Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured with the prestigious Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence at the ongoing Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.

The award, which also recognised Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrates outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.

Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed gratitude to the organisers of AFRIFF for the recognition, reaffirming Delta State Government’s unwavering commitment to the growth of the creative sector.

Onyeme said: “On behalf of the Governor and the people of Delta State, I want to thank the organisers of the Africa International Film Festival for this honour. We do not take it for granted; we truly appreciate.

“Delta is one of the states most renowned for its contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many of the talented people in this sector hail from Delta State, and we will continue to do everything necessary to sustain our support for the film industry in Nigeria and across Africa.”

The Deputy Governor further highlighted the state’s initiatives to boost the creative economy, noting that Delta has remained peaceful and conducive for investments in entertainment, film production and other businesses.

Speaking further, he said; “rhe last administration built a massive entertainment complex housing film studios, cinemas, and children’s recreational facilities.

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“The current administration is planning to go even further by establishing a full-fledged film village, a mini-Hollywood, where actors, musicians, and other professionals can live and work.

“Delta State has always been at the forefront of entertainment development, and we will continue to improve the welfare of creative professionals and provide the resources they need to thrive.”

In his remarks, Pastor Shingle Wigwe, father of the late Herbert Wigwe, commended AFRIFF for instituting the award in his son’s honour, describing the festival as a vital platform for Africa’s creative advancement.

“Seeing this event today brings me great joy. When I retired from the Nigerian Television Authority, there were no film festivals in Nigeria. What I see here is a true marketplace of ideas and creativity, a hub for Africa.

“This festival is a force that will contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economy and enhance our global recognition. It is truly gratifying to witness such progress in our creative landscape”, he said.

The clash between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio continues to intensify, as new court charges have emerged that could have significant repercussions for the supporters of the Kogi State Senator.

In a recent development, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Minister of Justice has publicly defended the legitimacy of the defamation charges that were filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The AGF emphasized that these charges were instituted in strict accordance with the provisions outlined in the Penal Code Law of Nigeria as well as the country’s Constitution. This assertion suggests that the legal proceedings are being pursued with a clear adherence to established legal frameworks, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile court battle that may draw further public interest and scrutiny.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for both political figures and their respective supporters will likely become more pronounced in the coming weeks.

The AGF’s office stated this in its response to the senator’s preliminary objection to the three-count criminal charge pending before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, presided over by Justice Chizoba Oji.

The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, stemmed from petitions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, following her public claims that the duo had conspired to assassinate her.

AGF Insists Charges Are Lawful
In its counter-affidavit, the AGF’s office maintained that the decision to prosecute the senator was taken after a comprehensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, which reviewed all petitions from both the complainants and the defendant.

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“The three counts were preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation as guaranteed under the Constitution,” the prosecution stated.Legal consultation services

It further argued that the senator’s actions contravened provisions of the law, stressing that the case was filed “in the public interest, the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.”

According to the AGF’s office, the charges were neither politically motivated nor an abuse of prosecutorial power.

“The criminal charge against the defendant arose from the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties involved, by the Nigeria Police Force.”

“The charge against the defendant is consistent with extant laws and does not constitute an abuse of the legal or prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation,” the document read.

Defendant Challenges AGF’s Powers
At the last sitting on September 23, defence counsel Ehighioge West-Idahosa (SAN) had filed a preliminary objection challenging the validity of the charges.

He argued that the AGF’s office had overreached its constitutional powers, describing the prosecution as an abuse of process.

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According to him, the objection was not contesting the facts of the case but rather the legality and jurisdictional competence of the AGF to initiate such charges.

The objection, filed on September 18, was yet to receive a response from the prosecution at the time of the previous hearing.

Prosecution Seeks Adjournment for Proper Service
When the matter came up on Monday, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe informed the court that although the case was slated for hearing, the prosecution’s counter-affidavit had not been properly served on the defence.

He explained that the document was delivered to an incorrect address and requested a short adjournment to rectify the error.

“It would not be fair for the prosecution to proceed when the defence has indicated its intention to respond to our counter,” Kaswe told the court.

Responding, West-Idahosa confirmed that the defence team had not been served and would only respond after receiving the document. He also requested a longer adjournment, citing plans by the defence team to attend the International Bar Association (IBA) Conference in Canada.

After listening to both sides, Justice Oji granted the request and adjourned the matter to December 1, 2025, for hearing of the preliminary objection.

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Background of the Case
The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/297/25, accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making harmful and defamatory statements against Akpabio and Bello, including allegations that they plotted to assassinate her and that the Senate President was linked to the death of Miss Iniobong Umoren.

The senator was arraigned on June 19 and pleaded not guilty to all three counts.

The court is expected to rule on her preliminary objection before proceeding to trial.

A significant diplomatic issue is emerging as twelve northern governors, along with prominent traditional rulers and senior judges in Nigeria, are under scrutiny by the United States Congress.

Lawmakers are considering a bill that could impose extensive sanctions on these officials, citing allegations of involvement in what some U.S. representatives characterize as a “Christian genocide” and systematic persecution occurring under Nigeria’s sharia and blasphemy laws.

This follows the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump and his instruction to the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to act without delay.

On Friday, Trump, in a post on Truth, lamented that thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria and asked Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into the matter and report back to him.

The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, designates Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious persecution.

The bill proposes direct sanctions against public officials and religious authorities accused of promoting or tolerating violence against Christians and other religious minorities.

In December 2020, the US Department of State designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for the first time ever due to what it termed systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, violent Boko Haram attacks, and frequent ethno-religious conflicts exacerbated by the judiciary system.

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Under the bill, introduced on September 9, 2025, the US Secretary of State will, within 90 days of its passage, submit a report to Congress listing Nigerian officials, including governors, judges, and monarchs who have “promoted, enacted, or maintained blasphemy laws” or “tolerated violence by non-state actors invoking religious justification.”

The sanctions, to be implemented under Executive Order 13818, the US government’s Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability framework, could result in visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions for those found culpable.

One of the highlights of the bill is the implementation of Sharia law in northern Nigeria, which it termed the blasphemy law, and believed to be against the Christian population.

Sharia, derived from Islamic jurisprudence, has long existed as a system of personal, moral, and communal regulation among Muslim communities in northern Nigeria.

The major turning point came between 1999 and 2000, shortly after Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, when several northern states, beginning with Zamfara under Governor Ahmad Sani Yerima, expanded Sharia’s jurisdiction to include criminal law and public morality.

Within two years, about 12 northern states had adopted similar Sharia-based penal codes and established parallel Sharia courts alongside existing secular courts.

The affected states include Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kaduna, Niger, and Gombe.

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However, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa, though with significant Muslim populations, still operate under the conventional secular legal system, with Sharia limited only to personal status matters such as marriage, inheritance, and family issues for Muslims, rather than criminal or public law.

Recently, the Sharia Council announced moves to establish its presence in parts of the South, beginning with Oyo and Ogun states.

The development sparked tension as both Christian and Muslim groups clashed over the perceived introduction of Sharia in the two states.

The tension, however, eased after the council clarified that it was not setting up a court of law but rather arbitration panels to mediate Muslim-related disputes and offer non-binding advice.

Cruz, while defending the bill, said Nigeria’s leadership had “institutionalised sharia law and enabled jihadist violence.”

“Religious persecution and violence against Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria is endemic.

“Since 2009, over 52,000 Christians have been murdered, 20,000 churches and faith institutions destroyed, and dozens of villages wiped out. The federal and state governments have failed to act, and in many cases, they are complicit.”

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The bill underscores that since the adoption of sharia law in Zamfara State in 2000, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, nearly all 19 northern states had adopted blasphemy provisions in their legal codes.

States such as Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Katsina have drawn global outrage for death sentences imposed over alleged blasphemy, while even southern states like Oyo and Ogun, both with Sharia panels, may now come under investigation.

New reports have emerged regarding individuals and groups allegedly inciting President Donald Trump of the United States to enforce a military invasion in Nigeria.

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has directed the Defense Department to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria if the government continues to allow the killing of Christians.

This situation has generated a wide range of reactions within Nigerian communities, and some individuals have been accused of inciting the U.S. government against the Nigerian government.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has revealed what it described as betrayal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This statement is coming on the heels of the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).

US President Donald Trump recently reinstated Nigeria on the religious freedom watchlist, alleging targeted attacks against Christians. MURIC says the move stemmed from petitions submitted by some Christian leaders to US authorities, a development it strongly condemned, Vanguard reported.

In a statement issued by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC expressed disappointment with CAN, saying the association failed to defend the country and the President.

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“Despite vehement denial of Christian genocide by the Nigerian government, former US President Donald Trump redesigned Nigeria as a country of particular concern,” Akintola said. According to him, Christian leaders had lobbied US lawmakers with what he called “frivolous claims” that only Christians were victims of insecurity in Nigeria.

“Instead of debunking this false and misleading narrative, CAN simply amplified it. CAN’s action is a stab in the back in view of President Tinubu’s preference of Christians in appointments, favours and privileges over and above his Muslim brethren,” he added.

MURIC insisted that the CPC label does not reflect Nigeria’s realities, describing the designation as based on exaggerated claims.

“This redesignation is blurred, misplaced and distorted. It is a complete misrepresentation of the true picture on ground in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The group argued that both Muslims and Christians have suffered attacks from terrorists and criminal gangs, warning against what it called “fifth columnists” fueling sectarian narratives, Daily Trust reported.

MURIC stressed that President Tinubu has given Christians significant representation in government appointments, citing his own public figures.

“The president himself confirmed that 62% of all appointments went to the Christians. The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was even more generous to them than Father Christmas,” the group stated.

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It further argued that CAN’s support for petitions to foreign governments amounted to disloyalty. “President Tinubu does not deserve this. It is the Mother of all Betrayals, and we denounce those behind the report in the strongest terms,” Akintola said.

While acknowledging US foreign policy priorities, MURIC said Nigerians must avoid giving foreign nations grounds to interfere in internal affairs.

“We are nonplussed by the actions of these Christian leaders, most especially that of CAN, which is expected to know better,” it noted.

The group called on religious leaders to prioritise national unity and avoid narratives it believes could damage the country’s global standing.

Meanwhile, social media platforms have witnessed significant discourse surrounding the notable silence of prominent Nigerian politicians, such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

As these political figures begin to prepare for their campaigns for the upcoming 2027 elections, their lack of commentary regarding the U.S. government’s statement on potential military intervention in Nigeria has drawn attention.

Users on various social media sites have expressed concern over this reticence, prompting questions about whether these leaders are prioritizing their political aspirations over urgent national matters.

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FULL LIST: 15 States Likely To Be Targeted If US Carries Out Strike In Nigeria; Reason Emerges

Former US President Barack Obama has launched a spirited defence of Democratic values while sharply criticising what he described as the “lawlessness and recklessness” of Donald Trump’s administration, as he campaigned for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey.

At a packed rally at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama urged voters to turn out for Abigail Spanberger, calling the upcoming election “a chance to restore decency and sanity” in American politics.

“Let’s face it, our country and our policy are in a pretty dark place right now,” Obama said to cheers. “Every day, this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness.”

The two-term president, still a unifying figure among Democrats, accused the Trump administration of pursuing “shambolic” economic and security policies. He condemned Trump’s tariff measures and the deployment of National Guard troops to US cities, while faulting Republicans in Congress for failing to check Trump “even when they know he’s out of line.”

“I was surprised,” Obama said, “at how quickly business leaders, law firms, and universities bent the knee to appease Trump, even when they knew he was out of line.”

Later in the day, at another rally in Newark, New Jersey, Obama delivered similar remarks in support of Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Employing his trademark wit, Obama quipped: “It’s like every day is Halloween, except it’s all tricks and no treats.”

He also took a sarcastic jab at Trump’s reported White House renovations during a government shutdown, saying, “In fairness, he has been focused on some critical issues, like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and building a $300 million ballroom.”

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According to recent polls, Spanberger, 46, a former CIA officer and six-year congresswoman, holds a comfortable lead over Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, 61. In New Jersey, Sherrill maintains a single-digit advantage over Jack Ciatterelli, 63, a former state assemblyman making his third consecutive bid for governor.

Despite the Democratic edge, Republicans remain optimistic about narrowing margins. Ciatterelli lost the 2021 gubernatorial race by just three points, while Trump trailed Joe Biden by only six points in New Jersey in last year’s presidential election.

With early voting underway, Obama’s appearances underscore the Democrats’ effort to energise their base and frame next week’s elections as a referendum on Trump-era politics.

Arise News

The Federal Government has reiterated its strong commitment to safeguarding religious freedom and fostering a spirit of tolerance among its citizens.

This affirmation comes in the wake of a recent statement issued by the United States of America regarding the situation of religious freedoms in Nigeria.

In a comprehensive press release dated Saturday and signed by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government emphasized its unwavering resolve to combat the scourge of violent extremism that has affected various regions of the country. Mr. Ebienfa emphasized that this commitment is not only about enforcing laws but also about fostering an environment where diverse religious practices can coexist peacefully alongside one another.

Additionally, the statement expressed deep condolences for all individuals who have fallen victim to acts of violent extremism. The Federal Government underscored its ongoing support for the armed forces, reinforcing its commitment to collaborate closely with them in their endeavors to restore peace and security throughout Nigeria. The government remains dedicated to ensuring that all citizens can live without fear of violence or persecution based on their religious beliefs.

Mr. Ebienfa noted that like the United States, Nigeria values its diversity, which he described as the nation’s greatest strength.

The Foreign Affairs spokesperson also emphasised the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States, expressing confidence that both nations will continue to work together in promoting peace, democracy, and global stability.

The statement reads, “The Federal Government has noted the recent statement by the United States of America on religious freedom in Nigeria. We remain committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fuelled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.

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“We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.

“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.

“The US has been – and we trust will always remain – a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy,” the statement concluded.