Political forgiveness in context - Akpabio’s move alongside Nigeria and global democracies

Political forgiveness in context - Akpabio’s move alongside Nigeria and global democracies

Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s withdrawal of defamation suits is part of a wider tradition of political gestures that privilege reconciliation over retribution.

To understand its implications, it helps to situate the decision within Nigeria’s own history of high-profile clemency and peacebuilding, and then compare it with how other democracies have deployed forgiveness to reset political trajectories, restore legitimacy, and de-escalate conflict.

The Political Implications of Akpabio’s Withdrawal of Defamation Suits

The Political Implications of Akpabio’s Withdrawal of Defamation Suits

Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s decision to withdraw nearly nine defamation lawsuits against individuals who had allegedly maligned him is more than a personal act of forgiveness, it is a political gesture with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic culture.

Announced during a New Year’s Mass in Uyo, the move was inspired by a priest’s sermon on peace and reconciliation. Yet beyond its spiritual undertones, the decision carries significant weight in the political arena.

Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s New Year Sermon

Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s New Year Sermon

On January 1, 2026, Senate President Godswill Akpabio made a striking announcement that has reverberated across Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

Speaking during a New Year’s Mass at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akpabio revealed that he had directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits he had filed against several individuals. The decision, he explained, was inspired by the counsel of a priest whose homily emphasized peace, forgiveness, and the importance of letting go of past hurts.

I Will Leave Peter Obi’s Corner If He Accepts To Be Someone’s VP — Pat Utomi

“I Will Leave Peter Obi’s Corner If He Accepts To Be Someone’s VP - Pat Utomi”

On January 1, 2026, political economist Professor Pat Utomi made a strong declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Utomi stated unequivocally that his support for Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, would end immediately if Obi ever agreed to serve as someone’s vice-presidential candidate.

Rivers Won’t Return to ‘Political War’ in 2026 – Fubara

Rivers Won’t Return to ‘Political War’ in 2026-Governor Siminalayi Fubara

In his New Year message delivered at the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara firmly dismissed fears of renewed political conflict in the state.

Fubara assured residents that Rivers would not descend into another round of political turmoil in 2026, emphasizing that his administration is committed to peace, stability, and development.

NASS roll out new tax laws

NASS roll out new tax laws

Overview of the rollout

Nigeria’s National Assembly has commenced the rollout of newly enacted tax laws, framing the move as part of a broader push for openness and public confidence in the legislative process. The rollout follows the passage of harmonised tax bills by lawmakers and their subsequent assent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a formal transition from debate to implementation.

Transparency measures and public access

To address public interest and concerns, the National Assembly has ordered the release of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the harmonised tax bills, including the transmitted versions bearing the President’s signature. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, stated that the directive is intended to give Nigerians unrestricted access to authentic legislative documents and dispel doubts about the credibility of the new Tax Acts. Members of the public can obtain these documents for personal and independent verification through the Office of the Clerk after paying statutory fees.

Echoes from the Highway: Voices of Zamfara’s Survivors

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Echoes from the Highway: Voices of Zamfara’s Survivors

The blast on the Magami–Dansadau highway was more than an explosion, it was a rupture in the lives of ordinary people.

Survivors speak of the moment as if time itself split in two: before the deafening roar, and after, when silence was filled with screams and dust.

IED Explosion Rocks Zamfara Highway

A Tragic Afternoon on Zamfara’s Highway

On December 27, 2025, the usually busy Magami–Dansadau highway in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State became the stage of a devastating tragedy.

Around the Yar-gada community, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, shattering the calm of the afternoon and leaving behind scenes of chaos and grief. Witnesses described the sudden blast as deafening, followed by clouds of dust and cries of panic as travelers scrambled for safety.

The Legend of the White-Robed Spirits: A Rekindling of Culture

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The Legend of the White-Robed Spirits: A Rekindling of Culture

Long ago, in the bustling land by the lagoon, the people of Lagos carried within them a sacred tradition, the Eyo Festival, known as the Adamu Orisha Play.

It was said that when the white-robed spirits, the Eyo masqueraders, marched through the streets with their staffs called opambata, the city itself breathed with ancestral power.

Their presence was not mere pageantry; it was a living bond between the past and the present, a reminder that the Yoruba heritage was eternal.

“A Great Rekindling Of Our Culture”, Tinubu Celebrates Eyo Festival

A Great Rekindling of Our Culture: Tinubu Celebrates Eyo Festival

In the heart of Lagos, beneath the grandeur of Tafawa Balewa Square, a sea of white-robed figures carrying long staffs known as opambata filled the streets with chants, dances, and timeless Yoruba rhythms.

It was the grand return of the Eyo Festival, a cultural spectacle that had been absent for eight years, now revived in 2025 with a flourish that echoed both history and heritage.

Condoms and the Human Attitude: An Editorial Reflection

Condoms and the Human Attitude: An Editorial Reflection

Condoms, though small and simple in design, carry immense weight in the story of human health, intimacy, and responsibility. They are not merely latex barriers; they symbolize a negotiation between pleasure and protection, between personal freedom and collective responsibility. 

The human attitude toward condoms has always been complex, shaped by cultural norms, religious beliefs, gender dynamics, and the tension between desire and caution.

‘How To Spot Fake Kiss Condoms’, NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Widespread Circulation

The Alarming Tale of Fake Kiss Condoms in Nigeria

In late 2024, a troubling story began to unfold across Nigeria’s bustling markets. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raised an urgent alarm: counterfeit Kiss Condoms were spreading widely, infiltrating stalls and shops from Lagos to Kano, Abuja to Enugu.

What seemed at first like a quiet whisper of suspicion quickly grew into a nationwide concern, as the agency confirmed that these fake products were not only circulating but were being sold in large quantities.

January 1 Implementation Date For Tax Laws Is Sacrosanct, Oyedele Insists

Special Report: January 1 Implementation Date for Tax Laws Is Sacrosanct, Oyedele Insists

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed that the commencement of new tax laws on January 1, 2026, is non-negotiable, with Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, stressing that the date remains sacrosanct despite controversies.

In a decisive statement following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, Taiwo Oyedele emphasized that the reforms embedded in the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act will begin on schedule. He explained that the reforms are not designed to raise quick revenue but to stimulate economic growth, ensure fairness, and provide relief to the majority of Nigerians.

Special Report: Mixed Reactions Trail U.S. Strikes in Nigeria

Special Report: Mixed Reactions Trail U.S. Strikes in Nigeria

Summary: The recent U.S. airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria have sparked a wave of mixed emotions across the country, ranging from cautious support to deep concern. While some citizens welcome the intervention as a step toward stability, others fear it may worsen insecurity and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

On December 25, 2025, the United States launched targeted airstrikes in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria, against militants allegedly linked to the Islamic State.

The strikes, which occurred in villages such as Jabo and Tangaza, surprised residents who initially feared they were under attack by local armed groups.

Special Report: Nigeria’s Recent Joint Strikes with the United States on Terrorists

Special Report: Nigeria’s Recent Joint Strikes with the United States on Terrorists

Nigeria and the United States have recently carried out coordinated precision airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorist elements in Northwest Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in counterterrorism cooperation between the two nations.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with the U.S. military, executed the strikes following credible intelligence that identified foreign ISIS-linked operatives entrenched in the region.

Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: Cryptocurrency Discussions and the Pulse of a Vibrant Digital Economy

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Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: Cryptocurrency Discussions and the Pulse of a Vibrant Digital Economy

Nigeria’s digital economy has become one of the most dynamic in Africa, and nowhere is this more evident than in the country’s social media spaces.

Platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and TikTok have evolved into more than just hubs for entertainment and political discourse; they are now marketplaces of ideas, financial experimentation, and digital innovation.

Among the most prominent conversations dominating these platforms are discussions around cryptocurrency, a phenomenon that reflects both Nigeria’s economic challenges and its entrepreneurial spirit.

Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: The Labubu Dolls Phenomenon

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Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: The Labubu Dolls Phenomenon

Labubu dolls, once obscure art collectibles, have transformed into Nigeria’s most unexpected viral status symbol, blending pop culture, fashion, and social media spectacle.

In mid-2025, Nigeria’s digital landscape was swept by an unusual craze: the rise of Labubu dolls.

Originally created by Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung as part of his Nordic-inspired picture book series The Monsters, Labubu was a quirky, toothy elf-like character that gained cult popularity through Pop Mart’s blind-box toy releases.

Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: The Achalugo Nickname Craze

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Nigeria’s Social Media Trends: The Achalugo Nickname Craze

The Achalugo phenomenon has become one of Nigeria’s most defining social media trends in 2025, blending cultural heritage with digital humor and reshaping online identity.

The nickname “Achalugo,” which translates loosely from Igbo as “precious jewel” or “something cherished,” exploded across Nigeria’s digital platforms after being popularized by the YouTube film Love in Every Word.

What began as a romantic endearment quickly transformed into a viral cultural symbol. Social media users embraced the term not only as a nickname but as a playful badge of identity, weaving it into memes, TikTok skits, and even music.

Football Fever: The Passion of Nigerian Fans

Football Fever: The Passion of Nigerian Fans

Football in Nigeria is more than a sport; it is a cultural heartbeat that unites millions across diverse backgrounds.

The fever runs deep, manifesting in the electrifying atmosphere of local league matches and the fervent anticipation of international tournaments.

Nigerian fans are not passive spectators, they are active participants whose voices, emotions, and traditions shape the narrative of the game.

Nigeria: Youth Movements, Governance Debates, and the Weight of Economic Concerns

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Nigeria: Youth Movements, Governance Debates, and the Weight of Economic Concerns

Nigeria’s political landscape today is defined by the vibrancy of its youth and the urgency of its economic challenges. With a population where more than half are under the age of 30, the country’s future is being shaped by young voices demanding accountability, transparency, and reform.

The 2023 general elections marked a watershed moment: youth participation surged to unprecedented levels, accounting for over a third of registered voters, signaling a generational shift in political engagement.

Nollywood & Celebrity Drama: Viral Skits, Scandals, and the Debate on Global Reach

Nollywood & Celebrity Drama: Viral Skits, Scandals, and the Debate on Global Reach

Nollywood’s digital transformation has turned short viral skits and celebrity scandals into cultural exports, fueling debates about whether the industry’s global reach is being defined more by controversy than by cinema.

In recent years, Nollywood has undergone a striking metamorphosis. Once known primarily for its prolific film production, the industry now finds itself at the center of a new cultural economy driven by viral skits and online celebrity drama.

These short, sharp bursts of humor, crafted for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, have become the heartbeat of Nigerian entertainment. They capture everyday struggles, social quirks, and political satire in ways that resonate instantly with audiences. This “skit economy,” as it is popularly called, has not only created livelihoods for young Nigerians but also reshaped Nollywood’s identity.

Afrobeats: Nigeria’s Global Soundtrack of Dominance

Afrobeats: Nigeria’s Global Soundtrack of Dominance

Afrobeats has become more than a genre; it is now a cultural movement that defines the soundscape of global music.

What began as a fusion of West African rhythms, highlife, and hip-hop in Lagos has evolved into a commanding force on international stages.

In 2025, Nigerian artists such as Burna Boy, Davido, and Ayra Starr have not only trended heavily but have cemented their place as global icons, shaping festivals, award ceremonies, and even sporting events across continents.

Solomon Etuk’s Blog: A New Dawn in 2026

-BY The SEB Team-

Solomon Etuk’s Blog: A New Dawn in 2026

As the calendar turns to 2026, Solomon Etuk’s Blog (SEB) stands at the threshold of an exciting new chapter, ready to deepen its bond with its cherished audience and expand the horizons of what a digital platform can offer.

Over the years, SEB has grown into more than just a blog, it has become a trusted companion, a source of inspiration, and a vibrant community for readers who crave knowledge, creativity, and meaningful engagement.

Kano Assembly Loses Two Lawmakers In One Day

Photo: Channels Television

Kano Assembly Loses Two Lawmakers in One Day

In an unprecedented tragedy, the Kano State House of Assembly was thrown into mourning on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, following the sudden deaths of two serving lawmakers within hours of each other. 

The loss of Hon. Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo and Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji has left the state’s political landscape shaken and its citizens in deep grief.

The first death occurred when Hon. Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo, representing the Ungogo Constituency and serving as Chairman of the House Appropriation Committee, fell ill shortly after arriving at the Assembly. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors later confirmed his passing. 

Barely an hour later, news broke of the death of Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, the representative of Kano Municipal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Pilgrims. His demise was officially announced by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

As Nigerians Celebrate Christmas, Tinubu, Govs, Cleric, Others Advocate Peace, Love

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As Nigerians Celebrate Christmas, Tinubu, Governors, Clerics, and Leaders Advocate Peace and Love

On December 25, 2025, Nigerians across the country marked Christmas with messages of hope, unity, and love from President Bola Tinubu, state governors, clerics, and other leaders. Their collective emphasis was on peace, tolerance, and resilience amid the nation’s challenges, reinforcing the spirit of Christmas as a time for reflection and solidarity.

Christmas in Nigeria was celebrated with widespread joy, but also with sober reflection on the country’s pressing issues.