udeogu got a 10-year sentence.
The Supreme Court later nullified the trial of Kalu and his co-convicts.
The apex court held that Mohammed Idris, the trial judge who had been elevated to the court of appeal at the time of the case, ought not to have presided over the matter while he was an appeal court judge.
No fresh charges have been filed against him.
The chief whip said before he ventured into politics, he was wealthy and played a critical role financially in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Senator Kalu stated, “I have never lacked, while I was in the Peoples Democratic Party where I served for two terms as governor, I brought the money they used to form that party, every penny, in 1997 and 1998, and I later became a thief.
“People I gave transport money from my house in Victoria Island became agents. This is what Nigeria represents.”
Senator Kalu, who is also a frontline contender for the leadership of the 10th Assembly, said that the country was not fair.
News
FG Stops NAFDAC From Enforcing Sachet Alcohol Ban
• Sachet alcohols; credit: Leadership
The Federal Government has directed an immediate suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products, pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final policy directive.
The directive was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), following concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
In a statement released on Monday by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the OSGF confirmed receipt of an official correspondence from the House Committee dated November 13, 2025.
The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, drew attention to existing National Assembly resolutions on the matter and urged caution in the proposed enforcement.
“Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the proposed sachet alcohol ban are to be suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement said.
The OSGF further clarified that any enforcement action taken by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) or any other agency without due clearance and resolution from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would be deemed invalid and should be disregarded by the public until an official decision is communicated.
The office assured Nigerians that it is conducting a comprehensive review of all relevant considerations, including legislative resolutions, public health concerns, economic implications, and the broader national interest, to arrive at a balanced and lawful outcome.
It added that the public would be formally informed once a final position on the proposed ban has been reached.
Entertainment
City FM 105.1 Unveils Plans for Praise in the City 2025
City FM 105.1, Lagos’ leading lifestyle radio station, has announced the official press conference for its flagship annual event.
Praise in the City 2025 (PITC 2025) – a premier gospel music concert, worship experience, and family funfair.
The press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 12 noon at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Since launching in 2015, Praise in the City has evolved into the largest Christmas concert on the Lagos Mainland, attracting over 4,000 families each year for an uplifting atmosphere of worship, thanksgiving, and community bonding. Held annually on Boxing Day (December 26), the free event has become a beloved tradition for families seeking a meaningful and joyous end-of-year celebration.
As a key pillar of City FM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Praise in the City extends beyond music to embody the spirit of giving. The event includes sharing gifts, meals, and joy with the less privileged, fostering unforgettable memories and social impact across Lagos.
“Praise in the City 2025: Celebrating its 10th anniversary as the largest annual praise concert and family funfair on the Lagos mainland.”
The 2025 edition promises an exciting lineup of renowned gospel artists, including:
Bidemi Olaoba, Tope Alabi, Mike Abdul, Testimony Jaga, Yinka Alaseyori, BJ Sax, Laurence and the Covenant, Lilian Nneji, Tosin Alao, Tony Adoki, and many more.
Music curation will be led by DJ Gosporella, joined by City FM’s resident DJs DJ OMG and DJ Gee Lincon, delivering a dynamic mix of praise, worship, and celebratory gospel vibes.
The press conference will reveal detailed program highlights, the full ministerial lineup, family-oriented activities, and City FM’s long-term vision for Praise in the City as a platform promoting faith, unity, and community outreach – especially meaningful as this marks the event’s 10th anniversary.
City FM extends a warm invitation to media representatives, partners, stakeholders, and the public to join the press conference and contribute to the excitement leading up to this milestone celebration.

News
Supreme Court rules Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency
The judgment followed a suit instituted by states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months.
The Supreme Court, on Monday,upheld that President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state to prevent a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos and anarchy.
The judgment delivered today, December 15, 2025, by Justice Mohammed Idris; held that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to adopt extraordinary measures to restore normalcy where a state of emergency has been declared.
The judgment followed a suit instituted by states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months.
In a ruling of six to one, the apex court upheld the President’s authority under the Constitution to proclaim a state of emergency.
The court further held that, during such a period, the President may suspend elected officials, provided any such suspension is for a limited duration.
He noted that the provision does not specify the exact nature of those extraordinary measures, thereby vesting the President with discretion on how to act in such circumstances.
The Supreme Court had reserved judgment in the matter in October.
The plaintiffs were the Attorneys-General of PDP-controlled states, while the defendants were the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
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