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Akpoti-Uduaghan: PDP Accuses Akpabio Of Attempts To Truncate Democracy

September 9, 2025

Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio — Natasha Akpoti and Senator Godswill Akpabio

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has thrown its full weight behind the quest by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume at the National Assembly after the end of her suspension order.

The Senator representing Kogi Central, was on March 6 2025 , suspended for six months after falling out with the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led red chamber of the National Assembly over seating arrangements.

Her attempt to resume her legislative duties through a letter to the Senate leadership has been rebuffed by the Acting Clark Dr Yahaya Dan Zaria who insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan has to wait until the end of a subsisting legal battle between her and the Senate.

But reacting to the position of the Senate on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the PDP on which platform Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was elected in 2023 urged her to get set to resume her duties as soon as the legislative body returns from its annual break.

A statement from Debo Ologunagba, the National Spokesperson for the PDP on Tuesday September 9, 2025, condemned the subtle attempt by the Senate to stop Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties,even after the expiry of suspension.

The Party accused the Senate President of deliberately orchestrating the move to stop the Kogi State Senator, thereby abridging the rights of her constituents to representation at the National Assembly.

The PDP called on all well-meaning citizens of the country and the international community to quickly rise up against attempts by the All Progressive Congress APC-controlled Senate to trample on the country’s democratic process.

“The PDP calls on the international community, democracy institutions, right advocacy groups, and other democracy development partners to rise up in condemnation of this renewed attack on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“The PDP demands that the Senate leadership ensures that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is allowed to resume her roles as an elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria unhindered”, the PDP stated.

World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Dashes World Cup Hope

Akinwale Kasali

September 9, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has, for the Second consecutive World Cup Tournament, failed to make it to the Mundial, thus, dashing the hopes of over 200 million Nigerians who had thought the Nigerian Flag will be hoisted at 2026 FIFA World Cup to hosted by the trio nation of United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

The Coach Eric Chelle-team failed to defeat the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Bloemfontein Stadium, despite knowing that their World Cup Qualification hopes is to be determined by the outcome of the match.

Sadly, the Super Eagles settled for a 1-1 draw, leaving their Fans and the nation’s football enclave disappointed.

Many had thought that a victory against the South Africans will brighten the hope of the most populous Black Nation in the World, at least, the Team would claim a playoff spot.

The Super Eagles started the game without any direction as their host dominated the match resulting to an own goal from Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong.

Immediately the South Africans got the lead, the Nigerian Team kept attacking the South African and this paid off as Calvin Bassey scored the equalizer deep into added time of the first half.

As the Gabonese Referee commenced the Second Half, the Super Eagles dominated the match but this never metamorphosed Into anything positive, as the Coach Hugo Broos South African team defended the draw, till the end of the match.

With the draw, South Africa top the log with 17 Points, while Nigeria and Rwanda have 11 Points apiece, while a victory for the Squirrels of Benin Republic against the Leopards of Lesotho will move the Coach Gernot Rohr side to 14 Points with Two games left.

The highest point Nigeria can amass after this disappointing showing is 17 Points if the Super Eagles win its last Two Matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

This point however can take the Super Eagles to the Playoffs scheduled for November 2025.

Benue: Idoma Area Council Revokes President Tinubu’s Chieftaincy Title

Ayodele Oni

September 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

To safeguard the integrity of Traditional Institutions, the Idoma Area Traditional Council, (IATC), in Benue State has invalidated the Chieftaincy Title recently bestowed on President Bola Tinubu and four other dignitaries during the Igede Agba yam festival in Oju Local Government Area of the State.

The honour, received on behalf of the President by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was conferred by the Adiharu of Igede, His Royal Highness CP Oga Ero (retd.), during the Saturday celebration.

Four other personalities were also decorated at the same event.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC), led by its President and Och’Idoma V, Elaigwu Odogbo John, said the conferment violated an existing directive suspending all chieftaincy titles in the Idoma nation.

The statement, signed by the Council’s Secretary, Mr. Adegbe Uloko, and titled “Nullification of Purported Chieftaincy Titles Conferred by the Igede Traditional Council,” stressed that the move ran contrary to its declaration of September 2, 2025.

The Council stated: “The purported conferment of chieftaincy titles by the Igede Traditional Council on September 6, 2025, is in direct violation of the Declaration of the Idoma Area Traditional Council.

“Such conferments are null, void, and of no legal, customary, or traditional effect.”

Reasserting its authority, the IATC emphasised that it remained the sole recognized traditional body in the Idoma nation. It further cautioned that any actions taken in disregard of its directives amounted to a breach of the law.

The Council, therefore, advised the public, government agencies, and Traditional Stakeholders to dismiss the titles awarded to President Tinubu and the others.

“This pronouncement is made to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions in Benue State, to uphold due process and to maintain peace, unity, and order within the Idoma Area Traditional Council,” the statement added.

Just last week, the IATC had announced a suspension of all chieftaincy conferment within its domain, citing the need for reforms and proper regulation of the process.

NUPENG Calls Off Strike

Ayodele Oni

September 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Fuel supply to filling stations is expected to resume nationwide on Wednesday as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG), ended its industrial action following an agreement with the management of Dangote Refinery over workers’ unionisation rights.

NUPENG had embarked on strike since Monday to protest the Dangote Refinery’s refusal to allow its employees to join the union.

Sources disclosed after a prolonged meeting held at the instance of the Minister of Labour and employment and later at the Director General of the State Security Services, agreements were reached with both parties signing a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU).

It was learnt the MoU was jointly signed by the Managing Director of Dangote Refinery, Sayyu Dantata, the President of NUPENG, Akporeha Williams, and other union leaders.

In the agreement, NUPENG resolved to suspend the strike with immediate effect, paving the way for further engagement on workers’ rights and welfare at the refinery.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is expected to issue a formal statement to provide further details on the agreement and implementation framework.

The suspension of the strike is expected to ease tensions within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, where disruptions could have significantly impacted fuel supply and economic activity.

Details of the deal reached between the parties, including timelines for recognising and formalising workers’ union rights, were not immediately disclosed.

“Only God Can Stop You From Being What You Want To Be In Aba” – Anyanwu, Mayor Aba-south Metropolitan Council

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 9, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government has expressed its unflinching commitment towards ensuring the total recovery of the lost glory of Aba, the acclaimed commercial nerve centre of Abia State, and the South East region.

At a press conference on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, to formally unveil a documentary on the potentials of the commercial hub, entitled “The Aba Film Project”, the Mayor of Aba Metropolitan Council, Hon Obialor Anyanwu, informed that the State authorities are aiming to retrieve the dignity, preserving and enterprising spirit that define Aba as the cradle of civilization, enterprise,and innovation.

According to him, the State Government is delighted to be associated with the Aba Film Project because of its potential to accurately mirror the trajectory of the Commercial city which has, over several decades, served as the discovery ground for accomplished men and women in all walks of life.

The Source reports that the Aba Film Project, in conjunction with the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, are set to produce a documentary, “The Chronicles of Enyinmba City”, with a view to showcasing Aba as the land of unstoppable and unlimited opportunities that has nurtured nationally and globally acknowledged icons in various fields of human endeavour.

“What we are doing today will be used as a launch pad towards totally recovering the lost glory and dignity of Aba .

“We are very delighted and excited to be associated with this project because it is a collective project of everyone who has passed through Aba.

“This is one City that when you reside here, only God can limit you and or stop you from achieving what you want .

“This is one City in which your prospect can be fully achieved without limits. Aba is the dreamland of Igbo man. This is a land that when you come in, you are completely enveloped by, and saturated with the spirit of survival and accomplishments.

“Instructively, it is also one City wrong things do not thrive. No matter how long it takes, this land will bring you back, and you will pay the price for every wrong done.

“The only things that survive in Aba are the good works you did”, Mayor Anyanwu stated.

He further expressed the optimism that the impacts of the Aba Film Project will showcase the Commercial city and its huge resources and potentials to the world, and positively tell its story as land of great and unlimited opportunities.

Hon Anyanwu assured that the State authorities and all relevant stakeholders in Aba and Abia State are unwaveringly determined to support the project as a veritable means of reclaiming the pieces of the city

“The spirit of perseverance and determination lives in this city. If 20 percent of what happened to Aba in the last few years happens to any other cities of this country, the story may be different.

“Before 1998, even if you were not around and there were challenges at your home, people will save your property and keep it safe for you.

“Since 1998, that spirit deserted Aba. Prior to 1998, you will hardly see a Nigerian top football team that never paraded, at least, two or three players from Aba .

“But in recent times, this is not the case, and we are not happy about the change in fortune. So when this Aba Film Project was muted and we saw the potential towards assisting us in re-inventing Aba, we had to embrace it with our two hands”, the Aba South Mayor noted .

“According to him, the recovery process is being fast-tracked and promoted by the massive transformation and infrastructural renewal that are ongoing Aba since the present Abia Government came on board in 2023.

“With what is going on in the State now, regarding the Governor’s infrastructural strides, together with this Film and Documentary project, we will recover Aba, and it will once again be a place where many will love to identify with” Mayor Anyanwu asserted .

On his part ,the Producer of the Film, Francis Ifeakandu, informed that Governor Alex Otti will be flagging off the project on November 14, this year.

“This project has been undergoing pre-production stages for the past two years, ranging from the script conference to several other activities that got us at the stage we are now.

” On November 14, 2025, the flag- off of the project will be performed by the brand ambassador, Governor Alex Otti. Immediately after the flag- off, the audition will start.

“The official website will be opened by next week for people to log on for free and offer suggestions. The processes are much. All we are doing require serious planning and we have done enough of it” Ifeakandu noted

This is as the representative of the Aba South Traditional Rulers at the press conference, Eze Monday Ugbo, the King of Aba Ukwu Ancient Kingdom, expressed happiness that the history and prospect of Aba being is being showcased to the world.

“Our history and heritage will be good for the world to see in cinemas and other sources. The world has to see that city where hard work, sincerity, and honesty make a person rich. So, on behalf of the traditional institution of Aba South, I urge all of us to put hands together to make this project work”, Eze Ugbo stated

Mahama, Obasanjo, Kukah headline Goodluck Jonathan Foundation 2025 Democracy Dialogue in Accra

The Source

September 9, 2025

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) has assembled many distinguished African statesman and global development experts for the 2025 Democracy Dialogue scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana, on September 17, 2025.

The leaders headlining the event include Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, former Nigeria Presidents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso and former President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo, current President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, as well as Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese.

This year’s dialogue with the theme, ‘Why Democracies Die’, which will be co-hosted by the Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Ghana will give participants the opportunity to beam their searchlights on the progress, challenges and prospects of decades of democratic rule in the sub-region. It will be chaired by Chief Obasanjo while Bishop Kukah will serve as the keynote speaker.

The 2025 Dialogue is the 4^th in the series since 2021 when the Foundation launched the annual discourse as a way of constantly interrogating democratic governance in the sub-region as a means of gauging its sustainability and impact on the lives of the people.

Last year’s dialogue which focused on purposeful education featured Prof. Olubayi Olubayi, a seasoned educationist and Chief Academic Officer at Maarifa Education, in Kenya and former Vice Chancellor of the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Uganda. It will be recalled that in his keynote speech, Prof. Olubayi made a strong case for African countries to establish highly selective merit-based institutions and elite research-intensive universities to serve as the anchors of functional education and drivers of technological growth.

It is expected that the keynote speaker, Bishop Kukah, panelists and other resource persons at the 2025 Dialogue would throw more light on what needs to be done to arrest the pattern of decline and gradual erosion of rules and norms which democracies have continued to experience in Africa.

Speaking ahead of the programme, Ms Ann Iyonu, the executive director Goodluck Jonathan Foundation stated that the event would bring together a cross-section of key political leaders, policy makers, elected representatives and pro-democracy civil society organisations from across the world.

She described the theme of the conference, ‘Why Democracies Die’ as a logical next step to the previous themes which had focused on “how states gain legitimacy, how democracy delivers, and how leadership is cultivated.”

Speaking further, she said: “This is now the time for the Dialogue to boldly pose the hardest question bordering on why democracies die.”

Ikechukwu Eze

Special Adviser to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

2025/2026 Academic Session: FG Releases Subjects For Basic, Secondary Schools

Akinwale Kasali

September 9, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

A few days to the resumption of the 2025/2026 Academic Session nationwide, the Federal Government has released the approved subject – offerings for Nigeria’s Newly Revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum.

The FG has, also, warned stakeholders against fake versions in circulation.

In a press statement released by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC, the Agency said: “We fervently call on all critical stakeholders to disregard any other fake and unauthentic list that is at variance with the authentic and approved list provided above.”

NERDC said that the reforms, undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Education, FME, under its National Education Sector Reform Initiatives, NESRI, are designed to reduce overload and ensure “positive learning outcomes” for pupils across the country.

Prof. Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of NERDC, appended his signature on the notice dated 8th September 2025, confirming that implementation will begin at the start of each 3-year Education Circle (Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1, and SS1).

NERDC also cautioned against misinformation, declaring: “nationwide sensitization and teacher capacity building have been slated to commence immediately for effective implementation.”

It assured that the reforms mark a new phase in Nigeria’s education sector, ensuring relevance, flexibility, and skill acquisition from the earliest stages of learning.

Underlisted, the approved subjects for both Basic and Secondary Schools.

PRIMARY SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Primary 1–3

Minimum: 9 subjects | Maximum: 10 subjects

English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
Basic Science
Physical & ●Health Education

□Christian Religious Studies (CRS) for Christian pupils / ●Islamic Studies (IS) for Muslim pupils

Nigerian History.
Social and Citizenship Studies.
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA).
Arabic Language (Optional).

For Primary 4–6

Minimum: 11 subjects | Maximum: 12 or 13 subjects

English Studies, □Mathematics, ●Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language).
Basic Science and Technology, ●Physical & Health Education, ●Basic Digital Literacy
CRS (For Christian Pupils Only) / IS (For ●Muslim Pupils Only).
Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA), ●Pre-vocational Studies.
French (Optional) and Arabic Language (Optional)

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (JSS 1–3)

Minimum: 12 subjects | Maximum: 13 or 14 subjects

English Studies, ●Mathematics, ●Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language), ●Intermediate Science
Physical & ●Health Education, Digital Technologies, CRS (For Christian Pupils Only) / IS (For Muslim Pupils Only).

Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies.
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
Trade Subjects (Choose one):Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance, ●Fashion Design & Garment Making
Livestock Farming
Beauty & Cosmetology, Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs.
Horticulture & Crop Production, Business Studies, French (Optional), Arabic Language (Optional).

FOR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

5 Core and Compulsory Subjects that include:

English Language, ●General Mathematics
One Trade Subject Citizenship and Heritage Studies ●Digital Technologies Science
Biology, ●Chemistry, ●Physics, ●Agriculture, ●Further Mathematics, ●Physical Education
Health Education
Foods & Nutrition, Geography.
Technical Drawing ●Humanities, ●Nigerian History ●Government ●Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Studies.

□One Nigerian Language;

French, Arabic, Visual Arts
Music
Literature in English
Home Management ●Catering Craft, ●Business ●Accounting ●Commerce ●Marketing, ●Economics

Trade Subjects (Choose one)

Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance, ●Fashion Design & Garment Making
Livestock ●Farming,

Beauty & Cosmetology, ●Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs

Horticulture & Crop Production.

This development has however led to brickbats between the FG and Stakeholders, but the FG has remain defiant, insisting that the implementation of the new curriculum for basic, secondary, and technical education will begin with the 2025/2026 academic session.

Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance, ●Fashion Design & Garment Making
Livestock Farming, Beauty & Cosmetology, ●Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
Horticulture & Crop Production.

This development has led to brickbats between the FG and Stakeholders, but the FG remains defiant, insisting that the implementation of the new curriculum for basic, secondary, and technical education will begin with the 2025/2026 academic session.

13 Domestic Airlines Summoned By NCAA Over Flight Cancellations, Delays

Akinwale Kasali

September 9, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Following series of complains that have trailed the indifferent approach of 13 Domestic Airlines to Cancellation and Delays, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has summoned them.

The NCAA called for an Emergency Meeting over the growing number of flight delays, cancellations and affecting passengers across the country.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.

This was confirmed by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, via his X handle on Tuesday.

This intervention comes amid rising complaints from air travelers and a series of incidents involving unruly passenger behavior at airports, a trend NCAA attributes partly to poor airline adherence to aviation rules.

Achimugu disclosed that the meeting would address a range of critical issues, including persistent flight delays and cancellations, Passenger handling protocols and welfare obligations, unresolved refund and compensation complaints, enforcement of safety measures like the phone switch-off directive, protection for cabin crew and NCAA officials, and the Introduction of RFID baggage tagging and real-time flight monitoring technology.

The NCAA had emphasised that airlines must uphold the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, particularly Part 19, which outlines specific obligations to passengers in the event of delays or cancellations, including providing hotel accommodations for stranded travelers between 10:00pm and 4:00am.

The regulatory body stated its readiness to begin “naming and shaming” airlines that consistently flout aviation rules particularly those that delay or cancel flights without due process or passenger support.

Achimugu noted that airlines cancel flights late at night without making provisions for passenger welfare, leaving NCAA consumer protection officers to manage agitated travelers. This, he said, exposes officials to unnecessary risk.

He warned that the era of leniency is over, stating, “For infractions that are sanctionable, the Authority will apply the fullest measures possible. We will not abandon the letters of our regulations.”

Achimugu, however, reiterated that while the NCAA acknowledges the challenges faced by domestic carriers, operators must meet the expected standards if they wish to be regarded as world-class.

Anger, Outrage Flow, As Gov Soludo’s OCHA Brigade Allegedly Kills Four Onitsha Traders

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 9, 2025

Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The infamous activities of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Enforcement agency, the OCHA Brigade, was on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, once again on the spot, following the shooting and killing of no fewer than four persons including, a pregnant woman.

The Source reports that operatives of the Anambra State Government – owned revenue enforcers stormed the popular Sir Emeka Offor axis of the Onitsha Main Market, shooting sporadically.

The incident, which according to eye witness accounts, occurred Tuesday morning, resulted in the death of four persons, among whom was a pregnant woman. Several others are believed to have sustained varying degrees of injuries while scampering to safety.

Expectedly, the unfortunate incident ,which not a few believe is in tandem with the activities of the notorious outfit, provoked widespread panic and outrage among both traders and residents of the Commercial nerve centre of Anambra State.

Since its establishment by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to purportedly coordinate the collection of levies/taxes and rents, mostly in markets and parks, the outfit has continued to come under intense scrutiny and condemnation for its brutal and violent conducts.

The group has been caught, on a number if times, unleashing serious violent activities on unsuspecting residents, mostly traders and commercial vehicle owners and operators.

A distraught trader lamented: “This is heartbreaking. Four innocent people who left their homes this morning have been brutally murdered in cold blood.

“Among them is a pregnant woman. Anambra people are now living in fear because criminals, and blood thirsty individuals have been handed down guns and uniforms in the name of enforcement.”

Amidst growing anxiety, anger and palpable apprehension among residents, the authorities, including the Police and State Government are yet to react to the development as at the time of reporting.

But it was gathered that security has since been enhanced in the area to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

UK Govt Supports Climate-Resilient Facilities In Nigeria With £19m

Ayodele Oni

September 9, 2025

Cynthia Rowe - UK Country Director in Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

United Kingdom, (UK) Government has announced a £19 million funding commitment to develop climate-resilient health and education facilities in Nigeria.

This was revealed at a joint inauguration of 84 climate-resilient schools and healthcare facilities under the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) initiative.

The schools are joint collaboration by the UK Government, UNICEF, Federal Ministry of Health and the Government of Kano and Jigawa States.

CRIBS is a pioneering and innovative programme that is piloting a new approach to protect essential health and education services from the growing threats of climate change.

Nigeria ranks second globally in climate-related risks to children, with millions affected annually by floods, droughts, and extreme heat.

The UK Development Director in Nigeria, Cynthia Rowe said, the CRIBS approach has been developed to assess and strengthen 84 facilities, 39 primary healthcare centres and 45 schools in Kano and Jigawa through targeted climate adaptation measures.

She said, the inauguration of the model facilities marks a significant milestone in demonstrating scalable, community-owned solutions to climate vulnerability that can be adopted by the Federal and state governments.

According to her, the UK Government is proud to support the Government of Nigeria through this £19m commitment to the CRIBS programme.

Rowe further explained that, this work has been developed through a partnership of organisations and experts including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the UK Government, UNICEF, World Bank, World Health Organization, Sextant Foundation, JigSaw, Fab Inc, Crown Agent and UK Lafiya Programme.

She added that, the inauguration aligns with national and state priorities in climate action, health, and education, and reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to mitigate climate risks and improve service delivery.

“CRIBS demonstrates how climate-resilient infrastructure can improve access to basic services for vulnerable populations. We hope this model inspires broader replication across Nigeria.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, noted that “This initiative is a testament to what strong partnerships can achieve.

“By investing in climate-smart infrastructure, we are not only protecting services, but also empowering communities to safeguard their children’s future.

“CRIBS is a model for how we can build resilience where it matters most, at the frontline of service delivery.”

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