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Atiku Abubakar
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Atiku Abubakar Express Readiness To Step Aside For Younger Candidate in 2027 Elections

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed readiness to shelve his presidential ambition in 2027 if a younger, vibrant, and widely accepted candidate emerges under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Atiku made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, stressing that his interest in the 2027 election is not driven by personal ambition but by the need to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

The former PDP presidential candidate urged young Nigerians to take active roles in politics, assuring that he would throw his full weight behind any youthful contender capable of uniting the country.

“I am not desperate for the seat of the president. My concern is rescuing Nigeria from those who have held it hostage,” Atiku stated.

He added: “My being in the 2027 race does not prevent anyone from contesting. If a vibrant and widely accepted younger candidate emerges, I am willing to step aside.”

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Pengassan
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FG Brokers Peace Between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Government has resolved the dispute between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) after two days of conciliation meetings.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, announced the outcome in a statement issued early Wednesday, noting that the talks produced key agreements.

According to the statement, the parties agreed that unionisation is a fundamental right of workers under Nigerian law and must be respected.

On the issue of staff disengagement, the meeting resolved that the management of Dangote Group will immediately begin redeploying affected employees to other companies within the group, without any loss of pay.

The statement also affirmed that no worker would face victimisation over their role in the dispute.

PENGASSAN, on its part, pledged to commence the process of calling off its strike action, while both sides committed to implementing the resolutions in good faith.

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Bola Tinubu
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Tinubu Calls for Productivity, Nigeria First at 65th Independence Anniversary Message

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation and enterprise as the nation marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a message posted on X, the President said the federal government will continue to “fix the plumbing in the economy,” but stressed that citizens and sub-national governments must also play their part in nation-building.

“We must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing,” Tinubu stated.

He called on states to support federal efforts, adding that the country must prioritise local production, agriculture, and manufacturing.

“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,” the President wrote.

Tinubu expressed optimism that with unity and faith, Nigeria can achieve prosperity and self-reliance.

“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he added.

 

“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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BREAKING: “Ooni of Ife tried to trap me with a woman” – Oluwo of Iwo Raises Alarm

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has accused the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, of allegedly plotting to set him up using a woman.

The monarch made the allegation in a video posted on his verified Instagram page on Tuesday, while speaking on the strained relationship between the two first-class monarchs.

He claimed that he played a role in helping Ooni Ogunwusi ascend the throne but alleged that the latter later turned against him out of fear that he might reveal certain sensitive information.

According to Oba Akanbi, a woman from Canada, whom he claimed not to know, was allegedly sent to entrap him and ended up living in his palace for three years. The monarch further alleged that the woman bore a child whose paternity remains unconfirmed pending a DNA test.

The Oluwo also claimed that he was poisoned twice and survived an assassination attempt during the period, accusing the Ooni of providing accommodation for the woman and questioning the circumstances surrounding her alleged meeting with the monarch in a hotel. However, he did not disclose the name of the hotel where the incident allegedly occurred.

The development is the latest in the ongoing tensions among prominent Yoruba traditional rulers.

Recently, a similar confrontation erupted between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, over the controversial conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni.

The Alaafin, through his media aide Bode Durojaiye, insisted that no traditional ruler other than himself had the authority to bestow a title covering the entire Yorubaland and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni to revoke the title or “face the consequences.”

In response, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, dismissed the ultimatum, stating that the monarch had decided to leave the matter “in the court of public opinion.”

 

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Prostitutes will pay tax – Taiwo Oyedele

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has said that ‘runs girls’ (commercial sex workers) will pay tax under the new laws.

Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, said this during an engagement session at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos.

The tax expert said: “If somebody is doing runs girls (sex worker), right, they go and look for men to sleep with. You know that’s a service. They will pay tax on it.”

According to him, the new laws do not differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate income sources.

“It just asks you whether you have an income. ‘Did you get it from rendering a service or providing a good?’ Then, you pay tax,” he explained.

Explaining further, Oyedele said money sent to relatives, friends or even strangers are not taxable, as they are considered as gifts.

He said: “You earn a certain amount of money and you have to send upkeep to your cousin, your brother, even a stranger, it doesn’t really matter.

“If the amount you are sending is money you are giving to them not because they have done something for you, then it is a gift. We call it a non-exchange transaction. That is not taxable.”

Recall that the new (reformed) laws are the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

 

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Headlines

Late Arise News Anchor Reportedly Jumps from Second Floor to Escape Armed Robbers

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

New details have emerged on the death of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who died on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Despite rife reports that she died due to a robbery attack, unconfirmed reports, Sommie, as she is popularly known, succumbed to her injuries from medical negligence.

According to the online portal, nationalupdate.ng the beauty queen reportedly sustained life-threatening injuries after jumping from the second floor of her Katampe residence in Abuja while fleeing armed robbers in the early hours of Monday.

Though rushed to a nearby hospital, insiders allege she was denied immediate treatment as staff insisted on a police report before administering care. The delay, sources say, proved fatal.

The same attack also claimed the life of her residence’s security guard, who was killed by the assailants.

Maduagwu, who only just returned from the UK after attending her parents’ 30th wedding anniversary, was described by Arise News as “a cherished colleague whose voice engaged and connected with millions.”

Her death has reignited public outrage over Nigeria’s failing emergency response system — from hospitals that demand police reports before treating victims, to the broader collapse of security that leaves citizens vulnerable.

Police authorities say investigations are ongoing, but media stakeholders and civil society groups are already demanding accountability, both for her killers and for the hospital that allegedly turned her away in her hour of need.

Maduagwu, a lawyer-turned-journalist, left behind a legacy of professionalism, warmth, and courage that colleagues say will be sorely missed.

 

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Bola Tinubu
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FG Approves ₦4trn Debt Refinancing Plan for Power Sector

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Government has approved a ₦4 trillion debt refinancing plan to settle legacy debts owed to 27 power generation companies (GenCos) for electricity supplied between 2015 and 2023.

The intervention is designed to restore liquidity in the power sector, boost investor confidence, and stabilise electricity supply across the country.

The debts, estimated at ₦4 trillion, arose from unpaid invoices by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET). The backlog triggered a chain reaction of withheld gas supply, reduced generation capacity, and weak performance by distribution companies (DisCos).

Under the refinancing arrangement, the government will restructure and clear verified debts through a mix of bonds, treasury instruments, and phased cash payments.

Officials say the plan will provide relief to GenCos and gas suppliers, strengthen balance sheets, and attract fresh capital into the sector. It will also enable prompt payments to gas suppliers, improved plant maintenance, and expanded generation capacity, ultimately reducing outages and supporting economic productivity.

The Ministry of Power and the Debt Management Office (DMO) will manage the disbursements, with strict verification and auditing measures in place. Periodic updates will be published to ensure transparency and prevent a repeat of debt accumulation.

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JUST IN: FG Cancels Independence Day Parade

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade earlier scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

The decision was disclosed in a statement issued Monday night by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

“The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm,” the statement read.Nigerian real estate

It added that all other activities lined up for the Independence Anniversary would go ahead as planned.

“The Government deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation,” Imohiosen said, noting that the Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support, and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests.

He further urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda aimed at making Nigeria a greater nation.

 

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Armed Robbers Kill ARISENEWS anchor in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The ARISE News has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of one of its staff, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

Announcing her death, ARISE News said in a statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of management: “Sommie was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.

“Her voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits.” the statement added.

Maduagwu, fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues, was 29 years old.

She joined ARISE News as a vibrant and engaging broadcaster whose work connected deeply with audiences.

Beyond her media career, she was also a trained lawyer and described as a professional, supportive colleague and dear friend to many within and outside the newsroom.

 

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2027: Jonathan will contest presidency, return to Aso Villa — Jerry Gana

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Minister of Information and Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, has disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan would contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Gana also expressed optimism that Jonathan would defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reclaim power after 10 years.

Recall that Jonathan, a sitting President was defeated by candiadate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) in the 2015 presidential election. His defeat ended PDP’s political dominance in the country after 16 years of the party being in power. Since then, the PDP has been battling with internal crisis and looking for ways to reclaim power.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the PDP Congress in Minna, Niger State, at the weekend ,Gana said Nigerians had experienced two other leaders after Jonathan and were now yearning for his return.

“In 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan said his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians. After him, another President ruled for eight years, and now another has ruled for two years.

“Nigerians have seen the difference, and the difference is very clear. Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan,” Gana said.

“I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate, and we should be prepared to vote for him to return as President again,” he added.

 

 

 

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