The Federal Government on Tuesday formally prohibited cash collection of taxes and banned the mounting of roadblocks for revenue enforcement, as part of fresh regulations to implement Nigeria’s new tax laws nationwide. The disclosure was made in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr Olusegun Adesokan, during the signing of the Presumptive Tax Regulations and Guidelines on the Implementation of the Tax Laws at the Federal Ministry of Finance. Adesokan said the new framework was designed to end informal, coercive and fragmented tax practices, particularly at the subnational level. “It bans all forms of cash collection by tax authorities. It also bans the mounting of roadblocks for the collection of taxes,” he said. He explained that the regulations would entrench transparency and equity in tax administration, especially within the commerce and informal sectors. “These regulations are another demonstration of his commitment to taxing prosperity and not poverty,” Adesokan said, referring to the reform agenda of the Federal Government. According to him, nano and small businesses with an annual turnover of N12m and below would be exempted under the presumptive tax regime. “Our nano and small businesses with an annual turnover of N12m and below are exempted from tax,” he stated. He added that the framework introduced a one per cent tax rate on turnover for other categories of informal businesses, while encouraging the use of technology-driven payment systems. “It also introduces a tax rate of one per cent of turnover on all other categories of informal businesses,” he said. Adesokan noted that the guidelines provided a uniform structure for subnational governments in taxing the commerce sector and integrating operators into the formal system through a Tax Identification platform. “These regulations constitute the framework for taxing the commerce sector,” he said, adding that the alignment of states behind the framework signalled a coordinated national approach. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the signing marked a transition from legislative approval to operational enforcement of the tax reforms enacted in 2025 and early 2026. “With the signing of these regulations, we are transitioning from regulation to structured implementation of the tax reforms,” Edun said. He described the regulations as a simple and transparent framework for applying presumptive tax, stressing that they were anchored on “transparency, fairness, clarity, indeed, equity, and economic inclusion for Nigerians.” “Our aim is to ensure consistency, prevent arbitrary assessments… and to protect small businesses while ensuring the continuous growth of the Nigerian economy,” the minister said. Edun maintained that the reforms were not intended to raise tax rates but to broaden the tax base in a structured manner. “We’ll expand the tax base, not raising taxes, but expanding so that each bears his rightful contribution to the common cause,” he said. He said the regulations were developed in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board to ensure alignment across federal, state and local governments. “Our role is to ensure that tax administrations are coordinated, not fragmented, and deliver results and impact to all Nigerians,” he stated. The minister linked the reforms to the government’s broader growth objectives, noting that economic expansion had exceeded four per cent in the last quarter of 2025 but required further acceleration. “We’re looking at, in the immediate term, to try to get to seven per cent GDP growth on our way to Mr President’s clear-stated target… by 2030, the $1tn economy,” Edun said. He assured stakeholders that implementation would be closely monitored to safeguard fairness, adding that an ombudsman mechanism had been introduced. “Implementation will be monitored carefully. Fairness in practice… there’s an ombudsman to keep an eye on fair implementation of the tax laws,” he said. In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, Mr Joseph Tegbe, described the signing as a decisive shift from policy intention to practical execution. “With the signing of the presumptive tax guidelines, we have moved from legal provisions to operational reality,” Tegbe said. He stressed that the reforms were not about imposing new burdens but correcting distortions in the system. “It’s not about imposing new volumes but restoring order where there has been fragmentation and replacing arbitrariness with transparency,” he said. Tegbe observed that the informal sector employs more than 80 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce but has historically contributed little to structured public revenue due to systemic weaknesses. “The informal sector… employs more than 80 per cent of the workforce… yet its contribution to structured public revenue has been disproportionately low, not because they are unwilling to pay but because our framework was either too complex or did not reflect operational realities,” he said. He added that sustainable development required sustainable revenue mobilisation and that the committee would work with tax authorities to ensure disciplined and transparent rollout of the new framework. “With today’s signing, we move decisively from intention to execution,” Tegbe said. In June, 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed four sweeping tax reform bills into law, including the Nigeria Tax Act and related statutes that together overhaul decades-old tax statutes and modernise the country’s tax system.

The Federal Government through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, on Tuesday announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel due to the security situation in the Middle East. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Stephen Adegbite, made the disclosure in Lagos during a press briefing shortly after 500 pilgrims landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise. The pilgrimage exercise began December 29, 2025, with the inaugural flight departing from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. In total, more than 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims were airlifted to the Holy Land without any reported incident. According to the NCPC boss, the Commission deployed a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with a 525 seating capacity for the operation. It was the largest aircraft ever used for Christian pilgrimage airlift in Nigeria. However, he said recent military developments in the region have compelled the Commission to suspend further pilgrimages. “You are aware of the latest security developments in Israel and the wider Middle East. “In view of the state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities and restrictions on public gatherings, the Commission has decided to put on hold all pilgrimages both by the Commission and private operators until the security situation normalises,” he said. Adegbite emphasised that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain paramount, noting that the Commission is closely monitoring the situation. He cautioned Nigerians against engaging in protests or actions that could escalate tensions arising from the crisis. According to him, the suspension of pilgrimage activities will remain in force until international travel to Israel is deemed safe. “The Federal Government places premium on peace and security. We therefore advise Nigerians to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine national security or diplomatic relations,” he added. Adegbite equally expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages. He also acknowledged the contributions made by First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, that led to the successful completion of the 2025 exercise. Adegbite urged Christians and peace advocates to continue praying for stability in Jerusalem and across the Middle East to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Dangote Refinery has increased its Premium Motor Spirit gantry price. The 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery increased its petrol price to N874 per liter, up from N799. This means that the African’s largest refinery adjusted its petrol price by N75 per liter on Monday. The spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, confirmed Dangote Refinery’s price hike to THENEWSCREDIT exclusively on Monday. According to him, the move comes amid a hike in global crude oil prices following the Iran-United States-Israel conflict escalation in the past three days. “It is due to global crude oil price volatility following the Iran-US-Israel war. It is the ripple effect of ongoing conflict,” he told THENEWSCREDIT. According to him, the development would trigger a retail fuel price hike nationwide. THENEWSCREDIT reports that on Monday, Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude blends rose to $78.50 and $71.84 per barrel, respectively, up from $72.87 and $67.02 on Saturday. Recall that on January 27, Dangote Refinery had hiked its petrol price by N100 per liter to 799 per liter.

Twenty-five members of the Osun State House of Assembly, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last general election, have defected to the Accord Party. The lawmakers announced their defection on Friday, following in the footsteps of the governor, Ademola Adeleke, who in December 2025 dumped the PDP for Accord, where he has been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission to contest the August 15 Osun governorship poll. In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu, and obtained by THENEWSCREDIT, the lawmakers said they reached the decision to join Adeleke in Accord Party during their parliamentary meeting. “After the parliamentary meeting, they proceeded to the Banquet Hall to meet with the governor and top Accord Party leaders, where the formal declaration was officially made by the Speaker. “They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Governor, His Excellency Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, and their commitment to quality representation, transparency and responsive leadership. “The defecting members also urged their supporters and well-wishers to remain steadfast and join them as they embark on this new political chapter. “They further noted that their decision to join the governor’s party was aimed at ensuring continuity in governance and accelerating development for the people of Osun State,” Tiamiyu’s statement partly read. Tiamiyu further stated, “The members had resigned from the PDP weeks ago,” adding that after “deep reflection and extensive consultations with supporters, political associates and key stakeholders, they resolved to align with Accord. He also said, “The lawmakers are convinced that Accord provides a more stable, inclusive and people-centred platform through which they can continue to serve the people of Osun State.” Emphasising the importance of identifying with a political party that reflects the values they hold dear, Tiamiyu said the lawmakers explained that the move was driven by a determination to advance the collective interests of the people and sustain development across the state. With the defection of the 25 PDP lawmakers, including the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, to Accord, the 26-member Osun Assembly is left with Mr Femi Popoola, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, as the only opposition lawmaker in the House.

OGBOMOSO – In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity, the Ogbomoso Traditional Rulers Forum has today, February 26, 2026, reaffirmed its "unwavering support" for the leadership of H.I.M. Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orunmogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland. The declaration was made during a press conference following the Forum’s high-level meeting held on Thursday at the Soun’s Palace, Oja’gbo. Speaking on behalf of the gathered monarchs, the Alapa of Okin-Apa, Oba Prof. Akinola Akintola, emphasized that the traditional institution in Ogbomosoland remains a single, indivisible entity. "We are united and speaking with one voice," Oba Akintola stated, dismissing any notions of discord within the ranks. Commending Governor Makinde. The Forum expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, for his recent reconstitution of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Specifically, the monarchs lauded the Governor for formally identifying with the arrangement that rotates the council`s leadership among the Olubadan, Soun, and Alaafin. The inclusion of the Aale of Okelerin as a permanent member of the State . The meeting saw a robust turnout of royal fathers representing all five local government areas in Ogbomosoland. Key dignitaries in attendance included HRM Oba Samuel Babatunde, the Aale of Okelerin HRM Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, the Alajaawa of Ajaawa Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide, the Onisapa of Isapa Oba Dr. Solomon Olagoke Akinola, the Oranmiyan of Okoland Oba Michael Oyebunmi Ajayi, the Oloolo of Oolo This collective endorsement marks a significant milestone in the consolidation of traditional authority in the region, reinforcing Oba Ghandi Olaoye’s leadership as the Soun of Ogbomosoland

OGBOMOSO– In the heart of Oyo State, the 2026 cashew season has officially kicked off, cementing Ogbomoso’s status as the "premium hub" for Nigeria’s top non-oil export. While the "Hidden Goldmine" of Ogbomoso land continues to power the local economy, veteran broadcast journalist Akintayo Asamu Kowinrin is raising the alarm on a growing crisis: the systematic exploitation of local farmers by unscrupulous produce buyers. The Economic Powerhouse of Ogbomoso Ogbomoso cashew is globally recognized for its superior quality, boasting a Kernel Outturn Ratio (KOR) of 48–52, the highest in Nigeria. This quality allows the nuts to command a premium price on the international market, with current local prices for dry Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN) reaching up to ₦1,950 per kg as of February 2026. The industry is a multi-billion naira market, estimated to generate over ₦5 billion within a single five-month trading window. Beyond the nuts, the value chain offers multiple income streams: Cashew Apples: Processed into juice, wine, and jams. Industrial By-products: Shells used for Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) in polymers and paints. Long-term Wealth: A single tree provides a steady income for over 25 to 50 years. A Call to Order: Addressing Exploitation Despite this wealth, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has raised alarms over "unregulated foreign involvement" and the exploitation of farmers at the farm gate. Many farmers are being cheated by buyers who take advantage of a lack of real-time market information and inadequate storage facilities. Advice to Producers (Farmers): Do not sell blindly. Your price is tied to your KOR. Ogbomoso`s high-grade nuts are worth a premium—demand it. Proper Post-Harvest Care: Gather nuts within 24 hours of falling and sundry them for 2–3 days to prevent deterioration. Use Jute Bags: Never use plastic or polypropylene bags, as they cause the nuts to rot, giving buyers an excuse to lower prices. Join Cooperatives: Individual farmers are easy targets. Strength in numbers through associations like NCAN helps in negotiating fair floor prices Advice to Buyers and Middlemen: Fair Pricing for Sustainability: Cheating farmers today leads them to cut down trees tomorrow, as seen with Nigeria`s former coffee industry. Destroying the source destroys your business. Transparent Grading: Base your purchases on visible quality and KOR, rather than exploiting the farmer`s immediate need for cash. Respect the Roadmap: Stakeholders have called for a "market-driven framework" that safeguards farmer incomes to ensure Ogbomoso remains a global hub. As the 2026 season progresses, the call for local processing facilities remains urgent. Processing raw nuts locally could multiply the industry`s value by five times, turning a $300 million export into a $1.4 billion windfall for Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged the acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to make the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it, as the country grapples with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities. The President, who personally decorated Disu with his new rank at the State House, Abuja, said the appointment comes at “a defining moment for our nation’s security,” expressing confidence in the new police chief’s ability to restore public confidence in the Force. “The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you met it. And I’m sure you can do it. Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities,” Tinubu stated during the decoration ceremony. The President, who drew on his personal knowledge of Disu from his tenure as Lagos State Governor, said he believes in the dedication the new IGP exhibited while serving in Lagos. “I know your record. I believe in the dedication that you’ve exhibited while you were in Lagos and I was the Governor of Lagos State. “Now you assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” the President said. Tinubu outlined specific expectations for the new police chief, emphasising discipline, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration. “I expect you to strengthen the discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police. “Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” he charged. Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, the President assured Disu of his full support. “It is a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. “You have my full support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda. “You are a straightforward individual, committed and respected. You have sufficient discipline,” Tinubu stated. The President urged the new IGP to draw from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony. “You can draw from the experience of Kayode Egbetokun who had been there before you. “You have been part of the thinking, and you’ve been part of the innovation. “The challenge as you hold the baton of this leadership is the belief that you will excel and Nigeria will prevail,” he said. Speaking to the outgoing IGP, Tinubu expressed gratitude for his service while linking his legacy to the success of his successor. “To the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, I extend the gratitude of the entire country. “Nigeria, we are a grateful nation to you for your dedication in service, expression of good leadership attributes within the Force. “You have served with commitment and distinction, and Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order in our country,” the President said. He added, “What you should look back and remember is this: you have not succeeded without a good successor. “Therefore, the success of Tunji Disu as IGP, when confirmed, is part of your responsibility and the joy you should look forward to.” Tinubu noted that Disu’s previous role as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun positioned him well for the new assignment. “Having been part of your Principal Staff Officer, I have no doubt he understands the ins and outs of the operation. “He will only improvise. He’s an operational person from what I know,” the President stated. The decoration ceremony, which took place at 4:00 pm at the President’s office, had in attendance Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials. Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, marking the formal transfer of leadership of Africa’s largest police force. In his response, Disu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, vowing to end impunity and enforce zero tolerance to corruption within the Force. “The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” Disu told State House correspondents. He added, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.” The new Police Chief emphasised that Nigerian citizens are the ultimate bosses of the police. “One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country, are the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” Disu stated. Egbetokun, in his remarks, expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to surpass his achievements. “I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I’m happy that one of those that I’ve invested in has been found most suitable for the job. I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done,” Egbetokun stated. The decoration came barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.

President Bola Tinubu has removed the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. Egbetokun has been replaced by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG. His removal is said to have followed Tinubu’s directive for him to resign. It was gathered that Tinubu directed Egebtokun to resign his position at a meeting in the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. Tinubu appointed Egebtokun as the 22nd IGP on June 19, 2023. His substantive appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023. Appointed as IGP at the age of 58, Egbetokun was due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 60. But his tenure was controversially extended by the President.

An Abuja-based church, Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide, has expelled a newly married woman, Oyiza, from its congregation for allegedly refusing to consummate her marriage with her husband, Isaac. The couple, who were based in Ibadan, Oyo State, were joined in matrimony on September 6, 2025, after completing their traditional rites in Okene, Kogi State, and a court wedding in Ibadan, Oyo State. Oyiza is from Kogi State. However, shortly after the ceremony, the marriage ran into crisis as the bride resisted her husband’s attempts at intimacy, insisting that she did not love him. She reportedly accused her mother of coercing her into the marriage. THENEWSCREDIT gathered that repeated efforts by both families and church leaders to mediate in the matter failed, as the bride allegedly remained adamant. In a video posted on the church’s YouTube channel in February, the International Director of the movement, Pastor Paul Rika, announced the expulsion of Oyiza after five months of failed mediation. During the announcement, he described her as a “demon” and declared that she must be punished. While accusing her of spiritism, he urged members to pray for her “destruction,” alleging that she had brought shame to the assembly. “So, we have delivered her to Satan. We have expelled, excommunicated her. You want to bring shame, what do you mean that you don’t love Isaac?” he queried. The cleric referenced cultural practices of earlier times when weeping new brides were compelled to go to their husbands’ homes. “Even the harlots, do they sleep with those that love them? It’s business. So, how do you say you don’t love Isaac after accepting him, and you say you don’t love? Demon!” he added. Isaac, the husband, explained that Oyiza consented when he expressed his intention to marry her. Based on this, the church’s marriage committee gave a nod to proceed with wedding preparations. He, however, said some months before the ceremony, Oyiza began expressing doubts and indicated that she was no longer interested because she had lost feelings for him. “(I) thought this could be spiritual and we should pray. The marriage committee also counselled her to go and pray. She returned and said she was convinced and that was how we proceeded,” he added. According to him, the marriage was formalised after the completion of traditional rites and the court wedding. THENEWSCREDIT saw Facebook photos of the couple as Oyiza seemed happy while surrounded by some friends and church members. But Isaac said the situation deteriorated almost immediately after the wedding. “After the wedding, she started complaining again that she no longer had feelings for me. She had also started misbehaving, but because of the fervent love I had for her, I accommodated her deficiencies and lapses, thinking that things will change. “After the marriage, in the hotel where we lodged, I touched her, but she said we should wait for a brief period of time. I asked for her reasons; she did not give me any cogent reason. She had also said she did not like sex all the time. I was also a virgin and was not involved in such things. I agreed we won’t make love in the hotel. So, we said when we get to Ibadan. “We accompanied her, myself and her mother, to the park. She started crying at the park, saying, ‘Mummy, can you see now, when I said I don’t love this man, can you see it now. See the condition you pushed me into now’.” Isaac said his in-laws pleaded with him to exercise patience and keep the matter private. When the problem persisted, he said he reported to a church leader in Lokoja before escalating it to his pastor in Ibadan. He said despite the intervention of his pastor and the wife, who reportedly broke down in tears during one of the counselling sessions, Oyiza remained resolute. “She would tell me almost every time, ‘No love, no joy, no peace,’” he stated, adding that he became more confused and distressed as he had great love for her. He further alleged that she accused him of attempted rape whenever he sought intimacy or initiated moves. “It was a battle. Sometimes, she would just open up herself and say, ‘Do whatever you want to do.’ But I did not also know all these things.” Isaac said counselling sessions organised by the church, including sexual guidance and support, yielded no positive result. “It’s not just about sex. Even bathing. She said she loved me to bath at night. I bath virtually all night. But sometimes, if I don’t bath, she would hold my neck, telling me to go and bath. She would force me. Our leaders would intervene, asking her to release herself, but she refused. “One day, she called some little children into our room to discourage me from touching her. But I ignored the children and continued touching her. A Muslim woman, who is our neighbour, saw us arguing as she was saying, ‘Do you want to rape me?’ She queried her for saying that. But she said, ‘No, I don’t love him. I have told him before. My mother forced me.’” He described the marriage as suffocating. “If I came back from work, to sit on the dining table, she would say no. I was not even free until I bathed and changed my clothes. It was a struggle. “In the kitchen, if she was cooking and I returned home tired, she would ask me to come and join her because I promised to assist her in the kitchen. Everything was like I was in a cage.” Isaac said he made series of efforts to show love and affection, but claimed that his wife did not reciprocate. Oyiza was not in church to respond to the claims and allegations levelled against her by Isaac. Efforts by our correspondent to contact her were also abortive. Before the decision was announced, the church’s leader, Pastor Rika, said his wife had a revelation. He said his wife discovered that Oyiza was “a marine girl who is married to a marine demon and they have children together.” The cleric further stated that “this demon is a harsh type, highly jealous type that will never allow her marry another, and the covenant with the demon is that the day you allow a man enter into you, you will die, or that man will die.” However, mental health professionals who spoke with Saturday PUNCH on the matter pointed to possible psychological and medical factors. Discover more Nigerian art prints Financial planning services Breaking news alerts Business news reports Columns and opinion A clinical psychologist, Oluwakemi Akintoyese, said a range of issues could explain the woman’s behaviour. She said, “Maybe she was forced into the marriage though parental pressure. So, she’s saying, ‘Oh, yes, you guys can force me to get married, but you cannot force me to have anything to do with him’. That could also be another explanation. “And again, we also have some medical conditions or reasons why people will not want to have sex. But at least, the most common one that I know of is vaginismus. So, that is one. But for me, as I have said, if all of these are the reasons, I feel she should have opened up to her husband to talk about it. There is a need to explore more. There is a need to speak to her. There is a need to understand her perspective before conclusions can be made.” Another psychologist, Afolabi Aroyehun, attributed the situation to gametophobia — the fear of sex. “Gametophobia: those who are afraid of sex. A lot of things can make people afraid of sex. Upbringing is one of such issues. Past experience is another thing. Some of them have very terrible childhood traumatic experiences. They have been abused; sexual and psychological abuse. “Then the society does not let them to be free. It is time for you to get married. Some people would rather not touch the concept called marriage at all. But society will not let you be. Society forces people to get into marriage, even when they are not prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of marriage. “A lot have been abused sexually and traumatised. A lot of them must have had the complete sexual experience while they were growing up. For example, sadomasochism, where you see husband and wife, they would not enjoy sex unless they inflict injury on each other. And if they tried such sex while growing up, they will be afraid of sex. Well, apart from the fact that some of them have had near-rape experiences, some of them have actually had a real rape experience, and they do not discuss it with people because any attempt to discuss it, their parents will shut them off.” A marriage counselor, Sunday Anani, said love is a critical foundation of any union. He said, “Sex is an emotional thing. It’s physical, but before the physical comes to bear, there’s first of all an emotional, heart connection. When there is no heart connection between two people, it is difficult, especially in the confines of marriage; difficult, probably impossible, for both of them to agree that sex should happen. If you are pressured to get married to someone that you really do not want to get married to, it would be difficult for you to open up yourself to that person. “Second thing that I can think of is probably that this person in question may have had some ugly sexual encounters in the past. For example, if this person had been raped or was almost raped or was sexually assaulted, it can make her close up her mind entirely to men. And, in fact, it even starts with she not being open to loving men. But, of course, because of family members, they say, you have to marry, you have to marry. “Until she heals from that trauma, she will find it difficult because she will always remember the picture of when something similar happened to her. And when that remains in her mind, it will be difficult for her to even relax at all.” Anani also wondered why Isaac went ahead with the marriage after the lady said she did not like sex. “She already said she won’t want sex. If a woman already told you she would not like sex or she doesn’t want it, why are you going ahead to marry such a person?” he added.

The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria Chapter, has warned that history will judge Nigeria’s democratic institutions by how they respond to the country’s worsening security crisis. In a statement signed by its Country Director, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu on Saturday, the Commission commended Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa for what it described as a courageous intervention on the floor of the House of Representatives in November 2025. Doguwa had declared that Nigeria was running in blood and tears, a statement the IHRC said reflected the painful reality facing millions of citizens across the country. According to the Commission, farmers have abandoned their lands, communities have been displaced, worship centres attacked, and innocent citizens killed in different parts of the country. The group praised Doguwa’s call for urgent and decisive legislative action, noting that his intervention showed leadership rooted in responsibility rather than partisanship. However, the IHRC expressed concern that nearly four months after that appeal, Nigerians are yet to see substantial or measurable improvement in the security situation. “The frequency of violent incidents across multiple regions continues to raise grave concern,” the statement said. The Commission respectfully directed questions to the leadership of the National Assembly. “Mr. Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Distinguished President of the Senate; where does this matter currently stand?” the statement asked. “Why has decisive and visible legislative action not followed the passionate appeal made on the floor by Hon. Ado Doguwa?” The IHRC argued that when a member of the House raises such a fundamental issue, one that touches on the constitutional responsibility of protecting life and property, it should trigger immediate institutional response, strategic oversight, and measurable accountability. The Commission warned that prolonged inaction in the face of widespread violence could normalize criminality, weaken public trust in democratic institutions, encourage impunity, expand the operational space of armed and organized criminal networks, and undermine national cohesion. “Security challenges of this magnitude require more than debate; they require coordinated legislative oversight, emergency frameworks, intelligence reform, and strict accountability mechanisms,” the group stated. It stressed that the crisis is not sectional, not partisan, and not religious, but national. The IHRC clarified that it is not a political organization and does not align with any political party. “We align with principles, the protection of human life, dignity, and fundamental rights,” the statement said. “Whoever speaks courageously in defense of citizens must be commended. That is why we commend Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa. But commendation alone is not enough.” The Commission called on all members of the National Assembly, both in the House of Representatives and the Senate, to rise collectively and convert words into enforceable action. “Nigerians deserve to see outcomes, not only expressions of concern,” it added. Concluding, the IHRC said the security crisis has gone beyond commentary and now demands urgency, courage, and measurable intervention. “History will judge institutions not by the intensity of their debates, but by the effectiveness of their response. The time to act is now.”