By Huldah Shado

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has dissolved the Board of the Local Government Service Commission following confirmed reports of employment racketeering and abuse of office during its recent recruitment exercise.

In a statement on Tuesday, Chief Press Secretary Linus Obogo said the governor described the misconduct as a “betrayal of public trust” and a violation of public service principles.

Otu recalled that the controversial recruitment, previously suspended, will remain on hold pending a new, transparent, merit-based process.

He warned that anyone found culpable would face strict sanctions, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to integrity and accountability.

By Huldah Shado

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Tuesday postponed his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

In a statement, Kefas said it would be insensitive to proceed with political activities amid a national security tragedy, stressing the need for sober reflection and solidarity with affected families.

The APC also confirmed the postponement, with National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka noting that the event, originally set for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, would be rescheduled after consultations with stakeholders.

The defection had attracted attention after Kefas skipped the PDP convention in Ibadan on November 15 and inspected Jalingo Stadium for the ceremony, citing support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

New dates for the event will be announced after further planning.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

American rapper Nicki Minaj on Tuesday urged immediate international action over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Speaking at a United Nations event hosted by U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, she warned that religious freedom is “under attack in way too many places.”

Minaj highlighted reports of Christians being targeted, displaced, and killed, with churches burned and communities living in constant fear.

She thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for prioritizing the issue, stressing that defending Nigerian Christians is a humanitarian imperative.

“This isn’t about taking sides. It’s about standing up against injustice,” she said, calling for unity across religions and cultures.

Her remarks follow Trump’s warning that Nigeria could be listed as a Country of Particular Concern, with potential suspension of U.S. aid and possible military intervention if attacks continue.

Minaj vowed to continue advocating for religious freedom worldwide.