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Group Urges Tinubu To Halt Allocation To Zamfara State

September 14, 2025

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal — Governor Dauda Lawal

By Akinwale Kasali

The spate of insecurity bedevilling Zamfara State has prompted a Civil Society Group, CSO, under the aegis of Situation Room on Monitoring the War Against Banditry, to ask President Bola Tinubu to freeze the Federal Allocations to the State and declare a State of Emergency.

The Group said it is necessary for President Tinubu to impose Emergency Rule in the State over alleged Governor Dauda Lawal’s role in banditry in the State.

The Group further claimed that the Governor’s administration’s handling of Security Votes has effectively subsidized criminal elements operating from the shadows.

In a Media briefing Sunday, Patriot Henry Abba, Convener of the Group, decried the Governor ’s statements as a “damning admission of guilt” that has plunged Zamfara deeper into chaos.

“It’s shocking, heartbreaking – a blatant betrayal of trust and a catastrophic leadership failure under this administration,” Abba noted.

He argued that Lawal’s reluctance to relay the critical intelligence to Federal Security outfits has transformed the State into a “notorious graveyard” where abductions, massacres, and mass displacements have become the grim routine for innocent residents.

Abba painted a harrowing picture of Zamfara’s plight: villages reduced to rubble, families torn apart by nightly raids, and farmlands abandoned under the shadow of fear.

“This is nothing short of feeding bandits right from Government House”, the group stated.

Abba said that a recent video where Governor Lawal openly disclosed knowledge of bandit kingpins’ hideouts but stopped short of decisive action speaks volume.

According to him, “Considering the State’s substantial security budget – reportedly N600 million disbursed monthly – Lawal’s professed helplessness is “utterly irresponsible”.

Abba slammed the Governor’s conduct as a direct affront to frontline troops risking their lives and a desecration of the sacrifices made by fallen heroes in the fight against insurgency.

Taraba Intercepts 11 Trafficked Children In Delta State… As Adamawa Police Rescues Abducted Victims

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 14, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Taraba State Government has announced the rescue of 11 trafficked children from the state.

At a media briefing at the weekend, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mary Sinjen, informed that the trafficked children were rescued in Delta state where they were illegally transported under the guise of acquiring vocational skills.

According to Sinjen, the children were rescued at the point of being subjected to unsavoury acts of exploitation by their captors

While describing the incident as unfortunate and sad, the Commissioner noted that it represents the stark reality of the increasing trend of child abduction and trafficking that have hit the State of recent.

” This is a painful reminder of the threats our children face. But thanks to prompt intervention, these children were saved before harm could befall them”, she noted .

She expressed the Taraba State authorities unwavering commitment towards ensuring the protection of children’s rights.

Sinjen informed that the state Government, under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas has promulgated and signed into law, the Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Bill, 2025.

The Commissioner assured that under the law, traffickers, parents, and other accomplices in the child trafficking syndicate, will face difficult times in the state.

“Traffickers will face severe punishment under this new law and parents who allow or facilitate the trafficking of their children will also be held accountable”, Sinjen stated

The Commissioner expressed serious concern over the tendency to treat children as dispensable products by some unscrupulous elements in the society.

In a related development, the Police in neighbouring Adamawa State said it has rescued five children abducted from the beleaguered and security- challenged Borno State.

A statement from the spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, Suleiman Nguroje, said the children were rescued during an operation carried out on Saturday September 13, 2025.

According to him, the children were abducted and transported to Mubi from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

The rescue operation, he said, followed the receipt of credible intelligence by the Service.

“Acting on a rip-off, the Area Commander in Mubi, ACP Marcus Mancha, led a surveillance team that intercepted the children as they wandered the streets of Mubi town.

“The rescued children are Adamu Musa (16) , Suleiman Idris (10) , Suleiman Mohammed (11), Dauda Yahaya (11) ,and Mohammed Alhassan (11)” the Police stated.

Mancha informed that all the victims, who are male, are residents of Gwange area of Maiduguri, Borno state.

According to the Police, preliminary investigation indicated that the victims were abducted by a suspect identified as Aliga Suleiman, a resident of Sabon Layi, Gwange, currently at large.

However, the police assured that efforts are underway to arrest and prosecute the suspect and others associated with the plight of the children.

Resident Doctors Call Off Strike, Give FG Two Weeks Ultimatum

Akinwale Kasali

September 14, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has suspended its five days warning strike two days after its commencement. It has granted the Federal Government a two-week window to fully implement agreements reached on its members’ welfare and training.

The strike was called off following a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council, E-NEC, meeting on Saturday, September 13, where doctors resolved to resume work from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14.

NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, and Secretary General, Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, in a statement issued after the meeting, stated that the suspension was influenced by the commencement of payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to members who were previously owed, and by the need to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians struggling with health concerns amid the current economic situation.

“After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike action effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, to allow the government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communique.

”NARD also calls on the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State branch, to address the lingering issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

“Failure to do so will compel the NOC of NARD to direct all members within Oyo State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike. Furthermore, we urge other State Governments to promptly resolve the welfare challenges facing our members in line with the NEC resolution.

“Members in State tertiary hospitals are empowered to continue their industrial action until their respective governments demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns,” the statement observed.

Tonye Cole To Wike, “Allow PDP and ADC To Be, Stop The Confusion”

Akinwale Kasali

September 14, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Tonye Cole, All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain and former Governorship Candidate in Rivers State, has asked Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to make his political allegiance to the APC official instead of deceiving Nigerians.

Cole in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, described Wike as “neither here nor there.”

The Sahara Group co-founder advised Wike to formally join the APC in order to end doubts over his loyalty.

Wike has been fingered as the architect of the challenges bedeviling opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Ther deepening leadership crisis within PDP began since the 2023 General Elections. All efforts at reconciliation has been frustrated, allegedly, by Wike and his loyalists.

He is presently serving in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led government, despite his constant pledge of loyalty to the PDP.

Cole argued that Wike’s defection would not only clarify his political stance but also strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and bring stability to Rivers State politics.

“Is he (Wike) APC or is he PDP? As far as we know today, he is PDP,” Cole said.

“We cannot continue confusing the electorate in Rivers State and confusing Nigerians because it is dangerous for democracy; that you are in one party, and you are controlling another party.

“The only person who is left to make a declaration as to where he stands in all of this is the Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Where I would implore him to act honourably is to come and join the APC. Leave the PDP, come and join the APC so that we all know now that we are standing in one bloc — no division, no confusion, nothing.

“Everybody is one bloc. This is where we are, so that we begin to play the dynamics of party politics in the state.

“Allow PDP to be, allow ADC to be, allow Labour Party to be, allow YPP to be. That’s what democracy is about.

“Let parties form their strength and come into the equation. Once that happens, then we know where we are.”

NLC Berates Senate Over Akpoti-Uduaghan, Vows To Mobilise For Resistance

Ayodele Oni

September 14, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the refusal of the Senate to allow Kogi Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, resume her legislative duties at the expiration of the six months suspension slammed on her. The Union described the Senate’s stand as a declaration of war on the very principles of representative democracy and on our nation.

The Kogi Central Senator had, last week, formally notified the Senate that her suspension period had lapsed and expressed readiness to resume her legislative duties.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 over alleged misconduct following a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary. The dispute reportedly stemmed from disagreements over seating arrangements in the Red Chamber.

Following her suspension, the lawmaker challenged the Senate’s decision at the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ruled in favour of the Senate. Dissatisfied, she proceeded to the appellate court to seek 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 Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intention to return to the chamber on the same date, which she claimed marked the end of her suspension.

However, the Management clarified that her suspension formally took effect from March 6, 2025, stressing that the case remains sub judice and, therefore, prevents her reinstatement at this time.

The NLC, in a statement, signed by the chairman, Joe Ajaero, says “it rises in vehement condemnation of the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate’s decision to continue barring Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from performing her sacred constitutional duties.

“This act is not merely an error in judgement; it is a brazen, premeditated assault on democracy itself, a direct threat to the social contract, and a dangerous slide towards fascism masquerading as governance.

“That you suspended a fellow Senator from her constitutional roles depriving her people proper representation is not sinful enough, but you went ahead to ignore the rulings of the Court that voided her suspension and at the expiration of your illegal suspension, you are still denying her a return is the height of impunity and morally reprehensible. This is no longer democracy.

“The Senate’s pathetic recourse to a frivolous legal technicality; claiming the matter is subjudice; after the expiration of a patently illegal six-month suspension, is the height of legislative bad faith.

“It is a cynical ploy that reveals a sinister agenda to silence dissent, crush opposition, and manipulate the judiciary as a tool of political persecution.

“This action, led by Senator Akpabio, constitutes a gross abuse of power that shames the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly and spits on the collective will of the people of Kogi Central who elected Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“From our standpoint, this action is a direct attack on the Nigerian people. It is a declaration by a privileged political elite that they are not accountable to the citizens they purport to serve.

“By willfully disenfranchising an entire senatorial district, the Senate is effectively stealing the political representation for which the people pay taxes.

“This denies Kogi Central its right to participate in lawmaking, oversight, and the appropriation of national resources, directly impoverishing the constituents and perpetuating a system of exclusion and economic injustice. It signals to all Nigerians that their votes are meaningless and can be invalidated by the whims of any tyrannical leadership.

“The NLC stands on the side of democracy and wishes to state that this action is: a calculated test-run for the emasculation of opposition and the subjugation of sovereign will as 2027 approaches.

“It is an attempt to punish integrity and honour and hound men and women of conscience out of the political space. A Senate that operates as a court in its matter, suspends members, and then ignores the expiry of its own sanctions, is a Senate that has declared war on the very principles of representative democracy and on our nation.

“We warn the leadership of the National Assembly and their enablers: the Nigerian people, united across ethnic and religious lines, will not stand idly by while you cannibalise our democracy.

“The labour movement, as the historic defender of justice and the common good, will mobilise its immense membership and moral authority to resist this slide into autocracy. An attack on one Senator today is an attack on the sovereignty of every Nigerian voter tomorrow.”

Rivers: Ibas Sues For Peace As Emergency Rule Ends This Week

Tosin Olatokunbo

September 14, 2025

Rivers state Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas( rtd.) has urged major political players in Rivers state to ensure that peace in the state, saying he has done his part by reconciling all warring factions together.

The Administrator made the remark during an Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service to wind down his rule as an unelected administrator of the oil bearing state.

Ibas was appointed on March 18 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to oversee the state, after declaring a state of Emergency, following the protracted political crisis, forced on the state due to the clash between Simi Fubara, the governor of the state, and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT and immediate past governor of the state, which led to the suspension of the former and the state House of Assembly.

The Emergency Rule is expected to end on September 18, with the return of Fubara to office as the chief executive.

Recall that Wike had recently hinted that President Tinubu will restore democratic rule to the state by reinstating Governor Fubara.

Speaking during the service, Ibas said he has achieved the mandate given to him by President Tinubu of stabilising the state state, urging the leaders to ensure that the “seed of reconciliation” he planted is watered.

Ibas: “The seeds of reconciliation have been planted. These seeds need your deliberate nurture to take root.

“Our collective sacrifices and commitment to peace are what we must all strive to guide at this time.

“My brothers and sisters, this Ecumenical Centre (venue of the event) is itself a symbol of unity, different denominations under one roof, lifting one voice to one God. In the same spirit, Rivers people must rise above bitterness, rivalry, and self-interest to pursue the greater good of our state.

“The progress and prosperity of the River State must be placed above personal and / or partisan interest.

“I make a special appeal to our political actors, sheathe your sword. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.

“The progress and prosperity of the River State must be placed above personal or partisan interest. River State cannot afford another season of division and acrimony.

“We must forgive one another, reconcile with sincerity, and embrace tolerance. Let us remember that no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of our brothers and sisters.”

Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether President Tinubu will not extend the Emergency Rule.

PDP Zoning: Northern Coalition, Ekiti Group Vow To Resist Formular

Ayodele Oni

September 14, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the November convention, Groups and individuals within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have continued to react to the zoning formula submitted to the party by its committee on the issues.

The decision was reached at the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held in Abuja last month.

National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, had explained that the resolution followed the submission of a report by the Zoning Committee, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.

Ologunagba stated, “NEC recommended that the North and South should retain their current NWC positions.

“NEC also resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket is hereby zoned to the South.”

A coalition of Northern presidential aspirants within the PDP has declared its position ahead of the party’s much-anticipated National Convention scheduled for November in Ibadan.

In a statement, the group vowed to throw its weight behind any National Chairmanship aspirant from the North, who openly resists the zoning of the presidential ticket exclusively to the South.

According to the coalition, zoning the presidency at this critical time would amount to “an imposition that undermines the democratic spirit of inclusiveness and fair play within the PDP.”

“The PDP has never been a party of exclusion. It has always thrived on fairness, justice, and wide consultation.

“Any move to zone the presidential ticket to the South is both undemocratic and a direct attempt to shut out qualified aspirants from the North,” the coalition spokesman, Johnbull Kadiya, said.

A Group in Ekiti state, Members of the Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Solidarity, rejected the zoning of the presidential ticket of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), to a particular region of the country.

Rising from a meeting in Ado Ekiti, Representatives from the 16 local governments, resolved to continue mobilizing for the actualization of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim presidential ambition, despite the zoning.

Olawepo-Hashim is from Kebbi state, North West geo political zone of Nigeria.

Addressing Newsmen after the meeting, the Group Coordinator in the state, Mr Sunday Williams, announced that zoning will only produce incompetent and ethnically biased presidential candidate for the PDP, which may cost its chances of winning in 2027.

He pointed out that zoning will close the door against nationalist and de tribalistic presidential materials, that is blessed with intimidating credentials to rule this country.

He emphasized that what Nigeria needs at present is a leader, that has the potentials and is bold to manage the country’s vast potentials and resources to better the life of average Nigerians, who are currently experiencing unprecedented level of poverty, due largely to poor economic polices and large scale corruption.

Similarly, the south west coordinator of the Group, Abass Olaniyi described zoning as ill conceived purposely to serve the interest of few cabals that are holding the PDP at the jugular.

He described Olawepo-Hashim as the president Nigeria needs now due largely to his vast experience and his readiness to serve.

Olaniyi however advised the National Working Committee, (NWC), of the PDP to create a level playing ground for all the aspirants to try their luck in a well organized primary.

According to Olaniyi, this will give room for easy post primary reconciliation among the aspirants and the winner, thereby making it easier for

party members to go to the general election with a united house .

The Group vowed to pursue the battle against the zoning to the national convention of the party which is the highest decision making organ of the PDP in November.

ADC Has Not Submitted List Of State Chairmen To INEC – Spokesman

Ayodele Oni

September 14, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that no list of State Party Chairmen has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

ADC maintained that a report in circulation titled “Coalition Update: INEC Confirms ADC State Chairmen Nationwide,” is fake.

National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified in a statement on Sunday that “This claim is fake news and should be disregarded”.

Abdullahi stated that “INEC has not released or validated any such list. The constitution of state leadership within a political party is strictly the responsibility of the party, and INEC only recognizes what the party submits through proper channels after due process.

“As of today, no such submission or confirmation has been made on behalf of ADC.

“We urge our members and stakeholders to remain calm and guided only by official communication from the national leadership. The ADC remains committed to discipline, structure, and internal democracy”.

He advised the public to ignore the fake list just as he promised that authentic updates will be shared through the party’s verified channels.

With Aregbesola, ADC Should Be Preparing For funeral In 2027, Not Victory – Lagos APC

Ayodele Oni

September 14, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), has stated that the criticisms against the party by former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, are less threat to APC, but more a public obituary of his own political relevance.

“By turning his back on the progressive family that made him, he has written himself out of history and into the footnotes of infamy.”

APC, in a statement on Sunday, signed by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, stated that

“The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has read, with equal parts laughter and pity, the latest boast by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will ‘take over Aso Rock and Lagos Government House”’ in 2027.

“Here is a man who was once a proud landlord in the progressive family, now reduced to a wandering tenant in a mushroom opposition party.

“From Lagos Commissioner to Osun Governor and then Minister, Aregbe ate, dined, and thrived on the APC table. Today, in a desperate bid for relevance, he is busy setting fire to the same house that made him. That, dear Nigerians, is political suicide of the highest order.

“When Aregbe condemns the APC, he is not damaging us – he is shredding his own résumé. Every attack on APC is an attack on the very foundation of his career.

“It is akin to a man writing his autobiography with an eraser. Nigerians know better than to take such a self-destructive messenger seriously.

“If the ADC thinks Aregbesola is the one to lead them to electoral glory, then they are preparing for a funeral, not a victory. Putting Aregbe at the front of a charge against APC is a recipe for failure.

“Let us be clear: Lagos and Nigeria are not conquered by soundbites. Our people vote for performance, not fairy tales. The APC’s record is visible on the roads, in our schools, in our hospitals, and in our reforms. ADC, on the other hand, remains a political mirage – loud on boasts, empty on substance.

“The woeful and embarrassing performance of the ADC in the recent by-elections should give them no cause for hope. They need to first learn to be humble before they inevitably bite the dust in 2027.

“In 2027, Lagosians and Nigerians will once again choose consistency over confusion, credibility over contradictions, and competence over comedy. The APC will be rewarded for delivery, while Aregbe and his ADC will be reminded that betrayal is not a political strategy.

“If ADC insists on betting its future on a man dismantling his own legacy, then the only “takeover” awaiting them in 2027 will be a takeover by ridicule.

“APC is here to stay. Movements don’t collapse because one man chooses to self-destruct.”

“Mrs Soludo, You Owe Your Husband Explanation For The Paternity Of Your Children, Not Me” – Uche Ekwunife

The Source

September 14, 2025

By Charles Igbo

In a swift response to Mrs Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor’s challenge thrown at her that both of them swear to an oath to prove their fidelity to their marriage vows, their chastity and the parternity of their children, Senator Uche Ekwunife has said that Mrs Soludo owes only her husband that explanation, and not her (Uche Ekwunife).

Mrs Soludo, angry at Uche’s attacks on her husband, herself and her children, whose paternity she questioned, had in a statement signed by her, challenged Ekwunife to go with her to London with their children to three high profile hospitals, at her (Mrs Soludo’s) expense to prove their paternity.

She said if it is proved that if all of Ekwunife’s children are her husband’s, she would congratulate Ekwunife with cash.

But in response, Ekwunife told Mrs Soludo that she should search her conscience, and explain to nobody else but her husband the paternity of their children, not her.

Following, her statement in full.

“Without dwelling on trivial issues that are mere diversionary to my earlier friendly advise to Mrs. Nonye Soludo to take care of the hygiene of her husband, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, it has become imperative for me to further evaluate the contents of Mrs. Soludo’s statement as a response to my advice.

“In the said statement circulating online in various platforms, personally signed by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Soludo among other claims tried so much to explain her chastity, fidelity, prove her virginity and other issues.

Without dignifying her with a response or condescending to their low mental level, I make bold to say that Mrs. Nonye Soludo doesn’t owe me all those explanations.

“She owes her husband those explanations and other actions that could exonerate her and prove her innocence over paternity of her children. Not me!

“It is, therefore, my stand that Mrs. Soludo owes me no explanation over her children paternity as I am not her husband. She owes every explanations to Prof Chukwuma Soludo. Since they said only women know the father of their children. If my statement stoked out some biles in Mrs. Soludo and triggered any guilt in her conscience, she owes only her husband explanation but if it demands her taking an oath to show her innocence, she is free.

“But Nonye Soludo should also know that ‘Ceassar’s wife should live above suspicion’

She should leave me out of her paternity crisis because challenging me to a DNA test doesn’t add up as she has only one person to prove her innocence and virginity to and that is her husband.

“If Soludo demands a DNA on his children, let Nonye go ahead with her full chest and do it to prove her innocence and if it warrants oath taking, she should also go ahead and do it.

“Why dragging me into her personal and family affairs?

“I don’t have further reaction to give to Mrs. Soludo who has been a house wife and who claims to own companies both in Nigeria and abroad.

“There is no clear evidence of how Mrs Soludo has impacted anyone’s life before her husband rose to various positions he’s holding till date.

“Without sounding proud, I want to advice Mrs. Soludo to strive harder to achieve one quarter of what I have achieved as a woman whose husband has never held any position but through God’s grace and perseverance from various agents of destruction and those who vilify others just like Mrs. Soludo and her husband, I have continued to soldier on in my quest to touch lives positively.

“Finally, our resolve to save Anambra State from misrule and embarrassment is total and our will is undaunted.”

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