Author

Nelson Ugwuagbo

ADC
Headlines

ADC Rivers Chapter Gain 800 Thousand New Members

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) says its membership base has recently grown to more than 800,000, with several prominent politicians defecting to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt over the weekend, the party’s spokesman, Luckyman Egila, described the ADC in Rivers as “a beautiful bride,” attracting high-profile political figures from across the state.

Egila named former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Omehia among the latest entrants, alongside former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.

“These persons have left their former parties and are now full members of the ADC,” Egila said. “You can only become a member when you have registered with the party and been issued a membership card, and all of them have done so.”

Others on the ADC’s growing roster in Rivers include former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Okpara, and former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo.

Egila said the calibre of politicians now in the party underscores its rising influence in the state’s political landscape.

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Zaria
Headlines

Multiple Dead as Tanker Explodes in Zaria, Kaduna

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Multiple people have been confirmed dead following a tanker explosion in Dan Magaji, Zaria, Kaduna State, on Monday morning.

The incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. near the Rochas Foundation School along the Kaduna–Kano Expressway bypass, between Kwangila and Dan Magaji, Zaria.

According to eyewitness accounts shared with security analyst Zagazola Makama, the crash involved two fuel-laden tankers and two passenger-filled Volkswagen Golf cars. The collision reportedly triggered five loud explosions, sparking a massive blaze and sending thick black smoke billowing over the highway.

“All the occupants of the cars died instantly, except one driver who survived but sustained severe burns,” an eyewitness said.

Emergency responders and security agencies have since cordoned off the scene, urging motorists to steer clear of the area as rescue and recovery operations continue.

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Headlines

Tinubu Orders Pension Increase For Police Retirees After Protest

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the implementation of pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), following protests by retired police officers in Abuja.

He also directed the immediate rollout of free healthcare services for low-income retirees across the country.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the President issued the directives after receiving a briefing from the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran.

Tinubu further instructed PenCom to urgently address the lingering police pension controversy, stressing that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force who dedicate their lives to national service must be able to retire in dignity and peace.

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De-Gea
Sports

Man United Fans to Honour De Gea on First Return with Fiorentina

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is set for a warm welcome when he returns to Old Trafford for the first time as a Fiorentina player on Saturday.

The Red Devils made this known in a statement posted on their official website on Tuesday, ahead of their final pre-season fixture of the 2025/26 campaign against the Italian club.

De Gea, who left Manchester United in 2023 after 12 years of service, joined Fiorentina earlier this summer.

Signed from Atlético Madrid in 2011 as a long-term successor to Edwin van der Sar, the Spaniard made over 500 appearances for United, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and two Golden Glove awards during his time at the club.

His return is expected to evoke fond memories among supporters, who are preparing to give the veteran shot-stopper a rousing reception at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Kebbi State
Headlines

Kebbi Community Cry Out Over Forceful Land Seizure

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Residents of Gulumbe village in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State have appealed to Governor Nasir Idris to intervene urgently to stop what they described as the forceful takeover of their farmlands.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the community’s spokesperson, Abubakar Tafidan-Gulumbe, said the villagers were shocked when a man identified as Mustapha Sani-Zauro arrived with heavy machinery and began clearing their lands without consulting traditional leaders or obtaining the community’s consent.

“For generations, we have cultivated these lands, inherited from our forefathers. Suddenly, this man appeared and started clearing our farms without prior notice,” Tafidan-Gulumbe said.

He claimed that when confronted, Sani-Zauro allegedly said he was acting on behalf of members of the Governor’s family. Tafidan-Gulumbe, however, dismissed the assertion, expressing confidence that Governor Idris — whom he described as a man of integrity — would not endorse such actions.

“We reject this claim outright,” he said. “We are confident that Governor Nasir Idris would never sanction illegal activities or allow his family to be associated with them.”

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Trump
Africa & World

Trump Slaps Additional 25% Tariff on India For Buying Russian Oil

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil — a major funding source for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

The new tariff, which takes effect in three weeks, will be applied on top of another 25 percent duty scheduled to come into force on Thursday. Existing exemptions for products already covered by sector-specific tariffs, such as steel and aluminum, will remain in place, as will exclusions for sensitive categories including pharmaceuticals.

The move marks a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to pressure countries maintaining energy ties with Russia, even as it risks straining trade relations with India.

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Best in English
Headlines

President Tinubu Congratulates Nigerian Global English Champions

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated three Nigerian students who emerged world champions at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded the students for their exceptional performance, describing them as “shining examples of Nigeria’s boundless potential.”

The students; Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu (17), Rukayya Muhammad Fema (15), and Hadiza Kashim Kalli represented Nigeria at the global contest, triumphing over thousands of participants from 69 countries.

Nafisa won the Overall Best in English Language Skills, Rukayya was named Overall Best in Debate, while Hadiza clinched the Outstanding Talent Award (Gold Medal).

Tinubu commended their remarkable feat and urged other young Nigerians to emulate their dedication, excellence, and patriotism.

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Abure
Headlines

Abure Led Groups Protest Labour Party Exclusion at INEC Headquarter

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Civil society organisations aligned with the Julius Abure led faction of the Labour Party (LP) staged a protest at the National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, demanding the inclusion of the party’s candidates in the forthcoming nationwide bye-elections.

The demonstrators, who arrived at the INEC office around 11:00 a.m., carried placards with messages such as “INEC, who is using you against LP,” “Mahmood stop destroying democracy in Nigeria,” and “Tell INEC to obey court orders.” They called on the electoral body to comply with court rulings and recognise the Abure-led faction’s candidates.

But in a swift reaction, the leadership of the LP dissociated itself from the protest.

In a statement signed by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party described the protesters as “impostors” and “political impersonators,” insisting that it had no hand in the demonstration.

The party further cautioned the public to disregard the protest, stressing that those involved did not represent the official position of the Labour Party.

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sowore
Headlines

Nigeria Needs Competent Leaders, Not Rotational Presidency – Sowore

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Nigeria’s practice of rotational presidency, arguing that competence — not geography — should determine who leads the country.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Sowore said Nigerians are more concerned about having an effective leader than where such a person comes from.

“If I have a good president in Nigeria who can run this country very well, I don’t care where he comes from,” he said.

According to him, zoning the presidency based on region is counterproductive and undermines the principles of merit and fairness.

“That is what the majority of the Nigerian people are aspiring for. That is the idea of this federation — that all federating units should have an opportunity,” he stated.

He argued that the current arrangement often pits regions against one another, without guaranteeing that the best candidates emerge.

“When you zone it to the north, the majority of the northerners want to take a shot at it. When you zone it back to the south, the south is not just Yoruba or Igbo alone. It is senseless,” he said.

Sowore insisted that every presidential hopeful should be allowed to contest irrespective of their region, with emphasis placed on qualification, vision, and capacity.

Zoning the presidency to the worst character in the country is not going to make you get anywhere,” he warned.

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Amotekun
Headlines

Amotekun Deploys 500 Operatives Ahead of Osun Osogbo Festival

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

As Osogbo prepares to host the grand finale of the 2025 Osun Osogbo Festival, the Osun Amotekun Corps has deployed 500 operatives to strategic locations across the state capital.

Corps Commander, Brig.-Gen. Isaac Omoyele (rtd), disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday by the Corps’ spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu Abass, saying the robust operation was designed to guarantee the safety of residents, tourists, and dignitaries expected at the annual celebration.

He noted that security personnel would be stationed at major festival venues, procession routes, and popular convergence points.

“This proactive measure is part of our commitment to ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free celebration during the revered cultural event, which comes up on Friday, August 8, 2025,” Omoyele said.

He added that the Corps would carry out both overt and covert operations throughout the festivities.

The commander also warned criminal elements — including pickpockets, hoodlums, and mischief-makers — to stay away from the festival or face the full weight of the law.

“The Osun Osogbo Festival is not only a cultural celebration but also a significant event that brings global attention to our state. We will not allow any individual or group to disrupt the peace and sanctity of this cherished celebration,” he said.

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