Security Service, Statesmanship: OurNigeria News Names Musa Man of the Year

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Our Nigeria News Magazine has named the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as its 2025 Man of the Year, citing his exceptional leadership, patriotic commitment and far-reaching contributions to Nigeria’s security and humanitarian efforts.

The magazine said the honour followed extensive consultations and feedback from readers and correspondents across the country, as well as the endorsement of its board, management and award planning committee.

According to the organisers, General Musa stood out for his “distinctive performance,” strategic leadership, statesmanlike dispositions, unwavering loyalty, and selfless service to the nation.

In a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by the Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Sir AK Peters, OurNigeria News formally notified the Defence Minister of his selection. The letter described the award as a recognition of his impact in public service and his role in shaping national leadership at a critical time.

The 2025 award ceremony, themed “Providing a Podium for Unsung Heroes”, is part of the magazine’s annual initiative to spotlight Nigerians whose contributions to national development and humanity often go uncelebrated. The event is expected to attract top government officials, policymakers, and other prominent personalities.

The Ministry of Defence has since acknowledged the honour. In a response dated December 23, 2025, the Ministry confirmed that the Minister had been duly informed and that arrangements were being coordinated with the organisers.

The organisers have scheduled the award ceremony for January 31, 2026, in Abuja, where General Musa will receive formal recognition alongside other distinguished Nigerians.

A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, has earned widespread respect for his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security architecture, promote national unity, and advance professional service delivery—qualities OurNigeria News said were central to its decision to name him Man of the Year 2025.

IPC Condemns Arrest of Journalist’s Wife and Baby, Warns of Growing Threat to Press Freedom

IPC Condemns Arrest of Journalist’s Wife and Baby, Warns of Growing Threat to Press Freedom

Arrest Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Media Safety

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned the arrest of Mrs Adenike Atanda, wife of investigative journalist Sodeeq Atanda, alongside her nine-month-old baby by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to IPC, the incident occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, in the Owutu area of Ikorodu, Lagos State. At the time, police officers tracked the family to their neighbourhood and arrested the mother and child.

As a result, IPC described the action as unlawful and alarming. Consequently, the organisation warned that such conduct poses a serious threat to press freedom in Nigeria.

Police Allegedly Used Family to Lure Journalists.

According to information from IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, police officers allegedly used the journalist’s family as bait.

Specifically, officers detained Mrs Atanda and her baby for more than five hours at the Owutu Police Station. During the detention, officers allegedly forced her to place a call to her husband.

Furthermore, IPC stated that the officers instructed her to falsely claim that her baby was critically ill and hospitalised. According to the organisation, the police intended to use the call to lure and arrest the journalist.

Journalist Previously Detained in Ekiti

Notably, IPC said this was not the first time Sodeeq Atanda had faced police harassment.

Earlier, on September 9, 2025, the Ekiti State Police Command detained the journalist for more than eight hours after he honoured a police invitation to Ado-Ekiti.

According to IPC, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, ordered the detention. Therefore, the organisation said the pattern raises serious concerns.

IPC Warns of Growing Pattern of Intimidation

Meanwhile, IPC warned that repeated actions against Atanda reflect a growing pattern of intimidation against journalists.

In addition, the organisation stated that targeting journalists’ families places innocent lives at risk. More importantly, it stressed that democracy cannot thrive where journalists work under fear and pressure.

IPC Director Recalls Dark Military Era

Reacting to the incident, IPC Executive Director Mr Lanre Arogundade compared the development to abuses during Nigeria’s military era.

For instance, he recalled how security agents under the Abacha regime arrested Mrs Ladi Olorunyomi and her infant son while placing a bounty on her husband, journalist Dapo Olorunyomi.

According to him, the latest incident mirrors that dark chapter in Nigeria’s history. Therefore, he said such actions have no place in a democratic society.

Police Urged to Uphold Constitutional Duties

Finally, the SPJ Hub reminded the Nigeria Police Force of its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.

In contrast, IPC stated that arresting journalists’ family members violates that responsibility. Accordingly, the organisation urged police authorities to end all forms of harassment against journalists and their families.

In conclusion, IPC also called for accountability for officers involved in the incident.

Northern Governors Mourn Former Chief Justice Tanko  

By  Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Northern Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed profound grief over the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON (rtd.), who passed away at the age of 71 in a Saudi Arabian hospital.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,  described the loss as a heavy blow to Nigeria’s judiciary and legal community.

Governor Yahaya recalled Justice Muhammad as a jurist of exceptional integrity and humility, whose career was marked by an ongoing dedication to justice and the rule of law. “He served the nation with fairness, courage, and wisdom, leaving a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire generations of legal practitioners,” he said.

The governor extended heartfelt condolences to the late Chief Justice’s family, the government and people of Bauchi State, and members of the judiciary. He prayed for Almighty Allah’s mercy on the departed soul and for him to receive Aljannat Firdaus.

Justice Tanko Muhammad’s passing marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s judicial history, leaving behind a record of service that many describe as exemplary.