Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of constitutional overreach and authoritarian tendencies in his handling of the political crisis in Rivers State. In a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, the ADC criticised Tinubu for what it described as an “unconstitutional suspension” of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly — and their subsequent reinstatement by presidential proclamation. “This President’s decision to arrogate to himself the power to suspend and recall elected officials in Rivers State, as…

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly rejected demands from the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to absorb logistics costs related to fuel distribution, insisting it will not provide the ₦1.505 trillion subsidy marketers are seeking. In a statement released on Thursday via the Dangote Group’s official X account, the refinery described the subsidy claims as “false and unfounded.” It clarified that petroleum products are sold at the refinery gantry based on production costs plus a regulated margin, with no hidden subsidies involved. Dangote Petroleum argued that marketers, who own most of Nigeria’s privately operated depots, are responsible…

Abuja, Nigeria – Vice President Kashim Shettima presided over a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday, marking the first gathering since President Bola Tinubu revived calls for the creation of state police to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. The meeting began around 11:30 a.m. local time at the council chambers of the State House in Abuja. Following opening prayers led by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, participants, including the 36 state governors, the Central Bank governor, and key ministers, entered a closed-door session. The NEC, a constitutional advisory body chaired by the Vice President, meets monthly to coordinate…

Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has identified key weaknesses in Nigeria’s current squad as the team faces the prospect of missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 11 points, trailing South Africa on 17 points and Benin Republic on 14 points, with just two qualifying matches remaining. Recent results have included draws against Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa, leaving the Eagles in a precarious position. Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh podcast, Yakubu criticised the lack of creativity in the midfield. “When we look at the team, we have too…

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has stated that the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, is fully qualified to contest for any political office in Nigeria — including potentially challenging his father in the 2027 general elections. Bwala made the remark during an interview on The Clarity Zone podcast, which aired on YouTube on Wednesday. He dismissed growing criticism suggesting that Seyi’s political visibility is purely a result of his father’s position as president. “Seyi Tinubu can even challenge his father in the next election,” Bwala said, adding, “If Seyi Tinubu’s father is the president, what…

The Rivers State House of Assembly resumed plenary on Wednesday, following the expiration of the six-month state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu. The emergency rule, declared on 18 March 2025, was lifted on Tuesday, 17 September, by President Tinubu. The directive also mandated Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Dr Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly to resume their official duties with immediate effect. Wednesday’s plenary session was presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, and held at the conference hall within the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt. The venue has served as the Assembly’s temporary…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has triggered a wave of sharply divided responses from political stakeholders, legal experts, and civil rights activists. On 18 March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly. In their place, he appointed a sole administrator, retired Rear Admiral Ibok Ibas, to govern the state. However, in a national broadcast on Wednesday, Tinubu announced the termination of the emergency rule, effective midnight on 18 September. “The Governor, His…

Osogbo – Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed rumours suggesting he plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the reports as false and politically motivated. In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor reaffirmed his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating he has no intention of leaving the party. “The report is not only untrue but a calculated attempt by those afraid of the Governor’s soaring acceptability to create confusion and uncertainty in the minds of the people of Osun State,” the statement read. Governor Adeleke alleged that political opponents,…

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has denied allegations of illegal abduction following claims made by Nollywood actor and activist, Stanley Ontop, regarding a recent operation at an orphanage in Delta State. According to NEW DAILY PRIME, Ontop alleged that NAPTIP conducted an unlawful raid on Happy Orphanage Home in Asaba on 15 June 2025, during which eight children were taken and subsequently relocated to Nasarawa Orphanage Home in Kano State. He further accused the agency of forcibly converting the children to Islam and changing their names. In response to the viral claims, NAPTIP issued…

The Deputy National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Okechukwu Osuoha, has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to demonstrate loyalty to the party and recommit to peace and development as he resumes office following the end of the six-month emergency rule. Osuoha made the remarks while addressing journalists on Tuesday, urging the governor to embrace accountability and reconciliation after the expiration of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025. “He has to come back to office because the suspension was for six months, and there has been no extension. Therefore, he…