Compilations of top 10 key latest updates that you need to know this Saturday morning, 6th December, 2025
Real reason ex-defence minister, Badaru resigned
Details have emerged on the reason behind the sudden resignation of a former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, after two years in office.
Badaru resigned his position on Monday, citing health concerns.In his place, President Bola Tinubu swore in a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence.
Announcing Badaru’s resignation, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that the former minister stepped down on account of “poor health.”
However, findings by Saturday PUNCH showed that the former minister was compelled to resign following a protracted cold war between him and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, a rift that had been carefully kept away from the media for months.
Badaru was appointed on August 21, 2023, months after completing his two term tenure as Jigawa State governor.
His appointment reportedly rested on his administrative credentials and regional influence in the North West, a region grappling with escalating banditry and insurgency.
Osinbajo, Akpabio, Saraki, governors honour Segun Awolowo at funeral service
The funeral service for the grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Segun Awolowo, was graced by high-profile dignitaries on Friday.
The dignitaries joined family, friends and associates of the deceased at the solemn service held at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos State.
Among the prominent attendees were former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his wife, Toyin, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
According to Vanguard, President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered a tribute at the service emphasising Awolowo’s dedication to national service.
He was quoted as saying,
“Segun served Nigeria with an exceptional passion and unending dedication.
From his earliest days as a Special Assistant to the President, through his distinguished tenure as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, he pursued his objectives with discipline and purpose, achieving real success for our country.
Sokoto debunks report gov accompanied Otti to visit Kanu in prison
The Sokoto State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied his Abia State counterpart, Alex Otti, during a visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, on Friday the government denied the claim.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ahmed Aliyu was in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj as of 30th November 2025, at the time Dr. Otti privately visited Sokoto State,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Otti was received at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by selected commissioners and Special Advisers, who then accompanied him to the Sokoto Government House, where he received the customary courtesies accorded to visiting state governors
“They Broke My Home With Annie, Now They Want To Destroy My Relationship With Natasha”- 2Baba Cries Out
Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Baba, has accused some members of his family of heavily meddling in his personal affairs, claiming their constant interference played a major role in the breakdown of his marriage to Annie Idibia
He revealed that similar actions are now threatening his relationship with his current partner, Natasha.
In a deeply emotional video circulating online, the award-winning artist said the situation has gone far beyond ordinary family disagreements.
He alleged that Natasha has even begun receiving death threats due to the escalating tension.
2Baba stated that his family contributed to the collapse of his marriage with actress Annie Idibia through continuous intrusion, misinformation, and internal conflicts. According to him, the same damaging behaviour is now being directed at Natasha.
’Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominations should be based on merit’
A former governorship aspirant and women leader in Kogi State, Princess Grace Adejoh, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the recently released list of ambassadorial nominees, arguing that several of the names do not reflect merit or the professional requirements of the role.
Speaking in Lokoja on Friday, Adejoh stressed that ambassadorial assignments are significant national responsibilities that should be entrusted only to individuals with the competence and capacity to represent Nigeria effectively.
She noted that some individuals on the list appear to have been selected based on political considerations, warning that such an approach could negatively affect the country’s international engagements.
According to her:
“The recent ambassadorial nominations announced by the Presidency have raised legitimate concerns about our nation’s commitment to merit, professionalism, and national interest.
Ambassadors are not political ornaments; they are the face and voice of Nigeria abroad.
Their competence directly influences how the world sees us and how Nigerians are treated outside our borders.
Herdsmen marginalisation key driver of insecurity – Gov Yahaya
The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, says the failure to understand the grievances that pushed armed bandits to take up weapons is one of the major factors worsening insecurity across northern Nigeria.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna, Governor Yahaya revealed that the 19 northern governors have agreed to establish a joint regional security coordination agency, with each state contributing ₦1 billion monthly to strengthen collective responses to kidnapping, banditry, and school closures
This decision was reached during the Northern Governors’ meeting earlier in the week, following a surge in attacks that have led to mass abductions and the shutdown of schools in several states.
Speaking further, Governor Yahaya explained that part of the security deterioration stems from the unjust treatment and marginalization of pastoralist communities, which created anger, frustration, and conditions exploited by criminal networks.
“They didn’t even tell me” – Wike reacts as 17 Rivers lawmakers dump PDP for APC ahead of 2027
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the defection of 17 Rivers State House of Assembly members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as unfortunate but within constitutional bounds.
The group of lawmakers, led by Rivers State Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, formally declared their defection during plenary sessions at the state House of Assembly
Amaewhule explained that internal divisions within the PDP influenced their decision.
He further stated that joining the APC would allow them to “join hands with Mr President,” whom he claimed “means well for the country.
“I’m now ready for sexual case against Akpabio” – Natasha declares
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) says she is fully ready to prove her sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in court.
Natasha said Akpabio’s ₦200 billion defamation suit has finally given her the opportunity she was denied by the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee, an opportunity to present her evidence before a competent court.
In a statement, the Kogi Central lawmaker said the court case now provides the platform she has long awaited to establish her claims.
She insists she will show that she was sexually harassed, and that her refusal to give in to the alleged advances led to sustained political attacks targeted at her career and reputation.
“See you in court, Godswill Akpabio,” she declared
“Why my mother named me after a ‘lizard’” – Antar Laniyan
Nollywood veteran Antar Laniyan has stirred reactions on social media after sharing the unusual and emotional story behind his name.
The actor made the revelation during an appearance on Behind The Fame, where he spoke about his late mother and the extraordinary steps she took before his birth.
Laniyan explained that, according to his mother, he remained in her womb for 18 months, far longer than the usual pregnancy period.
The prolonged delay left people around his mother worried, with many suspecting a spiritual issue rather than a medical one.
In the interview, the filmmaker said his mother was advised to eat a creature known in Yoruba as “Anta,” a lizard-like animal believed to help induce labor.
“My guaranteed happiness and peace of mind” – Obi Cubana writes as he shares loved-up photos with his wife
Nigerian businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, better known as Obi Cubana, has blessed his millions of fans with lovely photos of himself and his wife.On his Instagram page, the founder of the Cubana group declared his wife, Ebele, as his source of guaranteed happiness and peace of mind
Expressing gratitude to his Maker, he thanked Him for everything
Guaranteed happiness and peace of mind……priceless
What a week it’s been!!!
Thank You God, for EVERYTHING!!
Grateful”.
