Today's top stories: 2016 ends on a confused on note and everything else we learnt this week

[View this email in your browser] Dear YNaija Reader, here are the top stories from YNaija this week: What’s happening in Abia? Yesterday, the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, [Martins Azubuike was finally impeached after four previous attempts had failed]. Understandably, a new Speaker was immediately sworn in – Honourable Kennedy Njoku of Osisioma Ngwa north constituency. What we cannot understand today is what could have happened overnight to inform the new Speakers resignation today. He says it’s all personal and that just made it more confusing. As [Honourable Chikwendu Kanu of Isiala Ngwa South Constituency takes over today], we are left wondering about what sinister circumstances that may have influenced these events. Boko Haram: Operation back and forth More confusing than the Abia situation is [the confused state of affairs] in relation to [our “final crushing” of Boko Haram] as declared by President Buhari over the weekend which [he then got highly praised for]. [Until Tuesday]. The Army tried to seal the deal by assuring us that [the Boko Haram leader had fled] only for him to [appear on our screens the next day.] The opinion, as expected, came flooding in and it turns out [the only thing finally crushed was whatever was left of the President’s ratings]. Here’s a riddle: If individuals are to resolutions what churches are to New Year predictions; what best describes politicians at this time of year? Right! Addresses. This year, the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar is leading the pack. While he admits that “we have been dealt a cruel hand”, [he has urged Nigerians to look forward to the New Year with hope]. There is, however, one Nigerian who does not share the former Vice-President’s optimism and who has no political obligations to sugar-coat. [Adekoya Bolakale has outlined facts and studies here to prove that all this administration has done is to weaponise hunger]. If we needed a little proof of how hard it has been, see [this Bloomberg report that revealed that billionaire Aliko Dangote has lost 32% of his fortune] this year. Also on YNaija this week, Someone is finally taking action – [not doing this] - in respect of [the Southern Kaduna killings]. Well, a body. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions at the United Nations [asking for urgent investigations into the killings]. We thought we were done with the damning revelations from the #RiversRerun [but here is another leaked audio recording] and this time the track features Fayose. The Rivers government is yet to give a convincing response but Mr Fayose – [who got a prayer session for thumbs up from Pastor Adeboye earlier on] - has responded in the usual fashion, [asking the DSS to move into his State House to make live recordings] instead of covert telephone-tappings. And finally, if you happen to find yourself in need of some mood lift, Omojuwa [made a thread this week that will remind you of your secondary school self]. Or maybe just someone you knew. Either way, we guarantee you’ll be smiling afterwards. Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to share if you loved this newsletter! See you in the New Year! [share on Twitter] Tweet this Newsletter [Follow @YNaija on Twitter] [Join our Facebook Commmunity] [YNaijaTV] [YNaija Website] Copyright © 2016 YNaija, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website or attended one of our events. Our mailing address is: YNaija 59, Ogunlana Drive Surulere 101283 Nigeria [Add us to your address book] Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences] or [unsubscribe from this list]