Dangote: FG Begs NUPENG, NLC To Shelve Planned-Strike

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September 7, 2025

The Federal Government has urged the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to shut down dangote Refinery over alleged anti-union activities.

Nigerians will be faced with excruciating hardship, and huge revenue will be lost, if the planned strike action is implemented by the two unions, emphasizing the role that the refinery had played in stabilizing fuel supply in the country.

The federal government has also called all the parties to a reconciliation meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Patienec Unuobia, shared by, Head of Information and Public Relations, Patience in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, un behalf of the Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said efforts are in top gear to reconcile the feuding parties.

The statement: “I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind its decision to shut down the petroleum sector. I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to prepare for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG

“The petroleum sector is very important to this country. It constitutes the core of the nation’s economy. A strike in the petroleum sector, even for just a day, will have an adverse impact on the economy. It will not only lead to heavy revenue losses, but also cause untold hardship for Nigerians,”

“Hence, I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved.”

NUPENG had last week threatened to shut down the Dangote Refinery saying the management has prevented union activities from thriving. On its part, NLC said it will also embark on a solidarity strike in support with NUPENG.

Sowore To DSS: I Will Not Apologise For Branding Tinubu “Corrupt”

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James Orji

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September 7, 2025

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Sahara Reporter’s publisher, Omoyele Sowore has rebuffed the DSS demand to delete a tweet where he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal”.

Sowore’s remark, shared on his verified X handle, was made in a reaction to Tinubu’s comment in Brazil during a recent visit to the North American country, that he has ended corruption in the country after becoming president.

In its reaction, the DSS had protested to the X management, demanding that Sowore’s post be taken down, saying his remark violates Nigerian law, and capable of threatening national security, citing the negative reactions from Nigerians since the remark became viral on social media.

The Nigerian secret police had demanded that the post be removed within 24 hours.

Reacting, Sowore, while sharing the message from X insists that he will not bow to the DSS’ demand to take down the post.

“One option I will NOT be taking is deleting that Tweet. Thank you, @X,” he said.

X had informed Sowore that the post will not be taken down, but urged him to seek legal option on the issue.

The social medium platform said: ““As X strongly believes in defending and respecting the voice of our users, it is our policy to notify our users if we receive a legal request from an authorised entity (such as law enforcement or a government agency) to remove content from their account. We provide notice whether or not the user lives in the country where the request originated.”

“We understand that receiving this type of notice can be an unsettling experience. While X is not able to provide legal advice, we want you to have an opportunity to evaluate the request and, if you wish, take appropriate action to protect your interests.”

Royal Fathers, Elderstatesman Laud Uzodimma for Attracting FG’s Presence to Imo

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The Source

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September 7, 2025

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Some royal fathers and an elder statesman in Imo State have commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for leveraging his excellent working relationship with the federal government to attract meaningful projects to the state.

They noted that since Uzodimma started working closely with the APC-led federal government, Imo has benefited more from the centre than in previous years.

Eze Thomas Obiefule from Orlu Zone, who is one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in the state, Eze Oliver Ohanwe of Mbano from Okigwe Zone, and Prince Lemmy Akakem from Owerri Zone were united in their commendation for Uzodimma for his collaborative working relationship with the federal government.

The respected leaders who spoke separately to newsmen deplored the caustic attacks on the governor over his working visits to Abuja, saying that only ignorant and mischievous elements were engaged in that vile propaganda.

Chief Akakem listed the projects attracted by Uzodimma through such visits to include the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a Federal University, and the upgrade of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, to a Federal University Teaching Hospital.

He also named the approval granted to Imo State for the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean, the Naval Base in Oguta, and the Free Trade Zone also in Oguta.

Eze Obiefule, for his part, specifically stated that if not for Uzodimma’s closeness to the centre, insecurity would have sunk Imo State and the enemies of the state would have had their way.

“They had told our governor that they would make Imo ungovernable for him. Imagine a scenario where Uzodimma did not have the ears of the federal government, they would have overthrown him through insecurity and a state of emergency,” he said.

According to Eze Obiefule, the federal government also gave approval for the rehabilitation of key federal roads, which it will later pay back to Imo State after completion.

The roads, he said, include the dualised Owerri–Orlu, Owerri–Okigwe Road, Owerri–Mbaise-Obowo–Umuahia Road, and Owerri–Port Harcourt Road.

Also speaking, Eze Ohanwe expressed satisfaction that through his visits to Abuja, Uzodimma has attracted a lot of federal projects and appointments to the state, which was never the case before now.

He said Imo was also the first state to persuade the federal government to approve the liberalisation of the power sector, which is driving the Light-Up Imo project, soon to herald uninterrupted power supply to all parts of the state.

“You don’t expect the governor to stay in his cosy office in Owerri to attract all these. He has to move from office to office in Abuja to convince those responsible to give the necessary approvals. So it smacks of mischief hearing people talk of the governor travelling too often to Abuja,” he submitted.

He argued that it would not have been possible for Imo to be enjoying all the democracy dividends from the federal government if Uzodimma had restricted himself to the state.

According to Eze Ohanwe: “Don’t also forget that His Excellency is Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, a powerful position within the ruling party which he has also employed to full advantage for the benefit of our people. So it is idiotic for ignoramuses and attention seekers to parrot this Abuja nonsense.”

He added: “Don’t forget that the governor also attracted the establishment of a new Federal University in Okigwe.”

He called on the governor not to be distracted by the antics of opposition politicians who are jealous of his achievements and now want to run him down.

“We are encouraging His Excellency to even intensify his economic shuttles to Abuja. We are satisfied with the results. We don’t care what naysayers are saying,” he declared.

Atiku Mourns, Says Murder Of Borno 65 Is Senseless, Urges Concerted Efforts

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 7, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday September 7, 2025, described as senseless and dastardly ,the gruesome attacks on Daral-Jamal community ,Bama/Banki Road close to the dreaded Sambisa Forest that left as many as 63 persons dead , including five soldiers.

The Source reports that the night-time attack carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on the resettlement enclave on Friday September 5, also, resulted in many homes razed, with several people believed to have been displaced.

Eye witness accounts informed that the attack occurred at about 8.30.pm on Friday, with several armed insurgents shooting sporadically and razing homes and other structures.

No fewer than 20 houses and over 10 vehicles were burnt down during the attack

The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, on a visit to the beleaguered community on Saturday, September 6, sympathized with the survivors and relations of the victims.

In a statement on his official site Sunday, the former Vice President, while sympathizing with the relations of the victims, the Daral-Jamal community, and the entire people of Borno state, also called for end to the orgy of blood- letting in the country.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of scores of people, including gallant soldiers, in the recent Boko Haram attack on Daral-Jamal Borno state.

“This senseless violence is a painful reminder of the heavy price our people continue to pay in the face of terror.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families, the resilient people of Borno State and Governor Zulum whose swift compassion in visiting the affected community is commendable.

“May the Almighty Allah grant the departed Al-Jannah Firdaus and comfort their loved ones .

“As a Nation, we must confront this menace with unity and renewed resolve. The sacrifices of our soldiers and civilians must inspire stronger community security, deeper collaboration, and unwavering commitment to peaceh”, Atiku Abubakar wrote on his official site,

UN Outraged Over Borno Killings, Wants Perpetrators Identified

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Ayodele Oni

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September 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The United Nations, (UN) has urged the Nigerian Government to go after the criminals who slaughtered 63 people in Borno State.

Making the call on Sunday, the UN condemned the killings by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

Five soldiers and 58 civilians were reportedly killed in a fresh attack on Daral-Jamal, a community along the Bama-Banki Road in the Sambisa Forest.

The insurgents also burnt down over 20 houses, vehicles, foodstuffs and other valuables belonging to the resettled Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

A report on Channel’s Television quoted the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, in a statement, asking the Nigerian authorities to arrest the perpetrators of the attack.

He also commiserated with the families of the victims of the attack.

The statement read, “I am deeply appalled and saddened by Friday’s reported killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal Village, Bama Local Government Area (LGA), in Borno State in north-east Nigeria. Civilians should never be a target!

“Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group (NSAG) attacked Darajamal on the evening of 5 September.

“An unknown number of people were also allegedly abducted, with others fleeing with injuries.

“At least 28 houses were also reportedly burned during the attack. The number of casualties is expected to change as more information becomes available.

“On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and those affected, and to the Government and the people of Borno State and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

“I call on security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous attack and swiftly bring them to justice. I also call for the immediate release of all those abducted.

“This recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year.

“Multiple attacks against civilians have been recorded, leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians in Borno alone.

“The attacks, ranging from targeted attacks on communities to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, using Improvised Explosive Devices, suicide bombings and other tactics, have targeted civilians, including farmers, fishermen, travellers and traders.

“Deadly attacks against civilians have also been recorded in neighbouring Adamawa and Yobe states, with a rural health centre, grain stores and a market among targeted areas.

“I reiterate my call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians as well as their property and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law.

“The UN reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting people affected by conflict to complement Government efforts.”

Expelled Kano NNPP Lawmaker Says Action Unjustified, Weighing New Options

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Ayodele Oni

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September 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

In protest against his expulsion from the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP), Abdulmumin Jibrin, the lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano state at the House of Representatives, has said he is weighing new options.

The announcement was made hours after the decision to expel the lawmaker from the party was taken.

The NNPP faction loyal to former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso expelled Jibrin, citing alleged anti-party activities and non-payment of dues.

But, Jibrin described the decision as shocking and unjustified.

In an official statement, Jibrin explained that the interview he granted recently in both English and Hausa should not have attracted such a “heavy penalty,” noting that dissenting views were part of the party’s core principles.

Jibrin accused the party of violating the principles of fair hearing and due process by expelling him without giving him the opportunity to defend himself.

“No invitation was extended to me to explain myself. Even under a military dictatorship, an accused is subjected to a court-martial.”

The lawmaker stressed that he would have preferred to remain in the NNPP despite differences. However, he said he accepted the party’s decision in good faith and would not challenge it in court.

“I would have loved to stay in the NNPP. But for the respect I have for the party and its members, I will go in peace. I beg the party to also allow me to go in peace,” Jibrin added.

On allegations of non-payment of dues, Jibrin insisted he never refused to fulfill his obligations.

According to him, he was ready to clear any outstanding payments if presented with an invoice.

“There is no need to go to court. I respectfully request the party to send me the invoice, and I will promptly pay,” he said.

Jibrin took a swipe at the party’s leadership style, accusing the NNPP of failing to value its members.

“The party does not believe anybody has political value and comes short in treating people with respect. No matter what you bring on board, you are a nobody.”

Despite his criticism, Jibrin thanked the NNPP for the support he enjoyed during his stay, and called on his supporters to join him in his “new journey” while maintaining peaceful ties with those who choose to remain in the party.

“I welcome all my supporters who wish to join me in my new journey… I will carefully weigh all the options before me as I decide on my next political home. So help me God.”

Jibrin’s exit comes just months after he hinted that he might leave the party, fueling speculation about a possible return to the APC.

NLC Says N70,000 Minimum Wage No Longer Sustainable, Pushes For Review

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Ayodele Oni

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September 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

As Nigerians continue to experience soaring cost of living, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and federal government workers have called for an urgent review of the national minimum wage.

According to the NLC, the current N70,000 ($91) benchmark is no longer sustainable amid rising inflation.

The demand comes after several Nigerian states unilaterally raised their workers’ minimum wages above the federal level in response to soaring living costs.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah said that “inflation has eroded the value of the N70,000 minimum wage, leaving many workers unable to meet basic needs.

“Workers are under immense pressure, and unless the government responds quickly, the crisis of survival will only worsen.”

President Bola Tinubu had signed the new National Minimum Wage Bill into law in July 2024, raising the wage from N30,000 to N70,000.

The law applies nationwide, covering federal and state government employees, local government workers, and the private sector.

However, several states have since increased wages beyond the federal minimum. Imo State raised its minimum wage to N104,000 in August, while Lagos and Rivers states approved N85,000 in October 2024, with Lagos promising N100,000 in 2025.

Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom states set theirs at N80,000, Ogun and Delta at N77,000, Benue and Osun at N75,000, and Ondo at N73,000

“Banditry, Terrorism In North West Fuelled By Poverty, Neglect” – Gov Sani On Why He Pays Them

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 7, 2025

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Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State — Governor Uba Sani

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has insisted that firearms alone can not decisively resolve the teething security challenges in the country.

This is as he warned against the over politicization of insecurity in Kaduna State and other parts of the Northern region of Nigeria.

At the occasion of the formal launch of the book Where I Stand, written by late Sheikh Abubakar Gumi,

held by the Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah on Saturday, September 6, 2025, Governor Sani totally rejected claims suggesting that bandits and other criminal elements could be bombed out of existence.

The Governor was reacting to recent criticism and allegation by his predecessor in office, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kaduna State authorities have been paying monthly allowances to bandits and other criminal elements as a way of pacifying them.

But speaking on Saturday, Governor Sani noted that as the elected representatives of the people, it will amount to abdicating their responsibilities ,if they don’t explore all available lawful means to secure the people.

“I decided to embark on the non-kinetic approach to address insecurity in Kaduna State because it is me that God will hold responsible in the hereafter.

“We should not deceive our people by saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, is responsible .We should not expect them to go to Giwa, Birnin Gwari or Dansadau forest to solve the problem for us. We were elected by the people, and it is our duty to do everything possible to protect our people”, Governor Sani stated .

According to him, Kaduna State’s non-kinetic approach to addressing insecurity is anchored on community-participation and driving by Traditional and Religious leaders, as well as other major stakeholders.

Referencing Birnin Gwari where the involvement of the Emir, Religious leaders and other stakeholders have brought about relative peace, the Governor insisted that employing alternative measures outside the use of force could be the masterstroke needed to bring lasting peace.

He emphasized the imperative of a non-kinetic approach more so in the face of the insufficient number of security personnel needed to effectively monitor and protect vast amount of ungoverned areas across the country.

According to him, with an armed force not more than 250,000 in number ,and with the increasing level of Nigeria’s population, it will be difficult, if not a mirage to be talking about addressing insecurity through the use of force alone.

“If you go to Zamfara, Birnin Gwari, or the forests of Katsina, you can go for about 50 kilometers without meeting a single policeman, not to talk of a soldier.

“We have vast areas in this country without any security. In this case too,we discovered that poverty, unemployment, lack of schools, hospitals and commercial opportunities in the rural areas pushed people into criminal activities. So our non-kinetic approach is a way of accepting responsibilities as leaders rather tgan apportioning blames.

“Insecurity cannot be resolved solely through the use of firearms. Whoever makes such a claim is only playing politics. We must fear God, and stop deceiving the people, because that approach will not work”, Sani insisted.

He explained that unlike the case of Boko Haram and or ISWAP in the North East region whose activities are ideologically-driven, banditry and other forms of criminal activities ravaging the North West region are rooted and fueled by poverty, unemployment and neglect of Communities.

Abducted Chinese Nationals Rescued In Edo

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Ayodele Oni

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September 7, 2025

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Ahmed Abubakar Audi and Kayode Egbetokun

By Ayodele Oni

Some Chinese expatriates abducted at the weekend in Edo State, have been rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) in Okpella village of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

NSCDC revealed that the foreigners were rescued after gun duel that lasted for about three hours.

A statement by its spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, read: “In a gun duel that lasted for three hours on 5th September 2025, a gang of armed kidnappers launched a grievous attack against the Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attached to BUA. Cement Company, Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.”

During the operation, some personnel of the corps were killed while others sustained various degrees of injuries, while the Chinese were taken into the bush.

Babawale noted that the Operatives were deployed to provide adequate security and ensure the security coverage of the Chinese Expatriates working at the Company;

He said: “Quite unfortunately, the convoy of both NSCDC Operatives and the Chinese Expatriates were ambushed during a routine patrol leaving four personnel dead, four seriously injured, one of the expatriates missing and four expatriates rescued and saved.”

Babawale said: “The Corps wish to reiterate its commitment to Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and wholly condemn such attack.”

Speaking on the matter, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Audi, directed the Edo State Commandant and other Management Officers to pay condolences to the families of the gallant Operatives who lost their lives in line of duty and further make arrangements for their burial with full honour.

The NSCDC Boss noted that the labour, commitment and patriotism displayed by the operatives will forever be remembered.

He also assured that those under intensive care would have their medical bills covered and adequate treatments given to make them recuperate speedily.

Audi appreciated the relevant security agencies that collaborated with the NSCDC to ensure that the forest where the kidnappers escaped are properly combed in order to rescue the abducted expatriates and the Perpetrators immediately apprehended and brought to book.

El Rufai’s visit to the South East: The Needless Noise

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The Source

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September 7, 2025

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By Ike Abonyi.

When a bad vehicle conveys a good message, will you refuse both the message and the messenger? A wise person will pick the message and leave the messenger.

Late Maverick politician, Senator Arthur Nzeribe, knowing his negative reputation in the public space whenever he wanted to pass a strong message, dropped his release with a caveat: look at the message and not the messenger. And his message is always strong and strategic.

Since the voter registration started, the South East has been behind, and our politicians in the South East, former and serving Governors, Ohanaeze, etc, have all done nothing to improve the situation.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiri El Rufai, found a platform at the weekend in Owerri, Imo State and carried out a strong campaign in this regard for Ndigbo to come out and vote, a strong civic duty from a perceived enemy, but instead of picking up the message, we are busy fighting his coming. The reality is that political dynamics entail that even yesterday’s enemy might be today’s friend if we want to go far politically in national politics.

When Bola Ahmed Tinubu set out for his grab-and-run journey to Aso Rock, Nasir El-Rufai was not in his camp. In fact, El Rufai had said publicly that Tinubu is not the type he relates to. But Tinubu ignored all that because he needed El-Rufai to do certain fights nobody else could do.

He not only embraced El Rufai but gave him a star status in his team. Took him to Chatham House, London, and publicly and internationally declared him the star boy in his team. He helped him sway his colleague governors and made him the adjudant of his campaign in the North.

Today, Peter Obi and some patriotic Igbos are seeking to end the endless marginalisation of Ndigbo at the Presidential level. Obi is making an effort to dine with both the devil and saints, to reach out to all in the spirit of dynamic politics, but the noise from people, even Igbos, is deafening.

When Tinubu embraced El-Rufai in 2022, no Yoruba questioned him for going to somebody who had berated him publicly; they saw it as a political strategy.

Anybody who sincerely loves Peter Obi and wants him in Aso Rock should not encourage him to make enemies but to court friends even from the devil’s group.

If we are unanimous that the criminal gang holding power in this country is enormous we should be strategic in our approach.

Anybody encouraging Peter Obi to use only the saints to do a battle in the devil’s den does not want his victory, more so that the saints, having secured heaven, are not anxious to do the fight.

This is just appealing to all those desirous of a new Nigeria that is POssible to bear in mind that the space is shared by both man and mamon and each needs to score the desired goal.

Whether you like it or not, Peter Obi needs El Rufai going forward, just as El Rufai needs him to achieve his own goal. If Ndigbo really wants to play in this big game and score they must not only come out and register to vote, but carve out time for national politics. ‘Sidon look’ hardly delivers food to the table. A word is enough for the wise. God help us.

Abonyi, a politically exposed journalist is based in Abuja