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Deacon Fowosere Of RCCG Suspended Over Alleged Se*ual Misconduct

By
Akinwale Kasali
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RCCG - The Redeemed Christian Church of God

By Akinwale Kasali

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, is enmeshed in another controversy bothering on alleged se*ual misconduct by one of its Teens Pastor, Deacon Adefolarin Fowosere.

This development has led to his immediate suspension from all roles and duties in the Church.

The alleged se*ual misdemeanours of Deacon Fowosere was exposed by the Teens Church Member who reported him to the Church authorities, leading to his suspension, and the institution of an Investigative Committee to look into the issue.

In addition, the suspended Deacon  will no longer have access to teenagers, young people or any Church activity pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Clearing the air, the RCCG in a statement on 3rd August, 2026, by Pastor Lanre Oyegbola, Communications Office of the National Overseer said that RCCG is aware of allegations of se*ual misconduct and abuse of pastoral authority against Deacon Adefolarin Fowosere, a former National Teens President and has instituted an investigation into the allegation.

He explained that any negative findings established from the ongoing internal investigations, the matters will be referred to appropriate law-enforcement authorities as may be necessary, and the Church will cooperate with them fully and without reservation.

Pastor Oyegbola, further explained their first concern is the wellbeing of anyone who may have been harmed, adding they recognise the courage it takes to come forward and they will be met with care, respect and privacy.

The statement reads;

“Our internal disciplinary process will not delay, replace or interfere with the work of the authorities.

“We understand how grave it is when trust placed in those who serve is alleged to have been broken, and we are reviewing safeguarding across the relevant ministry to protect our young people.

“The Church will similarly handle any other case with swiftness even as we continue to strengthen independent safeguarding support to help ensure that matters of this nature are handled fairly and thoroughly.”

He reiterated that “Out of respect for those affected and for a fair process for all, we will not comment on individual details while these processes continue.

He concluded that it remains mere allegations, until the Investigative Committee finds out that the allegations is tested to be true.

He added that “everyone is entitled to due process, in which Deacon Fowosere will not be deprived of.”

Rivers, South South Will Pay Amaechi Back For His Betrayal Of Jonathan In 2015 – Wike

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said that the Presidential running mate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rotimi Amaechi , does not have what it takes to sway votes in Rivers State and South South region.

 

This is as he maintained that Amaechi’s betrayal and frustration of the second term ambition of former president Goodluck Jonathan will surely hunt him both in Rivers State and the South South region ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

At his monthly media chat on Tuesday, Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers state, while questioning the selection of Amaechi as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 polls, insisted that the immediate past Minister of Transportation does not have any political value in Rivers state.

 

According to him, the only variable that could have informed the decision to pick Amaechi as a presidential running mate is money for campaign and not expectation of votes from the people of Rivers state.

 

The FCT Minister emphasized that after leading the battle that prevented Jonathan from securing a second term in office in 2015, Amaechi should not expect the people of Rivers State and South South region to reward him in 2027 with their votes.

 

His words: “Jonathan, your brother from the South South, wanted a second term, but you boldly came out and kicked him out.

 

“Now you want Rivers and South South people to kick you in”.

 

He maintained that Amaechi is bound to reap the political fruits he sowed in Rivers State and the South South region.

 

This is as he described as politically unrealistic the choice of Amaechi as the ADC presidential running mate, noting that he does not have the political strength and  goodwill to attract votes both in Rivers state and the South South region.

 

” If you are choosing a vice-presidential candidate, the only factor that may have been considered in settling for Rotimi Amaechi by the ADC may be financial, because he does not have the capacity to deliver votes”, the FCT Minister added.

 

According to him, Amaechi has never known to have control over the electorate or won elections in Rivers state   since 2015 , even with the full compliment of federal might.

 

Wike noted that as the Director -General of Buhari campaign Organization and as a sitting Governor, with all the instruments of state power at his disposal, Amaechi could not deliver even 25 percent votes to late President Mohammadu Buhari both in 2015 and 2019.

 

“He ( Amaechi) has never won an election after 2011 when I was Director of Campaigns. He was Buhari’s DG Campaign in 2015 when he was Governor, yet they didn’t secure 25 percent of votes in Rivers state.

 

“In 2019, he was still DG and super Minister, but couldn’t deliver 25 percent votes. In 2023, he supported Atiku, and they still couldn’t get up to 15 percent of votes in Rivers State”, Wike noted.

 

He stated that Amaechi does not have any political goodwill in Rivers State, adding that he can not point to landmark Federal projects that he  attracted to the State throughout his eight-year tenure as a super Minister under late President Buhari’s administration.

 

The FCT Minister equally derided Amaechi for going back to his vomit ,by accepting the Vice presidential slot after his initial braggadocio.

 

He expressed surprise and shock that after criticizing the conduct of the ADC presidential primaries, as well as telling the whole world that he was not contesting to become Vice president, Amaechi still happily accepted to be Atiku’s running mate.

 

However, not a few have argued that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a more potent and decisive role in shoving Jonathan out of office in 2015.

 

Although Amaechi served as the DG Campaign, Tinubu is strongly believed to have not only provided a substantial part of the financial war chest that oiled the  APC campaign in 2015, but mobilized South West votes against Jonathan.

 

Ironically, while Wike vilifies Amaechi for his alleged role in ousting Jonathan, he has on the other hand gone ahead to form what he described as” Rainbow Coalition” to drum Rivers State and South South region support for Tinubu ,” a co-conspirator” in the Jonathan-must-go project.

Duke Knocks N15trn Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Says Nigeria Cannot Afford it

By
James Orji
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0

A former Cross River State governor Donald Duke, has launched a blistering attack of the Federal Government’s Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the ambitious project as a costly venture that fails to reflect Nigeria’s current economic realities.

Duke is the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP for the 2027 election,

The coastal road, with an estimated cost of over N15 trillion is one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signature projects.

Apart from the criticism regarding it’s huge cost to the country, environmental experts have also raised alarm over its long term effects.

Speaking during Prime Time on Arise Television, Duke argued that the proposed 750-kilometre highway represents a case of misplaced national priorities, insisting that the country should concentrate on rehabilitating existing infrastructure rather than embarking on an expensive new coastal route.
He questioned the feasibility of the project, particularly through the swampy terrain of Bayelsa State, where he said hundreds of bridges would be required to connect communities. According to him, the engineering challenges and enormous financial implications make the project difficult to justify at a time when the nation faces severe economic pressures.
Duke further expressed scepticism that the highway would ever extend beyond Epe on the Lagos corridor. Recounting a recent drive along the route, he said the most visible activity was extensive land reclamation, raising questions about the project’s ultimate objectives.
Rather than committing vast sums to the coastal highway, the former governor urged the government to channel resources toward sectors that directly improve citizens’ welfare. He identified electricity, healthcare and education as areas requiring urgent and sustained investment, arguing that they would deliver greater economic and social returns.
He lamented what he described as inadequate funding for the nation’s healthcare system and warned that continued neglect of health and education would undermine Nigeria’s long-term development.
Duke also advocated sweeping reforms to the country’s revenue generation framework, contending that excessive dependence on corporate profit taxes encourages tax avoidance. He called for a more efficient revenue administration system and broader taxation of transactions to strengthen government finances.
On economic growth, Duke maintained that affordable and reliable energy remains the foundation of industrial productivity. With Nigeria endowed with hydro, solar, gas and petroleum resources, he said government policies should focus on making energy more accessible and reasonably priced to unlock the country’s economic potential.

NDC: Obi’s Camp Raises Concern Over Party Logo

By
James Orji
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

An aide to Peter Obi,  the Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC Ester Umoh has raised an alarm over the lingering uncertainty of the party, whoch she said is causing a serious confusion among its supporters.

In a statement signed by Esther on Wednesday, she called on the leadership of the, including its Supreme Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson to address the problem immediately, adding that the party cannot afford to take chances now that the 2027 is around the corner.

According to her, the more the party allows the problem to linger, the more confused NDC supporters, saying the logo issue must be addressed on time to assure the party members that all is well.

She stressed that the delay in addressing the issue will portray to Nigerians and NDC supporters that the party is not ready for the election, which is less than five months from now.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has slated next years general election for January 2027.

“At this critical stage, the party cannot afford avoidable confusion or mixed messaging. We are working toward victory, and every decision, including clarity around the party’s identity and campaign materials, must reflect that commitment,” Umoh said.

“I sincerely hope the delay is not a sign that the party is unprepared or intentionally trying to sabotage our chances at winning. The NDC must act decisively to protect and strengthen its chances at the polls.”

Tinubu Approves 80 Percent Pay Rise For Armed Forces

By
James Orji
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0
Soldiers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new salary increases for the Nigerian Armed Forces. The pay rise, under which the personnel of the Army, Airforce and Nay will benefit,  ranges from 30 to 80 per cent, according to a statement from the Presidency.

The statement signed by Bayo Onanuga,  the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the salary increase is part of the administration’s efforts to appreciate the military personnel for defending the country from aggression.

According to checks, a total of  250,000 officer and men are expected to benefit from the new pay rise, which will take effect from September 1, 2026.

Instructively, a  recruit in the Armed Forces receives N100,000 monthly salary before the current increase.

The statement noted that officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from the rank of colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while personnel from private to staff sergeant will benefit from an 80 per cent increase.

President Tinubu stated that the increase has shown that his administration’s, take seriously the welfare of military personnel who are involved in combating banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country, adding that the government will continue to support the military.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.

The president added that the government would continue to provide necessary weapons and platforms required by the military to perform their duty of defending the country from internal and external aggression.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, he said.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation.”

Zenith Bank Assures Customers of Secure Banking Services

By
James Orji
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0
Adaora Umeoji - Zenith Bank Female GMD

Zenith Bank Plc has disclosed that it is investigating unauthorized access to a limited amount of customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers, following a wider global cyberattack that has targeted several international organizations across multiple sectors.
The bank said, in a statement, that as soon as the incident happened it immediately activated its incident response protocols, strengthened its cybersecurity measures, and commenced remediation efforts upon discovering the breach.
The commercial bank, therefore, assured customers that its banking services and digital channels remain secure and fully operational, stressing that there is no disruption to its operations.
As a precaution, the lender urged customers to remain vigilant against phishing emails, text messages, and fraudulent phone calls. It advised customers never to disclose their passwords, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), One-Time Passwords (OTPs), or any other security credentials to anyone.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting customer information, the bank thanked customers for their continued trust and confidence, adding that enquiries can be directed to its Zenith Direct contact channels.

Habila’s Death: Tinubu Shuns Calls For Umahi’s Sack, Tells Him: ‘’Dave, Go and Build More Roads”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Dave Umahi - Works Minister
Engr. Dave Umahi

By Adesina Soyooye

 

For those urging President Bola Tinubu to either suspend or sack the Minister for Works, Dave Umahi, over the death, at his Uburu, Ebonyi State couutry home, of a Nurse, Mary Habila, they might as well jump into the Atlantic by the Lagos- Calabar Highway which construction Umahi is leading.

 

Recall that the Nurse, a staff of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, who was seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, specifically, to attend to the Minister and his immediate staff, suddenly died on May 15, while she was at the staff quarters within the Minister’s country home.

 

Since then, all kinds of allegations have been made, particularly, against the Minister. There have been, also, all kinds of speculations as to why and how she died.

Without proof, accusing fingers have indirectly been pointed at the Minister.

 

An infuriated and mourning Umahi was forced to tell his own side of the story including his relationship with Habila. He debunked the report that she was a physiotherapist; he revealed he was a Nurse seconded to the Ministry of Works; he revealed that  she (and others) lived in his staff quarters in Abuja; she disclosed that he regarded Habila as his daughter; he revealed that Habila had always had Health issues and was a regular patient at the Turkish Hospital, Abuja, and that he and his family had been picking her bills. On April 5, for example, he paid to the hospital the sum of N2.2 million. He revealed that her boyfriend was the last person that spoke to her before she died, a fact her  boyfriend also confirmed.

He said more. Habila was a devoted, competent and disciplined staff.

 

Because of the indirect allegations, Umahi has stood against her funeral and insisted that there must be an autopsy before any funeral. But Habila’s family  insists otherwise. His father insists that she be buried; that he wanted no autopsy; and that nobody was responsible for his daughter’s death. He also said he knew that his daughter was attached to the Ministry of Works.

 

Inspite of Umahi’s explanations, nothing has calmed down. At least, one association has gone to Court over Habila’s death. Not a few are calling for an independent probe.

 

An exasperated Umahi has threatened Court action against anybody associating him to, and/or with Habila’s death.

 

In the midst of all these, not a few associations and individuals have urged the President to either suspend pending an investigation, or drop Umahi from his Cabinet.

 

In all that, President Tinubu has kept a dignified silence. But no longer.

 

According to Minister Umahi, some people had  been putting pressure on the President that he be dropped from the Cabinet. But Umahi revealed President  Tinubu’s response.

 

Speaking at a public function, Umahi confirmed that there were pressures on the President  to drop him at his most troubling period. But according to Umahi, the President ignored them and encouraged him to focus on his job.

 

Umahi: “After the death of my staff, some people urged Mr. President to sack me. Instead, he told me, ‘Dave, go and build more roads’. The President’s response demonstrats confidence in my leadership and commitment to the ongoing road infrastructure projects being executed by the Federal Ministry of Works.”

 

Meanwhile, Habila’s body is still in the mortuary. Speculations are that the remains have been moved from Ebonyi State to Abuja.

“Why I Stopped Fubara From Seeking Second Term” – Wike

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike
L-R; Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that his political godson Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied a second shot in office for lending himself to be misled by political jobbers and gold diggers.

 

The Source reports that Wike had, last week,  blamed Edison Ehie former Chief of Staff CoS, Chijioke Ihunwo former Obio/, Akpor Local Council Chairman ,Victor Oko Jumbo, former Speaker of the House of Assembly faction loyal to Fubara and activist Ankio Briggs for the misfortune that has befallen the Governor.

 

It will be recalled that Governor Fubara who, since October 2023, battled Wike for the purpose of asserting himself in office ,as well as the control of the soul of Rivers state politics finally caved in a couple weeks back , declaring his allegiance to the Rainbow Coalition of his political benefactor, Wike.

 

Before then ,he had been forced to withdraw his re-election bid by Wike over same political disagreement.

 

Speaking at his monthly media chat on Tuesday, the  Minister noted that Governor Fubara’s poor handling of the political crisis in the State was primarily instrumental to his rejection for a second term.

 

According to him, Fubara was in a hurry to build his own political structure, leading to his surrounding himself with those who misled him.

 

Wike also blamed some people he described as political jobbers and gold diggers who feasted on Rivers state from outside, for  offering selfish advice to the Governor.

 

He expressed regret that all his advice to Fubara not to abandon the very structure that produced him fell on deaf years ,so much so that he severally ignored agreements brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Wike emphasized that he had expected Fubara to build on the foundation he had laid for him when he took over, including nurturing and sustaining the political structure that brought him to power.

 

He noted that unlike himself who  inherited nothing as a Governor ,and even had to borrow ceremonial vehicles from the then Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State during his swearing-in ceremony, Governor Fubara had everything laid for him to build on.

 

However, Wike lamented that Fubara rather chose the way of “political perdition, which has now consumed him.

 

” Somebody had laid a foundation. Look ,this is where I stopped. If you continue this way ,our dream is to be able to compete with Lagos .

 

“Now, what is wrong with that? But instead of consolidating on what was bequeathed to him, Fubara allowed himself to be deceived by some political urchins and external forces”, Wike stated.

 

Wike noted that what made the whole scenario painful was that the same people that had bitterly opposed the idea of making Fubara Governor were the same forces that coalesced to mislead him into fighting the people that sacrificed all for him in 2023.

 

“At the end of the fight ,I have not lost anything. What have I lost? Nothing . But he ( Fubara) has lost.

 

” His intention was to go for a second term . And now he is not going” Wike added.

 

Further speaking ,the FCT Minister expressed regret that all efforts to make Fubara see reason ,and retrace his steps proved abortive .

 

“Look, there was a time we all had thought that we had resolved the problem and said”, let bygones be bygones .

 

” Then all of a sudden his hordes of advisers stepped forward and said to him: “look if you allow this now ,there are those who are, who want to see that we are no longer politically relevant”.

 

“Then, there were these external forces who were feeding fat on Rivers state Treasury ,and were determined to hijack the State.

 

” In fact, they perceived Rivers State as a cash cow, and, therefore, were busy goading on Fubara all for their selfish interests.

 

“I can tell you , so many things happened .There were even some senior lawyers who ordinarily you will never believe can play that kind of role, but who were virtually living with us in Government.

 

“In all, they continued to offer the Governor wrong and selfish advice, saying: “don’t worry, the law says this and that, the law didn’t say this.

 

“The Governor was even sending them aircraft, to bring them to Rivers State, and when they would be going, they will be feted with cash and every other thing.

 

“But it got to a stage we had to say no, this cash cow status must end. Take the ones that you have collected and never return back” Wike noted .

250,000 Armed Forces Personnel To Benefit From New Salary Package

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Soldiers

By Ayodele Oni

 

About 250,000 personnel are to benefit from the new salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Nigeria’s Armed Forces personnel.

 

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy) revealed that the new arrangement, which has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, will be effective as from September.

 

Under the new package, officers above the rank of Colonel will enjoy a 30 per cent salary increase. This applies to Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals.

 

Personnel from Colonel down to warrant officer will have a 50 per cent increase, while Private to Staff Sergeant will have an 80 per cent increase.

 

The pay package will increase the yearly salary bill for the country’s armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.

 

President Tinubu has always praised the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces as they confront the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in some parts of the country.

 

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.

 

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.

 

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians

 

“ I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation”.

State Police, Panacea To Insecurity –  Ekiti Gov Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has asked for the establishment of an additional Military formation in the Eda Oniyo axis of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state as part of measures to strengthen security, safeguard lives and property, and prevent future security breaches in the border community.

 

The Governor also ordered the speedy completion of the Divisional Police Station currently under construction in Eda Oniyo, stressing that the facility is critical to further strengthening the security architecture of the community.

 

Governor Oyebanji gave the directives on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from Eda Oniyo community, led by the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, HRM Oba Julius Awolola, on a thank-you visit to his office.

 

The community had come to appreciate the state government for taking care of medical needs of worshippers abducted at a CAC church and later released after over 60 days in captivity.

 

The 14 victims were admitted at the state government owned medical facility with Governor Biodun Oyebanji monitoring them.

 

The governor stated that his administration remained committed to protecting every part of the state, assuring that no community would be abandoned to criminal elements.

 

While acknowledging that Eda Oniyo had experienced slow development over the years as a result of the prolonged legal dispute over the headquarters of the local government, the Governor assured the delegation that the state government would focus on transforming Eda Oniyo into a community befitting its status as a local government headquarters.

 

The Governor also expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the creation of state police, describing it as a bold and timely initiative capable of addressing the country’s security challenges.

 

Governor Oyebanji further disclosed that a combined team of soldiers, police and other security personnel regularly patrols the border town to prevent criminals from crossing into Ekiti from neighbouring states.

 

The Governor added: “This government is here to protect and serve you and the only way we can serve you better is by your cooperation.

 

“I have listened to your request, the construction of the police station is ongoing and I will ensure the speedy completion, then Gen. Ogunana this is important, I want a military base at Eda Oniyo, it is extremely important, whatever is going to cost us, bring it to me I will approve it.”

 

Speaking earlier on behalf of the traditional ruler, Oba Julius Awolola, the President of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union, Dr Rufus Ojo Ajayi, said the purpose of their visit was to express the community’s profound appreciation to the Governor for his interventions throughout the recent security ordeal.

 

While commending the Governor for his wisdom in handling the security challenges and providing adequate medical care for the rescued victims, the EPU President appealed to the state government to utilise the vast expanse of land in the area for agricultural projects.

 

He stressed that such an initiative would not only improve security but also enhance the social and economic wellbeing of residents.

 

Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd.); Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; members of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union; and relatives of the kidnapped victims who recently regained their freedom.

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