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2027: Presidency Threatens Jonathan With Court Action, Disqualification

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Goodluck Jonathan
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan:

By Adesina Soyooye

Even before he confirms whether he would run for the Presidential seat in 2027 or not, the Presidency is threatening former President Goodluck Jonathan with disqualification.

It has reminded him that he would be met with a law suit if he does contest and wins over his eligibility to run for the office. In sum, the Presidency has told Jonathan not to waste his time in running for the office because he would be disqualified. Reason: The Presidency said having been sworn-in as President twice in 2008 and 2011, Jonathan cannot be sworn-in again for the third time.

Further more, Jonathan was reminded of his fate in 2015 when, even as an incumbent, he was abandoned by those who pretended to stand by him.

These were contained in a statement by the Presidency signed by the main Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga in reaction to Professor Jerry Gana’s statement that Jonathan would contest the 2027 Presidential election under the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and send President Bola Tinubu back to Lagos from Abuja.

In a swift response to Gana, a PDP chieftain and former Minister for Information, Onanuga, in a statement Monday night said that while Jonathan is welcome to the race, he should be prepared to face the Court to confirm whether he is qualified to participate in the race, and whether he would be eligible to be sworn-in as President even if he won the election.

Mockingly calling Jonathan a gentleman who should not allow himself to be deceived by sugar-tongued politicians who the statement said would abandon him, as they did in 2015, the Presidency said: “We would caution former President Jonathan to be wary of the PDP’s sugar-coated cheerleaders. They will abandon him midstream as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch.”

The Presidency also accused Jonathan of running down the economy during his Presidency, an economy which the Presidency claims President Tinubu is fixing.

The statement reads in full:

“As we begin the march towards the 2027 elections prematurely foisted on the nation by the desperation of the opposition ganging up against President Bola Tinubu despite his glaring economic strides, we are once again regaled with a cacophony of voices, most of them full of sound and fury, signifying nothing — to paraphrase inimitable William Shakespeare in one of his classic works, Macbeth.

One recent statement that stands out in its absurdity is Professor Jerry Gana’s. The former Minister of Information and National Orientation, moving to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race, affirmed that the former President would contest on the platform of the discredited Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which left behind a legacy of economic ruin after 16 years of bad governance.”

“We should caution former President Jonathan to be wary of the PDP’s sugar-coated cheerleaders. Politicians of Jerry Gana’s ilk merely want to lure him into the race to satisfy their personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests. They will abandon him midstream, as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch.

“Don’t get us wrong: President Jonathan reserves the right to run if he wishes. It is his inalienable right. President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race. But Jonathan will have his day in court to determine whether, having been sworn in twice as president, he is constitutionally eligible to contest and, if successful, be sworn in for a third term.”

“We cannot forget in a hurry how his regime, devoid of any clear economic agenda, engaged in frivolous spending, ran the economy aground, and put the country in dire straits. The downturn that President Tinubu is working very hard to overcome actually began under Jonathan.

In 2010, Jonathan inherited $66 billion — $46 billion in foreign reserves and $20 billion in the Excess Crude Account. By 2015, when he was voted out, reserves had fallen below $30 billion, and the Excess Crude Account was depleted to $2 billion, despite record oil revenues.

“By December 2014, the Federal Government could no longer pay salaries, while at least 28 states owed workers huge arrears.”

“In just over two years, President Tinubu has removed the ruinous fuel subsidy, unified the exchange rate, and stabilised the economy. GDP grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, inflation dropped to 20.12% in August 2025 — the lowest in three years — and foreign reserves now stand at $42.03 billion. Investor confidence has returned, the Naira has stabilised, and critical infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are underway.

In plain language, the nation has turned the corner. Nigerians are beginning to reap the gains of Tinubu’s reforms.

“The PDP broke the economy; President Tinubu is fixing it. Jonathan and others are welcome to the 2027 race, but Nigerians will not allow them to return and run it down again.”

Jonathan was Nigeria’s President Vice President under President Umaru Yar’adua but stepped in as President in 2008 to complete Yar’adua’s tenure on the passing of his Principal. He contested for the office in 2011 and won, but was defeated in 2015 by the Tinubu- engineered All Progressives Congress which fielded late President Muhammadu Buhari due to, what many insist was, internal sabotage.

In the run up to the 2027 election, Jonathan is under pressure to run for the office again. He has not made any statement to either confirm or not.

Arise Television’s 29 Year-Old Anchor Killed In Abuja

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Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu

By Adesina Soyooye

Arise Television has been thrown into deep mourning over an unexpected tragedy.

Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, 29 years old Lawyer and an Anchor with Arise Television was killed by suspected armed robbers at her Abuja residence.

Reports say she  succumbed to the injuries inflicted on her when the suspected robbers/bandits  stormed her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday 29 September.

Popular as Sommie, she was charming, and known  for her poise.

Maduagwu was born on December 26, 1995, and had a distinguished career as a talented news anchor, reporter, and producer. Colleagues celebrated her  for her eloquence, professionalism, and dedication to her duties

A Lawyer by training,  Maduagwu had a good grasp of reporting and analysis and depth and intellectual rigour.

Mourning her tragic death, Arise Television’s Management, in a statement, described the loss as “a devastating blow to the organisation and the journalism community.”

The statement, signed by Hafiza Usman Ajayi, read in part:

“It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the Arise News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.

“Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police. Sommie’s 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.”

2027: Jonathan’s Presidency Was A Disaster, He Has Nothing Fresh To Offer

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Goodluck Jonathan
Goodluck Jonathan

The Presidency has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan not to listen to some “cheerleaders’ who are urging him to contest the 2027 election, saying he has nothing fresh to offer Nigerians.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the Jonathan Presidency was marked with disaster in the country, the reason why he lost the 2015 presidential election.

Onanuga’s response comes on the heels of a remark by Prof. Jerry Gana, a former Minister of Information and Orientation, that Nigerians will support the former leader’s return to power in 2027, urging him to contest under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The presidential spokesman however urged Jonathan not to listen to Gana and others, who in their desperation to get President Tinubu out of power, are trying to drag him into the next presidential race.

The statement: “As we begin the march towards the 2027 elections prematurely foisted on the nation by the desperation of the opposition ganging up against President Bola Tinubu despite his glaring giant economic strides, we are once again regaled with a cacophony of voices, most of them full of sound and fury, signifying nothing, to paraphrase inimitable Williams Shakespeare in one of his classic works, Macbeth.

“One recent statement that stands out in its absurdity is Professor Jerry Gana’s. The former Minister of Information and National Orientation, moving to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race, affirmed that the former president would contest the coming election on the platform of the discredited People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which bequeathed a legacy of economic ruins, after 16 years of bad governance.

“Gana even deluded himself, asserting that the former President would defeat President Tinubu to reclaim power after 12 years.

“Prof. Gana of the defunct MAMSER fame is free to delude himself and engage in his usual comedy; after all, Jonathan’s entering the race would provide another job for the Niger State-born former university don.

“However, we should caution former President Jonathan to be wary of the PDP sugar-coated cheerleaders. Politicians of Jerry Gana’s ilk merely want to lure him into the race to satisfy their personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests. They will abandon him midstream, as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch.

“Don’t get us wrong: President Jonathan reserves the right to run if he wishes. It is his inalienable right to contest the presidency again. President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race.

“But Jonathan will have his date in the court of the land. Indeed, the jury will determine whether Jonathan, who was sworn in twice as president, satisfies the constitutional requirements and is eligible to contest the presidency and be sworn in, if successful, for a third term in office.

“Shorn of all those selfish considerations for which some PDP big guns find his candidacy appealing, President Jonathan will also have his encounter with the people as to whether he has anything new to offer after his disastrous six years, for which they voted him out in 2015.

“Let us remind ourselves about Jonathan’s record. We cannot forget in a hurry how his regime, devoid of any clear economic agenda, engaged in frivolous spending, ran the economy aground and put the country in dire straits. The nation’s economic downturn, which President Tinubu is working very hard to overcome, actually began under President Jonathan.

“The Jonathan administration severely damaged the economy, and all key indicators declined under his watch. Under him, the so-called business moguls allocated foreign exchange to import fuel, simply pocketing the dollars without importing anything. Some of those big men still have court cases on the issue today.

“Jonathan and his National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), freely distributed security funds to friends and cronies.

“In 2010, President Jonathan inherited a total of $66 billion, of which $46 billion was in foreign reserves and $20 billion in the noble-but-abused Excess Crude Account. By 2015, when the people democratically removed him from office, the foreign reserves had fallen below $30 billion, and the Excess Crude Account had been depleted to $2 billion, despite generating record revenue from crude oil sales that the country had never achieved in more than 25 years combined.

“It is on record that between 2010 and 2013, crude oil sold for an average of $100 per barrel. By December 2014, however, the Jonathan-led Federal Government could no longer pay salaries to Federal Civil Servants. At least 28 states across the country owed workers huge salary arrears.

“In contrast, President Tinubu has taken bold decisions over the last 28 months to reset the economy, removing the ruinous fuel subsidy and abolishing multiple exchange rates, which paved the way for arbitrage to flourish. The President has stabilised the economy in slightly over two years in office. In 2025 Q2, the Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%, the highest in four years, outpacing the 3.4% projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation decreased to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years. The foreign reserves stand presently at $42. 03 billion.

“The Naira has virtually stabilised. Investor confidence in our economy has been restored, and investors are betting on Nigeria.

“In plain language, the nation has turned the corner. And our people have started reaping the gains of the bold reforms instituted by the Tinubu administration. Road infrastructure is being boosted. Old roads are being reconstructed while new ones, like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, among others, are springing up. The government is addressing security issues in some parts of the country.

“We can go on and on, reeling out the many macroeconomic gains of the Tinubu administration. However, the point is that the PDP and Jerry Gana’s co-travellers broke the economy; President Tinubu is fixing it.

“President Jonathan and others are welcome to the 2027 race. They broke the economy before, but millions of Nigerians, who will not easily forget the recent past, will not allow them to return and run it down again.

“Why DSS And I Nabbed Rep. Member, Farouk, Had Him Jailed” – Otedola Clashes With Jonathan’s Aide Over Oil Subsidy Fraud

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By Adesina Soyooye

A former Presidential Aide in the office of former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, under the President Goodluck Jonathan Government, and billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, have clashed over the notorious and corruption- ridden oil subsidy that has continued to dug the country.

In response to Otedola’s claims on the alleged unprecedented fraud which went on under the Jonathan Administration and the whistle-blowing role he claimed to have played, Sani asked Otedola to tell his story to the marines, and dismissed it as kettle calling the pot black.

In a counter response, Otedola insisted that he was never involved in the oil subsidy scandal, but instead acted as a whistle blower. He said he was the one who tipped off President Jonathan on the rot that allegedlly went on, but regretted that the Minister for Petroleum at the time, Diezani Alison-Madueke, insisted they were false.

To prove how scandalised he is over Sani’s claim, Otedola has sued him for One Billion Naira.

Following is Uma Sani’s response that angered Otedola.

RESPONSE TO FEMI OTEDOLA’S SUBSIDY FRAUD CLAIM UNDER JONATHAN

“Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola recently revisited Nigeria’s controversial fuel subsidy regime, asserting that corruption remains rife in the system. He made this claim while weighing in on the dispute btw the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and fuel marketers.

“In his intervention last week, Femi, an ex-major player in the downstream petroleum sector, accused members of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), a body he claimed he founded, of sustaining a corrupt business model built on subsidy fraud and obsolete infrastructure.

“What stood out, however, was Femi’s allegation that “over N2 trillion was siphoned through questionable subsidy claims under the Jonathan administration.” Whether this was meant to score cheap political points or ride the corruption chant, the intent to single out one administration for rebuke was clear.

“While no one should defend corruption, it is important to respond with factual clarity and historical accuracy. His claims are hypocritical, selective, and reek of a convenient rewriting of history.

“The subsidy regime predates Jonathan and lasted decades. It was entrenched under Obasanjo, continued under Yar’Adua, remained during Jonathan’s time, and persisted under Buhari with even greater opacity. To lay the blame solely on Jonathan is misleading, especially as Otedola himself enjoyed enormous privileges during the era.

“At the height of the regime, his company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, was one of the biggest importers of diesel and other products, controlling as much as 90% of diesel imports and up to 40% of others. The same system he now condemns was one he benefited from immensely.

“Indeed, subsidy claims were riddled with fraud. That is why Jonathan instituted the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede-led forensic audit panel to unmask the exploiters of the system, including politically connected operators. This was part of the crucial reforms Jonathan initiated to sanitise the sector.

“He also moved towards privatisation and deregulation, but vested interests, politicians, opportunistic civil society groups, and profiteers sabotaged the effort. The Occupy Nigeria protests of 2012, used to frustrate deregulation, were partly funded by those who stood to lose from reform. For Femi to now feign moral superiority is disingenuous.

“Zenon was among the companies spotlighted during both the Imoukhuede panel’s work and the House of Reps Ad-hoc Committee on Subsidy Payments, chaired by Hon. Farouk Lawan. Nigerians also remember the Otedola-Lawan scandal, in which Femi admitted giving marked money to Lawan, later claiming it was a sting operation. Whether this was genuine or a tactic to evade indictment remains debatable.

“Given his proximity to power and central role in the subsidy ecosystem, Femi knows more about the scam than he admits. His comments, while critical of corruption, appear more as image-laundering trying to project himself as a reformer rather than the enabler and beneficiary records show him to be.

“Rather than full exposure, Otedola engages in selective revelation, pointing fingers while shielding his own complicity. What he has offered is less a revelation than an inadvertent confession a glimpse into the dark underbelly of a subsidy regime he thrived in.

“Any true effort to expose corruption in the petroleum sector is welcome, but it must be made in honesty, full disclosure, and historical accuracy. His attempt to cast himself as a whistleblower rings hollow against the facts of his involvement.

“The public merits the whole truth, not curated narratives. If Femi truly wants to help, he should come clean, name names, and support a full independent inquiry into the subsidy regime not just under Jonathan but across all regimes, including those he profited from. He should also explain his dealings with AMCON.

“Until then, his accusations amount to nothing more than a pot calling the kettle black.”

Otedola’s One Billion Naira Suit

In suing Uma, Otedola emphasised that Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, his company, never took parr  in the subsidy scheme.

He described Umar’s claims as “mischievous and malicious” for tying his name  to Nigeria’s fuel subsidy fraud. He said he was never complicit.

Otedola, in a press statement he issued on Monday, dismissed Sani’s allegations as “false, baseless, and a shameless attempt to rewrite history.”

“I am the whistleblower who exposed the monumental fraud that shook the country during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration”, Otedola emphasized.

He distanced his company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, from the subsidy scheme.

He said: “Zenon Petroleum was wholly an importer and trader of diesel, which was already deregulated. We never traded in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the only product eligible under the subsidy regime. So how can anyone accuse Zenon of subsidy fraud?

“It is shocking that someone who once held public office would display such ignorance of basic industry facts just to mislead the public.”

Narrating how he blew the lid off the scandal, he said  he was a member of President Jonathan’s Economic Team when he discovered widespread fraud in the Petroleum Subsidy Fund (PSF).

“I am the one who first alerted President Jonathan to the monumental fraud. When he confronted the then Minister of Petroleum, she denied it. Determined to stop the bleeding, I reached out to Senator Bukola Saraki and reported the fraud to him. He took it to the floor of the Senate, and from there the House of Representatives began its investigation.

“If I was complicit in subsidy theft, would I be the one to blow the whistle on myself? That alone exposes the mischief in Umar Sani’s publication.

“When it became public knowledge that I blew the whistle, some of the perpetrators fought back. Farouk Lawan and his committee were being manipulated by subsidy thieves and turned the probe into an extortion racket.

“I petitioned the authorities and worked with the DSS in a sting operation. The marked money was provided by the DSS and handed over to me before I gave it to Lawan under surveillance. He was later convicted and sentenced for bribery. The facts are on record.

“Nigerians deserve to know the truth. Let the report be made public so the real subsidy thieves can be unmasked.

“My loans were sold to AMCON, and I surrendered assets worth hundreds of billions of Naira under a court-ordered settlement. AMCON itself commended my approach and asked other debtors to emulate me.”

Stung by Sani’s allegations which he described as deliberate falsehoods, Otedola said he had instructed his lawyers to file a ₦1 billion libel suit against  Sani. He said:

“People must learn that reputations are not toys for cheap propaganda. I will pursue this to the very end. he warned.

“Read my book Making It Big, study the facts, and stop disgracing yourselves with ignorance.

“I have nothing to hide. Those who benefitted from subsidy fraud know themselves. I will not sit back and allow falsehood to be written into history”, he warned Sani.

Pan Yoruba Group Writes President Tinubu, Calls For Fairness On Federal Character Chair

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola  Tinubu has been asked to ensure fairness in the appointment of the Chairman, Federal Character Commission, FCC.

The FCC currently has an Acting Chairman whose appointment as substantive Chairman is yet to be confirmed.

In a letter sent to President Tinubu, the Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movement, AYDM, a coalition of 130 pan-Yoruba Socio-Cultural  and community-based organizations across the Southwest, Kogi, Kwara and Delta called on  President Tinubu to ensure equity, justice, and fairness in the forthcoming appointment of the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, FCC.

The movement called on the President to give due consideration to the Lagos-Ogun areas which area has never produced the Chairman of the FCC.

Signed by the General Secretary, Comrade Popoola Ajayi and 130 leaders of the coalition, it urged the President to ensure the confirmation of the appointment of the current Acting Chairman, Hon Kayode Oladele.

The Group said the delay in the confirmation already affects the smooth running of the Commission.

The AYDM described Oladele as an icon in the bitter struggle against military rule and someone whose passion for justice, fairness and integrity is well known.

The coalition said Oladele has been consistent as a progressive who suffered greatly under military rule, forced into exile, and has remained in the progressive fold since 1999 when the military was ousted.

AYDM said the appointment of Oladele will add value to the reputation of the government given his credibility and network within the human rights community across Nigeria.

“It is a matter of fact that within the Southwest geopolitical zone, the chairmanship of strategic Federal institutions has been concentrated in particular sub-axes:

Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Commission

Chairman: Hon. Segun Odebunmi (Oyo State) – Oyo/Osun axis

Southwest Development Commission

Chairman: Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti State) – Ondo/Ekiti axis

Federal Civil Service Commission

Chairman: Prof. Tunji Olaopa (Oyo State) – Oyo/Osun axis.

AYDM said it is evident that the Oyo/Osun axis and the Ondo/Ekiti axis already have strong representation at the Federal level, leaving out Ogun axis.

AYDM said to appoint another person from Osun State, again from the Oyo/Osun axis, as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, would amount to marginalizing the Lagos/Ogun axis, thereby violating the principle of fairness entrenched in the Federal Character Commission Act.

“The Lagos/Ogun corridor stands as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and a crucial driver of national development. Denying this axis equal opportunity for representation not only weakens confidence in the federal character principle but also risks creating discontent among millions who look up to the Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusivity and justice.

“We, therefore, strongly appeal to Mr. President, a leader with a well-known commitment to fairness, equity, and justice, to appoint the next Chairman of the Federal Character Commission from the Lagos/Ogun axis. Doing so will balance representation within the Southwest, strengthen national unity, and reflect the spirit of the law”.

The AYDM and its over 100 affiliate organizations trust that President Tinubu will once again demonstrate his sense of fairness and inclusiveness by heeding this patriotic call.

Atiku May Lose ADC Membership As Party Gives Him  Ultimatum

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Atiku Abubakar

By Akinwale Kasali

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate at the 2023 Election has been given an ultimatum by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Adamawa State Chapter, to pick his Membership Card or risk losing recognition as a member of the Party.

Shehu Yohanna, Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, said the Party has unveiled its membership register, and stressed that only those with valid membership cards would be acknowledged.

In an interview with Punch Newspaper, Yohanna said, “Atiku Abubakar should go to his ward in Jada Local Government and register, Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Federal Government should go to his ward in Hong Local Government and register. That is the only way they can be treated as legitimate members of the party.

“You cannot be taking decisions for a party you are not constitutionally a member of. All of you should register for the greatness of our party.

“It is illegal for someone to hold a leadership position in the party at the national level without being a registered member. That makes a caricature of the party,” Yohanna declared.

It would be recalled that recently, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, had reaffirmed that the Caucus’ resolution was that all Coalition members resign from their current parties and register fully with the ADC—a directive dismissed as inconsequential by both the APC and PDP.

Atiku’s much-publicised membership registration, initially scheduled for August in his hometown of Jada, was suspended indefinitely last month without explanation.

Political observers are of the opinion that the former Vice President is weighing his chances of clinching the ADC’s Presidential ticket, particularly in light of the growing influence of Peter Obi’s political movement within the Party. Speculation is that he is afraid of putting his all his eggs in one basket.

Yohanna, however, dismissed the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, as incapable of defeating the ADC in the 2027 general elections.

He added that the ADC boasts politically influential figures and is prepared to wrestle power from the APC administration.

“The unfriendly policies of the present government have paved the way for our party to take over and reposition the country for authentic democracy,” he said.

2026 World Cup: FIFA Brightens Super Eagles  Qualification Chances

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Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, has brightened the hopes of the qualification of the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World.

The Body has deducted three points from South African  national team, Bafana Bafana.

FIFA deducted the Points from South Africa for fielding a suspended player during its 2026 World Cup qualifying game against Lesotho, thus, reducing the Group C leader’s point accumulation to 14.

FIFA, meanwhile, awarded a 3-0 win and three points to Lesotho, dashing the rainbow nation’s hopes joining elite countries that have qualified for the 2026 world cup in United States.

With the deduction, the Super Eagles remain on 11 Points, with Benin Republic on 14 Points, while South Africa remain on 14 Points.

The Super Eagles needs to win its two remaining matches against the Squirrel of Benin and the Leopards of Lesotho, hoping that the Bafana Bafana drops points in their two remain matches.

Police Officers  Who Fail Exams Will Be Retired PSC Chair Says As 30 Appear For Oral Interview

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Senior Police Officers Examination

Thirty Senior Police Officers were Monday, September 29th 2025, subjected to promotion examination by the Police Service Commission, PSC. This has  become a prerequisite for promotion in the Nigeria Police Force.

The Officers include one Assistant Inspector General of Police, two Commissioners, eleven Deputy Commissioners, and sixteen Assistant Commissioners out of the 17 invited for the exercise.

The promotion examination took place at Solomon Arase Chairman’s Conference hall, on the 6th floor of the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, said the promotion examination was one of the innovations that has come to stay in the career progression of serving Police Officers. He noted that although it is coming late in the day, it was still a good development that is expected to restore the dignity of the Nigeria Police Force.

DIG Argungu explained that any Officer that fails the examination three times will be retired at that level for obvious incompetence.

He said the world  has since embraced the era of skill and noted that Police Officers who want to advance in their career must be prepared to embrace the demands of this era.

The PSC Chairman said the Commission is also giving attention to due diligence to ensure that no dead or retired Officer/s are promoted in error.

All the Honourable Commissioners of the Commission were present at the Promotion examination.

Family Kicks As Yahoo  Suspect Who Allegedly  Killed EFCC Operative Is Granted Bail

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Aminu Sahabi - EFCC Officer

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The family of the slain Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, Operative, Harisu Aminu Sahabi, has expressed deep shock and surprise over reports that the prime suspect has been granted bail by the Court.

The Source reports that  Sahabi, Assistant Superintendent of the anti-corruption commission,  was allegedly shot at, and killed in Awka, the Anambra State capital by a suspected internet fraudster.

The Sokoto State-born Sahabi was alleged to have been fatally shot during an attempt to effect the arrest of the suspect, one Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, together with others.

At a media briefing in Sokoto,the elder brother of the deceased officer, Lamir Amin, stated that it is disheartening, shocking and disturbing that Ikechukwu, the suspect, has been granted bail, despite the gravity of the offence,as well as the overwhelming evidence of his culpability.

This is as the family said it is suspecting conspiracy and undue influence ,as well as attempts to sweep the matter under the carpet.

The distraught family is, therefore, calling on President Bola Tinubu ,all relevant authorities, particularly the Chief Justice of Nigeria, to wade into  the matter with a view to ensuring that justice is served in the end .

“This is not just a crime against our brother and family, this is a crime against the entire nation,and against the rule of law.

“If those who kill law enforcement agents can walk free, what message are we sending to criminals ,and to the families of those who risk their lives to protect Nigeria.

“We are devastated not only by the tragic ,and senseless murder of our brother, Aminu who was serving his nation with honour ,but also by the apparent miscarriage of justice that is unfolding before of eyes.

“How can a suspect who shot and killed a Federal Law Enforcement Officer in cold blood during an authorized operation be released on bail so casually?, Lamir queried.

The family further called for a  thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the hasty release of the prime suspect through bail.

According to Lamir, such an inquest will expose any possible breach of legal procedures, or abuse of judicial discretion by the presiding officers.

It also demanded for the transfer of the case to a neutral ground for the purpose of guaranteeing fairness and justice.

“We want the prosecution of the suspect Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu ,to the fullest extent of the law so as to serve as deterrent to those who may consider violence against state agents.

“The loss of Aminu has left a permanent scar on our family, but what is more painful is seeing the system he served with dedication fail to protect his memory”, the family lamented.

Kebbi NLC Alleges Illegal Deduction Of N14m From Workers’ Salaries

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NLC

By Ayodele Oni

The leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi State Council, has set up a Committee to investigate an alleged illegal deductions from state workers’ salaries in September.

The Union stated that the committee will spring into action to investigate how the unsympathetic action came about, with a view to identify those behind it.

NLC vowed to retrieve the Illegal deductions made in the September salaries of the state’s civil servants, by some unpatriotic officials.

The State’s NLC chairman, Murtala Usman made the vow while addressing journalists in his office in Birnin Kebbi.

He pointed out that government was bitterly unhappy with the action and the state governor has directed the Union to, with immediate effect, retrieve all the amount deducted from the workers in their September salaries.

“A committee has been constituted by our union in order to spring into action to investigate how the unsympathetic action came about, with a view to retrieving the deductions made.

“We are expected to retrieve about N14 million deducted Illegally from workers salaries,” he said.

The chairman, however urged the affected civil servants to exercise patience as the leadership of the union has pledged to retrieve all the illegal deductions.