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Senator Natasha
Headlines

JUST IN: You can’t resume Senate now, NASS tells Natasha

by Folarin Kehinde September 9, 2025
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Assembly (NASS) has informed suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that she cannot resume her legislative duties yet after serving her six-month suspension.

According to the National Assembly bureaucracy, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains in effect as the case is still before the Court of Appeal.

Tribune Online earlier reports that after the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in favour of the Senate, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, dissatisfied with the judgment, approached the appellate court seeking redress.

In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (Ag. CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Parliament acknowledged receipt of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intended return to the Senate on the same date, which she cited as the end of her six-month suspension.

However, the letter clarified that her suspension, effective from March 6, 2025, remains in force while the matter is subjudice.

“The matter, therefore, remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read.

Dr. Danzaria further assured that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan “will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”

Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 following an alleged misconduct involving a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat arrangements during a plenary session on the floor of the Red Chamber.

The letter emphasised that the Senate will only review her suspension after the Court of Appeal delivers its final judgement.

 

September 9, 2025 0 comments
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Senator Natasha
Headlines

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Resume Senate Duties After Suspension

by Nelson Ugwuagbo September 8, 2025
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is set to return to the National Assembly this month following the completion of her six-month suspension.

Her counsel, Victor Giwa, confirmed the development in Abuja, noting that the lawmaker is currently on vacation in London but has made arrangements to resume plenary when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.

“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said.

He added that the Senate leadership is not expected to hinder her return. “We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So that’s the situation at the moment. There is no obstacle at all,” he assured.

September 8, 2025 0 comments
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Headlines

Nigeria’s Debt Hits Dangerous Level – Speaker Abbas

by Nelson Ugwuagbo September 8, 2025
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s escalating debt profile, cautioning that it has reached a level capable of undermining the country’s economic stability.

Abbas raised the alarm on Monday in Abuja while speaking at the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC).

He disclosed that Nigeria’s total public debt stood at ₦149.39 trillion (about $97 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, a significant increase from ₦121.7 trillion recorded the previous year.

According to the Speaker, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has climbed to 52 percent, surpassing the 40 percent legal threshold.

“This is no longer just a budgetary issue but a structural crisis,” Abbas warned. “We must strengthen oversight, embrace transparency, and ensure every loan we take delivers real benefits to citizens.”

September 8, 2025 0 comments
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Sowore
Headlines

DSS Issues One-Week Ultimatum to Sowore Over Social Media Post on Tinubu

by Nelson Ugwuagbo September 8, 2025
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Department of State Services (DSS) has given human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, a one-week ultimatum to delete a social media post it described as “false, malicious, and inciting” against President Bola Tinubu.

In a letter dated September 7, the DSS accused Sowore of making criminal and derogatory remarks in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on August 26, in which he referred to Tinubu as a “criminal” and accused the president of lying to Nigerians by claiming that corruption no longer exists under his administration.

According to the agency, the remarks have provoked public outrage and could potentially incite “disturbance, disunity, and even insurrection.”

The warning, signed by the DSS Director of Legal Services, Uwem Davies, stated that failure to comply would leave the service with no option but to “explore all lawful means” to safeguard national security and public order.

Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and a prominent pro-democracy activist, has not yet issued an official response to the directive.

September 8, 2025 0 comments
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Umar
Headlines

Pastors, Imams must obtain license to Preach – Niger Govt declares

by Folarin Kehinde September 7, 2025
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Niger State government has banned any form of religious preaching in the state and ordered anyone who wants to preach to obtain a licence.

The Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, confirmed the ban in a telephone chat on Thursday and said any preacher who wants to preach must obtain a licence.

He disclosed that preachers have between today and the next two months to obtain their licences.

“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months.

All they need to do is to visit our office, get, and fill out the form. After which, they will have to face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” Farooq said.

The Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, who reacted to the ban, said the government cannot stop preaching.

 

“My opinion is that preaching is a command. The government is not paying anyone for doing the job; people are preaching in order to earn the pleasure of God. So, the government cannot dictate who to preach to and who not to preach.

“But at the same time, if there are people who are going out of their way to cause security threats, using abusive words and so on, then government can have control over that in order to maintain peace and security.”

 

The secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger state chapter, Raphael Opawoye, in his remarks, said the Christian body is not aware of the ban.

 

“The Christian Association of Nigeria is not aware of the ban. We shall come up with a statement when we are officially informed,” he said.

 

An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Hassan, also reacted to the ban, saying, “This law needs to go to the State House of Assembly for proper legislative action.

 

A Minna-based journalist and Islamic scholar, Uthman Siraja, condemned the ban, saying it is an infringement on religious rights.

 

“The ban on preaching is an infringement of freedom of worship and religion.

 

“The best thing for the government to do is to invite and penalise any preacher who incites the public in the cause of his preaching,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

September 7, 2025 0 comments
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Peter Obi
Headlines

JUST IN: Peter Obi to take short break from public engagements on doctor’s advice

by Folarin Kehinde September 6, 2025
written by Folarin Kehinde

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has announced that he will be taking a brief break from public engagements following medical advice.

Obi made the disclosure on his official X handle on Saturday, explaining that he had not been feeling well while attending an event in Enugu.

“In obedience to the doctor’s advice, I will not be able to meet up with all my scheduled engagements within and outside the country this weekend.

“I sincerely apologise for any inconveniences this might cause and humbly plead for understanding,” he wrote.

The former Anambra State governor also highlighted his recent activities, including attending a tourism event in Enugu and visiting Good Hope Specialist Hospital, Isulo, in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State.

Obi said he contributed ₦10 million to support the Aguata Diocese of the Church of Nigeria in acquiring and revitalising the hospital.

“Yesterday, after speaking at a tourism event in Enugu, I travelled to Good Hope Specialist Hospital, Isulo, Orumba South LGA of Anambra State, which is being acquired by the Aguata Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, and made my initial modest contribution of ₦10 million to aid the Diocese’s acquisition and revitalisation of the hospital facility,” Obi said.

 

September 6, 2025 0 comments
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Ebola
Headlines

FG Tightens Border Control as Fresh Ebola Cases Emerge

by Folarin Kehinde September 6, 2025
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has intensified health surveillance at all entry points into Nigeria following the resurgence of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Akpan Nse, said on Friday that screening procedures had been reinforced at airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent importation of the virus.

He explained that additional personnel had been deployed, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), to strengthen monitoring systems nationwide. Thermal scanners at airports are also being maintained in partnership with private organisations to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Health authorities in the DRC on September 5 confirmed an outbreak of the Ebola Zaire strain in Kasai Province, with 28 suspected cases and 16 deaths, including four health workers. The country, which has recorded 15 outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976, last battled the virus in Equateur Province in 2022.

Dr. Nse warned that Nigeria remains vulnerable due to its high volume of international travel with the DRC. He said all inbound passengers from Congo and those transiting through the country are subject to compulsory screening and mandatory health declaration forms.

“We have intensified surveillance at all points of entry,” he said. “Every passenger from Congo is screened upon arrival, whether by air, land, or sea. We are fully alert and determined to prevent the importation of the virus into Nigeria.”

Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people or animals, such as fruit bats, which are considered natural hosts.

September 6, 2025 0 comments
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Atiku Abubakar
Headlines

Atiku Condemns Police Invitation to El-Rufai, Says Nigeria Becoming More Authoritarian

by Nelson Ugwuagbo September 5, 2025
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned recent incidents in Kaduna, Katsina, and other parts of the country, describing them as a dangerous assault on civic freedoms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Atiku’s reaction followed Thursday’s invitation of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai and seven leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by the Kaduna State Police Command over alleged conspiracy, incitement, and public disturbance.

In a statement issued on Friday, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faulted the police action, warning that such moves amount to an attempt to silence opposition voices.

He also pointed to the attack on former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of a meeting of the Katsina Elders Forum on security reforms as part of what he described as a disturbing pattern.

“These incidents are not isolated. They signify a coordinated assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the essence of pluralistic democracy,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President cautioned that criminalizing opposition activities and undermining civic engagement risk pushing Nigeria towards authoritarian rule.

He urged citizens to recognize the urgency of defending democratic values, stressing that safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy must be a shared responsibility.

September 5, 2025 0 comments
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Ogundele Fujimotto
Headlines

EFCC Declares Sujimoto CEO Olasijibomi Ogundele Wanted for Money Laundering

by Nelson Ugwuagbo September 5, 2025
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Lagos-based businessman and real estate developer, Olasijibomi Ogundele, wanted over alleged diversion of funds and money laundering.

In a statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, and posted on its official X handle on Friday, the anti-graft agency urged members of the public with credible information on Ogundele’s whereabouts to come forward.

“The public is hereby notified that Olasijibomi Ogundele of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of diversion of funds and money laundering,” the EFCC said.

According to the notice, Ogundele, 44, hails from Ori-Ade Local Government Area of Osun State. His last known address was listed as G29, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The EFCC called on anyone with useful information to contact its offices across the country, the nearest police station, or other security agencies. The Commission also provided a hotline (08093322644) and its official email address “info@efcc.gov.ng” for tips.

Ogundele, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction, is widely known for his upscale real estate projects in Lagos, particularly in Ikoyi and Banana Island.

September 5, 2025 0 comments
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Headlines

FG Seeks Fresh $1.75bn World Bank Loan Despite 40.5% Revenue Surge

by Folarin Kehinde September 5, 2025
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government plans to increase its borrowing despite a significant 40.5 per cent surge in revenue for the first eight months of 2025. This boost in revenue has largely been driven by substantial gains in non-oil revenue collections, as confirmed in a press statement on Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Based on the figures released by the Presidency, Nigeria’s fiscal performance from January to August 2025 saw total collections reach a record N20.59tn, surpassing the N14.6tn collected during the same period in 2024. It was noted that non-oil revenues now account for 75 per cent of the total collections.

The statement read, “From January to August 2025, total collections reached N20.59tn, a 40.5 per cent increase from N14.6tn recorded in 2024. This strong performance aligns with projections, placing the government firmly on course to achieve its annual non-oil revenue target.”

However, despite these positive developments, Nigeria still faces substantial funding gaps in crucial sectors such as infrastructure, with low capital spending. Local contractors under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, on Wednesday, staged a protest at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, to demand payment for capital projects executed in 2024, amounting to about N4tn.

To address these funding gaps, the government plans to borrow locally and domestically despite an earlier claim by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja that Nigeria had met its revenue target for 2025 ahead of schedule and would no longer rely on borrowing to fund its budget.

On Thursday, The PUNCH gathered that the World Bank is expected to approve loans totalling $1.75bn before the end of the year to support key development projects in Nigeria, according to official data obtained from the bank’s official website. These loans will finance several key initiatives, including projects in agriculture, health, and digital infrastructure.

One of the major projects set to benefit from this financial backing is the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth project, which will receive $500m. This initiative is aimed at improving agricultural productivity and integrating value chains to support rural development and economic diversification. The project is currently in the Concept Review phase, with approval expected on December 11, 2025.

Another project, the Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth, which has a commitment of $500m, aims to enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and foster economic growth, particularly in the technology sector. The project is currently in the Begin Negotiation phase, with approval scheduled for October 31, 2025.

Similarly, the Health Security Programme in Western and Central Africa, Nigeria – Phase II, will receive $250m to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems and improve the country’s preparedness for health emergencies. This project is also in the Begin Negotiation phase, with approval expected by September 30, 2025.

Lastly, the Fostering Inclusive Finance for MSMEs in Nigeria project, which aims to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, will be allocated $500m. This project is in the Concept Review phase, with approval set for December 18, 2025.

Collectively, these projects comprise the $1.75bn in loans expected to be approved by the World Bank before the end of the year. The PUNCH earlier reported that the World Bank approved a total of $8.40bn in fresh loans to Nigeria over the past two years, according to data obtained from the bank’s official website.

The approvals, covering the period from June 2023 to August 2025, spanned 15 projects in the energy, education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and governance sectors. The amount comprises $1.95bn from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and $6.50bn from the International Development Association.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development provides loans on commercial or near-commercial terms to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, while the International Development Association offers highly concessional loans and grants to the world’s poorest nations.

 

 

 

September 5, 2025 0 comments
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